This Wednesday April 24th we will hear from Beth Hortop- Exchange Club Center for Family Unity as she discusses the topic Prevention of Child Abuse.
If you experience technical problems tuning in (i.e. no sound) please text Murray at 507-339-9920. Also, if you attend via Zoom please reply to the weekly email for attendance credit. Sometimes the names are not spotted on the screen.
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Eid al-Fitr is the earlier of the two official holidays celebrated within Islam. Eid al-Fitr is celebrated by Muslims worldwide because it marks the end of the month-long dawn-to-sunset fasting of Ramadan.
The Cash Raffle 2024 will start Wed. April 24th with the distribution of tickets to club members. Each active member will be asked to sell at least 15 tickets. Ellie and Ryan Holmquist and Ibrahim Khalif will taking the lead for this fundraiser.
The proceeds from this fundraiser help to financially support the STRIVE and music scholarships and other youth programs sponsored by our club. Last year we sold over a 1000 tickets and with a solid concentrated effort over the next 2 months we can do it again.
Thank you for your help in continuing the Faribault Rotary Club's mission to serve, promote and encourage the youth in our community.
Guest Speaker Jamie Jindra: MN State Academies for the Blind and Deaf
Jamie is an Outreach Specialist for both of the MN State Academies.
She has worked there for 16 years, most of that time as a teacher and has recently moved into this position.
Jamie provided a very informational presentation about what both academies offer their students
MSAD has kids from birth through age 22, MSAB has kids Kindergarten through age 22.
There are 19 teachers at MSAD and 13 at MSAB
There are 93 students at MSAD and 60 at MSAB
Kids attend classes at both the academies and some classes at Faribault High School
40% of students live in the dorm’s weekdays.
Both academies have strong afterschool programs including sports, music, international studies, and student council. They also have a Goalball travel team! Goalball is a sport specifically for vision impaired athletes.
They have a 3-week long summer school every year
They are having a mini triathlon this year at MSAB that has swimming, biking with special bikes, and a run portion.
Family involvement is very important and both of the schools
Jamie provided a great presentation and is passionate about the work they do at the Academies
Rotarians in attendance had a lot of questions and input about the great work they do at both academies.
Thanks, Jamie, for attending and presenting to the Rotary of Faribault.
Opening: President Laura Bock: Pledge of Allegiance, Four-Way Test, Patriotic Song
Virtue Reading: Beauty, read by Theresa Vold
Invocation: Ellie Holmquist
Club Announcements
End of April marks the opening of the Rotary Camp for the year!
May 5th Cinco de Mayo! Celebration/Recognition being planned
Rotary hosted Red Cross Blood Drive at River Valley Church
May – Adopt a Highway cleanup-date and time TBD
June 3-7 will be Meals on Wheels deliveries
Thursday June 6th – Safe Summer Kick-off at North Alexander Park. Looking for Rotary member’s participation and some fun idea to interact with kids at the event!
Big 9 Choir Select Concert- Friday May 3rd. More details on volunteer opportunities will be coming.
May 4th- Celebration of Clubs in Hudson WI. $20/person, details on the district website.
April 26th there will be Purse/Yeti Bingo at Boxers. Also, another Bingo opportunity on Mother’s Day. Boxers also has a great breakfast worth checking out!
Cindy Yerington’s mother recently passed away. Please keep Cindy and her family in your thoughts and prayers.
Help Wanted: New Member Mentors (see Kurt Halverson), Sgt at Arms (see Kay Hoaglin)- still in need of help during the summer
Rotarian re-classification speech this week: Happy Birthday to Murray Hanson! Murray celebrated his birthday April 3rd and his 31 years in Rotary on April 7th. He gave an update talking about how he has been an Optometrist for 36 years, enjoys time with his 4 grandkids, celebrating 30 years of marriage, and has downsized and moved to town. He also shared a picture of himself and a slide, both of which were from his classification speech when he joined Rotary in 1994! Really good job on your presentation and congratulations on all of your accomplishments Murray!
Fellowship: led by Mary Ellen Bondhus
Each table had to answer a question about fun facts involving the state of Minnesota!
Brandon Gliem thanked everyone who helped out at the EID celebration this morning at FHS, also reminded everyone of the Safe-Summer Kickoff event June 6th. Would like to have Rotarians help with a fun event for kids.
Dick Huston asked that everyone keep Dan Little and his family in your thoughts and prayers over the recent loss of his mother. Dan visited our club recently and has a long relationship with Dr. Huston.
Jan Kjergaard had fun helping with Cotton Candy at the EID this AM.
Kurt expressed his appreciation for all Murray does for Rotary and congratulated him.
Greg mentioned how he and his wife are enjoying watching the Red Sox!
Murray – spoke about long time relationship with Dr. Huston – friendly banter ensued between the two.
Rod Mahler provided an update on Bob Speckhals; he is out of the hospital and has moved to a place in Owatonna to further recover.
Paul LaRoche, Gail Kaderlik, Kay and Dick all congratulated Murray and welcomed our guests!
Chris was married in 2016, as a son and two beloved dogs. He was born in South Minneapolis. He served in the army from 2012-2015 with the field artillery as a fire support specialist. His time in the military helped him to learn physical and emotional flexibility. He was stationed in Kentucky. After arriving there in June he was quickly deployed that September.
Chris was able to pay for his college degree through his service with the military and went for music, which was and is his passion. He graduated from the U of W River Falls in music and with a minor in political science. After college both Christ and his wife started to work for Great Waters Financial.
Chris continues to create music with his 5 bands he is involved in. His groups preform at multiple breweries around the Twin Cities and do weddings/events. Stay tuned friends, we are hoping to get one of Chris's groups to play at a Rotary event coming up this summer!
This week's meeting was led by Brenda DeMars, a former president, due to President Laura Bock being out of town.
Here are some tid-bits from last weeks’ time of fellowship:
-Happy Birthday to Kay Hoaglin's grandson who is turning 24!
-Happy Birthday to Dr. Hanson from his biggest fan Dr. Huston. Dr. Huston wore his Murray tie to celebrate.
-Bowling for Kids will be coming up at Bashers! Stay tuned for more information!
-David Connelly is moving to Faribault!
-This Friday is Family Movie Night @ Stone Orchard! Come early for food! Stay for the movie Ponyo @7pm!
-George updated us on his great-granddaughter Stella who has been sick for a while. She recently started on a new medication and it seems to be working well!
-Ibrahim celebrates his first year of being in Rotary this month!
-Keith Kramer shared about his trip to the Grand Canyon. He was able to hike 14 miles with two of his children!
-Greg Ciesluk (from State Farm) was grateful for his Easter weekend and was able to zoom with some of his family.
-Are you crazy excited about Rotary? Are you crazy enough to skydive? Talk to Dr. Huston if you are interested in joining him and a few other members of the club. More details to come!
Since 2019 the rice county program has been growing a lot. 60-year-olds and older. Also, they help any age adults with disabilities
Finding a good fit with care givers and patients.
Care Giver Respite includes-
-Safety
-Companionship
-Supervision
-Non-medical Services
This gives the caregiver time away for other activities. Respite services are usually provided in the care receiver’s home, using a care plan specific to their needs.
Volunteers for senior independence are needed for:
-Transportation
-Housekeeping
-Seasonal Chores
-Caregiver Respite
-Handy Work
-and more!
The Ask- can Rotary put together a team to volunteer with seniors who need assistance? There are a lot of opportunities to help. Contact Amanda Kintzi at 507-361-0442 or email at akintzi@familyservicerochester.org
Three qualifications to volunteer- background check, orientation video and read the privacy policy.
Bob Speckhals fell and cracked 4-5 ribs. He is in Hennepin County recovering. Keep him in your prayers.
Mark Kenney acknowledges we are in the middle of holy week and encourages everyone to participate in a local church.
Peter van Sluis says the city is putting in a new sanitary line. We’ll now have an RV dump site at the fairground. Permission is needed from the railroad to dig. It was supposed to start this week but was delayed. It needs to be completed before the fair because we need the parking spots.
Kymn Anderson says happy Easter to everyone!
Scott Olson says they are looking for a business administrator for Our Savior’s Church.
Dr. Huston is grateful for the snow because we need it! He also has started a savings account to buy Murray a tie! So far, he has $3!
Deb says ServiceMaster is also hiring right now!
Kurt Halvorson talked about Health Finders- April 27th they are having a gala! He’d like to fill a table! He is also looking for a place to store his ambulance car.
Brandon Gliem talked about Safe Summer Kick Off! There are 150 bikes to give away- some of those from Rotary! Last year there were 1500 people there! Hoping to beat that again! June 6th!! The hope is to make the event as diverse as possible. This is a community driven event as well as the police department.
The Faribault Rotary Club has inducted Faribault Senior High School principal Joel Olson. Pictured with Joel (center) is Greg Ciesluk (left) of the membership team and Dick Huston his sponsor.
Jan Kjergaard, a retired teacher, has joined the Faribault Rotary Club. Pictured with Jan (center) is her sponsor and club president Laura Bock and membership lead Keith Kramer.
E-tabs retreated from last month’s record sales to a more normal $101K but any month the century mark in volume is cleared is a sign of favorable demand
However, whether it was a successful month is driven by probabilities/chance and that also was an average performance with a gross profit margin of 17.4% for $18K in gross profits
For those curious, when e-tab gross profit margins exceed 20% in a month is when things become real exciting for FRYS in terms of profits.
Shifting gears to paper tabs, total sales were $51K with a record-breaking gross profit margin of 24.6% for gross profits of $13K
Cu
rious as to what the prior margin of record was? A few months ago that was established at 23.94% in September 2023 on sales of $58K for gross profits of $14K
For the last twelve months, paper tabs have averaged $58K in monthly sales, but the last four months have averaged only $45K so the large profit margins are very much welcomed given the softer demand
The other new record established in January 2024 was Bingo sales at $18K, surpassing the prior record of $16K established also in September 2023 as well as March 2023.
Congrats to the winner of the Bingo jackpots as Bingo’s gross-profits were $2K on 9% margin
For context, Bingo margins are generally north of 15% so when single digits come across the wire that is an indication of a jackpot going home
While FRYS established two records in the month, net income was far away from such accomplishment, posting a net loss of $(1K) for the month à what caused the loss? The annual charitable gambling audit by the CPA, which is due to FRYS’ sales exceeding $750K
Total cost for the 2024 audit was $11,200, up from last year’s $10K
Looking forward, the MN Gambling Control Board changed requirements for charitable gambling audits in the coming year as e-tab sales will be excluded from the calculation of $750K in revenue, which will make a nail bitter for FRYS whether above or below as paper tab sales for the 2022/2023 campaign were …..$737K, so maybe the recent reduction in paper tab demand is positive?
FRYS just completed its first compliance review by the MN Gambling Control Board, which culminated in a four-hour site visit at Boxers where all of FRYS’ shortcomings were unearthed…except there were not that many shortcomings
The individuals from the control board were satisfied with FRYS’ processes, procedures and operation – especially given that this was the first time the regulators have applied a microscope to the organization and have not benefited from wisdom and insights gained in prior examinations
The following expenses were approved for the month of March 2024
$250 CGMade Easy
$3,500 Inventory
$2,800 Gambling Team Compensation
$12,000 MPeters Revenue Share
$1,000 City of Faribault
$7,000 Boxers
$2,500 Misc. (Bingo team comp, pursues, coolers, etc..)
Of note, the paper tabs machine has been malfunctioning recently and might need repairs of around $1K, which is under the Misc. costs for the month
Total $31,850
On a motion by Laura Bock & seconded by Dr. Dick Huston, FRYS membership approved expenses for March 2024
Reminders- April 3rd we will be visited by a past president!
April 10th is the Eid celebration at 8am
RYLA camp will be April 19-23 for Juniors and Seniors
At the end of April, the Rotary Camp will be opening!
Dr. Houston gave a garden update this week. Sharing Our Roots is based out of Northfield and is forming a partnership with us. They have supplied a lot of items for the community garden. They provide training for individuals to learn about farming.
Jessica Navarro was inducted into the Faribault Rotary this week! Her sponsor is Ibrahim Kahlif.
Guest Dan Little, a fellow vet and consultant of Dr. Houston gave a heartwarming tribute about Dr. Houston. He was only 8 years old the first time Dick visited his farm as a vet. (pictured above)
FATE- Faribault Area Training and Education - to apply for the program please see Gail.
Thank you all for a successful blood drive!
During fellowship Pastor Mark spoke about the new elevator which is finished and paid for at River Valley Church! He also was asked to speak about Kingdom Builders at River Valley. Globally, Kingdom Builders has raised $11.5 million to give away!
Brandon Gliem shared about the new opportunity for potential law enforcement candidates! A new grant will allow the police department to pay two people with pervious college degrees to go through the law enforcement academy and be paid while they go. Currently there are 404 police stations in MN and 270 are hiring.
Brenda invites everyone to Boxers for Bingo on Thursdays and Saturdays! There are meat raffles to participate in! Also, go get breakfast at Boxers!
Kristen's daughter has some art on display at the Paradise Theater! Go take a look!
The STRIVE dinner was a huge success! Rebecca was an excellent host! $16,500 was given away for higher education. The group will meet one more time to evaluate the year and recruit new students.
The honorable Dr. Dick Huston proposes Joel Olson, Faribault High School Principal, for membership in the Faribault Rotary Club. If you have any questions or concerns please contact Keith Kramer.
Jessica Navarro has been inducted into the Faribault Rotary Club. Ms. Navarro is a program manager for Healthy Community Initiative. Pictured with Ms. Navarro is membership team lead Keith Kramer. Not pictured is Ms. Navarro's sponsor Ibrahim Khalif
The honorable Faribault Rotary Club President, Laura Bock, proposes Jan Kjergaard, a retired teacher, for membership in the Faribault Rotary Club. If you have any questions or concerns please contact Keith Kramer.
Rotary Celebrates the Completion of a Successful STRIVE Year
Another successful STRIVE year is in the books. The annual Rotary STRIVE Recognition and Awards Banquet was held at the Inn at Shattuck-St. Mary’s this past Sunday evening’s celebration with inspiration, a bountiful meal, lots of joyful smiles, and students recognized for their achievements. The setting was stellar with Rotary banners, the American flag and the themed tables decorated with classic books. It was from quotes of those books that Rebekah Ciesluk, the Master of Ceremonies for the evening, joyfully inspired the students and guests with age-old wisdom to guide their very promising futures.
The evening began with the usual rituals of our typical Rotary meetings led by President Laura Bock. We were led in the Pledge of Allegiance, the Four Way Test, a Patriotic song, virtue reading, and an invocation. Laura gave an inspiring speech about the mission and good works of Rotary and our local club in particular and invited the students to be our guests for a Wednesday meeting.
A bountiful meal and delicious desserts were enjoyed by the 100 people or so gathered amidst round table discussions amongst students and their parents, honored guests, school officials from Faribault High School and Bethlehem Academy, STRIVE faculty and Rotarians. Carroll Springmeyer and Marian Bahl, whose husbands Steve and Wes were instrumental in starting STRIVE and have been great supporters of the program for many years were given special recognition.
After the meal, Greg Ciesluk, Rotary’s lead for the STRIVE program, presided over the scholarship awards and recognition of the STRIVE Scholars who completed the program through faithful attendance and completion of the scholarship application. The application involved reflecting in writing on Rotary’s Four Way Test and its motto “Service Above Self.” The scholarships were awarded to the following students in the amounts. Thatcher Simon ($3000), Jessica Ung ($2000), Arthur Badillo ($1500), Natalia Rodriguez ($1500), Viggo Baum ($1000), Izze Dokkestul ($1000), Morgan Borchert ($500), Elliot Daschner ($500), Darryn Miner ($500), Lindsay Rauenhorst ($500), and Joseph Steinberg ($500).
Additionally, in the spirit of the original vision of the STRIVE program to encourage students to take a renewed interest in the value of education, two additional students were recognized for improvement in academic performance during the STRIVE year. Those students were Abygale Dupont ($3000) and Johanna Ortiz ($1000). Monies are available to scholarship winners after proof is received for the successful completion of one semester of full-time college. The awards given to the above students totaled $16,500.
All 24 students were recognized as STRIVE Scholars and given certificates for completion of the STRIVE program and a modest cash award of $50.
The Rotary STRIVE program is one of the many ways our local club seeks to lift up the youth of our community. We can be proud of these students and the difference our efforts make in the promising lives and futures of young people.
Guest Speaker Delia Denis: MN Green Corps and Rice County Environmental Services was introduced by Laura. Delia is Laura’s niece and is a great advocate for the environment. She is still in the process of attending college.
Delia gave a very detailed presentation with facts and stats for food waste that occurs around the world and locally. She detailed how food waste is affecting Rice County, climate change, and provided ways food waste can be reduced/prevented. One fact she mentioned was that 50% of our landfill waste is edible food. She provided tips of making food lists before shopping, meal planning, only buying what is needed, making the most of your food, knowing expiration dates, and more. She also wanted everyone to consider donating food, using composts, giving food to animals, and more. Delia answered all questions afterwards and was commended on a great presentation.
Opening: President Laura Bock: Pledge of Allegiance, Four-Way Test, Patriotic Song
Virtue Reading: Fortitude, read by Erica Staab-Absher
Invocation: Scott Olson
Club Announcements
Meals on Wheels deliveries this week – if you are able to help with the rest of this week, please contact Kay Hauglin
Annual STRIVE scholarship awards banquet is this Sunday 3/10, 5pm at the Inn at Shattuck. Still need Greeters and Check-in helpers if anyone is available.
Red Cross Blood Drive, 3/11 from 1p-6p at River Valley Church
Camp RYLA Leadership Camp April 19-23 in St. Croix - Hudson WI – please continue recruiting students, high school juniors and sophomores. This is at no cost for the students.
Help Wanted: New Member Mentors (see Kurt Halverson), Sgt at Arms (see Kay), District Level DEI Committee seeks a representative from Faribault Rotary club, Rotary Readers Resumes-see Brandon Gliem if interested, and if anyone is interested in helping out as a Notetaker for Rotary meetings even as a fill in – please see Kristen Gleason.
No re-classification speech this week: Happy Birthday to Gail Kaderlik!
Guest Introductions:
Jodi Ellingson from the Apple Valley Rotary Club visited today and had raffle tickets to sell, sales benefit AV Rotary projects.
Kristen introduced her daughter Cami who joined her mom at Rotary today!
Erica introduced her guest, Susan Powell, whom is new to HOPE Center.
Murray introduced Jan who is hopefully joining our club soon
Fellowship: led by Murray Hanson
Murray recognized Rod Mahler for having been a Rotarian 66 years as of yesterday, 3/5/2024. Congratulations to Rod and thank you for your longtime dedication to Rotary!
Kurt Halverson thanked Rotarians for their great support of his daughter’s Girl Scout Cookie sales. Rotarians have accounted for about 60% of her total sales!
Erica welcomed her guest and congratulated Rod for his 66 years, thanked Harry Brown’s for their great service she experienced recently, gave a thankful message about her daughter and father’s recent birthdays, and highly suggests all of us try to experience the cold plunge and sauna at Embrace North- she recently tried it and highly recommends!
Ellie Holmquist had a recent gall bladder surgery that resulted in removal of that and her appendix. She gave a dollar for each of her removed organs!
Greg Ciesluk is willing to help Murray with his upcoming Boston travel plans!
Mark Kenney congratulated Rod Mahler on his 66 years as a Rotarian!
Keith Kramer expressed his excitement over his new office location at Harry Brown’s where he can see what’s going on outside! He also thanked Kathy and Martha for their participation in a recent Bethlehem Academy concert, and also thanked Grant and Lisa for joining the Founders Club for the Faribault Foundation.
Dr. Huston and Murray had their usual back and forth jokes for each other. Dr. Huston also showed off his Rotary tie and socks!
George Wickstrom spoke about the importance of attendance to weekly Rotary meetings. He mentioned the low numbers recently and encourages all Rotarians to attend and use the opportunity each week to see all of our great character through each aspect of the meetings. Murray also pointed out that George will be celebrating 50 years in Rotary this July!
1. Delaware - Lord de la Warr 2. Georgia - King George II of England 3. Hawaii - Hawai'iloa (explorer of the islands) 4. Louisiana - King Louis IV of France 5. Maryland - Queen Henrietta Maria of England (KIng Charles I wife) 6. New York - Duke of York, England (later King James II of England) 7. North Carolina - King Charles I of England 8. Pennsylvania - Admiral William Penn 9. South Carolina - King Charles I of England 10. Washington - George Washington 11. Virginia - Elizabeth I of England ""country of the virgin queen" 12. West Virginia - Elizabeth I of England (see above)
The program was provided by Hope Dweik who shared her experiences in Palestine through her life. Born of Jewish parents and grew up in Buffalo NY. While at university Hope met a man and fell in love. He was a Muslim and from Palestine. There was never any discussion growing up regarding the religious friction. Yet Hope found herself needing to make a choice between family and love.
Hope and her new family did move back to his homeland of Palestine. Hope was needed to hide her Jewish origins. She practiced both Islam and Christianity. Hope shared that there was always the need to be on alert while in Palestine for most of the population.
There were many thoughts shared on the reasons for the ongoing conflict and occupation of Palestine. The club did share good discussion about the views, reasons about the conflict. If you would like to hear more about Hope’s experiences, please feel free to reach out to her.
The meeting was particularly sweet with the drop-off of Girl Scout cookies by Kurt Halverson’s daughter Harper. Thank you, all Rotarians who supported Harper’s first year, of cookie sales. The virtue of the week was Trust, read by Nort Johnson. A pleasing was shared by Mary Ellen Bondus.
The Strive Banquet is coming up March 10th at 5:30pm. Please see Greg Ciesluk to RSVP for the banquet.
There is a Blood Drive on March 8th at River Valley Church. Please reach out to Mark Kenney.
Dr. Huston had his re-classification in which Dick shared there were four things that his parents taught him. The value of a good education, the value of work, the value of sharing with others, and to share thanks with God. Dick was the first person in his family to go to college. Dr.Huston had the blessing to work in a field of Veterinary services for 59 years which he really enjoyed.
Fellowship was directed by Dr. Murray Hanson and started with a great story by Nort Johnson of his family’s time on vacation where they spent some time fishing. They hooked a Blue Marlin at the weight of over 500 lbs.
Sabah shared with us she has two birthday dates; her birthday is February 22nd. She also shared her son was playing in the YSL championship March 3rd. Which her son’s team did win!
Kristen Gleason shared her daughter Libby was awarded 2nd place in the State Art Association. The winning pieces from around the state will be displayed at the Paradise for the entire month of March.
Mark Kenney brought thanks to Dr. Hanson for getting his first pair of glasses.
After fellowship time commenced, we got to hear from the Hospitality House! They are raising the roof for homelessness! Their mission- To provide shelter and resources for men facing homelessness.
They have helped 1,500 men facing homelessness since 2008 in Rice and Steele County. They are open to helping men from surrounding towns. Last year they were able to raise $153,000 (most donations from the Owatonna area).
The house currently houses 14 men. In Minnesota, there are about 8,000 homeless per night- 500 which are in Steele County. The house was built in 1896. The Hospitality House is the only homeless shelter for men in 50 miles. The home requires men to be sober and they must have an occupation. Working on their mental health is also a requirement to be a resident at the house. They work to address the root causes of homelessness. Some of these include- divorce, illness, domestic violence, mental health, no support, housing costs, lack of healthcare and mental health issues.
The average cost of an apartment in Owatonna is $1,110. Men can face many barriers when it comes to qualifying for an apartment: bad or no credit, no rental history, no income, no car and illness. Misconceptions about Hospitality House include taking only criminals. The truth is, the house serves men from a variety of ages and backgrounds. The goal is to help guide and support men towards permanent housing.
Hospitality House offers the following services to men staying with them-
-food and shelter
-compassion
-beds
-hot showers
-medical assistance
-a case manager
-mental health support
-substance abuse support
-rides to appointments
-job search
-help getting their GED is needed
-apply for SSI or disability
-finding housing
-working with community partners
-help getting furniture and necessities
-1st month’s rent and deposit
After the presentation for HHO we were able to hear from Larry. He shared his story of how HHO helped him and how he made such good friends at the house. He was paying $1000 for dialysis. The average stay for a man staying at the house is typically 53 days. However, due to doctor visits being to delayed the men are staying about 90 days.
Fellowship Time- Guests- Angela Wagner and Larry from Hospitality House and Shannon from DAV. Greg Ceisluk (from State Farm) . invites everyone on March 10th to the STRIVE event. Last week was the final session. 24 applications have been submitted for scholarships. Please sign up for the STRIVE dinner this week. Thoughts and Prayers for Dave Beranek as he faces surgery in Arizona.
Prayers for the Burnsville officers and first responders involved in the shooting last week. Keith Kramer recommends Holy Moments by Matthew Kelly- a book he enjoyed on his trip to Dominican Republic. Mighty Fine Coffee not only is brewing coffee, but also serves delicious hot chocolate.
Dr. Houston just returned from a trip to Cancun. Teresa Vold welcomed her 14th grandbaby into the world! Also, prayers for CarriAnn and her eldest daughter as they embark on a mission trip in Kenya. Lisa is celebrating her birthday and anniversary this week. George celebrated his 94th birthday last week and reflected on a period in his life when he faced 14 years of stress. However, difficult times can be blessings in disguise.
E-tabs retreated from last month’s record sales to a more normal $101K but any month the century mark in volume is cleared is a sign of favorable demand
However, whether it was a successful month is driven by probabilities/chance and that also was an average performance with a gross profit margin of 17.4% for $18K in gross profits
For those curious, when e-tab gross profit margins exceed 20% in a month is when things become real exciting for FRYS in terms of profits.
Shifting gears to paper tabs, total sales were $51K with a record-breaking gross profit margin of 24.6% for gross profits of $13K
Curious as to what the prior margin of record was? A few months ago that was established at 23.94% in September 2023 on sales of $58K for gross profits of $14K
For the last twelve months, paper tabs have averaged $58K in monthly sales, but the last four months have averaged only $45K so the large profit margins are very much welcomed given the softer demand
The other new record established in January 2024 was Bingo sales at $18K, surpassing the prior record of $16K established also in September 2023 as well as March 2023.
Congrats to the winner of the Bingo jackpots as Bingo’s gross-profits were $2K on 9% margin
For context, Bingo margins are generally north of 15% so when single digits come across the wire that is an indication of a jackpot going home
While FRYS established two records in the month, net income was far away from such accomplishment, posting a net loss of $(1K) for the month à what caused the loss? The annual charitable gambling audit by the CPA, which is due to FRYS’ sales exceeding $750K
Total cost for the 2024 audit was $11,200, up from last year’s $10K
Looking forward, the MN Gambling Control Board changed requirements for charitable gambling audits in the coming year as e-tab sales will be excluded from the calculation of $750K in revenue, which will make a nail bitter for FRYS whether above or below as paper tab sales for the 2022/2023 campaign were …..$737K, so maybe the recent reduction in paper tab demand is positive?
FRYS just completed its first compliance review by the MN Gambling Control Board, which culminated in a four-hour site visit at Boxers where all of FRYS’ shortcomings were unearthed…except there were not that many shortcomings
The individuals from the control board were satisfied with FRYS’ processes, procedures and operation – especially given that this was the first time the regulators have applied a microscope to the organization and have not benefited from wisdom and insights gained in prior examinations
The following expenses were approved for the month of March 2024
$250 CGMade Easy
$3,500 Inventory
$2,800 Gambling Team Compensation
$12,000 MPeters Revenue Share
$1,000 City of Faribault
$7,000 Boxers
$2,500 Misc. (Bingo team comp, pursues, coolers, etc..)
Total $31,850
On a motion by Laura Bock & seconded by Dr. Dick Huston, FRYS membership approved expenses for March 2024
The honorable tie challenged Dr. Dick Huston proposes Shannon Lee Chambers, an education para professional, for membership in the Faribault Rotary Club. If you have any questions or concerns please contact Keith Kramer.
Opening: President Laura Bock: Pledge of Allegiance, Four-Way Test, Patriotic Song “You’re a Grand Ole Flag”
Virtue Reading: Love, read by Kymn Anderson
Invocation: Guest Todd Finney – reading and song in Dakota with translations
Help Wanted: Membership Committee, Strive Committee, New Member Mentors (see Kurt), Sgt at Arms (see Kay), and District Level DEI Committee seeks a representative from Faribault Rotary club.
Club Announcements
Thursday February 15th, STRIVE essay review 3-430 at the Hometown Federal Credit Union – see Greg Ciesluk
Monday February 19th is Rotary Awareness Day at the Capital. It goes from 9a-1p. Register online at Rotary District 5960 website.
Sunday March 10th will be the 2024 Strive Banquet. It will be at 5pm at the INN at Shattuck. Plan to attend, RSVP will be needed as it gets closer
Camp RYLA Leadership Camp April 19-23 in St. Croix - Hudson WI – please start recruiting students, high school juniors and sophomores. This is at no cost for the students.
Fun with Kurt and Natalie – the two newlyweds participated in a Newlywed Shoe Game to test their knowledge of each other. They were questioned by Murray and Laura.
Guest Introductions:
Laura introduced her two guests, one being her father Ben and the other their friend Marvin Tatge.
Brandon Gliem introduced his guest Elizabeth from the United Way
David Nichols introduced his guest Jenna Nelson whom works at the Historical Society
Guest Todd Finney introduced himself and his good friend Earl who was attending with him today.
Birthday Wishes to George Wickstrom whom turned 94 today! Attendees sang him Happy Birthday
Guest Speaker Todd Finney. Todd talked about his life, family and tribal culture. He detailed how deep rooted the Dakota culture is to our area, specifically here in Faribault. He also talked about the Dakota 38 + 2 Wokiksuye Ride and what it represents, its history and his involvement in the annual ride. Todd provided a very good presentation and emphasized the importance of investing in each other and working together to better our communities.
The average person has about 10,000 taste buds and they're replaced every 2 weeks or so. But as a person ages, some of those taste cells don't get replaced. An older person may only have 5,000 working taste buds. That's why certain foods may taste stronger to you than they do to adults.
Rotarian Roger Koopmans has been selected as a recipient of the Distinguished Alumni Award for Faribault High School. He graduated in 1949 and is one of eight alumni who will receive this award at a program on April 20th at the American Legion.
I am enthused and encouraged by your embrace of mental health initiatives throughout the Rotary world. More than 1,000 of you have responded so far to an ongoing survey by the Rotary Action Group on Mental Health Initiatives, offering your feedback on what Rotary can do to improve the personal well-being of members.
The top suggestions are illuminating. Rotary members are asking for more fellowship, camaraderie, conversation, cohesiveness, and connection. They also want more recognition, validation, and integration. They are seeking more service opportunities, and they want more wellness activities, including mental health speakers, awareness efforts, and education.
Our members not only appreciate the greater focus on mental health, but they also believe that making more of the Rotary experience will materially improve their lives. I find it interesting that members are not asking anything dramatically new of their club — rather they want more of what we do best. For example, connection can be improved during meetings simply by assigning seating once each month to encourage people to speak with someone new.
Here are some great ways that we can help achieve these results and make Rotary more appealing to those considering membership. First, we need to acknowledge the importance of increasing belonging in our clubs and to encourage Rotary members to make the most of every opportunity for new and stronger connections. Public health experts worldwide are concerned about increasing levels of loneliness — the U.S. surgeon general has even declared it an epidemic. Mental health experts agree that finding groups and clubs around common hobbies and interests is a strong way to create greater connectedness. This is what Rotary is all about. We need to make sure all of our members are fully engaged and that our communities are better aware of this inherent strength.
Second, if your club has found new ways to build connection, please share your stories with us at mindhealth@rotary.org so we can make them more broadly known within the Rotary world. Your good ideas might inspire others. Post your service project stories on Rotary Showcase.
And finally, I encourage you to share feedback from surveys like this with your club and bring forward your own ideas to improve your club experience and meet your peers’ expectations. The journey we have begun is about more than mental health. It is about taking advantage of the full strength of our wonderful organization and helping all members feel that they are part of a community that cares deeply about their personal well-being.
Everything you do to strengthen connections in Rotary, with each other and the people we serve, also helps improve mental health. And everything we do to improve mental health helps strengthen those connections. Let’s continue this virtuous cycle.
Opening: President Laura Bock: Pledge of Allegiance, Four-Way Test, Patriotic Song
Virtue Reading: Respect, read by Kathy Wickwire
Invocation: Mark Kenney
Club Announcements
Monday February 19th is Rotary Awareness Day at the Capital. It goes from 9a-1p. Register online at Rotary District 5960 website.
Sunday March 10th will be the 2024 Strive Banquet. It will be at 5pm at the INN at Shattuck. Plan to attend, RSVP will be needed as it gets closer
Camp RYLA Leadership Camp April 19-23 in St. Croix - Hudson WI – please start recruiting students, high school juniors and sophomores. This is at no cost for the students.
Rotary Foundation Update: Chris Kaufman - Share the Love 2024 Campaign overview provided– there are various options to donate. You can donate online, mail, or give to club leadership Brent Peroutka or Chris. More information at My Rotary – go to Donate, follow the annual fund, and then enter your donation details.
Rotary Magazine Recap with Dr. Huston: reference to page 12 in the magazine – article about taking care of our surface waters (lakes, rivers, ponds, streams) and one specific success story listed in the article. He went on to talk about the Power of One and the impact a person can have when they are determined to do so.
Rotarian Reclassification Speech: Mark Kenney – provided a couple minute update about himself since joining Rotary.
Fellowship: led by David Connelly
This week’s fellowship time was shortened due to running out of time at the end of the meeting.
David asked everyone to take a look at the fortunes on each table & take a brief moment socialize with each other before ending the meeting
Kristen showed the club her new “Dibs on the Drummer” shirt.
Adjourn: the club adjourned after another great weekly Rotary meeting!
Brad gave an overview and great presentation about his life and career path. Brad detailed his commitment to service to our community through his work as the Communications Manager for the City of Faribault.
Welcome to the first charitable gambling report of 2024, which starts the year with a bang! Without further ado, let’s see what caused the rocket start to 2024.
E-tab sales blasted off the year of 2024, posting a new record for monthly revenue at $166K, exceeding the prior record of $154K by nearly 8%! As the legendary infomercial spokesman Billy Mays said, “but what, there’s more!” Gross profits from e-tab sales also soared to a new FRYS’ record at $29K on an impressive margin of 17.2%. The prior monthly gross profits record was $27K in August 2023 on a margin of 18.5% from sales of $144K.
Unfortunately, the same cannot be said for paper tabs, which posted a tepid $40K in sales on an even worse gross profit margin of 13.8%, resulting in gross profits of $6K. Paper tabs have fallen out of favor at Boxers as the record sales for paper tabs of $100K occurred all the way back in March 2022, nearly two years ago.
Bingo remained well-attended at Boxers with sales of $14K in December. Based on the data, there does not appear to have been a large jackpot awarded as gross profits were $3K for a margin of 23.3%. Of note, when a jackpot is hit, the gross profit margin drops into the low double digits or high single digits such as October 2023’s 10%.
Putting it all together, FRYS had its best monthly performance of the 2023/2024 charitable gambling campaign, earning net profits of $16K, which is being used to fund a lot of Strive scholarships this month.
Faribault Rotary Youth Services
Charitable Gambling Operation
Month
Operation
Revenue
Prizes
Gross Profit
Gross Margin %
Monthly Net Profit
Net Profit Margin
Misc. Notes
Sep-23
E-Tabs
127,907
109,801
18,106
14.16%
10,514
5.08%
Strong start to the 2023/2024 campaign w/ a 5% net profit margin
Paper Tabs
58,304
44,345
13,959
23.94%
Non-Linked Bingo
15,745
12,806
2,939
18.67%
Linked Bingo
5,176
4,399
776
15.00%
Oct-23
E-Tabs
135,191
117,333
17,858
13.21%
2,400
1.29%
Paper Tabs
36,561
30,605
5,956
16.29%
Non-Linked Bingo
13,553
12,202
1,351
9.97%
Linked Bingo
1,007
856
151
15.00%
Nov-23
E-Tabs
89,956
76,813
13,143
14.61%
4,225
2.63%
Soft margins across the board
Paper Tabs
54,961
47,450
7,511
13.67%
Non-Linked Bingo
14,731
11,580
3,151
21.39%
Linked Bingo
714
607
107
15.00%
Dec-23
E-Tabs
165,873
137,317
28,556
17.22%
15,644
7.02%
Huge month in e-tabs with record sales!!
Paper Tabs
40,325
34,742
5,583
13.85%
Non-Linked Bingo
14,408
11,051
3,357
23.30%
Linked Bingo
2,123
1,805
319
15.00%
In other FRYS news, the charitable gambling audit conducted by the CPAs wrapped-up in January (findings attached to this notice). For convenience, Schlenner Wenner & Company had no major findings with FRYS’ operation and complemented the team for the progress that was made since the inaugural audit last year, a welcomed statement! Still awaiting feedback from FRYS' other audit that the MN Gambling Control Board started all the way back in November 2023.
To download the app from the Apple App Store or from Google Play, simply type in 'ClubRunner' in the search bar. Our mobile app is compatible with all versions of the iPhone, iPad and iPod Touch sets that have iOS 8.0 or later and with versions of Anrdoids that are 4.0.3 or better. Click on this link! Download the ClubRunner App today!
The ClubRunner Mobile App is your key to connect to our club and district on the go!
Completely, free to download and use, this app will let you access the key info you need while you're on the go. Password protected just like your website, the ClubRunner Mobile app allows you to to view our member directory, contact any Faribault Rotary Club member, read the latest articles posted to our website, learn more about our upcoming events and speakers, view our meeting details and track your attendance statistics, right from your smartphone or tablet!
Member Directory
Immediately view the most up to date member directory, upon login. You can browse your member profiles which give you the necessary contact information you need to connect with just one click. Make a call or text, email them directly from your device, or even add them to your contacts list.
Club & District Executives and Directors
View and contact your club/district executives and directors from current, past and future years. You can browse their profiles and connect with one tap.
View Posts on Your Website
View the latest feed of home page stories that are on your own website and your district's site, directly on your phone, so you never miss any information!
Explore upcoming events and speakers
Access all of your upcoming events and calendar items, and view event details, including associated links, download files and venue map. View who the latest speakers are and learn more about their presentation topic - both for your club and district.
Club Details
View your meeting day, time and venue, complete with a Google map for directions through the new Club Info page right from your phone. Even get quick access to contact your club President, Area Governor and District Governor.
Keep track of your attendance
Keep track of your attendance stats and banked makeups. Easily view which meetings you attended, missed and made up and get a quick glance at your attendance percentage for the year. Switch to the Makeups tab and view a list of your banked makeups.
I encourage you to add this app to your smart phone or tablet. You only have to login once and you will be able to call, text or email any club member from your device. if you have any questions, please let me know.
Opening: President Laura Bock: Pledge of Allegiance, Four-Way Test, Patriotic Song
Virtue Reading: Patience, read by Kristen Gleason
Invocation: David Connelly
Club Announcements:
Monday, Feb 19, 2024- Rotary Awareness Day at the Capitol (9a-1p). Register online at the Rotary District website
Sunday, March 10th, 2024- Strive Banquet at 5:00pm, at the Inn. Please plan to attend - RSVP opportunity will occur as the date approaches
Last week’s Rotary Red Cross Blood Drive collected 35 units of blood.
January 26, 2024- Fire Safety for Kids (3:30-5:30pm). Snacks provided!
Location: 25 4th St NW, Faribault
Membership Committee, Strive Committee are both seeking new members
New member mentors needed, see Kurt Halvorson
Sergeant at Arms - see Kay Hoaglin (Aug, Sept 2024 have openings)
If you are willing to read/rate scholarship applications for STRIVE, please reach out to Greg C
Rotarian Reclassifications:
Kymn Anderson
When she first joined Rotary, she had recently joined the Chamber of Commerce and PowerPoint was brand new. Most recently she has been with the Faribault Foundation. Her passion is to improve the community. She’s a grandmother of 10 grandchildren.
Five Minutes for the Foundation: George Wickstrom
Fellowship: led by David Connelly
Guests:
Beth Hortop, from Center for Family Unity.
Jon Speckhals (Dr. Speckhals’ son)
MaryEllen: Went to the MLK Memorial and National Park in Atlanta. The Rotary Club of Atlanta donated many pieces in that park.
Rod: Happy dollars in honor of Bob today, as well as honoring Kymn.
Dr Huston: Happy dollars in honor of Bob as well as to honor Kymn. He will be presenting at the school board on Monday evening to promote Plant a Pocket of Prairie as well as inform the community on the work that Rotary does for the youth in the community. There is now a new “Fun” committee!
Greg: Wanted to recognize that last Saturday friends helped him and Rebecca move from Faribault to Owatonna. His birthday was Jan 5, and Rebecca’s is on the 25th. They celebrated on January 15th, the date Greg proposed to Rebecca.
The Cunninghams and Holmquists went to California to celebrate Nathaniel’s 40th birthday.
Kymn is grateful for all the friends and kind words at Rotary, as well as the gift of life!
Jim Malterer: went to tailoring school in 1959. He brought the first garment he ever made to the meeting. It is made out of alpaca and lined with wolf fur. It was made by hand! He has been a tailor his entire life.
Dave Nichols: Happy birthday to Kymn. He is also proud of the Lions (football). The historical society is working on providing free bussing to provide school students transportation. They will be providing education to the students and all bussing would cost $3600
Mark Kenney: celebrating the Lions as well
Natalie: Recognized a gift given at their wedding reception to the Rotary club. Also honored Kymn.
George: Honored Kymn, as well as encouraging all members to recruit new members and learn all we can about Rotary.
Program: “Science and Climate Change” by Dr. Bob Speckhals
Climate Change and Weather
Sources: IPCC 1988, Paris Accords 2015
Goal: 1.5*C increase of temperature from Industrial Revolution to “today”
Anthropocene 6th Extinction
Consumerism
Population in 1950: approximately 3.9 billion people. Today: approximately 8 billion people. One scientist states that the entire planet can only sustain 8B people.
Many scientists disagree with global warming.
Top 10 Causes of Global Warming
Overfishing
Industrialization
Agriculture
Production Line
Transportation and Vehicles
Generating Power
Consuming Too Much
Waste/Landfill
Deforestation
Producing Food
How You Can Help:
End clutter (keep electronic products for at least 7 years)
Holiday/vacation local: take short-haul flights only once every 3 years
Eat green: Consider a plant-based diet and leave no waste
Dress Retro - buy at most 3 new items of clothing/year
Travel fresh: Don’t make use of private cars if possible
Change the system: act to nudge/shift the wide system
This week's presentation was about the Faribault Youth Empowerment Center (elementary to age 25) "Connect with the present, expand the future!". Ibrahim Khalif presented his mission to create a better world by providing a community-based culture. FYEC is a none profit focused on education, fighting substance abuse and promoting mental health. They hope to create a safe environment which includes everything from education to sports. It is his hope to have a diverse leadership team which reflects our diverse community.
This leadership team will focus on-
-improving reading, math and writing skills
-helping youths build their English-speaking abilities
-help youths gain confidence and motivation
- develop better test taking abilities
Previous events have been held at the library to promote literacy. Ibrahim hope to find a space to host more events in as the program develops.
Hello Rotarians! This week we received an invite to the Strive Banquette on March 10th at 5pm. Please come support the students who have participated in Strive this year!
We need more membership committee members, STRIVE committee members, new member mentors and later in the year sergeant at arms positions need to be filled.
Thank you to all who supported the Rotary International Soccer Pitch project in Battambang, Cambodia. The field costed around $10,700 and is now complete! in addition to the field there were two statues added to the school to honor one of the Cambodian kings who brought peace, as well as a famous Cambodian poet. Thank you to all who made this project possible!
Martha Brown was the featured speaker this week at Strive. Martha and Kathy also took some time to thank Dick Huston for all the hard work the three did over the weekend chopping wood. By way of thank you they decided to donate to something near and dear to their friend Dick's heart... a $50 donation to Rotary International.
Need Girl Scout cookies?? Yes, of course you do! Lucky for all Rotarian Kurt and Natalie Halverson have the Girl Scout cookie hook up! Just let them know if you would like to order cookies! Kurt read a detailed description of each flavor, so naturally we all better get our orders in!
Other mentions during fellowship include Pastor Mark blessing us all with Michigan State's football victory song. He also gave a shout out to Jesus Food, which sent food packages to the Ukraine this past weekend. While he was there, he got to hear the group Celtic Tunsters playing (featuring our own Kathy Wickwire).
Nathanial Cunningham will be turning 40 on Monday, so be sure to give him a birthday wish!
The Stillwater International Snow Sculpting Championship will be held next weekend, so be sure to head over there to check out some amazing work!
Thank you to all who supported the Rotary International Soccer Pitch project in Battambang, Cambodia. The field costed around $10,700 and is now complete! in addition to the field there were two statues added to the school to honor one of the Cambodian kings who brought peace, as well as a famous Cambodian poet. Thank you to all who made this project possible!
Opening: President Laura Bock: Pledge of Allegiance, Four-Way Test, Patriotic Song “America the Beautiful”
Virtue Reading: Purposefulness, read by Mark Kenney
Invocation: Ellie Holmquist
New Member Induction: Dustin Dienst, Faribault Fire Chief. Induction by Keith Kramer and Dr. Dick Huston
Club Announcements:
All Invited to Rotary District Mid-Term Presentation at Hamline University on 1/6/24, goes from 9a-1145 and is a FREE event. Must pre-register.
Upcoming Red Cross Blood Drive: 1/12/24 at River Valley Church, 10a-4p, volunteers needed – sign-up sheet or contact Mark Kenney if interested
3 Rivers Community Action presented a Certificate of Appreciation to Faribault Rotary for delivering Meals on Wheels
10 minute Strive Meeting after today’s meeting, Greg Ciesluk
Dick Huston talked about a recent trip to Utah and some Rotary meetings attended – exchanged flags and was impressed with how their club was ran.
Help wanted: opportunities still available
Re-classification Speeches: Ibrahim Khalif, Natalie Halverson, and Greg Ciesluk all provided updates about themselves and described the importance of Rotary to each of them.
Fellowship: led by David Connelly
Emily Nesvold: introduced Hope as her guest today
Natalie Halverson: introduced her son Keaton as her guest today. She also later provided congratulations to Dusty on induction. Natalie also wanted to thank Martha and Kathy for their help at their wedding reception, as well as Stone Orchard Event Center and Mighty Fine!
Kathy Wickwire: said how she has missed everyone and gave well wishes for all in 2024.
Mark Kenney: Also wishes everyone Peace, Hope, and Kindness in 2024 as well as a Michigan Wolverines National Championship Win! He also went over details of the upcoming Blood Drive and announced that his son Ben got engaged recently. Wedding planning for July!
Martha Brown: Eclipse played at Kurt and Natalie’s reception and it went great. She thanked them for the opportunity. Martha also announced that she is likely going to Cambodia this year. She hopes to share what she learns with the Faribault Public School system and Rotary.
Grant Wilson: is celebrating 25 years as a Rotarian
Murray Hanson: unfortunately, his family was sick over the holidays but he and his wife are celebrating 30 years together today and will enjoy a dinner at the Depot. Murray also announced some ownership changes coming with Richie Eye Clinic. The clinic will be expanding in the future.
Kay Hoaglin: celebrating her daughter and son-in-law’s birthdays and expressed how happy she is for Pastor Mark’s son Ben’s engagement
Greg Ciesluk: traveled home for the holidays and it was a really special time. Greg was able to preach in the very same church his family has been in for the past 56 years!
Emily Nesvold: thankful for Murray and his help with technology for her presentation today!
Richard Cook: happy to be in attendance, congratulated Dusty on his induction, and wished a happy birthday to all those listed.
Dick Huston: congratulated Dusty on his induction and expressed how proud we should all be for Martha and the opportunity she has with the Cambodia trip.
Brent Peroutka: is celebrating 20 years as a Rotarian. He also welcomed Dusty into Rotary and said he has regularly seen him at the Faribault Ice Arena contributing to the safety of the kids for many years. He also welcomed Faribault Hockey alumnus Keaton for attending today’s meeting and thanked him for being a mentor to his son over the years.
Dustin Dienst: thanks Dr. Huston for finally getting him to join Rotary after many attempts at the Fire Hall, he also told Brent it’s been 24 years that he has been working as an EMT for the Faribault Hockey Association.
Brandon Gliem: welcomed Dusty into Rotary and gave some friendly banter about Police and Fire Fighters relationship.
George Wickstrom: mentioned how he is working on a letter to the FDN regarding a critical time in politics.
David Connelly: highlighted a couple other Rotarian anniversaries with Roger Koopmans 54 years and Amy Amundson with 15 years.
Laura Bock: gave an overview of the “100 Men Who Give a Damn” event that will be on January 26th from 5p-8p at Corks & Pints in Faribault. Please see Laura if interested for further details.
Rotarian Emily Nesvold presented about her May 2023 trip to Palestine
Emily provided some history about Palestine and detailed all the places she visited while she was there for 13 days.
In difficult times like these, it’s impossible to avoid feeling heartbroken over the devastation and loss of life caused by war and destruction. Rotary always stands against harming and displacing civilian populations and using armed aggression instead of pursuing peaceful solutions. We advocate for the observance and respect of international law. We believe in strong action to defend and promote peace, even in the darkest of times.
But we also take our position as an international, nonpolitical, nonreligious organization seriously. To respect the global perspectives and experiences of our members, and to work most effectively in our peacebuilding efforts, we do not choose sides in conflicts.
Rotary is made up of 1.4 million people in communities all over the globe who are united in our commitment to building a peaceful world. We strive to ensure that our words and actions prioritize the health and safety of our global membership and the communities where we live and serve. Our members seek to offer humanitarian assistance to those affected by conflict, and our global reach requires that we promote peacebuilding and conflict prevention with cross-cultural, cross-border connections and friendship through Rotary.
For decades, Rotary has harnessed these connections to carry out service projects, support peace fellowships and scholarships, and establish programs like Rotary Peace Centers to help build lasting peace. Our members also take action to promote Positive Peace, addressing the underlying causes of conflict, including poverty, discrimination, ethnic tension, lack of access to education, and unequal distribution of resources.
Rotary members who wish to wage peace can use district grants and Rotary Foundation global grants to support projects with other Rotary members that help refugees and displaced people, provide medical support, and more worldwide. Members can also work with or join peace-focused Rotary Action Groups, Friendship Exchanges, Fellowships, and intercountry committees. And District Designated Funds or district cash can support our peacebuilding and conflict prevention efforts.
Members and nonmembers alike can learn more about peacebuilding through the Rotary Positive Peace Academy, a free online course available to anyone with an internet connection. You can find it at positivepeace.academy/rotary. There is no denying that incidents of violence and atrocities being perpetuated around the world seem to be escalating. Global peace is fragile, and the stakes are getting higher. Still, we know that it is possible to bring all people together to work toward a shared goal. Rotary members do so every day in every part of the world. May our ability to unify in common purpose be a spark that helps light the path out of these dark days.
Outside of being a warm, wet and soggy Christmas, hopefully you all were able to enjoy time with family and friends over the last couple days. Now, the attention turns to closing up 2023 in anticipation of what will be an eventful year in 2024: Will the long-anticipated recession finally arrive? Is the Fed going to cut interest rates? Are the Timberwolves championship material? What further advances will AI make on our lives? But before we can let our minds ponder the preceding questions, one final gambling report is to be delivered to membership!
Overall, charitable gambling activity was lower in November with e-tabs exhibiting the greatest fall with total sales of only $90K, the lowest total since June. Soft volume was further magnified by poor margins for FRYS as gross profits were $13K for a margin of 14.6%. When FRYS’ e-tab sales were at similar levels in June, the gross profit margin was a robust 21.2%. Said differently, that is about a $6K swing in gross profits between the two months even though sales volume was nearly identical.
Paper tabs had a better showing at $55K in sales for the month of November; however, like e-tabs, the margins were less than desired for FRYS, posting 13.6% (2023 avg = 19.5%) for cold hard cash of $7.5K.
In a trend reversal, Bingo produced favorable results for FRYS with a margin of 21.3% for $3K in gross profits on sales of $15K.
Mix in some expenses and the month of November produced net income of $4K, up from October’s $2K.
Faribault Rotary Youth Services
Charitable Gambling Operation
Month
Operation
Revenue
Prizes
Gross Profit
Gross Margin %
Monthly Net Profit
Net Profit Margin
Misc. Notes
Sep-23
E-Tabs
127,907
109,801
18,106
14.16%
10,514
5.08%
Strong start to the 2023/2024 campaign w/ a 5% net profit margin
Paper Tabs
58,304
44,345
13,959
23.94%
Non-Linked Bingo
15,745
12,806
2,939
18.67%
Linked Bingo
5,176
4,399
776
15.00%
Oct-23
E-Tabs
135,191
117,333
17,858
13.21%
2,400
1.29%
Paper Tabs
36,561
30,605
5,956
16.29%
Non-Linked Bingo
13,553
12,202
1,351
9.97%
Linked Bingo
1,007
856
151
15.00%
Nov-23
E-Tabs
89,956
76,813
13,143
14.61%
4,225
2.63%
Soft margins across the board
Paper Tabs
54,961
47,450
7,511
13.67%
Non-Linked Bingo
14,731
11,580
3,151
21.39%
Linked Bingo
714
607
107
15.00%
In other FRYS’ news, the compliance exam by the MN Gambling Control Board is ongoing still with no real feedback on how things are faring (no news is good news, right?). Having said that, the charitable gambling audit by Schlenner, Wenner & Company is nearly complete and feedback from the CPAs have been resoundingly positive. The bill for that audit of ~$10K will likely arrive in January so profits for the first month of 2024 are likely to be subdued.
The following are the estimated expenses for January:
CG MadeEasy = $250
Inventory = $3,500
Charitable Gambling Team Comp = $2,800
Bingo Team Comp = $2,800
MPeters = $10,000
City of Faribault = $1,000
Boxers = $7,000
Misc. = $2,500
Total Expenses = $29,850
If someone would like to provide a digital motion to approve the expenses for January that would be greatly appreciated.
Now that the monthly gambling report is complete, let’s return our minds to some of the questions of 2024:
Will the long-anticipated recession finally arrive?
While interest rate sensitive sectors of the economy are weak, growth is holding up alright due to a combination of record peacetime deficits, buoyant asset prices, tight labor supply and soft commodity prices --> The so called “soft landing” could be metamorphizing into “no landing” as the economy powers through higher interest rates as most businesses and individuals termed out their debt during the zero interest rate policy of the Covid years so higher rates are not as troubling compared to prior inflation fights….except for Uncle Sam (see below)
Is the Fed going to cut interest rates?
If the economy continues at its current pace, cutting rates will be difficult to justify with inflation still above the 2% target --> As we have learned from George Wickstrom, the United States Government is heavily indebted and is experiencing the most pain from higher short-term rates that could be forcing the Fed to pivot before the inflation fight is complete, potentially jeopardizing all the inflation fighting JPow & Company have done
Are the Timberwolves championship material?
The Twins broke their playoff winless drought this year and now its time for the TWolves to do the same! Maybe not championship material yet but the Wolves should make some noise in the playoffs for the first time since the KG era
What further advances will AI make on our lives?
Incredible advances are being made with AI that are mind blowing yet troubling at the same time. Topics such as fraud, privacy, relationships and human capital, among a myriad of others, will be impacted by AI over the coming years in ways that would have seemed like Sci-Fi just a couple years ago
As for other events in 2024, say an election, there are more than enough pundits out there bloviating over the airwaves that will be happy to opine on that topic but not I!
The honorable Ibrahim Khalif proposes Jessica Navarro, the Program Manager for Healthy Community Initiative, for membership in the Faribault Rotary Club. If you have any questions or concerns please contact Keith Kramer.
This week at Rotary we had a very fun and eventful meeting! After David Connelly gave his birthday reclassification speech, we started to share favorite Christmas stories as a time of fellowship. Between stories Martha Brown lead the group in Christmas songs. Here are just a few of the many lovely stories:
Murray shared about eloping with his wife on December 23rd. Truly a Christmas which will always be remembered!
Cindy also holds December 23rd dear to her heart as it was the day, she welcomed her daughter into her family! They anticipated the adoption would take much longer, but very last minute were blessed with a wonderful Christmas surprise and got to bring their daughter home! Unforgettable!
Greg sang a hymn for everyone from 1985 which was life changing for him. “Gentle Mary Lay Her Child.” Greg, thank you for singing on the spot and sharing your heart with the group.
Pastor Mark's Christmas memory was of his little daughter insisting Santa was coming to her birthday party. To their surprise, Santa just happened to come down the road in a firetruck! One might think he knew it was her birthday!
Dick shared about getting married the day after Christmas. It was one of his favorite memories!
Jessica Navarro attended the meeting this week with a testimony of how George Wickstrom assisted in her education and how this made a forever impact on her life. "Look for the helper. You will always find those who are helping," George says. As Rotarians, we must strive to leave a meaningful impact on the world. George has been a great example of this. Thank you, George, for your generous heart! Thank you, Jessica, for sharing your story with the group. Your story is one of hard work, inspiration and paying it forward.
Did you know we offer a Short-Term Exchange Program (STEP) in addition to our year-long program? STEP is a great option if you'd like to dip your toes in the water of exchange to see if it's right for you, or if you are unable to commit to being abroad for an entire academic year! Check out our website to learn more! https://northstarrotary.com/students/summer-program/ Did you know we offer a Short-Term Exchange Program (STEP) in addition to our year-long program? STEP is a great option if you'd like to dip your toes in the water of exchange to see if it's right for you, or if you are unable to commit to being abroad for an entire academic year! Check out our website to learn more! https://northstarrotary.com/students/summer-program/
Rotarian Carrie Ann Pollard presented results of the club survey
Carrie detailed highlights of the survey results, went over a new proposed Vision Statement, Mission Statement, and detailed an Objective for all Rotarians to join a focus group. The focus groups will align with Rotary committees and help best serve our community as a club.
A sign-up sheet for each Focus group went around and will be at upcoming meetings.
Opening: President Laura Bock: Pledge of Allegiance, Four-Way Test, Patriotic Song
Virtue Reading: Gratitude, read by Todd Sesker
Invocation: Kurt Halvorson
Club Announcements:
Dr. Huston – grant update
Meals on Wheels Monday Dec 4-Dec 8, still more sign ups needed.
Next week’s meeting 12/6 will feature fun, fellowship and Christmas Carol singing with a special presentation of “12 Days of Rotary”. Please wear holiday red and share your best Christmas stories with the club!
Rotary Luncheon Concert with FSHS Choir Dec 13th - Our Savior’s Lutheran Church 11:45 (lunch with performers), 12:15pm concert. Reservation to Murray by December 6th.
No Club Meetings Dec 20 or Dec 27. First Meeting of the New Year will be January 3rd, 2024.
Saturday January 6th Mid-Term Event, free but registration is required, Hamline University in St. Paul, 9a-11:45a
Help wanted: Membership Committee, Strive Committee, New Member Mentors, Sergeant at Arms
Hometown Hero Recognition: Rod Mahler, U.S. Army 1955-1957, congratulatory round of applause from attendees thanking Rod for his service. The banner is displayed on 4th St NW in Faribault
George Wickstrom: mental health concerns for youth today and talking points for how to make change
No Rotarian Reclassification Speech, display of Rotary Mtg. reminders slide
Fellowship: led by Brandon Gliem
George: donated $100 in name of Glenn’s Towing to the club for the help they provided him earlier that day
Todd:glad to be home and in attendance today
David Connelly noted he removed his mustache and provided results on a very successful bell ringing fundraiser against the Lions Club. Rotary raised $597.27 and $2,789.42 at the two locations. Thank you, George, for the generous donation of $2,000 in these efforts.
David Connelly on behalf of Kristen Gleason: thank you to all whom expressed support for her daughter while having an unexpected appendectomy surgery in recent days
Mark Kenney mentioned the success of the Michigan Wolverines!
Emily Nesvold thanked the Historical Society for having her there to present and congratulated Rod Mahler on his hometown hero recognition.
Lisa Humfeld-Wilson spoke of the deadline for Youth Exchange on 12/2. Check out Facebook and Murray will send out details. She also mentioned they had a great trip to South Africa.
Murray Hanson congratulated Rod Mahler for his Hometown Hero Recognition
Brandon was in Woodbury at the hospital visiting his newly born niece on Thanksgiving. They found it odd as they were there that they saw a wild turkey outside the window, as they were eating turkey, on Thanksgiving…
Marv Schrader let everyone know the 1st English Christmas Sale is on 12/2 at 10am
Kurt (and Natalie) invited Rotarians to help celebrate their recent marriage by attending an open house on December 30th between 2-5PM at Stone Orchard Events in Faribault.
Paul LaRoche congratulated Rod Mahler for his Hometown Hero Recognition
Ellie Holmquist introduced two guests Kristen and Kelsie. They are professional organizers that organize homes. They run a boutique store called Grace and Glory located at 213 Central Avenue in Faribault. They summarized what they do and also talked about their efforts to raise money for Domestic Violence victims and Ruth’s House.
Ibrahim Khalif talked about the success of youth work in November and welcomed his guest Jessica Navarro. Jessica works for Healthy Community Initiative and helps bridge the gap for persons in the community
Kathy Wickwire brought up the Vikings loss, congratulated Kurt and Natalie, congratulated Rod for his Hometown Hero recognition, and congratulated Martha on completing her 5K Turkey Trot! Martha had a cheering squad from the Bock’s!
Chad Koepke mentioned he had his appendix removed also
Kymn Anderson congratulated Rod for his hometown hero recognition. She also provided an example of what great work the women at Grace and Glory do and how hard they work.
Dr. Huston congratulated Rod for his hometown hero recognition and detailed what a great trip he had recently to New York.
Greg Ciesluk congratulated Rod for his hometown hero recognition and mentioned how Rod got him involved in Rotary and what that has led to in his life.
George- added points on mental illness in Youth
Keith Kramer- Vikings loss in the worst game
Kay Hoaglin congratulated Rod for his hometown hero recognition and also thanked all who helped her with moving. She will also be traveling to Hawaii for 2 weeks!
Brandon ended Fellowship by mentioning the upcoming ringing of the bell for Salvation Army. Faribault PD vs. the Rice County Sheriff’s Office.
E-tabs had a solid month of production with sales of $135K, up from $128K last month;
however, the margin softened, falling to 13.2% from 14.1% à as a result, gross profits to FRYS fell to $17.8K from $18.1K last month
Conversely, paper tabs were soft, selling only $37K worth of items over October, down from $58K in September
To pour salt on the wound, the margin slipped to 16.2% from September’s 23.9%, leading to a sizable reduction in gross profits at $6K vs. $14K, respectively.
The theme of margin deterioration does not stop with pull tabs as Bingo experienced the worst of them all: Bingo sales were $14K in October, which was down from September $16K, but gross profits fell to $1K from $3K.
Why? The margin fell to 9.9% from September’s 18.6%
October was a down month for earnings as FRYS’ netted $2.3K in profits for a net margin of 1.29% against September’s $7.7K and 6.7%
In other FRYS news, the MN Gambling Control Board reached out to FRYS for its first compliance review
The following expenses were approved for December:
CG Made Easy = $250
Inventory = $3,500
Charitable Gambling Team Comp = $2,800
Bingo Team Comp = $2,800
MPeters = $10,000
City of Faribault = $1,000
Boxers = $7,000
Misc. = $2,500
Total Expenses = $29,850
The following charitable gifts were approved:
Warm Our Community (Internal Rotary Project): $5,000
On a first by Carri Ann Pollard & second by Kurt Halverson, FRYS membership approved the $5,000 donation
Faribault Rotary Youth Services has donated $10,000 to the Little Falcon program which introduces hundreds of local youth to such activities such as baseball, robotics, dance and more. Pictured are Rotarians (blue shirts) and many of the students who have participated.
The honorable Dr. Dick Huston proposes Dusty Dienst, City of Faribault- Fire Chief, for membership in the Faribault Rotary Club. If you have any questions or concerns please contact membership chair, Keith Kramer.
Next Wednesday Dec. 6th our noon meeting will feature fun, fellowship and Christmas carol singing with a special presentation of the "12 days of Rotary." Please plan to wear your best "Holiday red" as Martha and Kathy lead the singing and Murray leads fellowship. Members are asked to share there best Christmas stories with the club. We hope to see you there!
Mary Ellen recently visited the Marietta Metro Rotary Club in Georgia and brought us a new flag for our banners. This should keep Dr. Huston busy for awhile.
Opening: President Laura Bock: Pledge of Allegiance, Four-Way Test, Patriotic Song
Virtue Reading: Moderation, read by Kay
Invocation: Scott
Club Announcements:
Meals on Wheels Monday Dec 4-Dec 8
Rotary Luncheon Concert with FSHS Choir Dec 13th - Our Savior’s Lutheran Church 11:45 (lunch with performers), 12:15pm concert. Reservation to Murray by December 6th.
No Club Meetings Nov 22, Dec 20, or Dec 27.
First meeting of 2024: January 3, 2024.
Support the Rotary Foundation on Giving Tuesday - November 28, 2023.
Help wanted: Membership Committee, Strive Committee, New Member Mentors, Sergeant at Arms
Flag presentation: Mary Ellen from Marietta GA
Fellowship: led by Brandon Gliem
Guests: Misty (guest of Mark Kenney)
David Connelly extended a welcome to Margie Horning
David is also raising awareness and funds for Cancer via Movember
Kristen Gleason and David’s daughter Willow have started a petition to end David’s Movember (no-shaving) effort while still generating funds and awareness. Happy Dollars today go toward Movember.
Harry Brown’s - test drive a new Chevy - $25 is donated to the Faribault Fire Department (through November 20th)
Shafi is in a house search to move from Prior Lake to Faribault
Ellie and family enjoyed the Christmas poem in the newsletter.
Margie invited us to the Stillwater Sunrise club and thanked us for having her.
Dr Huston welcomed Margie to the meeting.
Dr Huston conversed with medical researchers at the U of M on the 14th of November.
Reliance Bank can help Shafi (and any others!) with the mortgage search.
Profit for the rose sale is $13,347. Bloom quoted $10.05 per dozen but only charged $7.99 per dozen; Brenda will be checking back with them to ensure this is fair to all concerned.
Today (15-Nov-2023) is the grand opening for Books on Central, 4pm. Thank you to all who donated books so they could open.
Brandon reports the Police Department is starting a new initiative for Presents with the Police. They have adopted 4 families. If you know of anyone who could benefit from this program, please let Brandon know. The police department is also starting a food drive due to noticing an uptick in food-related thefts at local grocery stores due to food insecurity. You can drop non-perishable items off at the department to help many.
Sabah expressed appreciation for the many people we have in the room from mortgage lenders, Realtors, doctors and more. What a diverse group we have that can all assist one another!
George called Rotary International to inquire about what they are doing for climate change and the environment. They provided him with many documents to review, via Dr Huston’s email.
Program: Rotary Foundation, Margie Horning, District 5960
We are ahead of raising money at this point in the year.
$135,797.83 for the annual fund at this point
$67,242,23 for Polio Plus.
How does magic begin with the Rotary Foundation?
When Rotarians get involved
When Rotarians get engaged
The Rotary Foundation is a vehicle we can use to make the magic happen
History of Rotary Foundation: Began in 1917
First contribution $26.50 (equivalent to $540 today)
Today’s amount: $5M total in donations
How the Foundation works
You can contribute to Polio Plus, The Annual Fund, and/or the Endowment Fund.
Polio Plus - research for new vaccines. The infrastructure that was built for Polio eradication has been used for the framework for vaccines for Ebola, AIDS and the most recent Covid pandemic.
47.5% of Annual fund donations go to the World Fund
47.5% go to the District Designated Funds (DDF)
Areas of focus:
Peacebuilding and conflict prevention
Disease prevention and treatment
Water, sanitation, and hygiene
Maternal and child health
Basic education and literacy
Community economic development
Environment
Faribault’s Club has helped about 26,000 people by partnering with other clubs to meet huge needs around the world in the last 3 years
$500 for Stillwater Sunrise’s Sanitary project in India
$1000 for Northfield’s Books for Africa project in Nigeria
And more!
Faribault’s own life-changing projects have received large grants too!
$10,700 district grant to build a soccer pitch for a Cambodian school. This project will impact 599+ students for years to come. The district DDF grant was $5,200
1988, the world overall was endemic to Polio
In 2023, only two countries remain with “wild” cases of Polio. Progress is being made in those two countries to vaccinate children and leaders of these countries are allowing vaccination workers safe passage to accomplish this.
Despite funding $120,000 of grants this past year, $10,000 of grants were unable to be funded. Any small donation makes a large difference!
Examples of projects funded with DDF funds:
White Bear Lake Rotary - purchase of a vehicle for Touching Tiny Lives in Lesotho. Impact: 2500 children. D5960 DDF: $12,000.
Northfield’s Kano Books for Africa Project. 13,000 people in one year are impacted with long-term, long-reaching effects. DDF $10,250
River Falls Rotary Club’s Solar Project for a girl’s home in Jamaica. D5960DDF: $8,194
Global Grants: Fund larger, longer projects with sustainable measurable results that align with our areas of focus and include international partners. Budget minimum must be $30,000.
Global Grant - Faribault Rotary - Cambodia School Water Filtration ($75,000 total project). D5960 DDF $23,500. Clubs: $27,700. Non rotarians: $5,000, World fund $18,800
Permanent Fund (Endowment Fund).
Include The Rotary Foundation in your estate plans
Outright gifts
Bequests (Commitments to give later)
Triple Crown Donors: What are these?
Major Donors (cumulative or single donation of $10,000 or more)
+ Bequest society member (planned gift of $10,00 or more via your estate plan)
+ Paul Harris Society Member - Annual gift of $1,000 or more
Dick Huston is a Triple Crown Donor and was recognized by Margie at this meeting
What is the Paul Harris Society?
Donors who elect to give $1,000 every year to any of the three donation areas.
Charity Navigator gives Rotary Foundation a 4-star rating (highest possible) for the 15th year in a row.
Consider how much to give. Every Rotarian Every Year - This can be as little as $25! We should try to have every member of the Faribault club commit to contributing at least $25/year!
Sustaining Member: $100/year
PolioPlus Society Member: $100/year
Become a Paul Harris Fellow: $1,000 in cumulative donations to the Rotary Foundation
February 2024 will bring another “matching” opportunity from the foundation to become a Paul Harris Fellow and increase your impact.
Brenda DeMars reports that our club's profits from the annual rose sale were $13,347. Thank you to all who sold roses or contributed to this years success.
Faribault Rotarian Dick Huston was recognized by Margie Horning, Rotary District 5060 Foundation Team Lead the recipient of the Triple Crown designation. Components of the Triple Crown are a Major Donor ($10,000). Paul Harris Society ($1,000 annually) and a bequest in estates plans ($10,000).
Next year, Rotary takes a step toward supporting peacebuilding in the Middle East and North Africa region when recruitment begins for our newest peace center in partnership with Bahçeşehir University (BAU) in Istanbul. A series of events in the coming year will recognize the new center at BAU and Rotary's work to promote peace. The 2024 Rotary International Convention in May will mark 25 years since the first Rotary Peace Centers were announced — coincidentally at the Rotary Convention in Singapore in 1999. Recruitment for the first cohort of Rotary Peace Fellows at BAU also starts in 2024, and selected candidates will begin their program in early 2025.
Since its beginning, the peace centers program has prepared more than 1,700 peace fellows working in more than 140 countries to create a more peaceful world. That is certainly worth celebrating, but Rotary Peace Fellows are more than statistics on a page. Their actions have helped Create Hope in the World and will continue to do so.
For example, Jennifer Montgomery and Gorett Komurembe — peace fellows from the program at Makerere University in Uganda — are co-founders of Magenta Girls Initiative. The international nongovernmental organization equips Ugandan girls and young women with the support and tools to overcome harmful gender norms, generational poverty, gender-based violence, trafficking, and trauma.
Ndzi Divine Njamsi, another peace fellow who studied at Makerere, has taken lessons learned about Positive Peace and is sharing them with students of his own in Cameroon. He became interested in the Rotary Positive Peace Activator training program after witnessing extremism, online hate speech, and violence in Cameroon. Since completing the program, he has brought his lessons on peace to students at the Yaoundé International Business School and other organizations in the Central Africa country.
The world needs more people like the graduates of the program at Makerere and our other peace fellows. To that end, we can all advance peace by encouraging our local peacebuilders to learn more about Rotary and apply for this impactful fellowship. Rotary members can also mentor candidates for the fellowship. Or you can work with peace fellows who have already graduated. They probably have an initiative or two that would benefit from your help.
Our peace centers in North America, Europe, Africa, Australia, and Asia depend on financial support as well. The program at BAU was made possible thanks to a generous gift of $15.5 million to The Rotary Foundation from the Otto and Fran Walter Foundation. This new Rotary Peace Center will offer a one-year professional development certificate in peace and development studies for fellows focusing on peacebuilding within the Middle East and North Africa region.
Peace must be waged persistently; it is the soil where hope takes root. But as with any journey, we take one step at a time. Let’s take those steps together.
Rotary last week included the induction of Pastor Scott Olson of Our Savior Church. Welcome Scott! We are all excited to have you as a new Rotarian.
Reminder- there will be no meetings on December 20th and 27th
Rotary was a little different this week, as we followed up fellowship with table talk and reflection on various virtues and where they each fit into the 4 way test. This simple exercise promoted great conversation at the tables about which virtues stand out as core Rotary values. What is the essence of the 4 way test? Which of the virtue cards embody who we desire to be as humans? While this exercise was new and a little different from what is usually discussed at our weekly meetings, it was a great way to reflect on what is most important. As humans who desire to build a better world we need to reflect on the most important virtues we hold to our hearts.
In addition to this virtue session we had some extended fellowship time. Dr. Dick Huston shared an encouraging story about his recent trip Turkey where he was recognized for that hat he was wearing. Sometimes, wearing a hat or a shirt which shows where you are from or even that you belong to Rotary can be an invitation for conversation if it is recognized by another traveler.
Finally, during fellowship Sgt. Brandon Gliem discussed (and offered table questions) about law enforcement officer death statistics. The previous week was lighthearted, but this week was intended to bring awareness to the health risks law enforcement members face. As we honor those who have served in the military, we also honor those who risk their health and lives every single day in law enforcement. One fact, which really stood out towards the end of fellowship time, was the average person faces about 10 traumatic events in their lifetime. In a law enforcement career it is estimated that an officer experiences around 600 traumatic events.
He is no fool who gives up what he cannot keep to gain what he cannot lose
Madame Calment eventually died on 4 August 1997, aged 122. By then she had become not just the oldest person alive, but the oldest who had ever lived. Her age was accepted by the French bureaucracy, her doctors and Guinness World Records —and eventually it would be on her death certificate.
Twas just weeks before Christmas, when all through downtown,
Not a Rotarian was stirring, no one to be found;
The invites were made by Martha Brown with care,
In hopes that everyone would soon be there;
The Rotarians were nestled all snug in their beds;
While visions of Christmas concerts danced in their heads;
They knew in a moment the time had drawn near,
To sign-up with Martha and tell her no fear;
For we will be coming, even bringing a guest;
Looking forward to lunch and the choir's singing best;
More rapid than eagles the Faribault Rotarians came,
And Martha whistled and shouted and called them by name:
Now, Holmquist! Now, Hoagland! Now, Theisen and Vold!
On, Gleason! On, Nichols! On, Kenney and Bourn!
To the seat of your cars! To the end of the street!
Now dash away! Dash away! And soon we will meet!
Then we heard Martha exclaim, as she walked out of sight;
"Happy Christmas to all, and to all a good night!"
All Rotarians their families, and guests are invited to the 83nd Faribault Rotary Christmas Concert to be held on Wednesday December 13th (11:45 am- 1:15 pm) at Our Savior's Lutheran Church. The joyful sounds of the holiday season will be brought to us by the Faribault High School Concert Choir.
Rotarian Dr. Martha Brown, the accompanist for the choir, asks that you respond to the online email whether you will be coming and bringing one or more guests. The cost of the meal is $15 unless you are on the meal plan.
Rev. Scott Olson, right, has been Inducted into the Faribault Rotary Club. He is the interim pastor of Our Savior’s Lutheran Church. At left is his sponsor, Dick Huston.
In Alabama it is illegal to carry an ice cream cone in your back pocket at any time. (Carrying a sugary cone in your back pocket was an easy way to get a horse to follow you.)
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This week at Rotary we took some time to honor Dean Purdie who passed away. He was an honorary Rotarian and the 57th president of Faribault Rotary. He served on the City Counsel for many years. He will be remembered for his kindness.
Warm Our Community was able to pack warm winter gear for 171 kids in ONE HOUR! Well done team!!
Volunteers successfully clean TWO (Not one, but TWO) miles of the highway! Well done, Rotarians!
If you have any outstanding rose money, please turn it in to Brenda or Murray ASAP
One of the highlights of this week was the 'skit' Murray Hanson and Brandon Gliem put on during our fellowship time for visiting former member, Dan Hedge. While we welcome ALL to Rotary Faribault, it might be a good idea to be cautious if you are a Packers fan! Thank you for a good laugh during fellowship- Murray and Brandon!!
Dan returned the favor to Rod Mahler with the presentation of a small dustpan and broom representing the "sweep" Wisconsin Badger Men's hockey and women's volleyball had over the Gophers the previous weekend.
George Wickstrom gave a presentation on economic sustainability in the U.S. In his speech, George highlighted the history of speculation and margin in the economy of the Unities States throughout the history of this country beginning with the Great Depression. He gave great examples of crop price fluctuation through the last 100 years.
He expressed several concerns he has about overspending and lack of budgets in our government. George ended his presentation with some words to ponder. If anyone disagreed with what he was saying he encouraged the room to speak up and get involved in productive conversations. "Disagreeing and good conversation help us to grow and reflect on what our own beliefs are."
Ultimately, George encouraged everyone present to engage in respectful conversations which will help us all to grow and build a better future.
Program: Faribault Rotary Youth Services Annual Meeting, Dave Beranek
Call to order
FRYS Board of Directors
2023 nominees
Eric Craig
Jake Kohl
Ryan Holmquist
Motion - Kay Hoaglin
Second - Greg Ciesluk
Motion carries
2 years remaining on FRYS board:
Chad Koepke
Kay Hoaglin
1 year remaining on FRYS board:
Dave Beranek
Brenda DeMars
History
FRYS is a 501(c)3 organization which means it is a charitable, tax-exempt organization.
In the 1960’s the Rotary Camp was purchased.
Strive Program started in the 1990’s, and that is when the 501(c)3 exemption status was obtained. The requirements for 501(c)3 have been maintained since this time.
Rotary Camp-specific history:
The camp resides on 18 acres of property.
In 2020, a Gaga Ball Pit was installed, dock sections were repaired, deck and railing were repaired, kitchen countertops and sink were replaced and new plumbing was put in the kitchen.
2021 improvements included the driveway/blacktop, repairing the path to dock, and pressure washing the deck.
In 2022 there was more repair to the deck, as well as pump house improvements.
2023 improvements included redoing the bathrooms in the building, as well as work on the kitchen ceiling.
Upcoming projects: Potentially, new covering on floors building-wide. Fireplace chimney is rusted out on the inside currently and needs review. In addition, the base of old flagpole (cement, in the driveway area) will be pulled out to prevent future issues.
Rental rates for facility/property usage:
Youth groups pay $75/day
Adult groups <50 individuals are $150/day, >50 people is $250/day
Between 590-645 people utilized camp this past year.
Total rents this year: $2950. From May 1-Sep 30, $2162 in rent income.
Board duties:
Mostly an oversight board to ensure that regulations are met.
This includes state gambling requirements, as well as State of MN and IRS requirements
FRYS Financial Position:
Total Assets: $301,809
Total Liabilities: $3,051.59
Total Net Worth: $298,758.19
Restricted: $37,072.32
Unrestricted: $261,685.87
FRYS liquidity:
Cash *not including charitable gambling liquidity needs: $49,440
External Programs (Little Falcons, Rise program at FHS, Faribault Police Department initiatives, Faribault Early Childhood Education, Supply our Children)
The Charitable Giving Committee oversees the applications and donation recommendations annually.
Surplus/ (Deficit): $8,677
Rotary Camp:
Revenues: $4078
Disbursements: $5141
Surplus/ (Deficit): ($1063)
Strive & Other
Revenues: $18,345
Disbursements: $17,736
Surplus/ (Deficit) $609
Total:
Revenues: $2,359,179
Disbursements: $2,350,956
Surplus (Deficit): $8223
FRYS Charitable Gambling Disbursement Data
Total Disbursements = $2.3M
COGS/Prizes = $1.9M (~82%)
Boxers (“Rent”) = $58k
City of Faribault = $4k
E-tabs Provider (M-Peters) = $72k
Charitable Gambling Team Compensation = $49k
Charitable Gambling Team:
Brenda DeMars, Amy Amundson, Chad Koepke, Jessica Amundson
Charitable Giving Committee is led by Natalie Ginter
Questions:
How is the Rotary Camp Marketed?
Riverbend Nature Center is interested in partnering for some use/programs.
COP House/Faribault Police Dept interested in using facilities as well
An interested party wants to start a youth fishing group,
A different party would like to start a youth sailing education program.
Outreach to all churches/youth groups in town to inform them of the facility and its opportunities for use. This has not been done in 10-15 years.
If you have skills and interest in helping with marketing the Rotary Camp please reach out to Dave or the FRYS board to collaborate.
How is the water quality of Cedar Lake? Is there overgrowth of aquatic vegetation?
Cattails are kept 6 feet away from the dock and there is no other aquatic vegetation overgrowth. The dock is usable and accessible by boats.
The Faribault Rotary Club welcomes it's newest member, Sabah Omar, the Outreach Coordinator at Threerivers Community Action. She is pictured here with her sponsor, Carri Ann Pollard.
Keith Kramer was announced as this years winner of Rotarian of the Year! Keith was surprised by many visitors at this week's meeting to support him as he received his recognition. Thank you family, friends and co-workers for being present and supportive as Keith received his award.
Thank you to all who attended and helped out with the Rotary Youth Concert last week! The concert was a huge success that had double the attendance from 2022. Our students at Faribault High School did a fantastic job! Please keep in mind the upcoming opportunities to volunteer for a spring music competition. If you are interested, please let Martha Brown know. There will be a need for several volunteers!
He is no fool who gives up what he cannot keep to gain what he cannot lose.
For his day job, Keith Kramer is the general manager of Harry Brown’s in Faribault. But he said his true joy is derived from serving the community in a number of ways. Kramer was recently named this year’s Faribault Rotarian of the Year. The recognition comes a few years after he served as the club’s 99th president from July 2018 to June 2019. “Everything’s about the people,” he said. “There just such great friendships and great mentors within the Rotary Club. It’s just such a fun club to be involved with. There’s a lot of other clubs in a lot of other towns that do some really good things. But, gosh, our club really does a ton in our local community. It truly is our motto of ‘service above self.’”
Rotary Foundation Chair Brent Peroutka gave a speech outlining several reasons Kramer was chosen. “He is a tremendous and a thoughtful leader and is a champion in our eyes,” he said. “When we talk about the motto ‘service above self,’ there should be a photo of Keith next to it. … It has not gone unnoticed, and we are incredibly blessed to have you in our lives and part of the Faribault Rotary Club.”
Rotary President Laura Bock agreed. “He’s encouraging, thoughtful and generous,” she said. “He’s a phenomenal leader, and Rotarians have been looking up to him for quite a while. I could write a whole book with nice things to say about him.” Kramer currently serves on the membership committee, leading orientations for new Rotary members. He has served on Rotary boards and in other roles as well. “If you name a Rotary project or committee, I’m sure Keith has either done it or been involved with it at some point in time during his Rotary tenure,” said Peroutka. “… There is rarely a Rotary event that he is not a part of in one way or the other.”
One of the many programs the Rotary operates is the Warm Our Community program, which provides free winter clothes to local elementary children in need. This year, the program will help 175 children. About eight years ago, the Faribault Rotary took over the Warm Our Community program from the Faribault Area Chamber of Commerce and Tourism. Kramer took the reins for the program, but quickly noticed an issue. “There used to be some used stuff and some new,” he said. “But what we ran into is, especially for boots, people would walk away with boots that are either slightly too small or a couple of sizes too big. So then we started ordering size-specific items for local youth.”
Kramer also spearheaded the addition of applications in Spanish and Somali applications. He took pride in families now being able to now apply in three different languages. “It’s been really helpful, and it just allows us to serve the community better,” he added. Kramer said he believes “God teaches us that faith is about others.”
“Rotary really holds that same mindset,” he said. “You know, the more that you can be humble and others-focused, that actually brings more joy than trying to do things for yourself and trying to accumulate wealth for yourself. It’s truly through others that we derive true joy.” The satisfaction from helping others is what drove him to join Rotary about 11 years ago. “Rotary is just all about serving others,” he said. “So, when you get involved with a group of people that have the same mindset that really derive joy from serving other people, it really makes it (serving others) easy. At the end of the day, you know, life’s not about us; it’s about others. And when you have a huge team that thinks similarly, it makes it really joyful.”
The honorable Carri Ann Pollard proposes Sabah Omar, Outreach Coordinator for Three Rivers Community Action, for membership in the Faribault Rotary Club. If you have any questions or concerns, contact Keith Kramer.
The honorable Dr. Dick Huston proposes Scott Olson, Interim Lead Pastor at Our Savior's Lutheran Church for membership in the Faribault Rotary Club. If you have any questions or concerns, contact Keith Kramer.
If you name a Rotary project or committee…I’m sure Keith has either done it or been involved with it at some point in time during his Rotary tenure.
Here are a few comments or highlights about Keith:
Keith is employed with Harry Browns as the COO/GM and is well known in the community. He is a man filled with faith and values.
He has an awesome family, with his wife Amy, son and two daughters. Before Keith got into the accounting field, he was a home builder and I think has lived in 4-5 different homes in Faribault. 3 of them were less than 500 feet apart from each-other and luckily our family got to watch him build a couple of them as we lived on the same street!!!
Keith had an outstanding year as the club’s President from July 2018 to June 2019 representing the club in a positive manner at all times. He had the ability to listen to all members and make sure everyone felt like the most important person in the room.
Keith has been the lead organizer for the Warm Our Community program, bringing much improvement and organization to this outstanding Rotary Program.
Keith has served on the membership committee, inducting new members and leading member orientations. In 2016 to 2017 he was the counselor for our exchange student, Andres. He has served on the Rotary Youth Services Board for a number of years as well as serving as a Board Member for the main club. Keith steps us and fills in wherever he can with club duties, including fellowship, sergeant at arms, Rotary Camp cleanup and more. There is rarely a rotary event that he is not a part of in one way or another.
He is a tremendous and a thoughtful leader and is a champion in our eyes. When we talk about the motto “service above self” there should be a photo of Keith next to it.
Keith, our club cannot thank you enough for the work you do to exemplify the 4 way test as you have high ethical standards and you live the motto of our club “service above self” on a daily basis. It has not gone unnoticed, and we are incredibly blessed to have you in our lives and part of the Faribault Rotary Club. I think the only thing we would change is your allegiance to the Chicago Bears….but all of us Vikings, Packers and Bears Fans are in for a long season!!! At least you can look forward to the 2024 NFL Draft again this year!!!
Congratulations to our 2023 Rotarian of the Year, Keith Kramer.
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The World Health Organization designates 10 October as World Mental Health Day, and with Rotary placing a special focus on mental health this year, I would like to help answer the question posed to me most often when I travel to meet members: How can my club get started?
There are some wonderful examples of Rotary members taking action already. In the Philippines, the Rotary Club of Tiaong-Hiyas held a 12-week health challenge for mothers in the community to promote some baseline health screenings and coaching on a healthier lifestyle.
By the end of the challenge, the mothers had a special bond and decided to form a Rotary Community Corps called Ilaw ng Tahanan (“one who lights up the home”) with the goal of involving more mothers in health education and wellness support — and later youth services, teen pregnancy prevention, and help with unhealthy substance use. Almost a year later, the RCC is preparing to open its own health center where mothers can come for peer-to-peer support.
Another strong example is in Colorado. In the fall of 2021, a small group of stakeholders from the Rotary Club of Highlands Ranch formed the Rotary Clubs of Colorado Endowed Fellowship for Pediatric Mental Health, which enhances the ability of Children’s Hospital Colorado to recruit and train pediatric psychiatry providers and allows the hospital network to make additional appointments. This increases access to mental health care for children and decreases provider shortages.
Since then, the project has brought on new supporters and is now fully funded with a $500,000 endowment. Investment income from this endowment will support a fellow — a psychologist or psychiatrist — at Children’s Hospital. A new fellow will be named every one to two years, beginning spring of 2024. Over time this will create a cohort to bolster the mental health workforce, treating kids from all 64 Colorado counties and neighboring states.
There are many more great mental health project stories on Rotary Showcase, and I invite you to share your experiences as you begin your own projects. Also, please reach out to mindhealth@rotary.org with any thoughts or ideas you would like to share about mental health in the Rotary world.
On 10 October, I will host a Facebook Live event when we will recognize World Mental Health Day and further explore how Rotary members can begin this journey. But I would like to leave you with one way every Rotary member can make a difference.
Right now, there is someone you know in the Rotary world — in your club, from a project you’ve worked on, in a Rotary Fellowship or Rotary Action Group — who could use a little more of your time and attention. Rotary is this great gift of global friendship, and that also means being there for each other.
Discovering the human connections that bind us is what we do through our membership every day. It’s what Rotary has always been about, and we can build on it by helping each other find peace at home.
We need to learn how to ask not just “How are you?” but also “How are you really?” By doing so, Rotary can continue to Create Hope in the World.
The Youth Service Benefit Concert is almost here - and many of you (listed below) have tickets to sell!!! Please sell your tickets by next Wednesday's meeting and turn in your stubs and money to KATHY WICKWIRE. If you need more time, please turn them into DAVID BERANEK at the concert.
The following members have tickets: Peter , Laura & Steve Bock, George Carrie Ann (10 tickets), Zac, Ibrahim, Ellie, Kay, David, Kymn, Natalie, Jake, Gail, Greg, Nate & Summer, Kurt, Chad, Brenda, and Marv.
Thank you to Dick, Deb & Murray for selling your 5 tickets and turning the money in already!
Our goal is 400 tickets sold before and at the concert, so please do your part by inviting friends, family & neighbors to support Rotary Youth Services and the FHS musicians.
Zoom Attendees: Paul LaRoche, Jake Cook, Richard Cook
Notes
Opening: President Laura Bock: Pledge of Allegiance, Four-Way Test, Patriotic Song
Virtue Reading: Diligence, read by Cindy
Invocation: Dave Nichols read an Irish Blessing
Club Announcements:
Strike out Polio (October is Polio Eradication Month and International Polio Day is October 24).
If you donate $365 to the foundation, the foundation will match this and you will be eligible for a Paul Harris award. You can donate via check in person; you may also give online but you must be logged in. This matching offer is valid through the end of October 2023.
Oct 10: Free Screening of the documentary Right to Read at Buckham Memorial Great Hall, 5:30-7:30. Northfield and Faribault clubs sponsoring this event
Oct 14: Conference of Clubs @ St Olaf 9:00 am; sign up on the district website
Oct 16: Annual Rotary Concert 7 pm, Faribault HS. Asking Rotarians to each sell 5 tickets - please get your tickets from KathyWickwire if you have not received them yet. The proceeds go toward choice-based scholarships for the recipients (music camps, voice lessons, etc).
Pre-registration will be available on the fliers, ticket options include “at the door”, and “have my ticket delivered”. Contact David if you are having trouble selling tickets and want to deliver any.
Oct 23: Rotary Rose Delivery Day, more details to come. At least one person is needed to help sort out the roses on Monday, Oct 23 in the morning. Please contact Brenda if you can help!
Oct 27: Owatonna has a fundraising dinner - mystery dinner - more details to come.
Oct 28: Adopt a Highway Clean Up
Rotary Readers is starting back up in October; please contact Sommer and Nathaniel Cunningham to connect and volunteer
Warm Our Community update:
Taking orders begins Oct 7. 175-200 kids will be served and the budget is approximately $14,000. Ordering and sorting orders will happen very soon! Please be on the lookout to help with sorting!
Fellowship: Dr Hanson led fellowship.
Guests: Kristi Wilchert, part of the Faribault Foundation; Saba; Shafi from Prior Lake Rotary
There was some fun football banter to start fellowship.
Greg Ciesluk provided an employment update. He was commended for a wonderful sermon this past Sunday.
Gratitude was expressed for the fall weather.
Mary Ellen visited Rotary in Marietta, GA.
Emily Nesvold was in the Black Hills with high school classmates.
Dr Huston gave a shout out to soon-to-be member Brad for becoming public image/social image coordinator for Rotary, and shared some feel-good stories with connections.
A reminder for Breast Cancer Awareness month was given
Faribault City Police applied for a grant for technology. A grant was approved to update the camera system downtown. Only 32 awards were given nation-wide. $100,000 camera system will be installed to help protect businesses. An additional $200,000 will be going in throughout the city for various technology updates.
Big Brothers/Big Sisters and the Owatonna HS Volleyball team had a joint event yesterday.
Kay purchased a home and closes on 5-Oct-2023. If you have an interest in home projects or yard work, please let her know!
Laura started her new job as Executive Director of the Faribault Foundation and is appreciative of Kristi’s help.
The honorable Brandon Gliem proposes Brad Phenow, Communications Manager for the city of Faribault, for membership in the Faribault Rotary Club. If you have any questions or concerns please contact Keith Kramer.
All Annual Rose sale orders are due by Wednesday. You may respond to this bulletin email with your number of dozens of red and grower's choice roses that you have sold. If you do not sell please consider a $150 donation to the club.
Dr. Dick Huston recently attended the Northfield Rotary Club to present a check of $500 to support their Books to Africa project. This multiple organization effort has provided millions of books to all 55 African nations. The books include a full set of medical texts for medical colleges as well as those for the very young.
President Brent Nystrom of Northfield presented Faribault with a check for $1500 to help with their International project in Cambodia. Faribault is building a soccer pitch for some 600 disadvantaged children. The pitch will be used by the community on nights and weekends.
Faribault Rotarian Keith Kramer, right, received a Paul Harris Plus Two award from The Rotary International Foundation. The award is given when a Rotarian donates $1,000 to the foundation. At left is Brent Peroutka, foundation team leader.
The International Day of Peace takes place 21 September. The United Nations General Assembly declared this a day devoted to strengthening the ideals of peace through observing 24 hours of non-violence and cease-fire.
It is not enough, as People of Action, to simply avoid making war. If we are to Create Hope in the World, we must aggressively wage peace.
Where can we begin? There are countless armed conflicts around the world, and the global population of displaced people is higher than ever. The opportunities are nearly limitless, but the cycles of violence and hardship seem endless.
My advice is to start small but think big. I look to Rotary members in Pakistan and India for inspiration.
In March 2020, about 50 Rotary members from Pakistan met about 50 Rotary members from India at Kartarpur Sahib, a shrine in Pakistan. The sanctuary honors Guru Nanak, the founder of Sikhism, a religion practiced in both countries. Tensions between the two countries barred many religious pilgrims from India from visiting the shrine. That is, until Pakistan opened a visa-free pathway to them in 2019.
Earlier this year, Rotary members from opposite sides of the border again met at the shrine, this time with about twice as many participants.
Any work toward building peace needs to be brave and bold. What these Rotary members have done is just that. The Pakistani government took an important step toward peace when it admitted Indian pilgrims to the Kartarpur Sahib shrine, but Pakistani Rotary members took the next step when they welcomed Rotary members from India as friends and family. That is Positive Peace at work.
These peacebuilders did not stop there. Club representatives at this year’s meeting signed twin club certificates to recognize their long-term commitment to continue to learn from each other and to work together on more peacebuilding efforts, and they have held joint meetings via video chat.
The importance of communicating with and learning from another culture cannot be overstated, and Rotary is making it even easier to do so. One way of engaging in cross-cultural dialogue and building relationships across borders is through virtual international exchanges that build on our current programs and make them more accessible.
A virtual exchange uses online platforms to connect people from different parts of the world so they can share their traditions, priorities, values, and more. Virtual exchanges can serve as a window to another part of the world through activities such as teaching a digital cooking class, learning a new language, or even designing service projects with a global impact.
These online chats have the potential to inspire new connections and more respect between societies. Taking that knowledge and using it to better the lives of our fellow human beings is the next step.
Please help the club spread the word about the Youth Service Concert on October 16th at 7pm at the Michael J. Hanson Auditorium- Faribault High School. Click the link below and then click the share button. This will provide you with a drop-down. Click Share to feed, which will place the event on your Facebook profile.
If you are attending the concert, RSVP on the Facebook event as Going. If not, click You are Interested. Both these actions help cast a larger social media presence. You may review the attached files to help in this process.
Thank you for your help spreading the word of the concert.
The Faribault Rotary Club is funding a soccer pitch for a school to be built in Cambodia. The Rotary District 5960 Foundation provided a $5,200 grant for the project. Chris Kaufman, Faribault grant team member recently accepted a check from Margie Horning, District Rotary Foundation Team Lead.
The Faribault Rotary Club inducted Deb Theisen, the Development Director of Big Brother's Big Sisters of Southern Minnesota as a member last week. She is pictured here with Pastor Greg Ciesluk from the membership committee.
We are asking this year if every Rotarian will please work hard to sell their 12 dozen roses. We have 70 active membership Rotarians and if everyone does their part to sell the roses that would be 840 dozen roses – WOW- that would knock it out of the park with our profit for the club being approximately $10,000 - that is huge and we need this fundraiser more than ever. Many sell many more than expected so please try to do your fair share as a club member.
If you struggle with selling roses or just don’t have the time, we are asking each Rotarian to then make a good will donation of $ 150.00 to the club. We are just asking everyone to participate this year.
Key dates:
Rose sale started September 20th and orders are due on October 4th. Please give it your best!
Delivery date is set for Monday OCTOBER 23rd and ROSES can be picked up at BLOOM FLORAL AT 408 CENTRAL AVENUE, FARIBAULT MN, BEGINNING AT 10:00 AM.
Thank you everyone for your hard work and commitment to this fundraiser for the Faribault Rotary
Any questions, please do not hesitate to contact Brenda at 507-409-1344 or Amy at 507-409-1329.
That’s right, the mad rush of August year-end is complete and now the work is on the accountants’ shoulders to prepare FRYS’ tax returns, which means that all the information that you are about to experience below is in the past. Said differently, all of this great financial debrief coming your way is irrelevant now that the calendar has turned into September but let’s not forget as FRYS membership (along with the help of the charitable giving committee and charitable gambling team) made it rain cash on local nonprofits last meeting by dishing out $17,500 in donations!
Funny thing is that the charitable giving committee had approved donations based on $10K in available funds but good fortune turned FRYS’ way in August, allowing the flood gates of gifts to be showered on our community - here’s how.
E-tabs at Boxers continued to pull in players, producing $144K in revenue (2023 avg = $114K) over the month of August for the second highest total in FRYS history. Good fortune was on the side of FRYS as gross profits set a record of $27K (2023 avg = $18K) as the margin was a powerful 18.5% (avg = 16.34%).
Turning to the tangible, paper tab players were a little more aggressive in August as well, resulting in sales of $64K (2023 avg = $61K) but the gross profit margin favored FRYS at 20.93% (2023 avg = 17.63%) for gross profits of $13K to the organization. Of the $63K in sales, roughly $4K came from the Blue Collar Festival.
Bingo volume was more subdued as sales summed to $11K with gross profits of $2K.
Overall, FRYS established a new monthly record for net income at $21K – an incredible way to conclude the fiscal year! As noted earlier, all of that income is now in the past and was a large factor in the ability to donate $17K at the August 30th Rotary meeting.
With the fiscal year in the books, time for some year-over-year comparisons of FRYS’ charitable gambling operation in year two vs. year one.
Total revenue surged 30% year-over-year to $2.3MM from $1.7MM, an impressive feat that most businesses would be proud to have in top line growth in any given year. Probabilities also worked more in FRYS’ favor in the 2022/2023 campaign as the aggregate gross profit margin improved to 17.41% from 16.01% in the prior year. Unfortunately, net income did not respond with such favor but that is largely due to the charitable gambling audit of $10K that FRYS had to undertake in 2022/2023 due to the successes in year 1, meaning year 1’s net income was not negatively impacted by the $10K audit expense. Unless Boxers falls out of gamblers’ favor, FRYS will have to undertake that audit from here on out as the audit is required for revenues greater than $750K for which FRYS more than triples at the impressive $2.3MM figure in the 2022/2023 campaign.
With another year in the books, I would like to conclude today’s communications with a big THANK YOU to the charitable gambling team of Brenda DeMars, Amy Amundson & Jessica Amundson. The charitable gambling team’s success would also not be possible without the help of the charitable giving committee and FRYS’ resident tax expert Dave Beranek who helps ensure no more in taxes are paid into the bureaucratic black holes of government so that those funds remain local and improve the lives of the Faribault youth – the core mission of FRYS.
Opening: President Laura Bock: Pledge of Allegiance, Four-Way Test, Patriotic Song
Virtue Reading: Optimism, read by Kay
Blessing: Ellie Holmquist
New Member Induction: Deb Theis with Big Brothers/Big Sisters
Club Announcements:
Sep 21: Rotarian of the Year nominations due
Sep 23, 9:00 am: District 5960 Summit in Faribault at Buckham West. Registration is open online, ask Laura or reply to the newsletter for help if you need assistance registering.
Speakers from around the district will be presenting to help strengthen clubs. DEI, Community Engagement, Foundation, and Membership. This is an interactive summit that is 2.5 hours long.
Oct 10: Free Screening of the documentary Right to Read at Buckham Memorial Great Hall, 5:30-7:30. Northfield and Faribault clubs sponsoring this event
Oct 14: Conference of Clubs @ St Olaf 9:00 am; sign up on the district website
Oct 16: Annual Rotary Concert 7 pm, Faribault HS. Asking Rotarians to each sell 5 tickets - please get your tickets from Kathy if you have not received them yet. The proceeds go toward choice-based scholarships for the recipients (music camps, voice lessons, etc).
Pre-registration will be available on the fliers, ticket options include “at the door”, and “have my ticket delivered”. Contact David if you are having trouble selling tickets and want to deliver any.
September 20th is the kickoff for the Rotary Rose Sale. Requesting everyone to sell 12-dozen roses. A cash donation is being asked if you do not wish to sell roses.
Every Rotarian received fliers, forms etc. via email on the 20th. The sales go through Oct 4, and delivery is the 23rd of October.
Rotary Readers is starting back up in October; please contact Sommer and Nathaniel Cunningham to connect and volunteer
Oct 18: Rotarian of the Year during noon meeting.
FRYS Monthly Update
August was the fiscal year end for FRYS. It was a rush for tax time, all the information presented was emailed to all members for review.
144k in e-tabs sales, second highest in history. 18.5% margin
64k in paper tabs versus average 61k.
21k in profit for the month.
Annual numbers: 2022/2023: 2.3M in sales (approx 30% increase). Net income down to 81k due to the audit, which will be happening annually due to the high sales.
$29,850 for expenses. Motion: Rod. Second: Kathy. Unanimously passed.
5 minutes for Foundation Education: George
Jan 1911, Paul Harris put out the “National Rotarian” which was a forerunner of the Rotary Magazine we are familiar with today.
40% of the GDP goes to “wants” in the United States.
Prioritizing where we send our money is important.
$25 is all it takes to become part of the Rotary Foundation.
Rotarian Reclassification
Chad Koepke (Sep 18)
Chad got married Oct 1, 2022. They are now expecting a baby around Dec 28th. They also got a dog. Chad works at State bank of Faribault, in balance sheet management, strategy. He is passionate about interest rates.
Chris Kaufman (Sep 18)
Jamie Bente (Sep 22)
Fellowship: Zak Branham is on fellowship. Zak had trivia questions regarding “wheels”.
Event coming up: Scary at Harry’s - trick-or-treat event, with approximately 1500 attendees. Looking for businesses to join in this event.
Guests: Gail and Loni (guests of Chad), heads of marketing and IT at State Bank of Faribault. They are board members of the Light of Hope Celebration (replacing Relay for LIfe). Big celebration on Sep 30th from 4-10pm at Central Park. Food trucks, games for families, live music and basket raffle.The funds raised are able to stay local.
Deb (new member) expressed appreciation for supporting the Big Brothers/Big Sisters golf tournament. They are continuously looking for more “Bigs” to be matched with youth.
Jake Kohl: was able to visit London to visit family and the baby did well during the flight
David Connelly: Welcoming Deb. David just started a new job as director of production at Faribault Mill.
Brenda: 40th wedding anniversary and were able to go on an Alaskan cruise. Brenda’s grandson is now 10 weeks old and just was recently baptized. Rotarians from Northfield expressed thankfulness for the Faribault Rotarians who assisted at the Bike marathon.
Dr Huston: Margaret Vorhees, friends for decades. She is 93 and lives in a farmhouse alone. Dr Huston and George were able to go to the Books for Africa fundraiser last week. Plant a Pocket of Prairie - program that was done with school kids last year, has been asked to be presented at the Conference of Clubs. The program will be done again this year.
Ibrahim: Last Friday, 500 ice cream treats were given out to Mexican and Guatemalan Independence Days by the Diversity Committee
Carri Ann: Judge ruled they can begin the process of adoption of their foster child, who has been with them for 18 months. She turned two years old the day after the judge ruled. She wants to express appreciation for first responders.
Ellie: Thanked everyone for coming to Stone Orchard for last week’s meeting
Kay is thankful for the new cart that was built for Rotary supplies. Her oldest daughter is getting married in Red Wing this weekend
Dr Hanson ensured everyone noticed Dr Huston’s tie.
Kathy appreciates Nate’s sense of humor!
Laura announced that starting October 2nd, she will be starting as director of the Faribault Foundation.
Kymn is looking forward to Laura’s leadership in the new position.
George had a family reunion recently. George is very thankful to get to this stage of life and do all he can do. It is a big blessing.
We would like to reach out to everyone regarding the Rose Sale and the procedures to follow for our big fundraiser. We know that many know how the Rose Sale works as we have done it the same every year, but have realized that we many new Rotarians that very likely are confused by the packet they received if they were not at the meeting when we handed them out. Roses are again to be sold for $20 a dozen.
In this email is:
a flyer to hang up at your place of employment to entice people to buy roses.
a list to track your orders and what they choose, red or grower’s choice. Growers choice is dozens of roses in different colors that the grower chooses to send for us to give out.
Slip to turn in- with your name, how many dozen roses and broken down into how many of Red and how many growers’ choice - you can fill in the amount paid or owes at that time. PLEASE DO NOT HAND IN THE MONEY UNTIL YOU HAVE ALL OF IT COLLECTED.
We are asking this year if every Rotarian will please work hard to sell their 12 dozen roses. We have 70 active membership Rotarians and if everyone does their part to sell the roses that would be 840 dozen roses – WOW- that would knock it out of the park with our profit for the club being approximately $10,000 - that is huge and we need this fundraiser more than ever. Many sell many more than expected so please try to do your fair share as a club member.
If you struggle with selling roses or just don’t have the time, we are asking each Rotarian to then make a good will donation of $ 150.00 to the club. We are just asking everyone to participate this year.
Key dates:
Rose sale starts September 20th and orders are due on October 4th. Please give it your best!
Delivery date is set for Monday OCTOBER 23rd and ROSES can be picked up at BLOOM FLORAL AT 408 CENTRAL AVENUE, FARIBAULT MN, BEGINNING AT 10:00 AM.
Thank you everyone for your hard work and commitment to this fundraiser for the Faribault Rotary
Any questions, please do not hesitate to contact Brenda at 507-409-1344 or Amy at 507-409-1329.
Our meeting was held at Stone Orchard on the outskirts of town and hosted by our classification speaker, Ellie Holmquist. Our virtue of the week was Cooperation and read to the club by Lisa Humfeld-Wilson. Grace provided by Carri Ann Pollard.
In club announcements, President Laura provided an invitation to join the Rotary One Summit this coming Saturday at Buckham West from 9 a.m. to Noon. Thanked all Rotarians who came to the club picnic. Rotarian of the Year nominations are due by September 21st. Please get your nominations to President Laura.
Dr. Huston gave a de-brief on the current Rotary magazine.
The magazine focused on international meetings. Roughly 25,000 people attend every year. The common fellowship is a golden opportunity to learn new things to make the world a better place. Greg Ceisluk gave an update about the Strive meeting of 9/13. We have 44 students in this year’s STRIVE class!
Fellowship with Keith Kramer:
Dr. Huston shared he gave a presentation at Our Saviors Lutheran Church, and they raised $525 for Polio Plus.
Carri Ann Pollard and her family had some events this week to determine the parental rights of their youngest foster child. This is the first step to adoption. We look forward to hearing more about the process as it unfolds as a club.
Mark Kenney shared an event by all River Valley Church campuses called “One Day to Feed the World.” They were asking to give one day's wage to help organizations help poverty worldwide. So far, they have raised over $800,000. You can give by visiting River Valley’s website and clicking the Give tab.
The Football season has started, and so has the banter. Not putting much in this report because ALL the teams lost this past week. Let’s see what they will have to say this coming week.
Ellie was born in [Enter town] and met her husband Ryan in 5th grade. They started dating when they were fifteen and married right out of high school. Ellie and Ryan have two kids, Anna (13, a dancer) and Israel (7, the passionate one).
Ellie went to college at Duluth for Communications. Ellie’s passion for her faith, her family and friends. Her hobbies are writing poetry, sailing, traveling, singing, and recently. Ellie strongly believes in experiences over possessions, with traveling to new places when they can as a family to understand other areas and cultures.
Ellie and Ryan took a leap of faith, moving down to Faribault to live with the Cunningham family and help run the Stone Orchard property, including the new event space. Ellie has felt blessed to meet many new people and create new friendships through Rotary in Faribault.
The Rotary Club partnered with Faribault High School staff to hand out ice cream treats on Friday afternoon in celebration of Independence Days for the countries of Mexico, Guatemala, Honduras, El Salvador, Nicaragua and Costa Rica. Rotarians also set up tables and displays with items from Mexico and Central America. (Deanna Thibedeau/southernminn.com) Reprinted with permission from the Daily News.
Sgt. Brandon Gleim hands out ice cream treats to students at Faribault High School at the end of the school day Friday. In the third picture, Faribault Rotary club members who coordinated the event at the FHS were, from left, Dora Mata, Francisca Quila and Dick Huston.
Rotary Club visits FHS to Celebrate Independence Days
CONTACT: Elizabeth Child, executive director, Rice County Area United Way, 507-645-0119 (cell) or elizabeth@ricecountyunitedway.org
Local Film Screening Exposes Literacy Crisis
RICE COUNTY, Minn. (August 24, 2023) – The public is invited to a free screening of the 2023 documentary The Right to Read at Northfield Public Library, Wednesday, Sept. 20 from 6 to 8 p.m., and at Buckham Memorial Library’s Great Hall in Faribault, Tuesday, Oct. 10, 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. The 80-minute documentary exposes the nation’s literacy crisis and will be accompanied by discussion of literacy in our local schools, led by Superintendent Matt Hillmann in Northfield and Superintendent Jamie Bente in Faribault.
The film examines the decades-long move away from teaching phonics and other reading fundamentals nationally, which has led to plunging test scores. While the pandemic may have compounded the problem, the literacy crisis did not start with the pandemic, reported the New York Times last spring. In The Right to Read, the literacy crisis is described as a civil rights issue. Children of Black, Hispanic and indigenous parents are displaying the biggest reading deficits. That said, the issue isn’t isolated to non-white populations. The film illustrates the literacy crisis through the stories of NAACP activist Kareem Weaver, a rookie first-grade teacher and Oakland, Calif., children struggling to read. “Illiteracy is a pipeline to prison,” says Kareem Weaver, “It’s also the pipeline to homelessness. It’s the pipeline to unemployment and depression.”
The film was directed by Emmy-Award winning filmmaker Jenny Mackensie, and produced by Artemis Rising Foundation and LeVar Burton Entertainment. LeVar Burton championed reading on the show Reading Rainbow in the 1980s.
The screening is sponsored by Northfield Rotary, Northfield Public Library and Rice County Area United Way. Light refreshments will be served.
Club President Laura Bock presented Past-President Kurt Halvorson with his official Presidents Plaque at the annual club picnic. Kurt graced those attending with one more round of Dad jokes.
Dinner was catered by Basilleo's Pizza, drinks generously provided by Grant and Lisa. S'mores were on hand for dessert once Brandon got the embers just right!
The Pledge of Allegiance and 4 Way Test were recited by the club, and Laura shared the virtue of Simplicity. Kurt was requested to share some Dad Jokes, as we are clearly in a Dad Joke Drought; he was happy to share some not only from his Dad Joke book, but his experience bonding with another Dad over some puns recently! Kurt was also presented a plaque by Laura in recognition of his leadership this previous Rotary year. Even the real Steve Bock showed up!
Rod shared some fun stories about the origin of the Rotary Picnic, when women were invited to attend with their spouse, and some additional fun facts.
It is noted that the next meeting, September 13, will not be held at the Inn; a field trip is in order! The meeting will be at Stone Orchard Event Center , located at 3050 197th Street East, Faribault, MN. Ellie Holmquist will be sharing her Classification Speech so this is a very appropriate venue for the field-trip meeting!
There will be no Wednesday noon meeting this week. We will meet for the annual Club Picnic at the Rotary Camp tomorrow at 5 PM. Check President Laura's message above for the details. See you there!
Classification Speech: Ryan Holmquist shared his Classification Speech.
Ryan was involved in Boy Scouts from a young age and solidified his interests in outdoors, camping, being active, and helping people. He has been on missions trips In October 2023, he will be married 19 years to his wife Ellie (also a new member!)
Ryan has been in the United States Coast Guard and was in Duluth for a long time. He loves being on the water and is a boat enthusiast. Ryan also served 12 years at the Dakota County Sheriff's Office. It was rewarding as well as challenging! He loved being able to serve his community. He was also part of the public safety dive team, an ice rescue instructor, on the bike patrol as well as many other duties. Recently, Ryan completed his MBA. He is still involved with the Coast Guard. Recently he has been on missions in the southeast US in migrant operations. This is not only a border protection role, but a humanitarian operation due to the condition many people from Cuba and Haiti are found in by the Coast Guard. He is currently a Chief Petty Officer.
Ellie and Ryan have two kids; the family loves to kayak and travel. Recently, the Stone Orchard Events space in Faribault was opened with the partnership of Ryan, Ellie, and the Cunninghams.
Meeting Pre-Meeting: Senior Photos were shown as members entered the meeting Pledge of Allegiance and Patriotic Song: Laura Bock Virtue of the week: Devotion, read by Kathy Wickwire Invocation: Pastor Scott Olson (visitor)
Announcements: - September 6th at 5:30pm is the Rotary Picnic. Dinner and beverages will be provided, as well as a bounce house for kids. There will be a brief meeting. There will be no noon meeting on September 6. - September 9: The Northfield Bike Tour (Defeat of Jesse James Days), if interested in volunteering please reference the SignUp Genius form that was previously sent out - September 16: Adopt-A-Highway cleanup at 10:00am. Coffee and Donuts will be provided!
- September 23: District One Summit, 9am - held at Buckham West - October 14: Conference of Clubs, held at St Olaf. Registration was sent in an email by the district for registration. Please contact Laura if you need help registering.
- October 16: Annual Rotary Concert, 7pm at Faribault Senior High School. Please make plans to attend and support the students! - Rotary Readers starts up in October. You'll need to see Nate Cunningham for the youth protection training. You'll also need to contact Sommer Cunningham to get connected with the Rotary Readers program.
Charitable Giving Community Report: Natalie Ginter -$17,500 was available to give as grants. All recommendations presented were approved by the FRYS board. - 8 grants were recommended to the club for distribution: - $250 for Medford Cheer -$10k for Little Falcons
-$1750 for Cop House Fall Programming -$2000 for Faribault HIgh School Rise Program
-$1000 to Riverbend Nature Center -$150 to United Way -$350 to Faribault Basketball -$2000 to Salvation Army for "Shop With a Cop" program
A motion was brought forth by Dick Huston to approve all grant recommendations, and seconded by Martha Brown. A unanimous vote was put forth to approve the grant recommendation distributions.
Prior Lake Rotary: Harry Algyer presented an opportunity to go with other Rotary Club members to Easter Europe for a tour to benefit LCC University with scholarships in May 2024. Please see attached flier for more details. Contact Rick Olson with questions or interest (olson48176@gmail.com or 320-248-9933).
Fellowship: Nate Cunningham provided some Coffee Trivia during fellowship. Three guests were present - Pastor Schott Olson, interim pastor at Our Savior's; Willow Wavrin Connelly; and Luke Shepherd, a photographer and friend of Ryan Holmquist.
The Faribault Rotary Red Cross Blood Drive will be held this Friday Sept. 1st at River Valley Church from 10:00 AM- 4:00 PM. Check the Red Cross Website if you want to be a donor.
Our Rotary club is partnering with Faribault High School to recognize and celebrate Mexican Independence Day on September 15th at the high school. We are coordinating with Dora - the Hispanic liaison in the principals office at the High School. Dora will encourage students and staff to dress in traditional Mexican attire that day. As the students leave the school Rotary will have a table/display identifying with both Rotary and the Mexican Culture. Rotarians will provide each student with an ice cream treat as they leave the building at the end of the school day.
Rotary in an International organization and we in Faribault are working to be inclusive of all citizens.
We view this as an opportunity to demonstrate our efforts and would really like it if we could have you or someone from the Daily News there.
If you need more information you can reach me at 384 - 2482 or Dora at 330 - 4209.
The Faribault Rotary Club has inducted Lisa LeBrun as their newest member. She is an accountant and partner at Reese, Winter and Associates. Pictured with Lisa is membership chair Keith Kramer.
Dick Huston presented Fire Chief Dusty Dienst with a Honorary Paul Harris award for his contributions to improving the environment. Each year he builds 100 wood duck nests to be distributed by the Tri Lakes Sportsman Club. He has installed and maintains over 100 of his own nests, takes care of his prairie and is president of the Riverbend Nature Center board. Dusty has enhanced Rotary's effort to restore the prairie of Crockers Creek by periodic burning. Rotarians can name a honorary member each time they donate $1000.
The end of August is always an interesting time for FRYS as the organization’s fiscal year-end concludes at the end of the month, which on the surface does not seem like a big deal but once the unrelated business income tax is thrown into the equation, a big deal it becomes.
At the surface level, the unrelated business income tax does not seem so scary as it simply refers to income a non-profit organization makes outside of its course of registered business. For FRYS, that is improving the quality of life for the Faribault area youth, so think the Rotary Camp, Strive, Warm Our Community, etc… Managing a highly successful charitable gambling operation falls outside of FRYS’ mission, qualifying those profits as “unrelated business income.”
Here's where things get tricky. FRYS is required to spend down/donate all profits in-excess of $1K or be taxed on that income at an egregious rate of around 40% or so. But how is FRYS supposed to know how much income the month of August will produce and therefore how much in profits are available to be donated until the books have been closed? Well we do not know and will not know until the books have been processed in mid-September, requiring FRYS resident tax expert Dave Beranek and the charitable gambling team to make a guesstimate. Unfortunately, that guesstimate will be made a little easier after the month of July, and not because the calendar has turned over once more but let’s not get ahead of ourselves before digging into the July data.
Prior membership memos raised the question whether or not e-tab players were angry with the State of MN’s charitable gambling apparatus due to changes coming to e-tabs in summer 2024. In short, the answer appears to be no as e-tabs sales roared to an impressive $141K (second highest on record) but the margin was soft at 14.3% (average = 16.5%), resulting in gross profits of $20K.
On the other hand, paper tabs experienced a pullback from last month as sales summed to $59K, which is right around the average for the 2022/2023 campaign of $61K. Everyone was a winner for paper tabs at Boxers - gamblers & FRYS - as the gross profit margin was 17.8% compared to the 2022/2023 average of 17.6%, so about as average as a month can be imagined was the case for paper tabs during July.
Bingo of course is the last of the major gaming experiences at Boxers and Bingo produced just over $14K in sales for July for gross profits of $2K.
All of the above resulted in net income of…….wait for it...... $654 for the month, the lowest positive monthly total FRYS has recorded (depending on taxes, some months have been negative but all positive months have been above $2K at a minimum). The $654 net income does not move the needle from a taxation perspective (UBIT is profits greater than $1K) but more importantly, not much to donate to local causes. The primary culprit for the weak profits was $12K in receipts tax that was illustrated last month of coming down the pipeline for July.
Opening: President Laura Bock: Pledge of Allegiance, Four-Way Test, Patriotic Song
Virtue Reading: Serenity, read by Ibrahim
Blessing: Paul LaRoche
Club Announcements:
September 6, 5:30 pm: Rotary Picnic. There will be no noon meeting that day.
Sep 9 - Jesse James Days Rotary Bike Tour in Northfield. The Northfield Rotary Club has asked for our assistance. We need six volunteers for two different shifts (3 per shift): 8-11:30, 11:30-2:30. Our club will run a water pit-stop for the participants. That station is located at the Wells Town Hall. Sign-up will be electronically sent in the coming days.
Sep 23, 9:00 am: District 5960 Summit in Faribault at Buckham West. Registration is open online, ask Laura or reply to the newsletter for help if you need assistance registering.
Speakers from around the district will be presenting to help strengthen clubs. DEI, Community Engagement, Foundation, and Membership. This is an interactive summit that is 2.5 hours long.
Oct 14: Conference of Clubs @ St Olaf 9:00 am; volunteers will be needed
Oct 16: Annual Rotary Concert 7 pm, Faribault HS
Sep 1: Red Cross Blood Drive at River Valley Church
Sep 4-8: Meals on Wheels, sign up to volunteer
Paul Harris Honorary Presentation
Katy Anderegg - presented by Dick Huston.
United Way: Elizabeth Child
Day of Caring. Teams of volunteers gather to partake in various service events. Date: Friday, September 22. If interested, you can contact Elizabeth. There are various levels of service needed. This day of service will take place in both Faribault and Northfield.
United Way is opening a bookstore: “Books on Central,” Located at 227 Central Ave, Faribault. All proceeds will return to the community and the bookstore will open sometime in September.
“The Right to Read” is a film screening event happening at the library on October 10th.
Fellowship:
Murray Hanson led Fellowship with slogans and commercial jingles
Guests: Charlie from Northfield, Elizabeth from Northfield, Katy from Riverbend Nature Center, Saba from Three Rivers Community Action. Saba is becoming a member! Yacoub also is a visitor.
Peter shares there is a plan underway for a new community center
Katie, Mary Ellen, and Ibrahim are grateful to be here
Brandon shared that there is a Sheriff's/Police Dept softball game; Wednesday, August 30th, 6:00 pm
Dr. Huston continues to educate on green energy and environmental risks.
Dr. Speckhals requests that the article Dr. Huston referenced be viewed with a critical eye
Carri Ann celebrated her 17th anniversary with her husband this past weekend; her oldest child also turns 14.
Teresa shares that an Eagle Scout has chosen Rescue 55021 for a Donation Drive. In addition, there is a benefit golf tournament coming up as well that needs more teams.
David reminded us about the Steele County Free Fair and all the fun events there are this past week
Ellie invites us all to Stone Orchard Events Center - Thursday, Aug 24. Free popcorn and movie- doors open at 6:30, and move is 7:00 pm.
Brad’s son Alfonso is 2.5; being Alfonso’s dad defines his life.
Brad also is the director of River Bend Nature Center.
Brad’s personal story revolves around second, third, and even fourth chances.
He grew up in Minneapolis and still lives a few blocks from where he grew up.
Brad recognizes that people in authority and decision-making positions gave him second and third chances when he was growing up that looked like him. Brad realized he wanted to serve the underserved and switched his focus from theater.
He served on the Minneapolis Park Board for about 12 years. His focus is on kids that are marginalized and do not have the same access as others; human investment over infrastructure.
He was the president of the Lyndale Neighborhood Association in Minneapolis during the onset of Covid and the lockdowns, as well as the George Floyd protests and riots.
Brad decided to join River Bend after his son was born. River Bend Nature Center has many of the same goals and ideals that Brad holds personally.
He has been with River Bend for approximately 1 year.
Rotarians who donate $1000 to the Paul Harris International Rotary Foundation can honor someone who has made the community better with a Paul Harris Award. Dick Huston donated $1000 and honored Katy Anderegg who is the administrator at the River Bend Nature Center.
The Virtue of the week was “Creativity,” sported by Kurt Halverson. Kurt allowed time to share, act, and work creatively through the eyes as children do. Pastor Mark Kenney provided the blessing regarding our creativity. We can provide service community and our lives in the vision of our saviors.
Club Announcements:
The District One Summit will be held in Faribault on September 23rd from 9 am to 11:30 at Buckham West. Could you check emails from the District 5960 or contact David Connelly to sign-up to attend and learn more about Rotary in our area?
Club service survey visioning results will be completed this week, yet you can still complete your surveys. We will present the results of our collective objectives in the next quarter of this year.
Kristen Gleason volunteered to co-chair warm our community with Keith Kramer. Warm our community is our flagship project.
Kristen Gleason and Ellie Holmquist joined the communications team providing your meeting notes in the bulletin provided by Dr. Murray Hanson.
Fellowship:
Nathaniel Cunningham started with Dr. Hanson, who finally allowedDr. Huston a tie (pun intended) in an apparel competition. Only they were wearing the same apparel, in the same Rotary socks.
Greg Ciesluk, after 32 years, has decided to retire from ministry and will continue his advancement into the world of insurance through the State Farm Agency.
Dr. Huston shared allocates to South Central College for up 17% in enrollment this coming season. Cheers to our fellow, Ron Dweik, for his efforts in growing our local community college.
Brad Bourn announced that his daughter has twins, doubling their grandkid total to 4!
Mark Kenney shared his mission trip experience in Wyoming over the past three weeks.
District 5960 Governor Patricia McCleese - Make Peace Visible.
Patricia is from Atlanta, Georgia, whose affirmation for education (35 years as a teacher) and the environment led her to a path of service for her community as a Rotarian. As District Governor of 5960, she has embarked on a 3-year plan to “Make Peace Visible.” Not only are we Rotarians, we are “Peacebuilders.” Through this vision, local clubs can participate in a peace project assembled by the District to collect Lithium batteries to be recycled for better use and less need for mining minerals.
You can check out all the plans for this project and other interests of Patricia from her presentation slides.
Kristen gave her classification talk recently. I asked her seven follow up questions to help summarize her presentation for those of us who were present and for our club members who missed the meeting. If you have not had a chance to welcome her to our club, please do so.
Your Family members, occupations (including you) or school level?”
Kristen Gleason – Registered Nurse, Medical Information Specialist
Ryan– Senior in high school this fall (Stillwater)
Brooke– Sophomore in high school this fall (Stillwater)
Libby – 8th Grade this fall (Lake Elmo)
Cami – 6th Grade this fall (Lake Elmo)
Your Hometown/School/College
Hometown: Gillette, Wyoming College: University of Wyoming, Fay W Whitney School of Nursing
Your Previous occupations?
Started off in Public Health Nursing, transitioned to Ambulatory Orthopedic Surgery, then an Urgent Care/Triage RN before this current role.
Any Hobbies?
I read a lot (93 books so far this year on my Kindle, but more if we count “real books” too). I enjoy baking, especially in the fall (pumpkin muffins! Molasses cookies!!) but I often lack the time to bake as much as I’d like. I recently got back into playing tennis (poorly) and I love board games with friends.
Rotary sponsor? David Connelly
Interesting fact about you or your life? I entered photography in the Washington County Fair a couple years back, as a novice (and mostly iPhone) photographer. I got some ribbons for my work!
I ALSO placed 2nd in the first annual Washington County Fair Rock-Paper-Scissors tournament, the same year.
Anything else you can think of? I am really grateful to make connections within this club and form new friendships with all the accepting individuals here!
The Honorable Dave Beranek proposes Lisa LeBrun, CPA and partner for Reese, Winter and Associates Ltd, for membership in the Faribault Rotary Club. If you have any questions or concerns please contact membership chair Keith Kramer.
Thursday August 10th annual pet parade - starts at pm. Contact Laura to sign up, or sign up at the back counter at the meeting. Pairing with Rescue 55021 - you can join in even if you don’t have a pet :)
Wednesday Sep , 5:30pm - Club picnic at the Rotary camp - no noon meeting that day
Fellowship:
Theresa had guest Evelyn. Also celebrating 23 year anniversary this weekend.
David brought his daughter Willow
Peter had a full table of guests: Three fair ambassadors: Allison Norton, Taylor Velishek, Kaitlyn Clark; mom-chaperone Sarah.
Lisa had guest Amanda with Neighbors helping Neighbors.
Kay reminds us we need more greeters, attendance, and Sergeant at Arms to sign up.
Send a Flat Steve Selfie to Murray if you would like to take a photo.
Gail shares that school starts Aug 21 at South Central College. If you want to help with the board or scholarships, please let Gail know.
Cindy celebrated her mother’s 91st birthday recently.
Murray’s mother in law turned 90 today and he was the first one to call her, so earns the best son in law status.
Martha and Kathy play in Albert Lea next Wednesday, and will also be in Austin and the Steele County Fair (Eclipse is their musical group)
Faribault Public Schools start the week of August 28th.
Cate’s father in law, age 91, recently passed away on the golf course. She also was at an Ameriprise Women’s Conference recently in Minneapolis.
Kurt received a Dad Joke King candle in honor of his successful year of presidency and Laura was welcomed as the new president, by Cate.
Dr Huston shared some article information from a newspaper. Sam Oak became a father last night (1-AUG-2023), a baby boy about 8lbs.
Kurt and Natalie were able to go camping last weekend at Shades of Sherwood with Harper.
Laura was thanked for her welcoming and fun meetings.
Dr Speckles wanted to remind us to keep aware of climate change and the small actions we can all take. Two simple ways would be to limit your air travel to one short haul trip every three years. Additionally, keeping your electronics for at least 7 years is an easy way to make an impact.
Greg joined Rotary 6 years today!
Greg thanked Kristen for her classification speech that was shared last week.
David was at the National Eagle Convention Center, in Wabasha. The Rotary clubs there were a large part in creating this center.
Lisa just returned from 10 days in Italy! They visited Rome, Venice, Florence, and Pompeii.
Brenda and Drew celebrated their 40th anniversary. They went to Red Wing and then saw her daughter and new grandson who will be 1 month on Saturday. Next week she goes to Alaska.
George went to the play “Matilda”. There are 50 kids in the production. There are shows this weekend as well. Brandon’s daughter is in the play!
George asks us to consider the environment and ethanol production. Practice slow starts and stops. Additionally, dropping your speed from 70mph to 60mph on the interstate will increase your fuel efficiency.
The Faribault Police Department sent out a recruitment video.
Murray and his grandkids were on vacation last week.
Last evening, some NFLD, St Paul, FBO and other Rotary members went on a boat on the St Croix River. Brandon and Toni, Dick and Nancy, Kelly Nygaard, and Laura and Steve were all on board.
Sacred Circle: A safe space where you can be transparent, authentic, genuinely who you are. De has been using Sacred Circle with groups for 52 years
A circle is an amazing facilitator for communication. Sit in a circle with nothing in between you. If everyone is committed to honoring the person speaking, the discussion is powerful.
Stability, Guidance and Knowledge are essential to growth.
Stability: lays the foundation of who you become.
De was born into a multi-generational home with much love, support, and security.
Grandma Sadie was born during the Civil War. She experienced traumatic loss in her life. She was a life-teacher and taught him to slow down. The gift of focused observation is the best gift he has received.
Ray Baldwin, grandpap: Always took time to acknowledge and love De. Pap taught De that if your word is good, your word is good for you and everyone around you. Your word is priceless.
Madelyn: De’s mother. She taught him about kindness. When Delon was ‘naughty’, she would turn to him and say “Was that kind?”. She did not lecture, but wanted De to internalize his own choices.
She also taught him the “Braid of Life”: Patience and Kindness, laced and woven together by Forgiveness.
If you are sitting in unforgiveness, patience and kindness will be hard to come by.
You cannot separate the three.
Gratitude Piece: What is the best thing that has happened to you today?
As soon as you focus on gratitude, it gets your brain attuned to positive. It gets those around you to turn to positive thoughts!
Making Faribault a friendlier place: Say HELLO!
The choices you make in life ultimately determine your destiny!
Rotarian Cate Grinney presented past president Kurt Halvorson with the award of "Dad Joke King" after a successful year of sharing "Dad Jokes" with the club! It is great to be King!
Patricia was born in St Louis, MO but the family relocated to LaFayette, Georgia when she was in third grade. Her education includes University of Georgia - BS Elementary Education
Georgia State University - Masters in Reading
Nova Southeastern University - Ed.D Administration and Supervision
Patricia is a member of the Greater Rochester Rotary Club in District 5960 from 2006 - the present. She served as club president in 2018– 19 and has served as Community Service Chair, Membership Chair, and Program Chair. She Is on the Rochester Rotary Clubs’ teams: Tree Planting, Ethics Day, Holiday Classic Basketball Showcase, and a STRIVE mentor.
At the district level, Patricia was a member of the German Cultural Exchange Team 2018-2019 and is currently serving as Vocational Service Team Lead. The team consists of Ethics, Literacy, and STRIVE.
The majority of Patricia’s professional career was spent as an educator. She served as an elementary teacher, teacher trainer, assistant principal, and principal in Atlanta Public Schools from 1969-1999. After moving to Rochester, MN, she worked at Rochester Area Habitat for Humanity as a Volunteer Coordinator from 2002-2015. Patricia was awarded the Bridge Builder Award for organizing an Inter-Faith Build involving 4 faith communities and 100+ volunteers.
Patricia has served: as a trainer for MAVA - Minnesota Association of Volunteer Administrators, the leadership team of RAVA - Rochester Area Volunteer Administrators, United Way Women United leadership team. She loves being a Reading Champion at the Rochester Public Library tutoring children with dyslexia.
After Patricia retired, she married her high school sweetheart, John Davenport, and relocated to Rochester. The plan was to stay a few years and return home to the south after he retired. But plans have a way of changing and now Minnesota is home, and they go south to visit. They also have three very spoiled cats. Patricia loves duplicate bridge, needlepoint, travel, and being with friends.
At the 2023 Rotary International Convention in Melbourne, I asked all Rotary members to become champions in our effort to illuminate mental health needs near and far. This includes helping one another feel more supported, advocating for mental health services, and building bridges with experts in the field to expand access to treatment.
It’s an important task and a big ask. But it’s also something that should feel familiar to every Rotary member — because everything we do is in the spirit of caring, giving, friendship, and compassion, and has been from the beginning of our organization.
We’ve grown into an amazing global network of 1.4 million interconnected community leaders — leaders who share a deep commitment to doing good in the world. But what makes Rotary powerful isn’t just what we do for the communities we serve. We also support and empower each other, by creating a safe space for our members to bring their whole, authentic selves. We show each other comfort and care.
These connections are deeply meaningful. The U.S. surgeon general recently declared loneliness a public health epidemic. Dr. Vivek Murthy said, “We must prioritize building social connection the same way we have prioritized other critical public health issues such as tobacco, obesity, and substance use disorders.” I am proud of what Rotary has done across generations to build those kinds of social connections — and this magazine focused on loneliness and what Rotary can do about it in its January 2023 issue.
Our worldwide community and our foundational value prioritizing Service Above Self makes Rotary a powerful global advocate for mental health. A recently published study by Ohio State University found performing acts of kindness was the only one of three mental health interventions tested that helped people feel more connected to others. Study co-author David Cregg said, “Performing acts of kindness seems to be one of the best ways to promote those connections.”
This research suggests what we’ve known all along — that doing good helps transform not just the communities we serve, but it also transforms us. As we put a greater focus on mental health, let’s not think of this effort as something new to Rotary, but rather as something we can do better and as a result have a greater impact on ourselves and the people we serve.
We are not starting this effort from scratch. The Rotary Action Group on Mental Health Initiatives has been focused on these kinds of issues for several years — and we will be looking to members of that group for leadership as we continue to build awareness.
Mental health care fits comfortably within several of our areas of focus. As of May, there are 41 global grant-supported projects with a mental health focus. Many of them have tremendous promise, and we will be highlighting them in the months ahead.
So let’s work together to erase the stigma associated with emotional well-being, raise awareness of mental health needs, and improve access to preventive and interventional mental health services.
Good tidings were brought to FRYS in the month of June 2023 due to the great work of Rotarians selling raffle tickets in June
E-tabs recorded the lowest monthly sales activity of the fiscal year at $89K (avg = $114K) but weak sales were overcome by a powerful gross profit margin at 21.27% (avg = 16.02%) that delivered cash of $19K in the form of gross profits
On the other hand, papers tabs had a surprising surge with sales of $68K (avg = $61K) over the month of June and the cherry on top was a strongest gross profit margin of the 2022/2023 campaign at 20.40% (avg = 17.15%) for gross profits of $14K
Bingo had a rebound month as sales summed to $14K, which was also above monthly average of $13K
Unfortunately, the business of charitable gambling is a zero-sum game, meaning if FRYS does poorly the gamblers do well and vice versa as was the case for Bingo as the gross profit margin tumbled to 7.26% (avg = 20.21%) for profits of $1K
Turning to the Rotary Raffle, the Faribault Rotary Club produced sales of $22K and paid out $5K in gifts for gross profits of $16.5K to FRYS/Rotary
If anyone was curious about last year’s Rotary Raffle produced $18K in sales and gross profits of $13.4K so an increase of 16.70% for sales and 22.91% for gross profits
That excellent work from Rotarians selling raffle tickets was critical to deliver net profits, which totaled $11.3K for the month. Without the Rotary Raffle, net income would have been a net loss of $(5K) as FRYS paid $11K in income taxes for June. Looking forward, income taxes for July will be slightly higher at $12K. The other large expense that occurred in June was the payment of the $10K for the inaugural audit.
In other news, August 31 is year-end for FRYS and that always requires a dance between managing net income, charitable contributions and avoiding the unearned business income tax
One aspect that will make that dance more interesting is FRYS’ pull-tab sales at the Blue-Collar Festival August 4th & 5th, which the MN Gambling Control Board recently approved of FRYS undertaking.
The following charitable gift was approved
Faribault Rotary Youth Services $25,000
Due to mistimed cash flows and softer earnings to start the fiscal year, FRYS tapped into its reserves to pay out scholarships, Strive and Warm Our Community as opposed to using cash flows from charitable gambling for which this donation reimburses the reserve fund
On a motion by George Wickstrom & seconded by Rod Muller, FRYS membership approved the reimbursement
The following expenses were approved for August
CG MadeEasy = $250
Inventory = $3,500
Brenda noted that sales have been slower but due to FRYS selling pull-tabs at the Blue Collar Festival greater inventory might be required than the boxes on hand
Charitable Gambling Team Comp = $2,800
Bingo Team Comp = $2,800
MPeters = $10,000
City of Faribault = $1,000
Boxers = $7,000
Misc. = $2,500
Total Expenses = $29,850
On a motion by Dick Huston & seconded by Kristen Gleason, FRYS approved expenses for the month of August
Dave gave his classification talk recently. I asked him seven follow up questions to help summarize his presentation for those of us who were present and for our club members who missed the meeting. If you have not had a chance to welcome him to our club, please do so.
Your Family members, occupations (including you) or school level?”
Tiffany Schickling-Nichols- Wife- Annuity Insurance Sales Support
Dave (me) Executive Director Rice County Historical Society
Your Hometown/School/College
Hometown- Warren MI
Warren Woods Tower High School, Minnesota State University- Mankato
Oakland University
Your Previous occupations?
Museum Curator and Freelance Collections Contractor
Any Hobbies?
Reading, Dungeons and Dragons, Writing, Video Games
Rotary sponsor?
Dick Huston
Interesting fact about you or your life?
I have moved every 3 years or so since I was 4 years old.
Anything else you can think of?
I am also up for a good talk and a hot cup of coffee!
St. Croix River Cruise with St. Paul Rotary is August 1st
Blue Collar BBQ fest is August 4 & 5-Volunteer shifts are full
Pet Parade is August 10th- Looking for Rotary members to participate with your pets!
District Awards were handed out recently and our club-Faribault did great winning and placing in several categories including youth engagement, services, international projects, and public image
Applications for Camp Enterprise are being accepted now
The camp is November 2-4 in Maple Lake (Juniors and Seniors are welcome to apply
Help Wanted
Our club needs your help with the following
Membership
Charitable gambling
Strive
Foundation
Technology
Warm our Community
Picnic Planners
Rotary Concert
George Wickstrom’s anniversary date is today
He joined the club in 1974
Fellowship
Climate change, Fire vs Police in basketball, and Carri Ann Pollard's birthday were all topics
Carri Ann Pollard gave her re-classification speech
Her family has settled into their downtown home
She went to Italy for her 40th birthday!
She is helping a small group of Somalia moms learn English (working on getting a few of them to join our club) (Thanks for all you do for our club and our community!)
Even as we face new and serious challenges, Rotary takes care of its members and those we serve, works to build lasting peace, and embeds belonging and inclusion in everything we do. That is why I am asking everyone in Rotary to Create Hope in the World.
This year, we’re prioritizing projects to support mental health. This effort is deeply personal to me. I know what it’s like to see someone suffer in silence. I have also witnessed the power of personal connections, the value of discussing emotional and mental well-being, and the lifesaving impact of preventive care and treatment. Research shows that performing acts of kindness is an effective step any of us can take to protect our well-being. And by building peace within, we become more capable of bringing peace to the world.
Building peace is the essence of Rotary. Many of our service projects foster the conditions for Positive Peace. We work tirelessly to overcome barriers and create new connections. This year, we’ll promote virtual international exchanges for members to strengthen those vital connections. Peace isn’t a dream, and it’s not passive. It’s the result of working hard, earning trust, and having open conversations that may be difficult. Peace must be waged persistently — and bravely. Everything we do across our areas of focus has the potential to foster the hope that can make peace possible.
The spirit of connection and purpose should inspire every Rotary member. When club leaders focus on offering an excellent club experience, we retain more members and attract more prospective members. We must make our clubs as welcoming and as engaging as we can. Our goal is to create a sense of belonging, from our club meetings to our service activities. We need to continue creating inclusive, welcoming environments where everyone can be their authentic selves. All people of action need to be able to imagine a place for themselves in Rotary — it’s up to us to ensure they can do so.
Over the next year, I will be putting a focus on continuing our journey in diversity, equity, and inclusion — ensuring that Rotary reflects the communities we serve and continues to take significant steps toward accessing the full range of human talents and experiences, so that we can better serve humanity. And we will continue to empower women and girls by helping them unlock the potential already within them. As we begin this journey together, I take inspiration from Scotland’s national poet, Robert Burns, who in the 18th century spoke of all the world becoming kin, promoting “sense and worth, over all the earth.” This has long been my call to action, and I share it now with you.
Let us build peace within and spread it freely. Let us create belonging and imagine the future of Rotary afresh. Let us work together joyously and Create Hope in the World.
July 12th, the club reconvened after the independence break under the direction of Laura Bock. The Virtue of the week was Service and read by Amy Amundson.Keith Kramer provided the club a prayer regarding our ability to serve others. In club announcements, President Bock shared the club committee's needs as follows: Membership Committee, Charitable Giving Committee, Strive,
Strive Committee, Warm Our Community - all seeking new members. Foundation – seeks co-chair.
Technology Wizards – seeks more wizards (magicians apply as well)
Lastly - Picnic Planners wanted for the upcoming club picnic on September 6th.
In Fellowship, Amy Amundson shared that her time in Prague was great. Many members shared they had a great Fourth of July weekend. The club sang happy birthday to Rod Mahler, who turned 90 this week. David Connelly presented a gift (see picture above) to President Laura Bock to support her week in and week out during her year as president.
Emily Gersemehl, clinic manager of the Richie Eye Clinic, Happily accepts her $1500 grand prize check from Rotarian Dr. Murray Hanson- (also) Richie Eye Clinic. Picture was taken at the Richie Eye Clinic.
Carri Ann Pollard directed part one of the two-week club visioning to the club. The visioning is to help us understand Why we are Rotarians, what we want to do as Rotarians, with whom we want to serve, and how we can do so. Please complete the following club visioning questionnaire to provide your insights. https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSfzYCvWnFbbOvPS_ulMKx2LO8T9zoWm0Cvq3jZq12_Qg-V4Dw/viewform
Mary Ellen Bondhus and Rod Mahler provided a quick re-classification speech. Rod provided the overview of his history with the club and his fondest for Rotary. Rod will be doing a full presentation of his 65 years in the club this year. Mary Ellen provided us with insight into what it is like to be blind. Mary Ellen was blind for the first ten years of her life. She has had a couple of retinal transplants throughout her life. Mary Ellen is initially from Georgia. Mary Ellen ended her talk with a quick ASL lesson, teaching the club the 4-way test in ASL.
Ibrahim gave his classification in January. I asked him seven follow up questions to help summarize his presentation for those of us who were present and for our club members who missed the meeting. If you have not had a chance to welcome him to our club, please do so.
Your Family members, occupations (including you) or school level?”
1. Mohamud khalif- trucker driver- high school
2. Ali khalif – trucker driver-high school
3. Abdukadir khalif – warehouse – some college
4. Ahmed khalif- trucker driver – high school
5. Suleman khalif- trucker driver – high school
6. Abdulmajid khalif- warehouse- high school
7. Ibrahim khalif- translator – associate degree
8. Aisha khalif- teacher – bachelor degree
Fadumo Ibrahim – home stay mom
Mohamed Kalif- father retired for warehouse- middle school
Your Hometown/School/College
Faribault public school
South central college
Your Previous occupations?
Faribault public school ELL sectary
Faribault diversity collation coordinator
Any Hobbies?
Community involvement, learning a new language, reading and watching sports
Rotary sponsor?
Sgt. Brandon Gleim
Interesting fact about you or your life?
I’m trilingual; speaking English, Swahili and Somali
Our 14th Faribault Rotary Club President Laura Bock officially takes over for the 2023-24 Rotary year with the "Passing of the Gavel" from outgoing president Kurt Halvorson.
President Kurt’s Year-end Review Virtue Reading- Enthusiasm
Who knew Kurt wore the same outfit to every rotary meeting last year?
That is right it was intentional- a white shirt and tie
Warm our Community was labeled as a signature project
Provided new winter clothing to everyone
Increased membership to a record 87 members!
Presidential Exchange
President Kurt Halvorson graciously turned over the cherished gavel to president elect-Laura Bock
Both provided the group with a brief speech/address
President Bock said- “I want everyone to find the same joy in service that I do”
Rotary Board Members were sworn in to their positions for the 2023-24 Rotary year.
The newest member of the Faribault Rotary Club is Brad Utpadel (R) pictured here with his sponsor, Dick Huston (L.) Brad specializes in video production for The Place Network, LLC.
Operating performance for the month of May 2023 was acceptable – especially given the dynamics at play
The audit was completed in May 2023
Overall, total revenue was down in the month of May with e-tab sales of $93K, which was the second lowest total of FRYS’ fiscal year ($90K in November 2022 = lowest)
However, luck was on FRYS side with a robust gross profit margin at 20.11% (average = 15.51%), delivering $19K in gross profits to the organization
Paper tab sales were also softer at $52K for the second lowest monthly total of the 2022 – 2023 campaign ($37K in November 2022 = lowest) but like e-tabs, the gross profit margin was favorable at 19.71% (average = 17.02%) for gross profits of $10K
Similarly, bingo sales were also down at $10K (lowest total in 4 months) but the payouts were in FRYS’ favor with a gross profit margin of 20.08% for $2K in gross profit income
To summarize, even though revenue was the second lowest monthly total, luck/probability played out for FYRS’ with the strongest gross profit margin averages across pull-tabs at 19.91% (monthly average = 16.25%)
Heightened gross profit margins were enough to offset income taxes of $12K for a monthly net income of $2K
Looking forward, May’s soft sales & favorable margins put FRYS in good position for June as income taxes for the monthly decline to $11K; however, the income statement for June will also realize the $10K fee for the charitable giving audit
As discussed over the last couple months, FRYS hired Schlenner, Wenner & Company to conduct the inaugural charitable gambling audit, which is required for organizations that have charitable gambling sales greater than $750K (FRYS = $2.1 million)
The audit was the first-time external eyes have taken a look into FRYS’ charitable gambling practices and operations that were built from the ground up when FRYS embarked on charitable gambling in October 2021 à thus, there was a little anxiousness about what the feedback from the audit might be given the lack of prior experience.
Having said that, I am extremely proud and honored to report that the FRYS charitable gambling team is performing at an exceptional level!
Findings from the audit were minor and FRYS can easily make the changes so that those findings are resolved
For example, Amy Amundson is the Treasurer of charitable gambling, which is a title FRYS crafted for her and not one required by the Gambling Control Board (only gambling manager & CEO are required titles), so there was slight confusion around check signing duties of the Treasurer, which we classified as Amy but really referred to Dave Beranek who is the Treasurer of FRYS à thus, a simple change to Amy’s title will resolve all confusion on that front
The following expenses were approved for the month of July
CG MadeEasy = $250
Inventory = $3,500
Charitable Gambling Team Comp = $2,800
Bingo Team Comp = $2,800
MPeters = $10,000
City of Faribault = $1,000
Boxers = $7,000
Misc. = $2,500
Total Expenses = $29,850
On a motion by David Connelly & second by Grant Wilson, FRYS membership approved the expenses for July 2023
We have just one day to go for our annual cash raffle before the drawing on June 28th. We need to collect all sold and unsold ticket books before tomorrow's meeting. Please turn them in to either Eric or Murray today if you have not already done so.
We have a Rotary little library and post just like this one looking for a new home. Dick Cook will deliver and install. In return you take stewardship by maintaining and stocking, if need be. Take a book, leave a book may flourish. Please respond to this email if you are interested.
Dave Nichols provided his classification speech as the Director of the Rice County Historical Society. Dave was born in Warren Michigan. Dave considers himself an internal optimist, and a huge nerd. Dave came to Minnesota because of the rich history to study at Minnesota State University. At MSU Dave met his now wife Tiffany and decided to stay in Minnesota.
Dave and Tiffany live in New Ulm and have one daughter named Addison. Dave loves Star Trek, the depth of American History, and coffee. Dave came to Rice County Historical Society in 2019 as the head curator. In 2021 Dave accepted the Executive Director position at RCHS, relieving long standing director Sue Garwood who retired. Dave admires the Rotary Four Way Test because of its effect it has on daily life choices, and its role in creating history as truth.
Mark Kenney shared the Virtue “Love.” Sommer Cunningham provided a prayer blessing our time as a club together. In Club announcements President Halverson thanked the many Rotarians who participated in the Heritage Day celebration.
For fellowship club members shared their admiration for President Halverson as he bids farewell to his year as president. Kurt had a very special guest in attendance, his birth mother Peggy. Peggy and Kurt reunited this past year for the first time with the help of Natalie Ginter.
It was an honor to pay our tribute and respects to Kurt in her presence. Nate Cunningham presented Kurt with a parting gift of Macho Man Randy Savage trading cards. Mr. Halverson shared with the club a couple months ago that the “Macho Man” was his spirit animal.
This is the third grade class at Nerstrand Elementary School with the pollinator plants provided by Donahue's Nursery, Rice Soil and Water, and the Faribault Sportsman Club. On May 4, 2023, Emily Nesvold led an activity about flowers and spoke to the class about pollinators. After that, she presented the class with the book, Plant a Pocket of Prairie, provided by the Faribault Rotary Club, as well as the Pollinator plants.
On National Flag Day, the meeting started with a club version of “The Grand Old Flag.” Grant Wilson provided the Virtue of “Enthusiasm.” followed by a blessing poem by Troy Dunn.
Club Announcements:
Dick Huston thanked Laura, Mark, Ryan, Brandon, and his son for coming out to the Community Garden to put together a storage shed last Tuesday.
Fellowship directed by Dr. Murray Hanson:
Zak brought Deb from Big Brothers Big Sisters to share their newest fundraiser, Golf for Kid's Sake August 21st at the Faribault Country Club. Register your team today with this link. http://www.bbbsofsouthernmn.org/events/golf-kids-sake/
Our long-time Zoom attending Kristen Gleason made an in-person address, inviting her two oldest daughters.
Recently retired Sheriff Troy Dunn shared an update on retirement in Arizona, along with a great story about taking three hours to pick up some simple grocery items at Fareway due to running into good friends here in Faribault.
Ibrahim Khalif was our classification speaker. Ibrahim grew up in Somalia with her mother, five brothers, and one sister. As rebel movements came closer to their village Ibrahim and his family fled, finding themselves in Minnesota. Winter in the first year was very hard and a surprise. They didn’t have thick coats and never thought it could get so cold. Holidays like Thanksgiving and Christmas were also a surprise that all the stores closed.
Ibrahim is currently taking care of his mother in Faribault. Most of his family lives in the twin cities. Ibrahim has a passion for starting a youth-directed center to create an inclusive space for all cultures to feel safe to hang out. Ibrahim feels like Faribault is his home, and it has always been meant to be.
Number of children fathered by John Tyler, the most of any U.S. President - 15 John Tyler became the 10th president of the United States in 1841 — and today - incredibly - he still has two living grandchildren. One of his children, Lyon Gardiner Tyler, born in 1853, fathered Lyon Gardiner Tyler, Jr. in 1924 and Harrison Ruffin Tyler in 1928, according to Sherwood Forest Plantation the home of President Tyler.
Former Rotarian and retired Faribault Police Chief Andy Bohlen shared this picture with me last week. All is well and he passes along greetings to everyone! I think he is enjoying his retirement as much as Sheriff Dunn!
The club participated in the 3rd annual Service Club Olympics with Sertoma winning for the third year in a row but this year we were second place.
Attendance was at 83.5% this year down from 89.24% in 1981.
Faribault mayor Gary Kindseth spoke to the club about the city’s sound financial position and future plans.
The club held the annual honors banquet for 50 BA and FHS seniors at Bethlehem Academy.
Future Rotarian of the year (2009) Dave Beranek joined the club on June 16, 1982. Wes Bahl was his sponsor. During his classification talk he mentioned that he was single and played fastpitch softball.
New improved songbooks were provided by a number of Rotarians. These are our current songbooks and replaced the ones purchased in 1966.
The club awarded four music scholarships to Faribault High School seniors.
Our club’s 62nd president in 1981-82 was Dale Hamilton.
This Saturday in Central Park you can fill your desire to listen to Kathy Wickwire and the sweet sound of Martha Brown as this "Eclipse" duo entertains Faribault as part of the Heritage Days festivities. If you can't make it for this round of fun in the park, they will be back in Central Park for the Thursday night summer concert series on July 27th.
Eclipse is a versatile and unique duo consisting of Martha Brown on keyboards and vocals and Kathy Wickwire on drums and vocals. Throughout their 25-year history, they have performed on cruise ships and at outdoor festivals, country clubs, and private parties.
Tonight (Tuesday June 13th) at 5:30 pm you have the opportunity to join volunteer Rotarians at the west end of our community garden at North Alexander Park to help assemble our new garden shed. Dick Huston will be there to direct the activity. He says to bring tools-especially wrenches.
The honorable Dr. Dick Huston proposes Brad Utpadel, an expert in Video Production for The Place Network, LLC, for membership in the Faribault Rotary Club. If you have any questions please contact membership chair Keith Kramer.
Today's meeting was without a program speaker and focused on club fellowship. Prior to the pledge of allegiance, our President Halverson threatened to do some Beatboxing on the mic. Luckily for the club, instead the club sang Kurt's favorite patriotic song "Grand Old Flag." George Wickstrom provided the virtue of Accountability. Laura Bock provided a summer blessing to the club.
Club Announcements:
Dick Huston presented incoming president Laura Bock with a gift from the district governors for her year as president.
Laura Bock welcomed her incoming leadership team to attend the district training program. An email will be sent out to the team.
Laura invited members to attend the installment of our new district governor Patricia McCleese on June 21st.
President Halverson thanks all the Rotarians who helped pass out 1200 stickers at the Faribault Memorial Day Parade.
Keith Kramer updated the club on the mentor program for new members. A copy of what it takes to be a mentor are at the back table. Sign up to be a member mentor today with Keith.
Fellowship with George Wickstrom
George provided an overview of the debt ceiling, including how it works, why it is important, and what our politics have to do with it.
Dave Beranek shared his thanks for the banquet for the passing of his mother a couple weeks ago.
Carri Ann Pollard brought her daughter Bethany, who just got her driver's permit.
Zak Branham announced Harry Brown's is going through a rebranding. More to come and see in the coming weeks.
Brenda DeMars shared with the club the Gambling audit was complete, and thanked the team for all their hard work.
President Halverson ended the meeting with a delightful, heartwarming, thoughtful, and funny story about the "Tailgate Trail of Little Debbie’s." Check-out this amazing story at the 25th minute of the meeting via YouTube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2tA_BDN4sgE
In just 44 weeks, the Faribault Rotary Club will celebrate its 100-year anniversary on May 1, 2020. This week’s historical highlight is from 1973.
Newly elected Mayor, Bob Larson, addressed the club with goals and aspirations for Faribault.
Congressman Al Quie updated the club on what is happening in Washington DC.
The club sponsored two delegates, Faribault Juniors, Therese Sorenson and David Mahler, to the St. Paul Youth Conference.
Layton Hoysler was nominated to serve as District Governor for 1974-75.
Arlen Erdahl, Minnesota Secretary of State, presented a program on voter registration.
Total membership stayed at 68 Rotarians for 1973.
A music scholarship was awarded to Rebecca Wickstrom daughter of Mr. and Mrs. George Wickstrom.
Our club’s 53rd president in 1972-73 was Rod Mahler who is now been a member for over 61 years. He was the sponsor of our 100th president, Amy Amundson.
The following was noted in the Faribotarian from the June 27, 1973 meeting.
It was like New Year’s Eve. President Rod gave a summary of the Rotary year that just ended and turned the gavel over to President-Elect Dr. Roy Anderson. It was the biggest smile that Rod had all year. Our Thanks to Rod for a most successful year. Roy started out in shirt sleeves and laid out his goals for the club. Maybe this was a preview of things to come.
Speaking to you through the pages of Rotary magazine this past year has brought me so much joy. I have especially enjoyed sharing the incredible stories of the wonderful people Nick and I have met on the Imagine Impact Tour.
From Patzún in the mountainous western highlands of Guatemala to a small village outside of Lusaka, Zambia, we have been greeted by countless people who imagine and work toward a better world.
We were inspired by teachers who imagine a better education for girls and boys facing gender-based violence, by Rotaractors in a refugee settlement who created a flour mill to provide for their families in a critical food shortage, and by brave polio workers who push tirelessly to reach every last child.
All of us have imagined Rotary this year. This means looking past what we are today and reaching for what we could be tomorrow. We imagine a Rotary that will continue to tell our stories in impactful ways, work to reduce our carbon footprint, and focus on diversity, equity, and inclusion efforts that lift every voice in our organization and beyond.
Nick and I want to thank all of you for the moments we’ve shared and for your efforts to Imagine Rotary. And now, we look forward to continuing these efforts as we Create Hope in the World. It has been an honor and a privilege to serve with each of you.
With Dr. Dick Huston driving the Rotary Kubota these Rotarians and family members enjoyed perfect weather riding through downtown Faribault on Memorial Day honoring our veterans.
The Faribault Rotary Club has inducted Ryan Holmquist, co-owner of Stone Orchard Events and Chief Petty Officer in the United States Coast Guard, as a member. Ryan (left) is pictured with his sponsor Nate Cunningham.
The Faribault Rotary Club has inducted Ellie Holmquist, co-owner of Tone Orchard Events, as a member. Pictured with Ellie (left) is her sponsor Sommer Cunningham.
Photo (L to R): Martha Brown, Elizabeth Velazquesz Sanchez, Taylor Sterling, Gabriel Galdamez Aquirre
On May 17, three students were awarded the Rotary Arts Scholarship. They were nominated by their art teacher to receive the Rotary Arts Scholarship provided by the Faribault Rotary Club. For over 40 years, the club has celebrated outstanding students like them.
This scholarship is $500.
To receive the scholarship money, they need to:
Attend a college, university or conservatory majoring in the arts
With dental hygiene already becoming normalized, one thing set it over the edge: American soldiers during WWII were required to brush their teeth every day, and brought the habit home with them.
After a couple months of vibrant reports, today’s communication is bitter. Why? Financial performance and uncertainty rising in the Minnesota charitable gambling world.
Starting with the financial performance, e-tabs had a softer month with sales of $99K (down from $154K last month) but the margin was decent at 19.15%, producing gross profit of $19K
Getting physical, paper tabs also were down from last month at $74K vs. $77K, respectively
To pour salt on the wound, the margin deteriorated to 16.0% from 18.4%, respectively; thus, the gross profit was $11.8K
Bingo continues to be a growing attraction at Boxers as revenue posted an impressive $15K with a record margin of 24.7% for gross profits of $3.8K
While the sales volume seems adequate, FRYS was punished by the rolling gross receipts tax, totaling $14.4K, dropping the organization to a net loss of $2K for the month of April
On the positive, the gross receipts tax declines to $11.8K next month, so if April’s performance repeats, profits should return for FRYS
Alright, so a net loss of $2K is the more comforting of the two topics, time to discuss uncertainty
For those unable to observe, a quick summary: Local Native American tribes have a monopoly on slot machines in Minnesota by law and advancements in e-tab gaming began to look to like that of slot machines, prompting a lawsuit by the tribes for which the MN Courts ultimately agreed with them
What does this mean going forward? E-tabs are not banned by any means but the functionality of e-tabs will be modified
The “open all” button will be eliminated and gamers will likely need to press each window slot (a total of 3 or 4 presses) to play games, which will be a slower pace of play no doubt from the one press “open all button”
On the positive, revenue shar percentages with e-tab providers has been capped at 25% starting in July 2024 (FRYS is paying M-Peters 31% right now). FRYS intends to ask M-Peters if any adjustments will be made ahead of time but there is not much leverage to get M-Peters to change ahead of schedule.
Following expenses were approved:
CG MadeEasy = $250
Inventory = $3,500
Charitable Gambling Team Comp = $2,800
Bingo Team Comp = $2,800
MPeters = $10,000
City of Faribault = $1,000
Boxers = $7,000
Misc. = $2,500
Audit (already approved by FRYS BoD) = $10,000
Total Expenses = $39,850
On a motion by Kurt Halverson & seconded by Dr. Dick Huston, FRYS membership approved expenses for June
Megan Dalland, the director of operations at Sacred Heart Lutheran Church, provided her club classification. Highlighted by four phrases that impact her life and who she is. “Life is short; ride the roller coaster.” Take the time to make meaning in life. Megan has a 8-year-old named Olivia. Olivia has a phrase she uses that is very impactful “Lights out, bubbles are out.”
The third phrase is “Always make time for your passions.” Megan has a passion for cooking and has started a food blog called "Lazy Broke Cook" (the link is www.lazybrokecook.com) to highlight this passion. The last lesson is “If you’re busy, you are blessed.” There is always a choice to thank you for the opportunities, and it is always good to schedule some downtime to enjoy with family and friends.
On May 15th, our meeting started with the virtue of discernment picked by Mr. Chad Koepke and followed by a blessing by Pastor Mark Kenney. In Club announcements, Cindy Yerington reminded new members they must take meeting attendance.
George Wickstrom hosted fellowship.
Gail Kaderlik shared her experience celebrating Norwegian Independence Day with Some good old lutefisk.
Brandon Gliem shared it was peace officer week and highlighted to thank a police officer.
Mark Kenney shared that he visited his cabin, and his daughter also had her bridal shower.
Having grown up in a Dutch-speaking community in New York, Van Buren was the only President (1837-41)whose first language was not English. Although Van Buren (8th President) worked hard to mask his original tongue, observers claim his accent would surface whenever he became visibly excited. (did you know this, Zak?)
The election of 1824 saw four viable candidates, none of whom won an outright majority of electoral votes. Andrew Jackson nabbed 99, John Quincy Adams won 84, William H. Crawford earned 41, and Henry Clay claimed 37. Despite having neither the highest number of electoral or total popular votes, Adams was chosen as President by the U.S. House of Representatives.
The Honorable Sommer Cunningham proposes Ellie Holmquist, co- Owner of Stone Orchard Events and Music Ministry leader for Restoration Church for membership in the Faribault Rotary Club. If you have any questions or concerns please contact membership chair Keith Kramer.
The Honorable Nate Cunningham proposes Ryan Holmquist, co- Owner of Stone Orchard Events and Chief Petty Officer in the United States Coast Guard for membership in the Faribault Rotary Club. If you have any questions or concerns please contact membership chair Keith Kramer.
In the early 1960's, Dorothy Fredrickson, wife of Rotarian Felix Fredrickson presented the Faribault Area Girls Camp Committee a gift of $12,000 that was to be used to establish a camp which was to be dedicated to camping opportunities for girls in the Faribault community. Mrs. Fredrickson was an ardent advocate of opportunities for girls and women.
The Girls Camp Committee included Nancy Jirik, Shirlee Madow, Marcia Onkka and Irene Hoysler. Their first order of business was to locate lakeshore property that was close to the Faribault area. Their searches lead them to Basil Heselton who owned property that suited their needs on the north shore of Cedar Lake in Shieldsville Township. Convincing Basil to sell the land was easy since his wife had been active in scouting activities prior to her death.
Once the land had been found, the committee felt they would need some assistance to help in their efforts to purchase the land so they could proceed with their project and fulfill Mrs. Fredrickson's request. Many of the committee member's husbands were Rotarians so they approached the Faribault Rotary Club to see if they would be willing to participate in this venture. The agreements were drawn up and the group established the organization which would be known as the Faribault Youth Service.
Once this new Board was established, they decided to expand the mission and purpose of the camp which would now include not only camping opportunities for girls but for all youth and the Faribault community in general. Contributions, both monetary and labor were solicited. The first order of business was to establish access to the property. A large culvert and driveway would need to be constructed across a drainage creek and ditch which isolated the land.
The Rotary Camp is located on the shores of Cedar Lake which is 8 miles west of Faribault. The camp consists of about 18 acres of natural state which includes woods, wetlands, and one open grassy area, along with 2000 feet of lakeshore
The project has been the pride of many Rotarians over the past 60 years. Rotarians have been responsible for the tree planting, brush removal, lakeshore improvement and the construction of the lodge facility. The three season (rustic) building contains a kitchen, appliances such as an electric stove, microwave, refrigerator and a sink. It also has picnic tables, a fireplace two indoor restrooms. It can handle up to 100 people. In addition, it has a large walk around exterior deck almost as large as the building itself. Other features include a dock and a campfire site. There is plenty of outdoor space available for outdoor activities. The use of tents is greatly encouraged.
The Rotary Youth Camp has been the site for many day camps for Brownies and Girl Scouts, Cub Scouts, the Faribault Day Activity Center and church youth groups. It has also provided overnight camping opportunities for Boy Scouts and 4H groups. The camp has also played host to Boy Scout troops from states south of Minnesota as they travel to the Boundary Waters Canoe area. For several years the Faribault Rotary Club hosted a camp for all the in-bound Rotary Exchange Students in the district. It is also a unique location for reunions and company picnics.
The Rotary Camp has been and will continue to be a great asset for the years to come!
May 3rd our meeting virtue was Courage and read by David Nichols and was followed by an Irish blessing read by David Connelly.
In club announcements:
Dr. Huston recapped the Plant a Prairie Project as a success. Giving 350 plants to school-age kids to plant in their area.
David Connelly informed the club of service projects coming up, including highway clean-up May 20th 10:30 am.
Keith Kramer requested members to become a Rotary new member mentor. See Keith if interested.
In fellowship:
Brenda DeMars introduced Laurie Markman, who came to thank the club for the FELP Faribault Educational Enrichment Program for our donation to the program.
Nate Cunningham shared that Mighty Fine Coffee is now live at the Crossroads Building 7am-1pm during the week.
Brandon Gliem updated the club on the Safe Summer kick-off event June 1st at Alexander Park. 100 free bikes will be given to kids in the community.
Megan Dalland shared that donations at her church, Our Saviors Lutheran, will be going to Polio Plus for the month of May.
Due to technical issues, our program was rescheduled for a later date.
I believe it is a time in our world for brave, courageous, intentional leadership.
Last month, in this column, you heard from my dear friend Anniela Carracedo. She is an amazing member of our Rotary family, and as a past Interactor and now Rotarian, she is this kind of leader. Anni shared a very personal story about coping with a panic attack, something that I have also experienced. The outpouring and response to this story have been tremendous and punctuate how critical it is that we acknowledge not only our strengths but our vulnerabilities too.
When we talk about finding space for one another — creating comfort and care within Rotary — we're describing a club experience where we can all feel comfortable sharing like Anni did, and we can all empathize with and support one another. Whatever we are facing in life, Rotary is a place where we know we're not alone. We spend so much time helping our world, whether it's working to end polio, cleaning up the environment, or bringing hope to communities that need it most. Sometimes we can lose track of the need to apply some of our energy and care to our fellow members and partners in service.
The comfort and care of our members is the single greatest driver of member satisfaction and retention. We need to ensure that it remains a priority — and that we further strengthen these bonds by performing service that helps reduce the stigma of seeking out mental health treatment and expands access to care. That is why I'm so heartened by President-elect Gordon McInally's wonderful vision to help improve the global mental health system, not only for Rotary members, but for the communities we serve.
When Gordon announced our focus on mental health at this year's International Assembly in Orlando, Florida, he reminded us that helping others benefits our mental health by reducing stress and improving our mood. Studies show that performing acts of kindness is an effective way to improve your own mental and physical health. Rotary service brings hope to the world and joy to our lives. Our new focus on mental health will take some time to do right, and yet it builds on something that has been part of who we are for 118 years. We are People of Action, and behind that action is care, compassion, empathy, and inclusion.
Becoming champions of mental health is not only the right and kind thing to do, it is a tool that can Create Hope in the World, Gordon's inspiring theme for his upcoming year as president. If we serve our members, we serve our communities, and if we can meet people where they are and lift them up, they will imagine Rotary in a new light and come to fully understand our value and our infinite potential.
The March gambling report is coming to you on a Friday as I am likely to be MIA for the first half of next week and therefore unable to deliver the commentary. But have no fear, Brenda will be able to present the findings with pristine precision. Today’s report brings a mix of good and bad news – let’s start with the good.
Electronic pull tabs established a new revenue record, crushing the previous record of $138K by 12% with total sales of $154K. Gross profits on the sector were also a new record at $24K with a margin of 15.6%, which is an average performance in terms of margin/probability. As Brenda noted at Rotary on Wednesday with Murray’s follow-up email, if the MN Legislature makes changes to electronic pulls tabs, FRYS can expect to see a sizeable drop in revenue. Who knows how much but the $154K record would likely be etched in stone given regulatory changes.
Paper tabs, while not setting a new record, had a strong month at $77K with gross profits of $14K on a margin of 18.4%. Paper tab sales have been volatile when looking at as a percentage of e-tabs, ranging from the high 70%s down to the low 30%s. Thus, if e-tab sales were to be overhauled, paper tabs would pick up some slack but the Boxers’ cohort clearly prefers e-tabs, which is why Brenda’s call to action is so important to keep the cash flows coming back into the Faribault Youth community.
Bingo continues to be a hot commodity at Boxers as sales totaled $16K, which was only slightly below last month’s record high of $17K. Unlike last month, someone must have hit the jackpot(s) in March as gross profits fell to $2K vs. last month’s $6K. While total revenues established a new record at $249K, which was up from last month’s prior record of $223K for an increase of 11.65%, net income for the month was only $8.6K (3.46% net profit margin) vs. last month’s $19.7K (8.82% profit margin).
What is to blame for the soft net income? One of the only two things assured in this life, death, and in our case, taxes. FRYS cut a tax check of $13K to the MN Department of Revenue. Make sure to reference that number when emailing your public servants on the potential disruptions from changes in pull-tabs!
Month
Operation
Revenue
Prizes
Gross Profit
Gross Margin %
Monthly Net Profit
Net Profit Margin
Misc. Notes
Sep-22
E-Tabs
112,995
90,667
22,328
19.76%
26,935
6.30%
Strong net profit driven by starting cash of $13.6K ---> "True" net income = $13,284
Paper Tabs
83,985
69,548
14,437
17.19%
Non-Linked Bingo
13,073
10,788
2,285
17.48%
Linked Bingo
931
791
140
15.05%
Oct-22
E-Tabs
110,604
88,258
22,346
20.20%
10,103
5.53%
Strongest e-tab gross profit margin on record at 20.2%
Paper Tabs
59,864
49,813
10,051
16.79%
Non-Linked Bingo
11,412
9,145
2,267
19.87%
Linked Bingo
706
600
106
15.01%
Nov-22
E-Tabs
90,406
80,444
9,962
11.02%
-8,126
-5.79%
Weak sales in paper tabs combined with heavy "aggregate" tax of $6K made for poor month
Paper Tabs
37,422
30,845
6,577
17.58%
Non-Linked Bingo
11,730
10,808
922
7.86%
Linked Bingo
752
639
113
15.03%
Dec-22
E-Tabs
122,991
107,460
15,531
12.63%
6,120
3.46%
Paper Tabs
42,343
36,019
6,324
14.94%
Non-Linked Bingo
9,620
9,149
471
4.90%
Linked Bingo
2,075
1,763.75
311
15.00%
Jan-23
E-tabs
108,407
97,364
11,043
10.19%
-1,125
-0.65%
Weak gross margins on e-tabs combineded with elevated gross receipts tax drained earnings
Paper Tabs
52,888
44,203
8,685
16.42%
Non-Linked Bingo
9,254
7,455
1,799
19.44%
Linked Bingo
1,267
1,076
190
15.00%
Feb-23
E-tabs
134,413
113,562
20,851
15.51%
19,707
8.82%
Record revenue & net profit due to strong bingo
Paper Tabs
68,241
55,602
12,639
18.52%
Non-Linked Bingo
17,480
11,366
6,114
34.98%
Linked Bingo
3,255
2,766
489
15.01%
Mar-23
E-tabs
154,416
130,341
24,075
15.59%
8,631
3.46%
NEW Record revenue & but net profit softened due to $13K in taxes
Paper Tabs
76,531
62,425
14,106
18.43%
Non-Linked Bingo
15,788
13,593
2,195
13.90%
Linked Bingo
2,437
2,071
366
15.02%
In other FRYS news, the inaugural charitable gambling audit is underway. Looking forward to the commentary from the CPAs as this is the first look at FRYS’ charitable gambling operations, processes and structures that were built from the ground up, offering a chance to improve our performance and generate even greater profits for youth in the community.
The Following Expenses Were Approved for May
CG MadeEasy = $250
Inventory = $5,500
Charitable Gambling Team Comp = $2,800
Bingo Team Comp = $2,800
MPeters = $10,000
City of Faribault = $1,000
Boxers = $7,000
Misc. = $2,500
Total Expenses = $31,850
On a first by Laura Bock and second with Kay Hoaglin, FRYS membership approved the expenses for May 2023
Nathan gave his classification in January. I asked her six follow up questions to help summarize his presentation for those of us who were present and for our club members who missed the meeting. If you have not had a chance to welcome him to our club, please do so.
Your Family members, occupations (including you) or school level?”
Nathaniel Project Manager, Owner Mighty Fine Coffee
Sommer Home Maker, Educator
Brianna 10th Grade
Avery 8th Grade
Gavin 5th Grade
Emmett 2nd Grade
Nolan 3 years
Your Hometown/School/College
Hometown, Faribault
Faribault Highschool
Defense Language Institute, Monterey California
Your Previous occupations?
Military Intelligence Operator, Linguist (Signals Intelligence)
Any Hobbies?
Coffee, Fencing, Strategy Games
Rotary sponsor?
Mark Kenney
Interesting fact about you or your life?
Been Blown up 11 times
Using Linguist background to learn Somali, ASL, and Spanish (more later)
Organic Compound Farm are thriving farms and homestead centered around regenerative living. The seed was planted when our founder Wil Crombie started tending the homestead where he was raised. By 2012 the land got its name and the Organic Compound was established. Friends began gathering and started a small garden in the yard, laying the groundwork for this seed to grow. Each year since has been filled with its own milestones of reclamation, transformation, and deep connection. By 2014 the group had outgrown the garden and expanded to a 3.14-acre slice of pie, where we began implementing permaculture practices and exploring all the land had to offer. Carly became another founding member as the community grew - managing the annual gardens, organizing the events, and weaving the community web. Through beekeeping, saw milling, hide tanning, deep mulch gardening, water and land management, composting and food preservation we catalyzed our love for this regenerative lifestyle. These first few years gave us enough depth and stability to establish our roots and commit to a perennial future.
The next layer of work began in 2016 when Tree-Range® Farms was born, a food business and network of farmers raising Tree-Range® Chicken. Trusting in the momentum of this work, our family land became the first commercial scale site for this regenerative brand. This partnership was established with the vision of empowering small farmers to positively impact the food system, while building the health of their farmland and creating truly regenerative food products. For the people gathering at the Organic Compound, this new endeavor greatly magnetized the purpose, beauty, and potential impact of our work. Over the next four years we transformed 40 acres of conventionally farmed cropland into a thriving ecosystem full of diversity. Together we planted over 20,000 trees and shrubs and began integrating animals along with perennial and annual alley crops - returning natural cycles to the once barren landscape. Our restoration work had begun.
In the years following its conception the Organic Compound has become a true testament to what can happen when a community comes together around shared values. In 2017 Carly and Wil purchased the homestead and continue to gather with friends and family to co create this regenerative vision every season. With your support we have been able to host countless events, work with local schools, improve our on-farm infrastructure and bring healthy food to our communities. In 2019 the 40 acres of agroforestry became certified organic and the homestead became solar powered. We are dedicated to restoring our relationship with this land, this community and ourselves.
On April 19th Past President Amy Amundson lead our meeting at the Inn at Shattuck-St. Mary’s starting at 12:15pm. The meeting started with a moment of Virtue of Gratitude provided by Cindy Yerington. Followed by a blessing by Pastor Mark Kenney.
Club Announcements
Dick Huston shared a picture from the community school garden that was created in part of the Cambodia water project in 2022.
Dr. Huston continued with an update of the “Plant a Pod in the Prairie Project” A hand out (will be translated into Spanish and Somali) has been created to go with each prairie seed pod. 350 of these pods are being given to students in our community to learn and plant.
Fellowship -
It was a pleasure to welcome in spring by welcoming back snowbirds Dave Beranek and Marv Schroeder this week.
Sommer Cunningham announced Mighty Fine Coffee is taking over the coffee cart at the Crossroads Professional Building starting May 1st from 7am-1pm Monday-Friday.
Keith Kramer identified the little importance of the little notes and cards he sends out to people, and the impact of trust it provides.
Erica Staab-Absher shared a study done by Winona. That 85% of students surveyed would like more adult interactions.
Jake Kohl announced he and Baily welcomed their first daughter into the world on March 30th. Genevieve was 21.5 inches and 7.19 lbs.
Eid al-Fitr is an important religious holiday celebrated by Muslims worldwide. It marks the end of the holy month of Ramadan, which is a period of fasting and spiritual reflection. Around 2000 people (400 kids) attended the celebration last Friday at Faribault High School. Rotarians supplied candy and cotton candy which was well recieved. Eid al-Fitr is typically celebrated for three days, although the exact duration may vary depending on the country and cultural traditions. The celebrations often include special prayers, feasting, and the exchange of gifts.
The “S” in Ulysses S. Grant’s name doesn’t mean anything. It’s a clerical error. Grant received the erroneous middle initial when a friend of his father, Thomas Hamer, nominated Ulysses for enrollment at West Point. The initial stuck. Writing to his future wife, Grant said: “I have an ‘S’ in my name and don’t know what it stands for.”
While every acting President serves as the commander-in-chief of the U.S. military, nobody will ever outrank George Washington. He was posthumously given the rank of General of the Armies of the United States, sometimes compared to being a six-star general. Although General John J. Pershing also held the title for his service during WWI, when President Ford appointed Washington in 1976 — 200 years after Washington’s heyday — he specified that our first President would always rank first among all Army officers past and present.
Martha gave her classification in January. I asked her six follow up questions to help summarize her presentation for those of us who were present and for our club members who missed the meeting. If you have not had a chance to welcome her to our club, please do so.
Your Family members, occupations (including you) or school level?”
Me, Kathy Wickwire – life partner, Keiko – Cockatoo, 2 parakeets, and golden retriever, Murphy.
Occupation - Consultant/Evaluator, Musician, Adjunct Professor
Ph.D. in Curriculum & Instruction
Your Hometown/School/College Born Erie PA – Millcreek is hometown
Your Community Service?
Rotary International, Member (2022-present) Volunteer, Paradise Center for the Performing Arts (2021-present) Community Action Center, Volunteer Trainer in Trauma-informed Practices (2022) Peer Reviewer, Various journals including American Journal of Evaluation (2020 – present) American Evaluation Association (2016 – present) Independent Consulting Topical Interest Group (TIG): AEA365 Contributor Faribault Diversity Coalition (2020 – present) Operation120, Chair of the Board (2018 – 2019) National Association of Community & Restorative Justice, (2014 –2021): Advisory Council Member (2016 – 201
Previous Occupations? Adjunct Professor, Eastern Mennonite University 5/19 – present Graduate and Professional Development Courses Taught: Circle Processes Instructor, Simon Fraser University, Continuing Studies 1/16 – 5/19
Continuing Education Courses Taught: Introduction to Restorative Justice, Restorative Justice Process Models, Community Development through Restorative Justice, Restorative Justice in Educational Settings
Adjunct Professor, Florida Atlantic University 1/16 – 5/18 Undergraduate Education Course Taught: Educational Assessment
Rotary sponsor? Dick Huston
Hobbies? Gardening, Biking, Hiking, Camping, learning how to build stuff out of wood
Dan was formally inducted into our Rotary club-Congrats Dan. “We” do to you as well!
Fellowship- each Rotarian was asked to thank someone in the club for their inspiration
Dr. Huston started us off with a thank you to Dr. Speckhals
Dr. Huston spoke about the environment and his own personal impact on his property
Both doctors agree this issue should not be political in nature
He also dedicated his necktie with the Disney Character Goofy to Dr. Hanson who replied to him with a spot-on voice impression “Uh huh, well gaawrrsh!” It will be interesting to see what tie he chooses this week from his vast “Mickey Mouse” collection.
Brandon Gliem talked about Safe Summer Kick off June 1st
How the police department is continuing its efforts to recruit local young people to the department
Laura Bock
Thanked David for his inspiration to her to be a great person
Total cost for this project will all be determined by size, scope and placement of the house. I would think a minimum of $500K to get it going outside of the assigned officer costs.
St. Cloud PD Presentation
The main partner of the house and its chief operator is the St. Cloud Police Departments-Community Engagement Division. The Division is made of up of 6 Officers who split their time between working with youth at the COP house and hunting the city’s worst violent offenders. Officers wear “plain clothes” and drive unmarked police cars. Officers and community partners have initiated the following programs out of the COP house:
COP house Hockey
50 kids
Most kids had never skated
Hockey equipment was donated by Herb Brooks foundation and St. Cloud State University
COP house fishing club
11 kids participated
Kids were able to fish on area lakes with Officers
At the end of the year kids were able to go to the Boundary Waters area with Officers!
COP house Soccer club
Over 100 kids
Most poplar activity at the house
Youth coaches had to be called in to assist Officers
South Side Hoops
Established before the COP house
Very successful with many area kids participating
St. Cloud Area Public Safety Committee
Rotarians also met with Sonja Gidlow, the executive director of the St. Cloud Public Safety foundation. Sonja gave a brief presentation about her foundation and their role as the owner and operator of St. Cloud’s COP house. The following is taken from a document called a History of Greater St. Cloud Public Safety Committee Cop House.
To support the project financially, a non-profit entity, the Greater St. Cloud Public Safety Foundation (GSCPSF), was established. The purpose of the foundation was to raise the funds needed to construct, and ultimately own, the physical building where an outpost was to be located. The GSCPSF obtained non-profit tax status (501c3) and developed a business plan. During this process it was decided that the foundation’s mission was to be broader than the physical police outpost alone and would include support for all public safety providers in a three-county area (i.e., Benton, Sherburne and Stearns), including police, fire and emergency medical personnel. The mission of the GSCPSF was identified: To be the leading advocate of public safety in the greater St. Cloud region. Two local foundations, the Initiative Foundation and the Central Minnesota Community Foundation, provided initial funding to cover start-up costs of the GSCPSF. A governance board was established with community volunteers, who set about raising funds needed for the COP House. The first lead matching gift was $75,000 from the St. Cloud Rotary Club. This was leveraged to raise in-kind and cash donations totaling nearly $500,000, which were used to purchase the selected property and build the neighborhood facility.
Faribault Foundation
The Faribault Foundation is an established 5013c foundation already well established in Faribault. Here is a brief description of their organization from their web site:
The Vision: To serve current and future generations in the Faribault area through robust philanthropic support to enhance the quality of life in Faribault.
The Mission of the Faribault Foundation is to identify the areas of greatest interest and opportunity in Faribault. Gather and invest philanthropic gifts from individuals, families and businesses to support what is good for our community.
Brandon Gliem reached out to fellow Rotarian Kymn Anderson, the Faribault Foundations Executive Director. Discussed was the COP house project, and the possible formation of a Faribault Public Safety Committee. The Faribault Foundation will be exploring the idea of establishing a public safety committee and is recommending a small taskforce of their board connect with the committee to explore the details of operating a Public Safety Committee through the Faribault Foundation’s existing 5013c.
Recommendation
It is the purpose of this committee to determine the suitability for the Faribault Rotary Club to coordinate a project involving the formation of a COP house in the City of Faribault.
A Faribault COP house would be used for outreach and building good will and bettering friendships. A place to host community engagement and community enrichment activities. A place to act as a base for community engagement and youth services and a HUB for community related events.
Should the Faribault Rotary Club commit finances and resources to this project? - YES
The impact a project like this could have on the Faribault community would be massive. The Faribault Rotary club’s moto of Service Above Self along with the Rotary’s clubs 4 Way Test of Things We say and Do, both apply to a COP house project.
It is the recommendation of this exploratory committee our club do the following:
Hire a consultant firm to conduct a “Needs Survey” reference this project
St. Cloud hired a firm to study the impact of their COP house
The results of that survey were overwhelmingly supportive of the project
The committee recommends hiring a firm to establish whether there is need for community outreach
Provide a large initial donation to the Faribault Foundations public safety board
Recommend $100,000 initial donation commitment
Funds would be specifically ear marked for a COP house
This amount could be a one-time donation or spread over a period
Provide an annual commitment to the monthly expenses of a COP house
Recommend a $30,000 annual donation to operational expenses
This money would benefit youth programing run out of the house
This money would taper off to $15,000 after 5 years as other community organizations are invited to assist with funding/grants
Appoint a Rotary board members to the Faribault Foundation Public Safety Board
This will ensure Rotary is directly involved in the continued success of the COP house
Work with the Paradise Center for the Arts to re-organize a Rotary public safety event similar to one held in 2022
Funds from this event would be used to provide funds for the public safety committee and COP house specifically
Respectfully Submitted,
Exploratory Committee Members
Brandon L. Gliem, Paul LaRoche, Laura Bock, Nate Cunningham, Summer Cunningham, Cindy Yerington, Mary Ellen Bondhus, Carri Ann Pollard, Ken Weaverling, Megan Dalland, Theresa Vold, Ibrahim Khalif, Kay Hoaglin
What is a COP house? The idea is simple, surprisingly simple in fact. We would buy a house or a property known for trouble, in an area of our city that has a real need for services, specifically youth services. We would then set up a community outpost in a single-family residence similar to those in the neighborhood. COP house stands for a Community Out Post.
This idea originated in the 1990’s in Racine, Wisconsin. Racine now has several COP houses. Residents in areas with COP houses say crime in their neighborhoods has been reduced and quality of life has improved. Currently, only one community in Minnesota has a COP house, St. Cloud. The St. Cloud COP house project has been so successful they are planning on opening another COP house! More on the St. Cloud Cop House later in this report.
A Faribault COP house would be used for outreach and building good will and bettering friendships. A place to host community engagement and community enrichment activities. A place to act as a base for community engagement and youth services and a HUB for community related events.
Rotary Exploratory Committee
Faribault’s rotary club has served our community for over 100 years! Over the course of time Rotarians have garnished a reputation for moving community projects forward. Rotarians have no doubt made a difference in this community. Many people in Faribault look to the Rotary club to “get things done.” “Service above self,” is one of the main principals for each Rotarian. This project is perfect for Rotary. Faribault is counting on us to get this done! To keep people on track our committee was split out into subgroups. The following items were assigned to one or two committee members each:
Financing
Outside Partners
Construction
Youth Services
Volunteers
Realty
This report will look at each of these areas, providing an overview of each. We will also discuss the clubs visit to St. Clouds COP house in March.
Financing
If the club were to purchase a lot with either cash or bank financing in place, we would need the following:
· Blueprints, Plans
· Specs
· Sworn construction statement from the contractor
· Appraisal based on Blueprints, Specs, and Plans
Construction begins, if financed the bank, title company, and contractor would work together on draws, inspections, etc. If the club were able to purchase the lot/residence as a cash transaction the following would occur: money will be held in escrow at a title company and the draws will originate from there. Once the home is finished and the certificate of occupancy is granted its time to move in! A very important wrinkle is that once the lot is purchased no work, clearing of trees, etc. can commence on the lot until the above pieces are in place. This is due to the insuring title company wanting to make sure there are no construction liens on the property.
Outside Partners
An important part of any community project is developing a partnership with other community organizations. The committee members agreed this should be a Rotary project with Rotarians playing the main role, however we thought it to be important to establish a list of potential community partners. The following are the Outside organizations that may want to line up with the Cop House Project:
Chamber
United Way
CAC
Three Rivers Community Action
HCI
AmeriCorps
School District
South Central Community College
Midwest Community Development (ran by Somalis)
Elks
Moose
Knights of Columbus
Cross-Culture Ambassadors Of Faribault
Construction
New construction varies by contractor but is between $200-$250 per square foot. For a 3000 square foot home that would be between $600,000 to $750,000 for a new construction home. These figures are just estimates for a new construction property.
Youth Services
As noted below in the section reference the St. Cloud COP house project, the majority of the activities offered at the COP house revolve around youth directly. The goal of a COP house project would be community involvement and support. This project fits in with Rotary youth service’s mission to enrich the lives of youth and youth activities in our area!
Volunteers
Similar to the Outside Partners section of this report many local volunteers could help facilitate and volunteer at a COP house including the following organizations:
Dan Pumper has been inducted into the Faribault Rotary Club. Dan is owner of Farm Bureau Financial Services. Pictured with Dan is Laura Bock his sponsor.
Nate was a Senior Intelligence Officer in the Army. Nate shared how he and his team would live with local residents during operations while preparing for operation raids (to catch a bad guy). During these occupations, Nate understood that people come together over coffee, which sparked a personal passion.
Nate and his partner started a local coffee roasting business called Mighty Fine Coffee three years ago. Upon returning to his hometown of Faribault, Nate had his military intelligence study about Faribault. The study showed 5 major cultures in Faribault, with minimal interaction and cross-engagement. Nate and his wife Sommer’s vision connects the cultures and provides growth through understanding using a concept called the “third place.”
Coffeeshops, Teahouses, and Barbershops are examples of a “third place. Nate’s expertise in coffee roasting and lack of hair coloring experience is to open an inclusive coffee shop in downtown Faribault and a drive-thru on 2nd St. by the Woolen Mill. On weekday mornings, you can find Mighty Fine coffee in local grocers and at the Crossroads building.
Rotarians who donate $1000 to the International Rotary Foundation receive a Paul Harris Award. In addition they receive 1000 points which can be used to recognize other Rotarians or organizations. Faribault Rotarian Dick Huston honored the Faribault Parks Department and City Government for their cooperation and assistance in Rotary projects such restoration of the clock on Central Avenue, the mural on 4th street, the clean up of Crockers Creek and the establishment of the Rotary Community Garden. Pictured (left to right) are Parks and Recreation Director Paul Peanasky, Mayor Kevin Voracek, Parks Superintendent Keith Walker, Aquatic Manager Kevin O'Brien and Rotarian Dick Huston.
Rotarians blessed April's meeting with Mighty Fine Coffee, provided by our fellow Rotarian speaker Nate Cunningham. Our club sang the Star-Spangled Banner. Carrie Ann Pollard read the Virtue. Former District Governor EdMarek provided the blessing.
Club announcements:
Sommer Cunningham presented the club with a rotary flag from her trip to Arizona.
Dr. Huston presented a Paul Harris Award to the City of Faribault Parks and Recreation Department.
The Park & Rec has been a wonderful partner with Rotary on public projects, including the downtown mural, Crockers Creek clean-up, and the community garden.
4-test yard signs are ready for pick-up. Please connect with President Halverson to receive your ordered sign.
Fellowship with Murray Hanson
Gail Kaderlik shared her child's birthday 31 years ago, along with her dear friend Murray Hanson’s birthday.
Both Rod Mahler and Mark Kenney were disappointed to be observed due to the losses by their college hockey teams in the College Hockey Championship: Minnesota and Michigan.
Dr. Huston encouraged all members to read the current Rotary magazine. There are several good stories about the power of the “End Polio” campaign. Highlighting the power of women engaged in their society, providing them with money to thrive and the ability to educate their children.
None of us will forget how the pandemic altered our world and our lives. Each of us had to traverse this period of uncertainty, and no one had a free pass from the effects.
I personally believe this has created space for a different kind of global leadership — one that is courageous, empathetic, and vulnerable. I met my good friend Anniela Carracedo online in early 2020. She is one such leader, and I'm thrilled to turn this month's column over to her.
— Jennifer Jones
In March 2020, I had a panic attack. I couldn't breathe, and I felt a terrible pain in my chest. It had been a few days since the World Health Organization declared COVID-19 a global pandemic, and I was in the middle of my year as a Rotary Youth Exchange student in the United States. Think about it: an 18-year-old girl stuck in a different country, with a foreign language, with people she had only met six months before. It was scary.
But I am familiar with uncertainty. I was born and raised in Venezuela, which is going through one of the worst humanitarian and political crises in the Western Hemisphere. But my mom always said, "Challenges are nothing more than needs that require a solution." I called up my Interact and Youth Exchange friends. Together, we organized an online meeting to share projects and get inspired by what everyone else was doing during the quarantine. In that first meeting, we had 70 people, mainly students, from 17 countries.
From that beginning, we built an online platform for Rotary youths worldwide to share their experiences and inspire others with project ideas during isolation. We looked for mentors and supporters who would help our group connect young people, share cultures, and open new collaborative opportunities for international service projects. We called it Rotary Interactive Quarantine, or RIQ.
After only a year, we engaged with more than 5,000 students from 80 countries. Several of our team members became district Interact representatives and district committee members, and some of us even serve on Rotary International councils. Eventually, quarantine restrictions were being lifted, and the needs of our participants were changing. At our last official meeting as RIQ, Past RI President Barry Rassin inspired us to create even bigger change, so we transformed RIQ into the Rotary Youth Network, or RYN.
A few of our members, including me, were selected to serve on the inaugural Interact Advisory Council, where we presented our vision for youth in Rotary to the RI Board of Directors. Our presentation to the Board inspired President Jennifer and her team to create a Youth Advisory Council in Rotary International, which I am honored to serve on as a co-chair.
The Rotary Youth Network officially launched during a breakout session at the 2022 Rotary International Convention in Houston. Five of us, who had participated in Interact, Youth Exchange, and Rotary Youth Leadership Awards, traveled across continents to launch an organization we had kicked off online two years before. The convention was also the first time we had met in person.
When my friends and I finished our talk, we realized more than 500 people were giving us a standing ovation. Tears filled our eyes, and the feeling of excitement and accomplishment took over. Who would have thought that a panic attack would lead to this?
In the lonesome grasslands of Nebraska near the South Dakota border lies the municipality of Monowi. The town’s sole resident is Elsie Eiler, a woman in her 80s who is the town’s mayor, clerk, librarian, and treasurer. As Monowi is an incorporated town for the purposes of the U.S. Census, Eiler receives state funding for municipal road work. However, she has to raise her own funds for the town’s taxes to pay for the street lighting and water.
China and India may be the nations with the highest population, but Japan is home to the most populated city. In 2022, the population of the Tokyo metropolitan area is estimated to be an astounding 37.7 million people, with 13.96 million living in the city itself. To compare, greater Tokyo’s population is almost equivalent to the total sum of the 25 most populated cities in the U.S., which adds up to 37.8 million people. It’s also 1.5 times larger than the next most populous metro area, Seoul.
Earth’s continents are unequal in population distribution — it’s estimated that 60% of Earth’s population (4.7 billion people) lives in Asia. China and India are approximately half of that total.
Roughly 90% of Earth’s human population lives in the Northern Hemisphere, which also accounts for most of the planet's landmass. The Northern Hemisphere is made up of 39.3% land(the rest is ocean)and also contains many of the world’s most-populated cities, while the Southern Hemisphere only is 19.1% land.
Our speaker was Ryan Lueken for the Little Falcons extracurricular program. The program began as a pilot program in 2022 and was a huge success. The Little Falcons program is under the umbrella of the Community Education program. 2023 was the first full year for the program to engage grade school kids with extracellular after school activities.
One of the biggest goals was to make the Little Falcons program free to all students. While also getting kids moving and creating a better place to get activity information to all students, creating opportunities provided to include community diversity.
Several studies show programs like Little Falcons provide better academics, lower risk for unsafe behaviors, and creates a positive connection to their community.
Programs are 6 to 7 sessions long running after school for roughly 60-75 minutes. Activities include Soccer, Wrestling, Dance, Swimming, Flag Football, gymnastics, track and field, and much more.
Coach to student ratio is no more 1:7. Plus transportation is included for free to all students in city limits. Faribault Rotary was a key sponsorship provider along with Booster Clubs, Faribault Mosque, and many other community leaders.
95% of parents surveyed stated their child was excited about being involved in the program.
Next Steps: Improved connection between varsity athletes as coaching associates. Sustainable funding for the program long-term. Breaking down eliminates community barriers that still exist. And help families connect with sport programs as the “what’s next” for students who are interested in continuing a new found passion.
Today’s meeting Virtue - “Sacrifice” by Laura Bock, Invocation by President Halverson. The patriotic song was BACK as Rotarians joined together in “God Bless America”.
Current members warmly welcomed Dave Nichols as a new member. Sue Garwood was honored with a Paul Harris Award. A gambling update was provided by Chad Koepke. Please see the full report via monthly email report.
In fellowship conducted by Keith Kramer
Rod Mahler explained to Mark Kenney why Minnesota Hockey allowed Michigan to win this past weekend, to allow them into the NCAA tournament. ;)
Bob Speckhals talked briefly on the importance of understanding and the power of collective power of making an impact
Megan Dalland shared her fun time at the blood drive and gave an update on the club handshake.
Emily Nesvold shared a project hosted down at Good Coffee, supporting “No Tubbys Left Behind”.
Dick Huston gave thanks to Glenn’s Towing and Steve Bock for always being on time, working hard and ALWAYS getting him his tractor unstuck over the years (many times).
The Honorable President Elect- Rotarian of the Year 2022 Laura Bock proposes Dan Pumper, Financial Advisor/ Insurance Agent, for membership in the Faribault Rotary Club. If you have any questions or concerns please contact membership chair Keith Kramer.
Sue Garwood received her first Paul Harris Award. She is still busy packing up for her move to New Zealand this week. She will be taking a couple club flags with her to present to Rotary Clubs she plans to visit. She will stay a member of our club and move to Honorary Member on July 1st. We hope to see her on the occasional Zoom if is she is up early in the morning and of course whenever she returns to Minnesota. We wish her all the best!
Today’s membership memo bursts into beauty just like the return of warm weather brings the excitement of spring. Enough with the similes, let’s get down to the numbers. FRYS established a new monthly record for revenue with total sales of $224K (previous high = $198K)! How did it happen? Read on to find out.
As usual, e-tabs paced the performance as total sales summed to $134K, slightly less than the record of $138K in August 2022 but the gross profit margin trounced what happened in August at 15.51% against 8.79%, respectively. But FRYS can’t donate margin to Youth in the community, which needs dollars and dollars were delivered with gross profits of $21K.
Turning to the tangible, paper tabs had acceptable monthly with sales of $68K but a powerful margin of 18.52% for gross profits of $13K. To put the margin in context, paper tabs had an average margin of 16.58% for fiscal year 2023, meaning the additional ~2% in margin yielded roughly $1.3K more in gross profits.
While e-tabs and paper tabs had solid months, the record setting performance of February 2023 was driven by bingo, which had record sales of $17K while also producing the second strongest margin on record of 34.88% for gross profits of $6K. Brenda noted robust volume at Boxers for the Yeti/Pursue bingo experience, and that is what you are seeing in these numbers.
Not only did revenue set a new FRYS record but also, and more importantly, net income touched a new record at an impressive $20K for February! Overall, this is welcomed news compared to the first couple months of the 2023 campaign that saw soft sales, margins and profits. Let's hope for continued high volume and favorable margins as that is the best outcome for gamblers & FRYS.
Faribault Rotary Youth Services
Charitable Gambling Operation
Month
Operation
Revenue
Prizes
Gross Profit
Gross Margin %
Monthly Net Profit
Misc. Notes
Sep-22
E-Tabs
112,995
90,667
22,328
19.76%
26,935
Strong net profit driven by starting cash of $13.6K ---> "True" net income = $13,284
Paper Tabs
83,985
69,548
14,437
17.19%
Non-Linked Bingo
13,073
10,788
2,285
17.48%
Linked Bingo
931
791
140
15.05%
Oct-22
E-Tabs
110,604
88,258
22,346
20.20%
10,103
Strongest e-tab gross profit margin on record at 20.2%
Paper Tabs
59,864
49,813
10,051
16.79%
Non-Linked Bingo
11,412
9,145
2,267
19.87%
Linked Bingo
706
600
106
15.01%
Nov-22
E-Tabs
90,406
80,444
9,962
11.02%
-8,126
Weak sales in paper tabs combined with heavy "aggregate" tax of $6K made for poor month
Paper Tabs
37,422
30,845
6,577
17.58%
Non-Linked Bingo
11,730
10,808
922
7.86%
Linked Bingo
752
639
113
15.03%
Dec-22
E-Tabs
122,991
107,460
15,531
12.63%
6,120
Paper Tabs
42,343
36,019
6,324
14.94%
Non-Linked Bingo
9,620
9,149
471
4.90%
Linked Bingo
2,075
1,763.75
311
15.00%
Jan-23
E-tabs
108,407
97,364
11,043
10.19%
-1,125
Weak gross margins on e-tabs combineded with elevated gross receipts tax drained earnings
Paper Tabs
52,888
44,203
8,685
16.42%
Non-Linked Bingo
9,254
7,455
1,799
19.44%
Linked Bingo
1,267
1,076
190
15.00%
Feb-23
E-tabs
134,413
113,562
20,851
15.51%
19,707
Record revenue & net profit due to strong bingo
Paper Tabs
68,241
55,602
12,639
18.52%
Non-Linked Bingo
17,480
11,366
6,114
34.98%
Linked Bingo
3,255
2,766
489
15.01%
Outside of answering some initial questions for the audit that kicks off in May, there is not much else to touch on in this month's FRYS membership memo. Looking forward to spending some dollars on the youth after February's record performance.
What a great trip it was to St. Cloud on Tuesday! In speaking with several of our members I know several of us were inspired by the things we learned about the St. Cloud Project!
One significant idea that came from the meeting- the establishment of a Public Safety Committee seems like a great idea! Is anyone from this group is further interested in exploring what a Faribault Public Safety Committee or a Rice County Public Safety Committee would look like? Please let me know if you are interested in helping with this. I have already reached out to the St. Cloud group and have some additional information that would be helpful.
In speaking to my partners and bosses at the PD it seems to be a consensus that the project may work best if it could be located near the Jefferson elementary School park? Cindy-I think this is the area we should focus on. As far as construction I liked the community room and think that would be a MUST for the house. In order to have a good sized community room we would need at least a 2.5 car-3 car garage.
Our group should plan to meet again after next weeks Rotary Meeting. We only need to knock out a few more items before the April board meeting. I would like to see information on the following items for next week.
Seven American Presidents who served in the Civil War. Ulysses S. Grant, Rutherford B. Hayes, William McKinley, James Garfield, Benjamin Harrison, Chester A. Arthur, and Andrew Johnson.
The final Battle of Gettysburg reunion was held for soldiers was in 1938. Union Blue and Confederate Gray veterans reunite at Gettysburg in the year 1913 — Standing by “the Bloody Angle” where Pickett’s charge took place 50 years earlier and over 3,000 soldiers on both sides lost their lives — Now they clasp hands over the stone wall as brothers.
There are 5 active volcanoes on the islands of Hawaii and Maui. They include Kilauea, Mauna Loa, Mauna Kea, and Hualalai. The other is located on Maui and it is Mount Haleakala. There is also a sixth active volcano, called Loihi, that is still submerged under water off of the coast of Big Island near Kilauea. Kilauea is one of the world's most active volcanoes.
The honorable David Connelly proposes Kristen Gleason, an RN with ProPharma Group, for membership in the Faribault Rotary Club. If you have any questions please contact membership chair Keith Kramer.
Thirty-four seniors from Faribault High School and Bethlehem Academy participated in STRIVE this school year. Seniors met with Rotary and other community volunteers seven mornings to talk about life skills, career planning and safety topics. Over 100 students, parents and Rotarians, including leader Greg Ciesluk, gathered for a banquet on March 5.
Three seniors were presented scholarships for improving their grade point average: Patrick Budahl from FHS received $2,000, and Summer Heselton and Destinee Fregoso from BA received $1,500. Nine seniors, all from FHS, received scholarships after their essays were chosen by a selection panel. Kendal Severson received $2,000. Marie Volkmuth, Abigail Brien, Ricky Cordova, Omar Aden, Josephine LaCanne and Isabella Clausen received $1,000, and Alex Tuma and Sophia Mentz received $500.
On March 8th, 2022, Rotarians gathered at the Inn at Shattuck. The week’s virtue was loyalty and read by new member Ibrahim Khalif. The Apache blessing by Kathy Wickwire.
In honor of National Woman’s day, the club honored the 36 active women by addressing them by name. We also honored Rod Mahler for his 65 years of membership.
In an extended fellowship hosted by Keith Kramer, members shared some of their favorite Rotary moments. Of course, Dr. Murray Hanson made fun of Dr. Dick Huston’s tie as a fond memory. Dr. Huston also shared likewise regarding Dr. Hanson. Kathy Wickwire and ZakBranham expressed their enjoyment with Harry Browns on their new vehicle purchases—Kathy with a new blue Crosstrek and Zak with a new truck.
Rod Mahler shared a great story of attending a Rotary meeting in Brainerd, where he was honored to sit at a table with former Governor Anderson. When Rod went to shake his hand, he spilled a glass of water into his lap.
Grant Wilson shared his experience of being asked to be club president by Gary Peterson and then Sheriff Dick Cook. Grant felt there was only one answer, with a lawyer and a man with a gun asking.
Gail Kaderlik shared the story of winning the Rotary car raffle, and she bought the winning ticket from Dr. Murray Hanson.
Amy Amundson shared her fondness for the Winter Reindeer Run the club hosted several years ago. Along with having her daughter, Jessica joined the club a couple of years ago.
Kymn Anderson talked about the restoration of the State Bank clock downtown and the mural depicting the clock in a 1950’s scene.
Dr. Murray Hanson shared a fun story of his year as president when he gave the speech for Rotarian of the Year. The unknowing recipient- Angela Storch took a phone call and was going to leave the meeting. With subtle eye contact he alerted Gary Petersen at the back to prevent her from leaving.
Earth is home to roughly 3 trillion trees. Compared to NASA’s estimate of more than 100 billion stars in the Milky Way, it appears that trees far outnumber the Milky Way’s sparkling orbs.
The STRIVE Scholarship Evaluation Team met at Fourth Avenue United Methodist Church on Thursday, February 16, 2022 from 5-7 pm to evaluate essays and award scholarships. The members of the team were Pastor Greg Ciesluk, Jill DeBoef, Kymn Anderson, Ken Weaverling, Emily Nesvold, Mindy Reeder, and Gail Kaderlik.
The results were as follows:
Of the applications (Service Above Self Essays and Four Way Test, we awarded 9 scholarships in the amounts:
1. Kendal Severson ($2000)
2. Marie Volkmuth ($1000)
3. Abigail Brien ($1000)
4. Ricky Cordova ($1000)
5. Omar Aden ($1000)
6. Josephine LaCanne ($1000)
7. Isabella Clausen ($1000)
8. Alex Tuma ($500)
9. Sophia Mentz ($500)
We also examined increased performance during the time students were engaged in STRIVE and made the following awards:
As we planned for this Rotary year, I could have never "imagined" the breadth of stories we would encounter nor the scope of the people we would meet. I find oxygen in sharing time with our members — hearing their truths and learning about their personal journeys and their deepest desires for goodness.
And so it was that I encountered two very different men with very similar stories. One-hundred-year-old Genshitsu Sen is a remarkable human being and a joyful soul. We greeted each other in Kyoto, during my trip to Japan in November, with a hug and an instant connection. Not only is Sen a former grand master of the Urasenke tea tradition but he is also an active member of the Rotary Club of Kyoto, where he has served as club president. He assisted in the charter of the Rotary Club of Kyoto-South. And he has also served as governor of District 2650 and held leadership roles in Rotary International and The Rotary Foundation.
During that same week, I had the great pleasure to record a birthday video for a 100-year-old World War II naval hero who is an exemplary leader and who served two terms as governor of District 5810 in Texas. Both men are decorated World War II heroes in their respective countries and share unthinkable history. And although they served on opposing sides of the war, their stories are remarkably similar — and they are both honorable men who chose Rotary to carry on lives of peacemaking.
I have been reflecting so much lately that we are all on this planet simply trying to do our best, and we are much more similar than we are different. I feel incredibly fortunate to share in these stories and to meet such incredible people.
The Faribault Rotary Club has inducted Ekaterin Kovatch. She is a nurse at Allina Hospital in Faribault. She is pictured with Dick Huston (left), her sponsor, and Keith Kramer, membership team lead.
The Faribault Rotary Club has inducted Ibrahim Khalif (center). He is part of the Somali Community Resettlement Service. He is pictured with his sponsor, Brandon Gliem (left), and Keith Kramer, membership team lead.
The Honorable dr. Dick Huston proposes David Nichols, Executive Director of the Rice County Historical Society, for membership in the Faribault Rotary Club. If you have any questions or concerns please contact membership chair, Keith Kramer.
Cop House Reprinted with permission from the Daily News
People line up to receive free school supplies at the St. Cloud COP House in August. (Photo courtesy of St. Cloud Police Department/COP House)
The Faribault Police Department and the Faribault Rotary Club want to start a new outreach program — a “community oriented policing house.” They’d replicate a handful of such houses located across the country that bring police and community partners together to offer resources ranging from homework help to free winter gear.
The idea is still in its infancy, but Police Chief John Sherwin and Sgt. Brandon Gliem presented the concept to the Faribault City Council at a workshop Tuesday evening. Councilors were supportive of the idea, giving the FPD and Rotary Club the green light to continue exploring the feasibility of bringing a “COP house” to Faribault.
“It’s community oriented policing on the grassroots level,” Sherwin told the councilors. COP houses are actual houses converted into community resource centers that are typically located in “neighborhoods that are under-served by resources and where there are problems with criminal activity,” Sherwin said. “We’re not looking to set up another police precinct,” Gliem said. “The idea is not that you would go to a house like this to report a crime. The idea is that you bring services to people who don’t have services.”
The idea started in Wisconsin in the 1990s. St. Cloud opened the only COP house in Minnesota in 2017 with support from its Rotary Club. Federal funding was awarded last year to help start a second COP house in St. Cloud. No prospective site has yet been decided in Faribault, nor have funding sources been determined. Laura Bock, president-elect of the Faribault Rotary Club, said her organization has formed an “exploratory committee” to consider providing funding and other support for a Faribault COP house.
Police Department and Rotary members plan to go visit St. Cloud’s COP house next month. COP houses are staffed at designated hours by police officers, by partnering nonprofit organizations, or both. Sherwin said he believed he could incorporate house hours into officers existing schedules without adding any additional payroll expenses.
In addition to connecting people with resources, the police chief and sergeant said COP houses aim to build positive relationships between police and community members. That might include not just educational events or resource offerings, but fun activities that grow relationships and keep youths occupied and out of trouble.
While the most frequent visitors to the house would likely be teens and preteens, Sherwin said it could also hold events for adults and families. In St. Cloud recent programs include a book club, hockey games, a self-defense class and winter clothing and school supplies distributions. “Each community customizes (their COP house) to the needs of their community,” Sherwin said. “If this project moves forward, we can define what it looks like in our community, with input from the City Council and community groups.”
St. Cloud school resource officer Jason Larson reads with a youth during a book club last week at the St. Cloud COP House. The Faribault Police Department and Faribault Rotary Club are looking to start a community oriented policing house in Faribault. (Photo courtesy of St. Cloud Police Department/COP House)
The Honorable Brandon Gliem proposes Ibrahim Khalif, from the Somali Community Resettlement Service, for membership in the Faribault Rotary Club. If you have any questions or concerns please contact membership chair, Keith Kramer.
The Honorable Dr. Dick Huston proposes Ekaterin Kovatch, RN at Allina Medical Clinic, for membership in the Faribault Rotary Club. If you have any questions or concerns please contact membership chair, Keith Kramer.
New Zealand has a population of 4 million people on three islands. Because of the location, the south island has penguins and sees an average temperature of 35-70 degrees.
The Native people of New Zealand are a warrior culture and have held representatives in local government to this day.
Sue is moving to New Zealand to accompany her love in a life of marriage. She will visit the area annually. Best to Sue and her new journeys.
To hear more of Sue’s talk, please check out the meeting in full on YouTube.
If you would like to make a donation/contribution to the Rotary Foundation for the Share the Love campaign, there are a couple of ways to take care of this in February.
Drop off your check made payable to the Rotary Foundation at my office. My address is 1404 NW 7th St (located off Hwy 21 and 7th St).
Make a contribution online via the Rotary website. If you have not registered for an account, I have attached instructions as to the steps to take care of this. If you make a contribution online you can let me know via e-mail (brent@cwsfbo.com) and I can help track that the points are added to your profile. You need to select “The Annual Fund-SHARE” to be eligible for the points match.
I hop to make the next couple of Rotary Meetings, so you can get me a check on Wednesday’s at Rotary.
SHARE THE LOVE POINTS AND RECOGNITION LEVELS:
$100+
2:1 Recognition Point Match
$365+
Point Match to Paul Harris Fellow
$1,000+
Recognition on District Website
SHARE a PHF with TWO PEOPLE!
Thanks for all of your support of the Rotary Foundation.
Although love is in the air on Valentine’s Day, today’s membership meeting lacks love as FRYS recorded another net loss in the month of January.
E-tabs had a solid month, posting $108K in sales, which was down slightly from last month’s total of $123K,
E-tab sales posted a paltry gross margin of 10.19% compared to the historical average of 14.95% à Putting that into dollars, gross profits were only $11K whereas performance at the historical mean would have yielded over $16K for a difference of just over $5K in gross profits
For paper tabs, sales rebounded to $53K in January from the slowdowns of November and December where sales averaged $40K but still well-below activity observed over 2022’s average $61K
The gross profit margin was in line with historical averages at 16.4% for gross profits of $8.7K.
Bingo activity sales were down slightly in January with $9K in revenue but no jackpots were taken home as the gross profits summed to $1.8K on a 19.4% margin.
As noted at the start, the month ended in the red with a net loss of $(1,125) due to an aggregate gross receipts tax of $6,697.
Unfortunately, this gross receipts tax does not operate like normal income taxes for individuals and/or businesses as the tax is not a function of operating income, which was a positive $5,302
Rather, the tax is based on aggregate gross profits (sales – prizes) since July 1 with FRYS reporting $182K in such activity, placing FRYS in the highest tax bracket in less than just 6 months’ time à looking forward, FRYS will have roughly $7K in such taxes next month that will chew through operating income if activity remains at these levels
Taking a deeper dive into why this issue is occurring is the slowdown in activity that is being amplified by underwhelming gross profit margins, or said differently, chance/luck/probabilities of gambling. The chart below shows monthly gross profit on paper tabs (the driver of the receipt tax) and the sum of the individual gross profit margins from pull-tabs from July 2022 – January 2023:
As illustrated in the chart above, gambling’s profitability is struggling from elevated correlation of total sales to gross profit margins on pull-tab sales (both e-tabs & paper) at 0.48 from July 2022 - January 2023 compared to 0.34 from October 2021 - June 2022
Quick correlation lesson: correlation of 1 = positively correlated, data moves up or down together, correlation of 0 = data moves independently, correlation of -1 = data moves opposite of each other
Translating the idea to plain English, when FRYS has strong monthly sales, gross profit margins (“good luck”) have been on FRYS side à when FRYS has softer monthly sales, gross profit margins have been weaker (“bad luck”)
For example, compare July 2022’s data against November 2022: sales in July 2022 (which just so happens to be the first month when receipt taxes reset) were $208K with a gross margin summation of 78.97% against November 2022’s $140K and 51.5%, respectively.
Turning to other news, the FRYS board approved Schlenner, Wenner & Company performing the charitable gambling audit to be undertaken in May this year (FRYS obtained an extension from the MN Department of Revenue to have the audit pushed back)
The CPA firm was pleased to learn FRYS utilizes the CGMade Easy infrastructure to manage its charitable gambling operation.
Expenses for March:
CGMade Easy $250
Inventory = $4,000
Rotary CG Team Compensation = $2,800
Increase of $200 over last month for Jessica’s increased compensation
MPeters = $10K
City of Faribault = $1,000
Boxers = $7,000
Misc. Cost = $2,500
Payroll, Yeti/Purse Bingo @ Boxers on the horizon
Total = $30,050
On a first by Kay Hoaglin & second by George Wickstrom, FRYS membership approved the expenses for March
Recently, I spent time in the Nakivale refugee settlement in Uganda. As the "settlement" in its name suggests, the people living there are free to move around and integrate as best they can — one thing that makes the place unique.
I had a chance to play soccer with boys and girls from about a dozen nations and talk with women who had fled areas of conflict. It was a tapestry of human experience shared through both laughter and tears.
As I walked across a school campus at the settlement with a teacher, she shared with me the dire statistics on girls' education. Most don't get through grade school. Many are sold into child marriage to pay for food for their families. As I looked around at these young girls, I was gutted.
Our work with empowering girls and women is much more than creating equity — sometimes, it's about health or education. Other times it's about providing safety. Regardless of the path, it's always about basic human rights.
We can do more to empower girls and women, and we can expand how we share the progress Rotary members and our partners have made toward this goal.
There is no shortage of inspiring examples of our work, from interest-free microcredit loans for women in Nigeria, to projects in India that provide girls menstrual hygiene products. Hundreds of projects are taking place across all Rotary areas of focus and are making a meaningful and often lifesaving difference.
Together, we can address the needs and inequities that girls throughout the world face daily. But we must also monitor the impact of these projects and create awareness of Rotary resources and subject matter experts, including Rotary Action Groups, The Rotary Foundation Cadre of Technical Advisers, Rotary Peace Fellows, and others.
It is especially important that we tell the stories of our initiatives that have a positive impact on the lives of women and girls. This last point is near and dear to my heart. This means sharing our stories on social media, through local news outlets, in this magazine, and wherever we can inspire others.
As you do so, it's important to provide information that helps our Rotary family connect with others who are implementing activities in their regions, as well as across the world. Let's share our successes and learn from one another — then proudly tell our stories to a larger audience.
These are exciting times in Rotary, and the world is taking notice. As we work to empower women and girls to step into their full potential, we create new pathways for membership growth and greater collaboration with partners to create positive, lasting change. Thank you for your continued action in this vital effort.
On February 1st, the Faribault Rotary Club began the membership meeting with the virtue of "thankfulness" provided by Keith Kramer. Laura Bock shared a Tea Time blessing.
Club Announcements:
Kurt Halverson - Talked about new Four Way Test Yard signs. The signs are $5 and look for more information coming soon.
Dick Huston - Updated the club on meetings within the coming District governor and shared her enthusiasm. Also updated the club on the youth tree program started last year with area Third graders.
David Connelly - Is looking for members to join the Community Service team. Please reach out to Mr. Connelly if you are interested.
Fellowship:
Pastor Mark Kenney shared his excitement about turning 52 and being one year closer to the senior menu at Perkins. He also shared a pleasant time in MI with his dad, who also turned 87 recently.
Zack Branham reminded us of Groundhogs Day on the 2nd and shared some fun facts regarding this fun holiday.
Peter van Sluis shared a story he heard on Facebook about a pyramid project from 1988, which held messages for the future regarding eradicating polio.
Rod Mahler shared the birth of his 12th great-grandchild just last week.
Megan Dalland was talking with her 8-year-old daughter about joining Rotary. Her daughter pointed out it is not a real club without a secret handshake.
Keith Kramer presented our dear Minnesota Vikings cheerleader Dr. Murray Hanson with a "There is always next year" purple and trimmed in yellow.
Executive director Elizabeth Child provided an update on Rice County United Way. Two years ago, Northfield and Faribault branches joined a county-focused charter to support local community programs. The mission of Rice County Area United Way is to mobilize the resources and caring power of individuals, organizations, and networks to strengthen the community.
Our purposes include raising funds, providing leadership, identifying and addressing community needs, and supporting an effective and balanced delivery system of human care. The United Way of Rice County's main focus is to fight for every community member's health, education, and financial stability. With the rise of many non-profit needs and places asking for donations, the United Way has seen a drop in company payroll giving.
One of the benefits of providing through the United Way is the funds provided are not earmarked when provided by the United Way provides flexibility to organizations in our community. To donate, please go to https://ricecountyunitedway.harnessapp.com/wv2/donate
The CDC has designated Rice County as Highrisk again for Covid at this time. Therefore masks are still optional indoors. We will continue with 6 seats per table.
If you are unable to attend the meeting in person please use the Zoom link provided.
Lost and Found: The Average American Spends 2.5 Days Each Year Looking For Lost Items Collectively Costing U.S. Households $2.7 Billion Annually in Replacement Costs.
Faribault Rotarians got together at the Shattuck Inn for a lunch meeting on a winter day. Attend was fair with about 25-30 people all together. Most were cheerful despite the near record setting snowy winter thus far. The virtue this week was Self Control and everyone listened to an Apache blessing before starting off the meeting.
Announcements
Strive banquet is scheduled for March 5th here at The Inn at Shattuck at 5 pm
At a recent meeting former Rotarian Franz Bolter was the guest speaker
Faribault Alumni Basketball
Rotarian Paul LaRoche has agreed to play, BrentPeroutka has not (says he’s too old)
Ruth’s House Fundraiser is February 11 from 530-830p
Fellowship
Carri Ann led the meetings fellowship
Rebecca’s book was published!
Katy A was able to join us for lunch. She is loving her new home in Wisconsin
Keith Kramer survived his ski trip to Breckenridge with his son-Black Diamonds?
Dr. Dick Huston spoke about how to purchase a critical habitat license plate ($30 donation)
Dr. Huston also spoke about visiting other clubs
Several of our ideas came from other clubs such as: Flag banners, red badges and our community garden
The wise George Wickstrom spoke about perseverance and attitude as he continues to battle a back/hip ailment
The Rotary Club of Faribault has inducted the Executive Director of the Riverbend Nature Center Brad Bourn as a member. Pictured with Brad (center) is Keith Kramer membership team lead (left) and Dick Huston his sponsor and mentor.
E-tab sales summed to $123K in December, totaling the second highest level of sales in FRYS’ charitable gambling history (record = $138K August 2022)
Gross profits (sales – prizes) produced a solid $15.5K but this was due to volume as the margin, said differently “luck”, was not on FRYS with a gross profit margin of 12.63% (average = 15.85%)
Putting it all together, even though e-tab sales were second most on record, gross profits registered only the 5th highest total due to below trend margins/gambling probability
December recorded paper tab sales of $42K, which was an increase from the prior month’s $37K but roughly half the sales that were being reported from February 2022 – July 2022
Compounding the weakness was the second lowest gross profit margin reported at an unfortunate 14.9% (average = 16.6%) for gross funds of $6K
Gambling Manager Brenda DeMars’ reports from the field indicate another month of weakness in paper tab sales is underway as well.
Net income returned to the black this month with profits of $6K compared to the red ink’s net loss of $8K last month
While FRYS’ charitable gambling operation has been around for more than a year (embarked in October 2021), the conclusion of the 2022 calendar year represented the completion of the inaugural calendar year of operations (FRYS fiscal year-end is August) à how about a quick recap of the 2022 campaign:
Total Sales = $2.07 million
Prizes = $1.74 million
Gross Profits = $337K
Aggregate gross profit margin = 16.1%
Accounting Net Income* = $74,854
* fiscal year-end in August 2022 resulted in starting cash being added to September’s net income, which is technically not an accurate income statement/profitability assessment of 2022’s aggregate performance
The following expenses were approved:
CG Made Easy Administrative Fee = $250
Fixed fee every month
Inventory = $4,000
Soft paper tab sales result in less inventory purchases
Rotary Gambling Team Compensation = $2,600
Fixed
Bingo Team Compensation = $2,500
Largely fixed
Revenue Share with MPeters = $10,000
Favorable e-tab performance keeps this higher even though inventory sales are down
City of Faribault = $1,200
Revenue Share with Boxers = $8,000
Misc. Cost = $2,500
Slightly higher misc. costs this month as Dawn intends to do a purse/Yeti cooler Bingo night
Total Expenses = $31,050
On a first by George Wickstrom & second by Eric Craig, FRYS membership approved expenses for February 2023
The following charitable gifts were approved:
Project Close: $1K to Faribault Middle School & $1K to Bethlehem Academy
Funds will be used to cover travel expenses for students to visit Washington DC
On a motion by Dick Huston with a second by Laura Bock, FRYS members approved the $2K in the charitable gifts for Project Close
South Central College Foundation: $3,000
Funds to be used for scholarships to attend South Central Community College
On a motion by Carri Pollard & second by Becca Ciesluk, FRYS membership approved the charitable gifts for South Central scholarships
Dr. Murray Hanson received his Paul Harris +6 Award last week for his continued support of the Rotary Foundation. He is pictured here with the distinguished club President Kurt Halvorson (left.)
Newly elected Mayor, Bob Larson, addressed the club with goals and aspirations for Faribault.
Congressman Al Quie updated the club on what is happening in Washington DC.
The club sponsored two delegates, Faribault Juniors, Therese Sorenson and David Mahler, to the St. Paul Youth Conference.
Layton Hoysler was nominated to serve as District Governor for 1974-75.
Arlen Erdahl, Minnesota Secretary of State, presented a program on voter registration.
Total membership stayed at 68 Rotarians for 1973.
A music scholarship was awarded to Rebecca Wickstrom daughter of Mr. and Mrs. George Wickstrom.
Our club’s 53rd president in 1972-73 was Rod Mahler who will be celebrating 65 years of membership on March 5th. He was the sponsor of our 100th president, Amy Amundson.
The following was noted in the Faribotarian from the June 27, 1973 meeting.
It was like New Year’s Eve. President Rod gave a summary of the Rotary year that just ended and turned the gavel over to President-Elect Dr. Roy Anderson. It was the biggest smile that Rod had all year. Our Thanks to Rod for a most successful year. Roy started out in shirt sleeves and laid out his goals for the club. Maybe this was a preview of things to come.
I have been asked to start a committee to explore getting the Cop House project off the ground in Faribault. We will be an exploratory committee at this point. We will need people to do research and report back to me about their findings so I can report them to the Rotary Board and eventually to the entire club.
I would like to fill the following positions on the committee. We can add or subtract positions as we see fit after we meet. If you have interest in any of these areas please let me know so we can set up our first meeting! There is room for anyone who wants to help.
Here is the link to the video explaining the concept and its successes in St. Cloud for those that haven’t seen it.
The honorable tie challenged Dick Huston proposes Brad Bourn, Executive Director of River Bend Nature Center, for membership in the Faribault Rotary Club. If you have any questions or concerns pleas contact membership chair Keith Kramer.
Posted by David Connelly/ Brandon Gliem on Jan 16, 2023
Polio Plus
Program: Tim Mulcrone - Polio Plus
Tim Mulcrone is a three-time Club President and 32-year Rotarian from Chanhassen. He has been our District Polio Chair since 2012. Tasked with keeping Rotary’s flagship project front and center in our minds. The Polio disease started in the 1940’s and the epidemic continued into the 1950’s. Polio affects the central nervous system and infected 1 out of every 200 people.
Tim shared with us the story, mission, and ways to make an impact in the fight to eradicate polio. Rotary has been working to eradicate polio for more than 35 years. Our goal of ridding the world of this disease is closer than ever.
As a founding partner of the Global Polio Eradication Initiative, we've reduced polio cases by 99.9 percent since our first project to vaccinate children in the Philippines in 1979.
Rotary members have contributed more than $2.1 billion and countless volunteer hours to protect nearly 3 billion children in 122 countries from this paralyzing disease. Rotary’s advocacy efforts have played a role in decisions by governments to contribute more than $10 billion to the effort.
India has been Polio free since 2011 following a massive vaccinationeffort. Today, polio remains endemic only in Afghanistan and Pakistan. But it’s crucial to continue working to keep other countries polio-free. If all eradication efforts stopped today, within 10 years, polio could paralyze as many as 200,000 children each year.
Our meeting started with the virtue of the week, “Awe,” presented by Ken Weaverling, and a prayer by Kay Hoaglin.
Club Announcements:
Cindy Yerington did a recap on club requirements for getting the blue badge. Members must work as greeters, join a committee, and give their classification speech. There are a lot of open spots for meeting roles currently, so don't hesitate to get in touch with Cindy to get signed up.
Greg Ciesluk requested evaluators for STRIVE essays to be turned in. Please contact Greg if you are interested.
Guests today:
Toni Gliem joined Brandon for the meeting this afternoon
Ibrahim Rashid an advocate for Faribault area youth joined the meeting
Fellowship:
George Wickstrom shared the moving focus and history of the “four-way test” and how impactful it can be in every moment and interaction we have with others as Rotarians.
Mark Kenny is just happy to be here today after the icy roads this morning.
Brent Peroutka is choosing to focus on the beauty this winter has been other than the cold and endless amounts of snow
Keith Kramer is excited for Strive
Dick and George attended the midterm for District 5960.
Dick mentioned Kelly Nygaard is doing well in Stillwater and plans to join Rotary
Dick also spoke about speaking with new members and looking towards sending someone to Camp Ryla for leadership training
Dr. Huston shared thoughts from the Rotary District Mid-term meetings. Dr. Huston shared one idea: totaling the number of people impacted by our various service projects and works in our community.
Dr. Huston also shared tales from his recent skiing trip, seeing it as the first time he had not fallen over a two-day trip in quite some time.
Greg had a great birthday celebrating it at home with his new wife and friends
George spoke about the 4-way test and how we are all responsible for ourselves
Kurt spoke about celebrating birthdays and the funeral service for Jim Crowl at 1st English
The Faribault Rotary Club presented a check for $10,000 to the Community Action Center. The funds will go to the Basic Blessings backpack program, which program provides food support for Faribault youth. Pictured, from left: CAC staff Ikran Khalif, Michael Pursell and Becky Ford, and Rotarian Natalie Ginter.
Nathan Budin, left, and Paul LaRoche are new captains in the Rice County Sheriff’s Office. (Photo courtesy of Rice County) The club extends congratulations to Rotarian Paul LaRoche on his recent promotion.
Who am I anyway? Am I my resume? - This question comes from a show-tune chorus line. Martha believes there is a show-tune solution for every life situation. Martha is 56 years of age and from Millcreek, Pennsylvania. Martha has four siblings born very close in age from 1953-1957, who had a different experience than Martha, who was born in 1966. Father was a funeral director, and their family lived above the funeral building. Martha recalls high school friends playing hide and seek and having sleepovers in the casket room at times.
Musical talent was identified in Martha by her mother, who also found comfort in singing and playing the piano. Martha's childhood piano music, her safe space, and the one consistent in her life.
After getting her Doctorate roughly six years ago, Martha taught a course in Restorative Justice in Canada. She heard the story of the hummingbird (you tube video story) and the forest fire. The story tells of the hummingbird racing from the fire to a pond and back to drop a single drop of water onto the fire and back again… and again. When asked why the Hummingbird was putting herself at risk with each flight? The Hummingbird answered, "I am doing what I can."
This story has since resonated with Martha as she has always tried to advocate for the marginalized throughout her career and personal work. She was born with a strong sense of moral justice while standing up for herself.
The Hummingbird has been so impactful Martha has made it her logo for her consulting business. The Hummingbird describes her values and drive. Yet there is another animal that also describes and provides peril for Martha. The Octopus speaks to how she lives life: It is intelligent and enjoys decorating its den. It is a fierce predator but tender when its trust is earned. It has eight legs that allow it to glide peacefully but change course quickly when needed.
Martha has felt like a headless Octopus, with eight legs representing each of her interests, without a center collective body connecting these interests. For many years Martha would try to embody one of her legs (good) and quickly would move away, knowing it wasn't completing all of herself, all of her legs of interest. It was in 2018, and most recently, while placing this speech together, Martha emphasized her value to society and all her "legs" of value as a collective. Martha feels like she is one in her interest and can dance between all pulls together as she navigates the world.
In closing, bringing the two metaphors together. Martha simply "Do what she can." she has given up on perfectionism, given up the false since she could change the world, and now "I do what I can in my spirit of influence."
Each of these animals (Hummingbird and Octopus) are fiercely territorial and do not show up in groups, as Martha doesn't feel comfortable in groups until trust is earned. This summer Martha and a friend rode on a bucket-list bicycle ride. She did the race to raise $700 for the Community Action Center. Shortly after, she was approached by Dick Huston to join the Rotary. Martha was ready to decline this offer, sighting the history of a club based on white men, although they wanted to change the organization's work to change this image. Once Dr. Houston shared the impact the Faribault Club was making, Martha began to see a group of hummingbirds, a group she could belong to that she could have raised more during the bike ride with the support of this collective. As a group of people with the same Hummingbird mentality, we could make more of a difference together than separately.
Welcome back to Rotary this year, 2023. The meeting started with sharing the dedication of Dr. Huston, who was Zooming in from the slopes on a ski trip. The meeting began with a blessing from Martha Brown and the Virtue of Loyalty read by "Loyal Laura" Bock as President Halverson expressed thanks.
Club Announcements:
Dr. Hanson now posted a new sign at Boxers, sighting that the pull tabs support Faribault Youth.
In Fellowship with Carrie Ann Pollard:
Greg and Rebekah thanked everyone who shared in their open house on New Year's Eve.
Mark shared his great time back home in Michigan with family, other than the Wolverine's bowl loss.
Rod reminded us (and was happy) the Gophers won their bowl game.
During the latest snowstorm, Sue Garwood shared thanks for the Faribault plows on their road work.
Dr. Hanson shared that he moved many historical records to the Rice County Historical Society over the winter break.
Natalie shared her thanks to Greg & Rebekah's hospitality and her honor for the pasting of Jim (Earl) Crowl. Natalie honored Jim as a community provider, loyal community supporter, dear friend, and exceptional neighbor.
Rotary recently surveyed our members and found something that should be unsurprising but still caused many of us in Rotary leadership to sit up and pay attention: The single most important factor in member satisfaction is the club experience. How at home you feel in your club, how rewarding club meetings are, and how engaged you feel in service projects.
I have seen this firsthand across the Rotary world this year. When members feel an emotional connection to their club, they cannot imagine leaving. And that connection is often forged in “Rotary moments,” when people feel that special connection to the people around them and the impact of their service. Our Imagine Impact Tour is all about shining a light on those Rotary moments and encouraging our members to tell their stories.
But there’s something else that makes an enormous difference in building and sustaining that connection. It’s the comfort and care of our members — both Rotarians and Rotaractors. As my Rotary friend Todd Jenkins says, “People can’t see how you think, but they sure can see your actions.”
We are in the relationship business, and if we take care of each other — genuinely show concern for each other — then we will make friends for life, and we will do anything to widen that circle of friendship.
The question is: How do we live with our eyes wide open and do the things that really matter? We do this by taking time for each other, actively listening to one another, and treating every Rotary member as equally valuable — no matter how long we have been a member or what position we hold.
People like me in Rotary leadership can offer all kinds of advice about how to make your club experience more valuable. But what’s most important is for everyone in every Rotary club to speak up and listen to one another. We should never be afraid to share with our fellow Rotary member what we expect to get out of our membership and have an open discussion about how to make that happen.
To lead a Rotary club is to invite such dialogue and to be willing to try new approaches. Good leadership is giving it away. Propping others up. Allowing others to feel the victory.
I have one last request for club leaders. We still need to do more worldwide to increase our female membership. It’s up a bit this year, but I know we can and must do better. Rotary is growing again. As I write this, we’re just a handful of members away from surpassing 1.2 million Rotarians again. So let’s redouble our efforts to bolster our clubs with great new members, then keep them for life by providing comfort and care.
While the tidings may be merry and bright, the charitable gambling performance for the month of November was a bah humbug.
Charitable gambling activity at Boxers was soft across the board. Electronic tabs posted the lowest monthly sales total in history at $90K with the exception of January 2022, which was during the omicron/covid spike. Gross profit margin on e-tabs was also poor at 11.02% below the average of 14.0%.
More bad news was softness in paper tab sales, summing to $37K in sales, which is well below the monthly average of $72K. On the positive, the gross margin was acceptable at 17.6% for a gross profit of $6.5K. Finally, bingo had sales of $11.7K, which is solid, but a record low margin of 7.8% for a gross profit of a $922.
Combining all the data points together, FRYS posted a loss of $8K on the month, driven by $6K in taxes. Even without the $6K in state taxes, FRYS would have been at a loss for the month due to the weak revenue volume and below trend margins. Let’s hope for more merry results when December data comes in for reporting and hope weakness in November was due to customers spending prior winnings on their family and friends this holiday season!
Faribault Rotary Youth Services
Charitable Gambling Operation
Month
Operation
Revenue
Prizes
Gross Profit
Gross Margin %
Monthly Net Profit
Misc. Notes
Sep-22
E-Tabs
112,995
90,667
22,328
19.76%
26,935
Strong net profit driven by starting cash of $13.6K ---> "True" net income = $13,284
Paper Tabs
83,985
69,548
14,437
17.19%
Non-Linked Bingo
13,073
10,788
2,285
17.48%
Linked Bingo
931
791
140
15.05%
Oct-22
E-Tabs
110,604
88,258
22,346
20.20%
10,103
Strongest e-tab gross profit margin on record at 20.2%
Paper Tabs
59,864
49,813
10,051
16.79%
Non-Linked Bingo
11,412
9,145
2,267
19.87%
Linked Bingo
706
600
106
15.01%
Nov-22
E-Tabs
90,406
80,444
9,962
11.02%
-8,126
Weak sales in paper tabs combined with heavy "aggregate" tax of $6K made for poor month
Paper Tabs
37,422
30,845
6,577
17.58%
Non-Linked Bingo
11,730
10,808
922
7.86%
Linked Bingo
752
639
113
15.03%
Because there was no Rotary meeting this week or next week, monthly expenses for January 2023 need to be approved by membership via email. Below are the monthly expenses and rationale:
CG Made Easy Administrative Fee = $250
Fixed fee every month
Inventory = $4,000
Inventory levels are adequate given the recent track record on paper sales
Rotary Gambling Team Compensation = $2,600
Bingo Team Compensation = $2,500
Bingo is being hosted every Thursday night
Revenue Share with MPeters = $10,000
Profit share is 31% of e-tab gaming à fall months traditionally have greater volume
Faribault Police Sgt. Brandom Gliem, second from right, celebrates his graduation with, from left, Eagan Police Chief Roger New (host agency of the school), Faribault Police Chief John Sherwin, and Shelly Camden, director of the Northwestern Center for Public Safety.
Faribault Police Department Sgt. Brandon Gliem has graduated from the School of Police Staff and Command at Northwestern University.
Gliem completed the 10-week program, which provides instruction in 27 topics such as leadership, budgeting and human resources.
The Center for Public Safety was established at Northwestern University in 1936 with the specific goal of expanding university-based education and training for the Law Enforcement Community.
On December 7th, our meeting started with an Ojibwa blessing read by Laura Bock, followed by the week’s virtue “Unity” provided by Kathy Wickwire. Today we welcomed the Administrative Sergeant for the Rice County Sheriff's Office, Paul LaRoche, and the Director of Operations for Our Savior, Megan Dalland, as Rotarians in our club. Make sure to introduce yourself to them at your next meeting.
With these two inductions, the club is up to 79 members and is now the largest it has ever been in its 102-year history.
In Club announcements, the honorable Dr. Huston was proud to inform the club the water project in Thailand is complete and working. Dr. Huston wanted to thank everyone who made a generous contribution to the project, along with the team who got the project put together: Natalie Ginter, DavidSauer, and Sam Ouk. The Water project contains a reservoir that will collect water during the wet season to sustain enough water through the dry season. The project powers clean water for local schools; each student brings home water daily for family use.
David Connelly gave an update on the Salvation Army Challenge with the Lion’s Club for Holiday Bellringing. First, the goal set by both clubs to raise $100 per hour ($40 more than Salvation Army standards of $60 per hour) $1600 was Met! Unfortunately, the Lion’s Club got the best of the bet raising $980 in 8 hours at Fareway. In comparison, Rotary raised $690 in 8 hours at Hy-Vee.
Fellowship was today’s program; we, as a club, shared Christmas stories and good cheer! Here is a highlight of some of the stories.
Kurt started with a story about a “cop photo” frame his uncle George had on the wall that looked like Kurt in a boy scout uniform, but he was never sure if he thought it was Kurt or maybe not…
Kymn Anderson was thankful her ten grandkids, and the tradition they have is a Christmas ball… Which is a ball filled with many things, from money, candy, toys, games, etc. Every kid of all ages gets to have some sort of wonder.
Rod Mahler shared the classic story of him dressing as Santa for the Rotary meeting one year and getting to ask the famous Hollywood actress Angie Dickinson to put out milk and cookies for him.
Jessica Amundson is happy to decorate her own house and put-up lights.
Zack Branham shared that Harry Brown’s is looking to support Faribault educators with a thank-you gift of a Yeti Mug for their service. Welcomes other businesses to join them in honoring the educational heroes of our community.
Pastor Mark shared an invitation for River Valley’s “Empty Chair Service” to welcome those who have lost and want comfort in this season. The service is on December 15th, at 7 pm at River Valley Church.
Kay Hoaglin shared a heartwarming story of her father getting laid off from work for the season. He gave each child $7.25 for their Christmas gift to pick out. One year when he had seniority, the family and I decided to let another younger man work instead so he could provide for his family and kids. Amazing service above self.
Dr. Hanson shared a story about how the neighborhood Santa seems to sound alike his cousin, Howard.
Pastor Greg Ciesluk shared an Open House invitation to their home on December 31st with mixed logistics. Rebekah (through texting him while attending on Zoom) announces Greg is no longer making announcements. I just wanted to let you know that more details are coming.
Natalie Ginter thanked the school board for passing the DHS 1.1 million grant for substance use. Excited about the educational pipeline for the medical nursing field. Pleased and joyed to meet Kurt’s birth mom over the weekend after so many years of discovery.
Our President ended with a great story, which was recorded to recollect human unity and the Christmas spirit. Click the link and enjoy. Kurt's Christmas Snowstorm Experience
While sitting with a group of Rotary leaders outside of Lusaka, Zambia, I ask a question: “How many of you have ever had malaria?” Every hand in the room goes up. They even begin to tell me about the first, second, or third time they experienced the disease, one of the main causes of death and sickness in many developing countries.
They are fortunate. They have access to medical treatment and lifesaving medicines. For the people of rural Zambia, their story is very different.
On a wooden bench in a small village, I sit with Timothy and his young son Nathan. With a camera crew capturing our conversation, he tells me of the time Nathan showed signs of malaria. He brought the boy to the nearby home of a community health worker, where Nathan quickly received medicines that in all likelihood saved his life.
Calmly, Timothy tells me about his other son’s bout with the disease a few years earlier. He had to race that son to a medical clinic more than 5 miles away. Riding a bike and carrying his child on his back, he tells me, he could feel his son’s legs turn cold and then his little body go limp. As he finally entered the clinic, he screamed for help, but it was too late. The camera stops rolling, and we sit in silence. He begins to weep, and I hold him tightly. “I lost my son, I lost my son,” he says.
This story is all too familiar for the families we meet over the next few days. And yet there is hope. Partners for a Malaria-Free Zambia is Rotary’s first Programs of Scale grant recipient, and it is saving lives. Across two provinces of Zambia, 2,500 volunteer health workers have been selected by their communities. They are trained to bring medical care closer to those who need it, and they are able to diagnose and treat malaria and other ailments. Rotary partnerships create lasting change.
TThe Faribault Rotary Club has inducted Megan Dalland (center) as a new member. Meagan is Director of Operations for Our Savior's Lutheran Church. Her sponsor Dick Huston (right). Also pictured with her is membership chair Keith Kramer (left.)
The Faribault Rotary Club has inducted Paul LaRoche (center) as a new member. Paul is an Administrative Sergeant with the Rice County Sheriff's department. His sponsor Brandon Gliem (right) is a Sergeant with the Faribault Police Department. Pictured with the two officers is membership lead Keith Kramer.
Electronic pull tabs had a solid month with sales of $111K, delivering a gross profit of $22K on a gross profit margin of 20.20%, which is a new record for the FRYS operation (previous best = 19.94%)
As an illustration of the significant variability, the month of August had a gross profit margin of 8.79% for less than half of the strength of October
Paper tabs had a slightly weaker month with total sales of $60K for gross profits of $10K on a margin of 16.79%
To keep the comparisons running, paper tabs had a gross profit margin of 16.31% in August, illustrating a much tighter range of performance month over month
In fact, the lowest gross profit margin on paper tabs is 12.18%, representing 58% of the strongest gross profit margin recorded (21.08% in July 22) whereas electronic tabs accounts for only 43%
Bingo continues to draw customers to Boxers with sales of $11K in October for gross profits of $2K.
Overall, the month of October produced just over $10K in net income
In October 2021, which was FRYS’ first month of charitable gambling operations, net income was $7K à While not a perfect example, the 30% increase in net income performance year-over-year does provide a solid illustration for growth in the size and scope of the charitable gambling operation at Boxers
On the revenue front, October 2022's total revenue of $182K represents a 57% increase from October 2021's $116K
Following Expenses were Approved:
CG Made Easy Administrative Fee = $250
Fixed fee every month
Inventory = $6,000
Inventory levels are adequate given the recent track record on paper sales
Rotary Gambling Team Compensation = $2,600
Bingo Team Compensation = $2,500
Bingo is being hosted every Thursday night à
Revenue Share with MPeters = $10,000
Profit share is 31% of e-tab gaming à fall months traditionally have greater volume
City of Faribault = $1,200
Revenue Share with Boxers = $8,000
Profit-share w/ e-tabs = 15% & paper tabs = 20% à fall brings football back for stronger volume levels at Boxers
Misc. Cost = $2,000
Gambling manager Brenda might have a couple holiday events at Boxers & payroll services via Reese, Winter
Total Expenses = $32,550
On a first by Rod Muller & a second Dick Huston, FRYS’ membership approved November’s expenses
Nicholas Sonpon (left) was recently became an official citizen of the United States during a recent ceremony. He is pictured here with his documents and Pastor Ciesluk.
The presentation on November 16th was from a Rotary-supported educational group called Waano.
Waano is an after-school program that looks to enrich children of ethnic diversity in support of their education. Teaching kids and parents about educational skills to succeed.
Waano is not an acronym. It is the Somalia word for learning and growth.
Their mission is to help people thrive.
In the US, we empower new immigrant communities to be successful.
Our vision is that every person has the resources and opportunities they need to succeed in education
and well-being.
The core operations of this after-school learning program are: Ethics, Trust, Transparency, Respect, Innovation, Collaboration, and Human service.
The goals of Waano are:
1)Communities have opportunities and resources that create an educated population.
2) Communities have sustainable systems for health, clean water, and food.
3) Communities' opportunities and resources are available to people of all genders, ethnicity, religions,
and tribal affiliations.
4) Communities have thriving businesses that provide employment that sustains community families.
Abroad, we promote education while assisting individuals who are suffering from starvation, diseases,
mental illness, disability, illiteracy, and lack of clean water.
For more information, please contact their Executive Director, Faadil Sheikhmohamed, at faadil@waano.org
Seahorse males give birth. Once the females eggs are fertilized she deposits them in a pouch on the male to incubate. Two to four weeks later as many as 1500 little seahorses are born in the morning. the male can then be pregnant again by sundown.
The honorable tie challenged Dick Huston proposes Megan Dalland, Director of Operations for Our Savior's Luther for membership in the Faribault Rotary Club. If you have any questions or concerns pleas contact membership chair Keith Kramer.
The honorable Brandon Gliem proposes Paul Laroche, Administrative Sergeant for the Rice County Sheriff's Office, for membership in the Faribault Rotary Club. If you have any questions or concerns pleas contact membership chair Keith Kramer.
November 9th, 2022, our meeting started with a Virtue by George Wickstrom of Unity, followed by a blessing by Zak Branham around Unity. In club announcements:
Warm of Community made their drop-offs to the local schools to drop off the packaged coats, hats, boots, etc., for all students. In all 185 students were outfitted for winter this year. Thank you to all the volunteers in our club and community.
Brenda is still looking for help with Bingo on Thursdays and Saturdays. Please contact Brenda or see the sign-up sheet at the next meeting.
Fellowship started with introducing our Rotary “students of the month.” Dr. Huston introduced Trent Tia and Grace Yesin. Grace is a senior and is involved in Orchestra, Student Council, and National Honor Society. Trent, a senior, is involved in Orchestra, Student Council, and DECA. Along with Cross Country and Track.
Our speaker was our very own Jamie Bente, providing his classification speech. Jamie is from Ohio and grew up in a split family. His Mother’s family were farmers, while his dad’s family were small business owners running a salvage yard and automotive store. Jamie growing up, worked with both his families and his career path vision was to take over one of the family professions.
His mother told him he would attend college, and Jamie did at Mount Union College in Ohio. Once in college, both his grandparents passed away, and the vision of working in one of the family professions was gone. Jamie graduated with an education degree focused on history.
Once out of college, Jamie followed his fiancée to Minnesota and started his teaching career as a German Teacher. Jamie recalls stories of this year and how he didn’t know German, yet he had to figure it out day by day. This theme was the pulse of Jamie’s teaching path as he continued to take on new roles and learn new skills in the field of education.
Jamie had applied to Faribault in the past and had not made the job cut. To Jamie, the rejection of the position in Faribault meant more than all the other job passes he had received. “There is something I found special here, and it hurt.” Thankfully, Faribault called him back a couple of years later and offered him the assistant principal position at the High school. Since then, Jamie has moved up the ladder and is enjoying the new challenges as District Superintendent.
Jamie and his wife have been together for 27 years and have three boys. Rogan is a freshman at SDSU, Tate is a sophomore at Lakeville south, and Brigs is in 5th grade.
Twas just weeks before Christmas, when all through downtown,
Not a Rotarian was stirring, no one to be found;
The invites were made by Martha Brown with care,
In hopes that everyone would soon be there;
The Rotarians were nestled all snug in their beds;
While visions of Christmas concerts danced in their heads;
They knew in a moment the time had drawn near,
To sign-up with Martha and tell her no fear;
For we will be coming, even bringing a guest;
Looking forward to lunch and the choir's singing best;
More rapid than eagles the Faribault Rotarians came,
And Martha whistled and shouted and called them by name:
Now, Pollard! Now, Ciesluk! Now, Ginter and Kohl!
On, Haars! On, Rojas! On, Wickwire and Gliem!
To the seat of your cars! To the end of the street!
Now dash away! Dash away! And soon we will meet!
Then we heard Martha exclaim, as she walked out of sight;
"Happy Christmas to all, and to all a good night!"
All Rotarians their families, and guests are invited to the 82th Faribault Rotary Christmas Concert to be held on Wednesday December 14th (11:45 am- 1:15 pm) at Our Savior's Lutheran Church. The joyful sounds of the holiday season will be brought to us by the Faribault High School Concert Choir. Our host for over 35 years, Donn Johnson has retired and there is a new hostess in town, Dr. Martha Brown, who is a new Rotarian and the accompanist for the choir. She asks that you respond to the online email whether or not you will be coming and bringing one or more guests. The cost of the meal is $15 unless you are on the meal plan.
Rotary outfitted 185 pre-k through grade 5 local youth with winter boots, snow pants, coats, hats and gloves! We partnered with Jefferson Elementary, Lincoln Elementary, Roosevelt Elementary and Stem school. The past 4 years we held a one day event where the community would come in and select from gently used and new outerwear. This worked out really well and the demand was always more than supply but the individuals at the front of the line were able to be fully outfitted while those coming in later only received a few items.
This year parents were able to fill out a digital form selecting needed items and many children were outfitted from head to toe! Our hope is to continue to grow this program and expand into early childhood as well as local private schools. Rotary is very fortunate to have wonderful community partners that have allowed us to grow our program each year. It truly takes a community team to pull off a large scale outerwear drive and Reliance Bank allowed us to deliver, sort and pack all items in their basement.
Kristen Thiele from Treadway Graphics ordered many of our items, Casie Steeves from the Chamber of commerce designed our flyer linking to our order form and generous financial sponsors like Rotary Charitable Gambling, Allina Health, Hometown CU, Rice County Sheriff’s Association and River Valley Church all gave over $500 to make this event possible. Rotary’s motto is ‘service above self’ and it is awesome to be able to serve our community knowing that each one of us has been given so much.
Pictured (L to R) Kurt Halverson, president, Grace, Trent and Joel Olson Faribault Senior High School Principal.
Good afternoon. Our Rotary Club has started a Rotary Student of the Month. Grace Yetzer and Trent Ta have been honored as Faribault Rotary Students of the Month. Grace is involved in Honor Society, orchestra, student council and Link Crew. Trent is involved in Decca, cross country, orchestra, student council and Link Crew.
Stephen Uphus (DMCS counselor), Anna Wagner (DMCS teacher), Kurt Halverson (Faribault Rotary Club President), Gina Ashley (DMCS Principal), Natalie Ginter (Rotarian), and Amanda Rauenhorst (DMCS teacher). Second row- Jesus
Faribault Rotary Youth Services recently presented Divine Mercy Catholic School with a $10,000 donation in support of new social and emotional curriculum and mental health programming for District students and staff. Funds donated are raised through the charitable gambling program held in partnership with Boxer’s Bar and Grill in downtown Faribault.
(Reprinted with permission from the Daily News and George)
When my aunt Marian was in fourth grade in 1905, her teacher assigned the students topics to report monthly to the class. Marian was the oldest of three children. Her mother, a single parent, scrubbed floors in downtown offices at night and took in washing and ironing in the daytime. Marian, in poverty, was dressed in flour sack clothes. When she reported to the class, the students surreptitiously made fun of her. After two or so times, she said she wasn’t ready to give another report.
Her teacher saw what was happening and took her aside and said: “Why don’t you see me after school. You don’t have to go before the class again.” Marian was so thankful for her kindness and compassion that she was inspired to become a teacher. When Marian was a senior in high school, her mother was diagnosed with cancer and couldn’t work. Marian found two part-time jobs so Aunt Ruth and my dad wouldn’t be placed in orphanages and mother in the poor house.
Her mother died when Marian was in her second year of normal school. After graduation Marian taught in the Chicago public school system. In 1932 my dad lost his job and moved in with Marian and her husband. During that time students would come over after school and sometimes stay for supper. Almost always on Saturday’s students could come and stay for lunch. During summer it was common for them to come and visit her. One time she took a group on a picnic.
Marian retired at age 65 in 1960 and moved to Lake Hubert, about 15 miles north of Brainerd. For 23 years she served the area in many ways, including teaching residents of the Brainerd State Hospital two or three days a week to read and write. At age 88 she was diagnosed with macular degeneration and could no longer driver or live alone.
When she left Brainerd, the Brainerd Dispatch headline read “Incredible 88-year-old.” Most, if not all, of the front page was about Marian. I took her to Wisconsin to live with my mother and she died at age 98 in 1993. I was her administrator and she wanted her memorial service in the Lake Hubert area. She was gone 10 years. I thought, who will attend? The church was full.
I read a letter from one of her students who went into the ministry. He wrote of the impact she had on his life. I had a very difficult time getting though it and there were many handkerchiefs drawn in the audience. s I went through her belongings I found she was corresponding, with help from my mother, with 65 of her former students.
Who was the ‘power of one’ ? I say she was Marian’s fourth-grade teacher. Acts of kindness, compassion, respect, etc. can inspire us to do wonderful things. When I moved Marian, she told me one of her greatest regrets was that she never thanked her teacher for her kindness and the impact she had on her.
Each and every one of us has the potential to be the ‘power of one’ in someone’s life. Acts of kindness, compassion and respect can be inspiring and perhaps be a ‘power of one.’
The Faribault Rotary Club has inducted Theresa Vold, far right, founder and director of Rescue 55021. She is pictured with Keith Kramer, club membership team leader, and her daughter and sponsor, Carri Pollard.
In Club happenings: Our club welcomed a new member Theresa Vold Executive Director of Rescue 55021. Welcome to our club. Dr. Huston and Mr. Wickstrom asked members to contact them if they are coming to the international Rotary dinner on September 12th.
Rotarian of the YearBrenda DeMars is requesting if you have not to turn your rose money in, please do so.
David Connelly sent around a sign-up for the Salvation bell ringing event on November 19th. This year we are having a friendly competition with the local Lions club on who can raise the most money that day.
In fellowship:
Brenda is looking for help with bingo and has confidence we, as a club, can fill the spots.
Emily confided in the club that she thought David’s name was actually Dennis.
Martha Brown thanked those Rotarians who were at her book event at the library.
Katy Anderegg shared she is moving to Wisconsin and shared her love and appreciation to the friendships she created with club members.
Rod Mahler asked to welcome members to join the soup luncheon at 4th Ave Methodist church 11am-to 1 pm.
Natalie Ginter shared her thanks for all members doing good stuff in the community. From work on the School Levy to Warm our Community and other community projects. “It’s like every community project has some sort of connection to Rotary”.
Dayna Norvold- Executive Director Rice County Habitat for Humanity
Our speaker was Executive Director of Habitat for Humanity Dayna Norvold. Habitat for Humanity partners with people in your community and worldwide to help them build or improve a place they can call home. Habitat homeowners help build their own homes alongside volunteers and pay an affordable mortgage. With your support, Habitat homeowners achieve the strength, stability, and independence they need to build a better life for themselves and for their families. Check out these current Rice county housing situations and how Habitat for Humanity is changing the narrative. H4H Rice County info.
Today’s membership memo is the first in FRYS’ fresh fiscal tax year, meaning charitable gambling performance resets with a new income statement. To recall, total sales of charitable gambling exceeded $1.9MM last year in just 10 months of activity, which means the 2022 – 2023 campaign should be on a pace to smash the $1.9MM mark – let’s begin.
September 2022 kicked off with a strong month of activity across the gaming spectrum. E-tab sales summed to $113K with a gross profit of $22K on a blistering 19.8% gross profit margin, which represents the second highest FRYS has achieved since commencing operations (19.94% in November 21). Turning to the tangible, paper tabs posted sales of $84K with a gross profit of $14K and margin at 17.2%. Bingo continues to draw customer activity as illustrated by sales of $13K, second most on record, with gross profits of $3K.
Net income for the month was a record $27K; however, this is misleading as the total includes starting cash of $14K for paper tab boxes that are needed to execute payouts / liquidity. Removing the starting cash yields a net profit of $13.2K - a solid showing.
Faribault Rotary Youth Services
Charitable Gambling Operation
Month
Operation
Revenue
Prizes
Gross Profit
Gross Margin %
Monthly Net Profit
Misc. Notes
Sep-22
E-Tabs
112,995
90,667
22,328
19.76%
26,935
Strong net profit driven by starting cash of $13.6K ---> "True" net income = $13,284
Paper Tabs
83,985
69,548
14,437
17.19%
Non-Linked Bingo
13,073
10,788
2,285
17.48%
Linked Bingo
931
791
140
15.05%
Now with a decent amount of data / history established, one question that has pondered the mind is what of the major gaming (pull tabs / paper tabs / non-linked Bingo) reliably produces the most income per dollar of revenue for FRYS, meaning what game has the most reliable gross profit margin. Said differently, what game has the least amount of variability in terms of gross profit margin, which is the greatest factor in profitability. Understanding this dynamic will help forecasting and allow for better coordination with the Charitable Giving Committee as statistical models can be used to provide range estimates on cash flows available for donation. Enough chatter – let’s get to the numbers.
Game
Mean Gross Profit Margin
Standard Deviation
1 Standard Deviation Range
E – Tabs
14.48%
4.15%
10.33% - 18.63%
Paper Tabs
17.89%
2.58%
15.25% - 20.41%
Non-Linked Bingo
26.70%
6.92%
19.73% - 33.63%
Synthesizing the data above, unsurprisingly, paper tabs are the most consistent game month-over-month with a standard deviation of 2.58%. In plain English, with a 66% level of certainty, FRYS can presume that the gross profit margin on paper tabs will be between 10.33% and 18.63%, which is computed by taking the historical mean/average and then +/- the standard deviation. Testing that assumption, only three months out of 13 observations recorded a gross profit margin that was outside of the predicted 1 standard deviation range (21.57%, 21.08% and 12.18%) or 23% of the time.
Turning to other FRYS news, September featured the partnership between Faribault Youth Baseball Association & FRYS at the Town Ball State Tournament held at Bell Field. Per Brenda, activity was acceptable but nothing substantial, which is illustrated in the net profit of just over $1,500 for the Labor Day Weekend FRYS sold tabs. Per the agreement, FRYS split profits at a 50/50 share with Youth Baseball. After accounting for the boxes and labor, FRYS cut a check for $389 to Faribault Youth Baseball Association.
Lastly, prior communications had discussed the intent of the FRYS board to execute exterior renovations at the Rotary Camp; however, the contractor found himself too busy and was unable to complete the renovations this fall, which are now scheduled for this coming April / May.
The Charitable Gambling Team thanks you for your support as we build on the successes of year one and march into year two full speed ahead!
Dick Huston invited any Rotarians to join him and George at the Rotary Foundation Celebration on Saturday, November 12th. There is a carpool going. Please let Dr. Huston know if you are interested in going.
Greg Ciesluk reported on the wonderful Strive session Wednesday. Our very own George Wickstrom stepped up at the last moment to fill in for the speaker who could not make it last minute. George spoke on good money practice and saving.
Laura Bock shared a possible service project opportunity partnering with local police and maybe other organizations in the area to start a kid house for local teens. A think tank discussion is scheduled for November 15th at 6:30pm with a location to be determined.
Dr. Hanson led a fellowship with a back history of the difference between Fleecing dollars and Happy dollars, and the differences each holds. Fleecing is when someone else mentions you or your business highlighting accomplishments that they are happy for you. Happy Dollars are when you speak about something you are proud of, sharing a little bit about yourself and people or items that are important to you.
Greg Ciesluk shared the upcoming soup luncheons at Fourth Avenue United Methodist Church every Friday in November from 11 am to 1 pm. Emily Nesvold thanked the club for buying Christmas cards created by her daughter. She also praised the newest members, Nathaniel and Summer Cunningham, for their coffee roastery Mighty Fine Coffee.
Rod Mahler shared that his son is soon taking him to a Minnesota Gophers vs. Notre Dame hockey game. Rod, a fan of both squads, can’t lose no matter which team wins.
Marv Schrader shared he will be going into surgery to replace a heart valve this coming Wednesday. Keep your thoughts with Marv this week for a full recovery.
A lot of praise came to Harry Brown’s for the first annual Scary at Harry’s. Zak Branham shared his thanks to all the support and community vendors, which made the event a smash hit, with over 800 kids coming through for all the community fun. Look for more community-based events coming at Harry Brown’s.
Twelve years of dedication paid off for Faribault Rotary Club’s gambling manager, Brenda DeMars. The 2020-21 club president received the club’s Rotarian of the Year award this past week. DeMars has been representative of the club’s Four-Way Test since her joining in September 2010. Throughout the years, DeMars has worn many hats in the club. During the pandemic, she served as the club’s president, often holding events over video calls. Under her presidency, a total of 17 new members committed to join the Faribault Rotary Club.
“It was humbling. There’s many that are deserving of it and do a lot for the club,” DeMars said. “Rotary has changed me and become a big part of me. I love seeing what more we’re able to do now.” The Faribault Rotary Club honors what is referred to as the Four-Way Test of what rotarians think, say, or do in representation of the club: First, is it the truth? Second, is it fair to all concerned? Third, will it build goodwill and better friendships? Fourth, will it be beneficial to all concerned?
DeMars’ impact on the Faribault Rotary Club extends well beyond her official position. Under DeMars’ guidance, the club accomplished numerous projects and changes. DeMars tackled the club’s dues structure, allowing newer members to afford the club’s membership. eMars was part of the club’s first international project since 2014, which raised in excess of $75,000 for a water purification, garden and entrepreneurial project for children in Cambodia.
DeMars currently dedicates her time to a club effort she dug into: pull-tabs. She spent hours, both day and night, taking tests and fulfilling state requirements to receive approval from the city gambling committee in order to operate pull-tab gambling at Boxer’s Bar and Grill. “Should Brenda choose to not be gambling manager I can think of no one who would do what she is doing,” said Rotarian Richard Huston. “Because of her willingness to place service above self we have been able to give the youth of our community tens of thousand of dollars and a giving committee has been created to evaluate the many requests we receive.”
In addition to being the club’s gambling manager, DeMars is also co-chair for the Rose Sale, a fundraiser which donates proceeds to youth programs and STRIVE scholarships. She is one of the top sellers of roses. “If anyone’s looking to join a great group, Rotary is it,” DeMars said. “It’s really rewarding for yourself and very giving to the community.”
Reach Daily News reporter Josh McGovern at 507-333-3128.
Former Club President named Faribault's Rotarian of the Year 2022
The Faribault Rotary Club has inducted two new members. Sommer and Nathaniel Cunningham own Mighty Fine Coffee. Pictured are Sommer (above left) and her sponsor Carri Pollard. Pictured with Nate (above left) is his sponsor Mark Kenny.
Now that the Roses have been delivered, it is time to turn in the money. Please bring your collections to our Wednesday meeting or turn them in to Amy or Brenda at Reliance Bank as soon as you have collected all your Rose sale money.
October 19th, the meeting started with the unveiling of the Rotarian of the Year, Brenda DeMars! Her family and co-workers joined Brenda to celebrate her accomplishment. More about Brenda later.
Laura Bock shared the week’s virtue in honor of Rotarian of the Year Brenda, Endurance.
Keith Kramer provided our weekly invocation. In club announcements, Keith Kramer gave a Warm our Community update. Forms were sent to all elementary schools (translated into Spanish, English, and Somali). Over 200 forms have been submitted, and each form submission fulfills all hats, gloves, boots, and jackets for each child. The next step is to order the items and then sort and pack them for each area school to distribute. Help will be needed soon for the sorting and packing of orders.
Cindy Yerington gave an update request from The Inn to help clear plates into bus bins provided at the end of the meetings.
David Connelly requested the club continue looking for host families for our current exchange student Jean. New host families are needed for 2023.
Please contact Lisa Humfield-Wilson if you know of a family willing to help.
Brenda Demars needs help with Bingo on Thursdays and Saturdays. Reach out to Brenda if you can help, please.
Fellowship was focused around the praise of Mrs. Brenda Demars and all her attributes like selflessness, hardworking, caring, compassion, loyal, energetic, and committed to naming a few. Laura Bock presented a genuine overview of all of Brenda’s accomplishments and achievements which Brenda has served as a Rotarian in the Faribault community.
Dick Huston made the trip to Prior Lake Rotary last Wednesday morning to present former Faribault Rotary member Sam Ouk with a Paul Harris Award that he earned with our Cambodia project.
Faribault Rotary Youth Services presented Faribault Public Schools with a $10,000 charitable donation to support the Little Falcons after school program. The free program provides opportunities for elementary students to try a variety of sports. This photo was taken at Lincoln Elementary Little Falcons girls basketball. Pictured are program participants along with Faribault Rotary Club president, Kurt Halverson, Little Falcons coordinator, Ryan Lueken, Lincoln physical ed teacher, JT Butler, and girls basketball volunteer coach, Natalie Ginter.
The 56th Annual Rotary Concert was a success this year, thanks to our club members and the amazing talents of the performers! There was great attendance to hear the Faribault High School Choir, Philharmonic Orchestra, and Wind Ensemble. President Halverson emceed the event and highlighted the work the Faribault Rotary Club does to support youth. 2022 Youth Arts Scholarship Recipients were recognized, and President Halverson even included a few “dad jokes” throughout the evening. Thank you to Rotarians Jamie Bente, Rod Mahler, Kay Hoaglin, and Dave Beranek for coordinating and working at the concert. Thank you to all the Rotarians who came to watch the concert, too!
Brenda DeMars has been a Faribault Rotarian for 12 years, joining the club September 15, 2010. She served as the club’s president in 2020-2021. (During the pandemic - sometimes holding meetings on zoom from the Inn to an empty room) She is Co-chair for the Rose Sale and she is our clubs Gambling Manager. I had the pleasure of reading all 10 yes-10! nominations for Brenda and statements like "dedicated leader, full of class, grace and kindness, quiet and steadfast, selfless, and - tireless in the pursuit of “Service Above Self" are just a snapshot of what she does.
Brenda serves as the Club's gambling manager and has been a champion of this endeavor since day one. Brenda gives her time DAILY to be at Boxers counting cash and analyzing operations of charitable gambling before and sometimes after her full-time job at Reliance bank as the VP of Mortgage and Consumer lending. She is the key to the successful relationship between Faribault Rotary Youth Services and Boxers. Besides the daily accountings she oversees Bingo on Thursdays and Saturdays.
She is always a top seller of roses and raffle tickets, and can be found at blood drives, salvation army bell ringing, rotary readers, meals on wheels, Adopt a Highway and representing Rotary in parades with her grandchildren in tow. She and her husband Drew work at cleaning up at Rotary Camp and assisted at every single one of the dates the club worked at Crockers Creek. She also supports organizing and distributing coats at Warm our Community. There is rarely a Rotary event that Brenda is not a part of in one way or another.
Brenda - our club cannot thank you enough for the work you do to exemplify the 4-way test - you do all day, every single day. It has not gone unnoticed and we are incredibly blessed to have you in all of our lives. We congratulate our 2022 Rotarian of the year!!
In awareness of Domestic Abuse Awareness Month, our very own Erica Saab provided insight into what the Hope Center is and how it supports our community.
The mission of HOPE Center is to create zero tolerance for sexual and domestic violence through healing, outreach, prevention, and education. Through innovative programming, we offer direct support to victims of violence in Rice County, collaborative support to other organizations that serve victims, and educational support to the entire community. The staff of the HOPE center serves about 1400 clients per year. Their serves are compounded through many different objectives and needs.
Healing: General victim support includes crisis intervention, 24-hour Safeline 800-607-2330, information and referral, emergency safe housing, support groups, rape counseling, and accompaniment to medical exams. Legal services to victims include assistance with the criminal justice system, information about legal remedies and processes, help with orders for protection and harassment restraining orders, and accompaniment to court proceedings.
Outreach: Specialized training is provided to employers, professionals, educators, and criminal justice professionals. Two times each year, 40 hours of training are provided for people interested in becoming HOPE Center volunteers. General presentations about our services and/or the prevalence of sexual and domestic violence are made to church groups, service organizations, and any other interesting forums. The general public is also educated through HOPE Center displays at community fairs and other events, submission of newspaper articles, appearances on local radio and television stations, and our website.
Prevention: To go beyond individual assistance toward community-wide solutions, HOPE Center regularly networks with such systems as social services, criminal justice, and the medical community and provides them with screening and assessment tools. A volunteer Court watch program monitors the judicial system, and staff follows up with judges, law enforcement and prosecuting attorneys when necessary.
Education: We believe in raising awareness about the impact sexual assault, domestic violence and child abuse has on victims/survivors, community providers and other networks.
New President-Elect: The president nomination committee met. Many members were nominated, which speaks to the work the members have done. David Connelly has accepted the nomination for President-Elect for 2024-25, following Laura Bock (current Rotarian of the Year) in 2023-24. Pastor Mark Kenney has accepted the nomination for 2025-26 as the 106th club president.
Dr. Houston mentioned members were still welcome to come to his prairie to harvest seeds to be distributed into Crockers Creek.
Dr. Houston was thanked for his personalized touch in his encounters around the community. He also has urged Rotarians to put their Rotary magazines into lobbies to increase awareness of Rotary.
Elizabeth Child with the United Way and Northfield Rotarian thanked our club for the $2500 donation to the Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library. The subscribership is growing rapidly. They are set to have 1300 members and give away 15,000 books this year.
Riverbend sent us two thank you cards for our contributions to their youth programming.
In Fellowship, we were joined by long-time member Mike Grinney who updated us on his many years of retirement living in Florida.
Zak Branham shared the first Scary at Harry’s Trick or Treat event on October 25th, 6 pm-8 pm at Harry Browns. Vendors are welcome to hand out candy. Contact Zak if your business is interested.
Laura Bock shared her gratitude for the friendships that our kids can enjoy through our connections through Rotary. Grace had a great time with his daughter Harper at Kurt Halverson’s home this past weekend.
Greg Ciesluk gave an update on the Strive program earlier on October 12th; there were 35 students in participation.
4th United Methodist Church is back their soup luncheons in November 11am-1pm on Fridays.
Kymn Anderson, who is not a fan of the “tie banter,” gave her compliments on Dr. Huston’s pheasant tie. The clear Tie contest winner on October 12th was Dr. Huston. (Were there any others?)
Gail Kaderlik shared she became a grandmother this past weekend, and the baby and family are doing well.
Katy Anderegg thanked Harry Brown’s for helping out with a programming event at the last moment with a golf cart on the fly.
Mindy Reeder shared that BA looks good in their section in Volleyball again this year.
The honorable Carri Pollard proposes Theresa Vold, Executive Director and founder of Rescue 55021, as a member in the Faribault Rotary Club. If you have any questions, please contact membership chair Keith Kramer.
Emily gave her classification talk recently. I asked her six follow up questions to help summarize her presentation for those of us who were present and for our club members who missed the meeting. If you have not had a chance to welcome her to our club, please do so.
Your Family members, occupations (including you) or school level?”
Father, PhD Mother, BA Husband, DVM Me, BS, BA
Your Hometown/School/College Athens Georgia until 7th Brookings, SD SDSU, 2 years U of MN, Bachelor’s degree U of MN Mankato, Broad Science Teaching
Your Previous occupations? Microbiology Teaching Lab, U of MN Research, U of MN Veterinary Bacteriology Teaching Secondary Sciences
On October 5th, 2022, Rotarians joined at Noon for this week's weekly meeting.
Aubrey Nicholson shared this week’s virtue of “Strength” after the pledge of Alliance and the Four Way Test were recited.
In club announcements, Amy Amundson asked to have Roses orders in ASAP. You will be getting emails until you have placed your orders. Bravo to Grant Wilson and Eric Craig for leading the way with over 100 dozen roses sold.
Dr. Huston welcomed volunteers to his prairie to harvest seeds Wednesday, October 12th, at 5 pm. Please contact Dick if you can join. The seeds will be distributed to Crocker Creek this winter over the snow to seed in the spring. Our next Red Cross blood drive is on November 7th at 4th Ave United Methodist Church from 1-6 pm.
In Fellowship, it was a pleasure to have former Sheriff Troy Dunn on Zoom. President Halverson shared a story of lightning bolts being shaved into the head of the former Sheriff in a throwback to the good old Vanilla Ice days of the 90s.
Many comments were made about the grand nature of the Lakelander’s barbershop choir concert to support the Ruth House and the Hope Center. Greg Ciesluk, a member of the Lakelander’s, shared they raised more funds than ever at this year’s concert.
Erica Stab-Absher appreciated that the Faribault Foundation’s “100 women who care event” elected the Hope Center as the Winner of the $5,000 donation this past weekend.
Our program was the classification speech of Emily Nesvold. Emily is honored to be a Rotarian; the four-way test is important to her and is something about joining the important club. Emily was born in Kalamazoo, Michigan, in 1943. Her father, a microbiologist working on antibiotics, their family moved quickly as her father went into teaching microbiology, and Emily grew up in Athens, Georgia. Emily and her family moved to Brookings, South Dakota, in seventh grade. Worried about a southern speech, Emily taught herself out of her southern accent.
Emily was kind of a rebel during to her school years, as she was sent to the office enough to be regular with the principal. She married her husband Bob Nesvold old in 1963 and is coming up on their 60th anniversary. Emily and Bob finished school at the U of M with no debt due to proper government funding. Bob is a veterinarian, and Emily with a degree in biology. After graduation, they moved to Faribault. Bob started to work with Dick Huston, Emily taught biology, and they lived with their two children on the outskirts of Faribault. They enjoy nature, horses, and engaging in their community.
The honorable Pastor Mark Kenney proposes Nathaniel Cunningham, co-owner of Mighty Fine Coffee Roasters, as a member in the Faribault Rotary Club. If you have any questions, please contact membership chair Keith Kramer.
The honorable Carri Pollard proposes Sommer Cunningham, co-owner of Mighty Fine Coffee Roasters, as a member in the Faribault Rotary Club. If you have any questions, please contact membership chair Keith Kramer.
Jean is doing well. The pep band and being involved in a band with some friends from the high school has kept him busy. He experienced his first high school homecoming and his first time at an apple orchard.
Briauna recently got to participate in a Thai cooking class which she enjoyed. She continues to take Thai language classes and is doing well. She let us know that having little lizards in your house is not a cause for concern- they eat bugs. She tries to “save” them by catching them and putting them outside.
Brandelyn recently celebrated Chile’s Independence Day on 9/18. She and her mom went on vacation for the week after that. They enjoyed horseback rides on the beach and sightseeing. She recently told us a story that she was sitting by her bed doing homework and out of the corner of her eye saw a movement. It turned out to be a juvenile tarantula on her bed. It had gotten through the window on which there are no screens. Her dad collected it and put it outside.
On September 29th, 2022 the Faribault Rotary Club gathered at the Inn at Shattuck-St. Mary’s at 12:15 to sign the pledge of allegiance, the Four Way Test, a Virtue Reading by Erica Staab-Absher of “Humanity”. Our Prayer was by Natalie Ginter. “Community, we embrace. The community we serve as Rotarians.”
Club announcements: Greg Ciesluk shared 33 students' attendance this past week to hear a speech from fellow Rotarian Zak, to pride them on doing the right thing.
Flag exchange: David Connelly and Exchange Student Jean Piyapanee shared the ceremonial opportunity to exchange his native Thailand club flag without a local club flag.
Martha Brown was inducted into our club by Membership Chairman Keith Kramer.
In Fellowship:
Chad Koepke shared he was getting married this Saturday. Congrats Chad.
Natalie Ginter shared her experience of her father being inducted into the Wisconsin Basketball Hall of Fame this past Saturday. Natalie also announced she is starting coaching for little Falcons’ basketball this fall.
In honor of Sue Garwood’s birthday, the club sang to her “Happy Birthday”.
Eric Craig announced that club dues have been sent out, if you have any questions, please reach out to him.
Dr. Murray Hanson was wearing an excellent tie, and explained that it was picture day for the staff at Richie Eye Clinic. Dr. Huston had something to say about it which was not noteworthy, so it did not make the meeting records.
The Faribault Rotary Annual Rose Sale is almost over.. Several hundred dozen have been sold already. Just one day left. Bring your orders to the meeting Wednesday or respond to the email sent tomorrow.
Sheriff Jesse Thomas and Sgt. Paul LaRoche spoke about the makeup/structure of the Rice County Sheriff's Office, its divisions, staffing, equipment/vehicles and types of calls it responds to.
They also spoke about the Public Safety Center, currently under construction just off Hwy. 3 on the northern edge of Faribault near 30th Street. About half the 83,000 square-feet center will house a new, 76-bed jail that will meet Minnesota Department of Corrections standards. The current facility has little space for detainee recreation and programming, reasons the DOC notified the county it will downgrade the jail's classification, restricting its ability to hold detainees for longer than 90 days. That, in turn, would cost the county both in man hours and out-of-county housing, and fails to adequately serve people who will someday be back in the community
The PSC will also feature an adjacent 20,000 square-foot storage/training facility. This will allow all RCSO vehicles to be onsite, allowing a quicker response. The Board of Commissioners approved the project in 2021 and bids were OK'd this past summer. Groundbreaking was held in early August. Completion is anticipated in fall 2024. While the PSC is an expensive project, Thomas assured Rotarians that there will be room for additional staff in the facility, and said he has included amenities that will reduce costs where possible. That includes on-site training and equipment storage, and K-9 housing when their partner officers are on vacation.
In August, I was proud to visit Pakistan and highlight Rotary’s top goal, eradicating polio. It was also a tremendous opportunity to spotlight female health workers who are playing a critical role in protecting children from this vaccine-preventable disease.
This month, as we celebrate World Polio Day, we are shining a spotlight on our more than 30-year effort to lead the first global polio eradication campaign and our success in forming partnerships capable of completing this massive goal. We all know that this is one of the most ambitious global health initiatives in history and that we’ve reduced polio cases by more than 99.9 percent worldwide.
Pakistan is one of only two countries in the world where wild poliovirus remains endemic. (The other is neighboring Afghanistan.) I was able to witness and take part in vaccination campaigns in Pakistan, and soon after I left, a monumental nationwide immunization campaign took place, focused on 43 million children under the age of 5. I saw the incredible work of Rotary members on the ground. More than 60 percent of vaccinators in Pakistan are women, and they are doing a remarkable job building trust and convincing mothers to vaccinate their children.
Seeing it all firsthand, I know that the will exists across the Rotary world to end polio, and I’m confident that we have the strategy. The Pakistani media has been very supportive of our efforts as well, and this is making a difference. This month, a new global pledging moment at the World Health Summit in Berlin promises to pull together more resources to fund these time-sensitive eradication efforts. Now it is up to us to do our part and raise $50 million this year to earn the full 2-to-1 match from the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation.
There’s great cause for optimism on the polio front — but also some staggering new events that have further raised the stakes. Over the past few months, new polio outbreaks have occurred in Israel, the United Kingdom and, most recently, in the New York City area. These stories are frightening, but in every case, the response is clear — vaccines work, and if polio is spreading, we need to make sure the most at-risk people have kept their vaccinations up to date.
Most importantly, we need to eradicate this virus now. If polio exists anywhere, it can spread everywhere. What I saw in Pakistan convinced me that we can and must finish the job, but it will only happen if we remain committed to a strategy that’s working and back it with all necessary resources.
Through our commitment, generosity, and sheer determination, we will #EndPolio.
The meeting started with the Virtue of Confidence was read by Kymn Anderson. Followed by prayer with confidence by Pastor Mark Kenney.
In the club announcement, Natalie Ginter shared a letter from dear Rotarian Mary Ellen Bondhus. Mary is having a couple of major surgeries and will be at Mayo in Rochester, MN, for recovery for several weeks. The club has sent a care package with flowers. Please feel the need to reach out to Mary Ellen to show your support.
Dick Huston presented (Hippy Feet) David Connelly a pair of "Service Above Self" socks in gratitude for all he does for Rotary.
FRYS President Chad Koepke provided the club with his monthly charitable gambling report. The club approved all expenses unanimously. August also saw the end of the fiscal year. In our first year of charitable gambling, we sold $1.8 million in gross sales with a net profit of $93,000. All profits go to support Faribault youth programs.
Fellowship: Greg Ciesluk shares his barbershop quartet performing on October 1st at 4 pm at River Valley Church. No ticket is required. Natalie Ginter shared her dad was being inducted into the Wisconsin High School Hall of fame this weekend.
The Faribault Rotary Club welcomes Kathy Wickwire, a professional musician, as it's newest member. She is pictured here with sponsor Dr. Dick Huston (left) and membership chair, Keith Kramer.
There will be a Warm Our Community Meeting this Wednesday at 11:30 am before the regular weekly meeting for the committee and those who would like to attend.
Our program was queued up by Lee Ganske from the Minnesota Pollution Agency. Lee has been with the agency for 25 years and expressed his option on the status of pollution for the state, nation, and worldwide. As we hear about stories of concern in the pollution news, Lee sees a trend of concern in some regions of the United States of the southwest where water is scarce. Many major reservoirs have decreased their levels over the past years. Lee also expresses the situation over water is economical and will have a concern in the future.
Locally, Lee sees the Rice County lakes as being healthy lakes. The idea brewing about pipelining Lake Superior is a topic that will come up in years as the southwest and west-central plains deal with continued drought. You can reach Lee Ganske for more information at https://www.linkedin.com/in/lee-ganske-6b1a89119
This month’s membership meeting is an important and highly informative report as it marks the completion of one year of charitable gambling as August 31 marked the end of FRYS' fiscal year
FRYS’ charitable gambling revenues finished on a curious note as e-tab sales soared to a record high of $138K (monthly average = $92K) whereas paper tab sales were soft at $44K (monthly average = $58K).
Unfortunately, profit probabilities did not play out in FRYS’ favor on either front. Although e-tabs had record sales, gross profits were a soft $12K due to the weakest gross profit margin experienced at 8.8% (prior monthly average = 14.5%).
Likewise, paper tabs also underperformed with a monthly gross profit margin of 16.3% (prior monthly average = 17.9%) for a gross profit of $7K.
Turning to Bingo, August set a record of activity with $15K in Bingo sales and gross profits of $2K for a gross profit margin of 14.8%, which was by far the worst performance for Bingo as gross profit margins had been averaging 28.0% à there were a couple sizeable Bingo jackpots that hit in August, driving profits lower.
The prior month of July was strong with favorable profit margins, which resulted in elevated levels of profit-sharing FRYS recognized in the income statement for August as profit-sharing is paid in arrears à given the weaker margins observed over August combined with elevated profit-sharing, net income for August was in the red at -$2K.
Included in the net loss was an organizational sales volume tax of $3.6K, which if removed, would have resulted in a positive net income for the month.
Moving to aggregate financial performance of FRYS' first year in charitable gambling from October 2021 – August 2022 à over that timeframe, e-tab sales were $1.06 million with paper tab sales of $641K; E-tabs proved to be less favorable to FRYS, producing a gross profit margin of 14.0% while paper tabs came in at 18.4% however, even with the weaker gross profit margin, e-tabs produced more gross profit at $148K against paper tabs of $118K.
Bingo, which is the newest operation as gaming has been taking place only since February, produced sales of $68K with a gross profit of 18K, making Bingo FRYS’ most profitable gaming experience with an impressive gross profit margin of 26.4%
Total revenue from FRYS’ primary gaming activities of e-tabs, paper tabs, Bingo and electronic Bingo was a blistering $1.8 million à Moreover, net income (prior to any charitable gifts) for 11 months of gaming activity was $93K for a net profit margin of 5.24%.
Of note, due to FRYS’ great success of $1.8 million in sales, the charitable gambling operation is subject to an audit since sales exceeded the audit threshold of $750K in revenue.
The Following Expenses were approved:
CG Made Easy Administrative Fee = $250
Fixed fee every month
Inventory = $6,000
Softer sales in August along with purchases for the Town Ball tournament provide favorable inventory levels
Rotary Gambling Team Compensation = $2,600
Bingo Team Compensation = $2,500
Bingo is being hosted every Thursday night à growing volume might translate to higher costs
Revenue Share with M Peters = $10,000
Profit share is 31% of e-tab gaming à Record sales in August that had poor margins, which is not always guaranteed
City of Faribault = $1,200
Revenue Share with Boxers = $8,000
Profit-share w/ e-tabs = 15% & paper tabs = 20% à September brings football back for stronger volume levels at Boxers
Misc. Cost = $2,000
FRYS hired Reese, Winter payroll processing is ~$1k a month with another $1k for pursue bingo and/or other misc. costs that arrive
Total Expenses = $32,550
On a first by George Wickstrom & a second Laura Bock, FRYS’ membership approved October’s expenses
This month’s membership blast is an important and highly informative report as it marks the completion of one year of charitable gambling as August 31 marked the end of FRYS' fiscal year. As such, the report is a little longer on financial data since metrics for both August and the aggregate fiscal year are included. Let’s get right to it:
FRYS’ charitable gambling revenues finished on a curious note as e-tab sales soared to a record high of $138K (monthly average = $92K) whereas paper tab sales were soft at $44K (monthly average = $58K). Unfortunately, profit probabilities did not play out in FRYS’ favor on either front. Although e-tabs had record sales, gross profits were a soft $12K due to the weakest gross profit margin experienced at 8.8% (prior monthly average = 14.5%). Likewise, paper tabs also underperformed with a monthly gross profit margin of 16.3% (prior monthly average = 17.9%) for a gross profit of $7K.
Turning to Bingo, August set a new record of activity with $15K in Bingo sales and gross profits of $2K for a gross profit margin of 14.8%, which was by far the worst performance for Bingo as gross profit margins had been averaging 28.0%. If I recall correctly, a couple sizeable Bingo jackpots were hit in August, driving profits lower.
As a reminder, the month of July was strong with favorable profit margins, which resulted in elevated levels of profit-sharing FRYS recognized in the income statement for August as profit-sharing is paid in arrears. Given the weaker margins observed over August combined with elevated profit-sharing, net income for August was in the red at -$2K. Included in the net loss was an organizational sales volume tax of $3.6K, which if removed, would have resulted in a positive net income for the month.
In summary, August produced record levels of e-tab sales even though August is viewed as the last month of summer (and should have had slower volume), providing positive momentum heading into the busiest season of the year at Boxers. Yes, margins were weak but that is the nature of gambling – sometimes the house does better and sometimes the house does worse.
Now, let’s talk about the aggregate financial performance of FRYS' first year in charitable gambling from October 2021 – August 2022. Over that timeframe, e-tab sales were an incredible $1.06 million with paper tab sales of $641K. E-tabs proved to be less favorable to FRYS, producing a gross profit margin of 14.0% while paper tabs came in at 18.4%; however, even with the weaker gross profit margin, e-tabs produced more gross profit at $148K against paper tabs of $118K.
Bingo, which is the newest operation as gaming has been taking place only since February, produced sales of $68K with a gross profit of 18K, making Bingo FRYS’ most profitable gaming experience with an impressive gross profit margin of 26.4%.
Total revenue from FRYS’ primary gaming activities of e-tabs, paper tabs, Bingo and electronic Bingo was a blistering $1.8 million! Moreover, net income (prior to any charitable gifts) for 11 months of gaming activity was $93K for a net profit margin of 5.24%. Producing almost $2 million in sales and $100k in profits during 11 months speaks volumes to the great work the charitable gambling team has done as well as the team at Boxers on the frontlines selling pull tabs and running bingo - powerful performance team!
Of note, due to FRYS’ great success of $1.8 million in sales, the charitable gambling operation is subject to an audit since sales exceeded the audit threshold of $750K in revenue.
Turning to other news, the FRYS board of directors confirmed the intent to funnel the next couple months’ net profits into repairs and maintenance at the Rotary Camp, sprucing the interior up with an array of projects.
In closing, the charitable gambling team thanks you all for the continued support. No doubt there was a lot of learning to be done and bumps along the way over the last 11 months but year 1 is now officially in the books (hurray!). The FRYS / Boxers partnership is firing on all cylinders as we head into the busiest time of year at Boxers: fall & football.
Faribault Public School Superintendent Jamie Bente
Faribault Public School Superintendent Jamie Bente presented information regarding the the upcoming 3 ballot questions that will be presented to voters on November 8th. The questions are listed below. If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to ask him. The link below is the audio of this presentation.
RENEWAL OF SCHOOL DISTRICT REFERENDUM REVENUE AUTHORIZATION
The Board of Independent School District No. 656, Faribault, has proposed to renew its referendum revenue authorization, which is set to expire in 2023 for taxes payable in 2024, in an amount equal to $716.22 per pupil, subject to an annual increase at the rate of inflation. The proposed referendum revenue authorization would be first levied in 2023 for taxes payable in 2024 and applicable for 10 years unless otherwise revoked or reduced as provided by law.
BY VOTING “YES” ON THIS BALLOT QUESTION, YOU ARE VOTING TO EXTEND AN EXISTING PROPERTY TAX REFERENDUM THAT IS SCHEDULED TO EXPIRE
SCHOOL DISTRICT BALLOT QUESTION NO. 2
APPROVAL OF SCHOOL DISTRICT CAPITAL PROJECT LEVY AUTHORIZATION
The Board of Independent School District No. 656, Faribault, has also proposed a capital project levy authorization of 3.855% times the net tax capacity of the school district. The money raised by this authorization will provide funds for the acquisition and installation of technology equipment, improvements, and systems. The proposed capital project levy authorization will raise approximately $1,366,200 for taxes payable in 2023, the first year it is to be levied, and would be authorized for 10 years. The estimated total cost of the projects to be funded over that time period is approximately $13,662,000.
BY VOTING “YES” ON THIS BALLOT QUESTION, YOU ARE VOTING FOR A PROPERTY TAX INCREASE
SCHOOL DISTRICT BALLOT QUESTION NO. 3
APPROVAL OF SCHOOL DISTRICT REFERENDUM REVENUE AUTHORIZATION
The Board of Independent School District No. 656, Faribault, has proposed to increase its general education revenue by $302.00 per pupil if Ballot Question No. 1 is approved, subject to an annual increase at the rate of inflation. The proposed referendum revenue authorization would be first levied in 2023 for taxes payable in 2024 and applicable for 10 years unless otherwise revoked or reduced as provided by law.
BY VOTING “YES” ON THIS BALLOT QUESTION, YOU ARE VOTING FOR A PROPERTY TAX INCREASE
Pictured here is Dick Huston, International President Elect R. Gordon McInally and Chris Kaufman (right).
There was a zone Rotary meeting in Bloomington Saturday night. Our zone is composed of 23 districts. Each district has about 55-60 clubs and a total of about 40,000 members.
We (Faribault) were honored to have a new member inducted in the presence of the International President elect R. Gordon McInally who is from Scotland. Of all those clubs and all those members Chris Kaufman became a Faribault Rotarian. There were only 6 so honored.
The honorable Dr. Dick Huston proposes Dr. Martha Brown, President of Lunar Tunes Music Inc., for membership in the Faribault Rotary Club. If you have any questions please contact membership chair Keith Kramer.
Briauna arrived to Chiang Mai, Thailand on August 14th. She has been adjusting very well to the Thailand culture and is loving her experience so far. The food is very different as is the school. She did say school lunches are way better in Thailand. She is taking Thai classes and is getting a better grasp of the language. Her mom and her sister speak some English so that has helped her adjustment. Below are a few pictures of her time so far. Her most recent Facebook post said she's not sure if she will want to come home in 10 months.
Her welcome party at the airport!
Rotary orientation with other Rotary students in the area:
Jean arrived from Bangkok, Thailand in Faribault on August 23rd. He began school at Faribault High School on Tuesday August 30th. He is taking multiple classes and elected to not have a study hall. His favorite class is his percussion class. He is in a band back home. We got him a guitar to practice on since this is also one of his passions.
He has taught us a lot about his culture, life in Thailand, and we have even gotten to try some snacks and food from Thailand. Since arriving, he has met many family members, been cat fishing, camping, to a car show and fishing from our dock. He is settling in well but finds he is often bored between 4-6pm when no one is around. The percussion band will likely help with this boredom as football season kicks in. He will be playing during the football games. He gets cold easy which has us nervous for him for winter... we'll make sure he's warm. Here's a few pictures of our adventures so far:
Rotary orientation at Mall of America:
Rotary orientation
Stopped for a photo op on our road trip to get a puppy in Cadot, WI:
Brandelyn arrived in Rengo, Chile on August 26th where she was greeted by her host parents and her aunt. Since arriving, she has been adjusting well to the culture and the language. She has spent a lot of time with her family and feels very loved by everyone. She started school a week ago and is finding it challenging to understand what is going on in her classes. She has a couple of English-speaking friends who have been helping her through the adjustment. Below are a couple of pictures from her travels thus far.
The honorable Dr. Dick Huston proposes Kathy Wickwire, a retired musician, for membership in the Faribault Rotary Club. If you have any questions please contact membership chair Keith Kramer.
The honorable Dr. Dick Huston proposes Christopher Kaufman, a financial planner for Great Waters Financial, for membership in the Faribault Rotary Club. If you have any questions please contact membership chair Keith Kramer.
Chris will come to Rotary on the Sept. 14th and be inducted by the International President Elect from Scotland on the night of the 18th. Would be fun to have if you were all there. Radison Blu at MOA.
Assistant Governor Dick Huston visited Waseca Rotary. Pictured with Dick is president Ann Fitch. The have a club of 30+ and are really fun. Former member Jon Stagman said to greet the Faribault bunch.
On Wednesday, August 31st, we meet over lunch at the Inn at Shattuck-St. Mary’s. Suzanne Fox provided the club with prayer, and Keith Kramer provided the week’s virtue, Humility. In club announcements,Charlie Cogan from the Northfield club who shared a book project in Nigeria to distribute to second-tier schools.
Chad Koepke sent a sign-up sheet to get plenty of Rotarians at the “100 men who give a damn” event on September 24th hosted by the Faribault Foundation. George Wickstrom asked all Rotarians to wear their Rotary pins out in public.
In fellowship, Greg Ciesluk brought a guest, Ally Meyer from Big Brothers Big Sisters, to update the need for their Avid program. The program is only twice a month during the school year. Twenty-two students require monitors. Please contact BBBS if you are interested. Mindy Reeder asked for prayer for her mother, who was recently hospitalized. Many Rotarians were happy about the start of school. Dr. Huston shared the current need for platelets at the Red Cross center.
Dr. Huston also shared one of our newest members will be inducted at the tri-district Zone Meeting by International President-Elect. Kymn Anderson shared her thanks for what the Faribault Foundation is doing by setting up the two programs for the 100 men & 100 ladies’ events.
Natalie Ginter provided community donations from charitable gambling back to the community youth.
Community Action Center: Basic blessing food backpack program of $10,000
Divine Mercy Catholic School: Social and emotional health program of $10,000
River Bend Nature Center: Education and enrichment activities for Faribault youth of $5,000
Somali Academic Achievement of $3,000
Faribault Parks and Rec: Friday night youth nights at Rec Center of $3,000
Faribault Lutheran Schools: Social and emotional health programs. $2,270
The total amount going into the community to support Faribault youth was $33,270 in August.
Sue Garwood provided our program about the Earliest woman in Rice County.
Women have always been essential contributors to Minnesota history, though history
hasn’t always recognized them as significant. Many women’s stories are mothballed, hidden out of sight in history. As we record men’s history within the County, so do we remember and tell of women’s roles in our county's birth and growth into what we see today.
The earliest evidence of settlement is more than 13,000 years old by the Archaic Indians. The first contact with natives and settling Europeans (French, Canadian, and English) was in 1650. Demographics once Minnesota became a state in 1858 in Rice County were booming, with 7,532 residents. 46% of which were women.
The woman of the county was not only wives, farmers, or teachers but also land owners and town creators and helped establish both Carleton and St. Olaf Colleges. In 1860 46 women owned land in the county, including Sarah Morris, who founded Morristown. Ann Loomis North, with her husband, founded Northfield. Ann was the town’s most outstanding publicist. Writing many letters and promoting the area to friends out east, many of which chose to move here at her encouragement.
There is much history that the woman of Rice County has given with their minds, grit, and grace to share their stories. You can find much more information at the Rice County Historical Society or by attending any of Sue Garwood’s presentations around the community. A full schedule of opportunities is on the Rice County Historical Society website. https://rchistory.org/
Jill gave her classification talk recently. I asked her six follow up questions to help summarize her presentation for those of us who were present and for our club members who missed the meeting. If you have not had a chance to welcome her to our club, please do so.
Your Family members, occupations (including you) or school level?”
Jill DeBoef, Operations Manager serving Surgical and Medical Specialities in Faribault and Owatonna.
James DeBoef, Systems Administrator at People’s Cooperation in Oronoco
Jake Brockberg, Associate, Sam’s Club
Jordan Brockberg, Nurse, St. Mary’s/Methodist/Gonda at Mayo Clinic in Rochester
Your Hometown/School/College
I grew up in Titonka Iowa and went to Titonka Consolidated High School.
I went to Mankato State University, Rochester Community & Technical College for AS in Health Care Technician, Winona State University in BS in Healthcare Leadership and Administration, and currently working on Master at Winona State for Organizational Leadership. The Masters was put on pause during COVID and I hope to resume it soon.
Your Previous occupations?
I have worked for Mayo Clinic and Mayo Clinic Health System for the last 25 years.I have done several roles during the 25 years.Before Mayo Clinic, I worked in Austin, MN, at the Holiday Inn and served in several leadership positions.
Any Hobbies?
Riding my E-bike with my husband.I have put on 1500 miles this summer on my Himiway Zebra.We go on the Douglas Trail from Rochester to Pine Island most often as the Douglas Trail is only a mile from our home in Rochester.We travel all the 50+ miles of trails in Rochester.We have gone to Lanesboro and plan to go on many other trails around the area.
Rotary sponsor?
Nort Johnson
Interesting fact about you or your life?
I worked at the Summit House on Pikes Pike for two summers during college.At the time, I lived in a dormitory style housing and only went down the mountain one day a week.It is awe inspiring to watch a sunset/sunrise from the summit.The shadow of the mountain casts for miles.
Anything else you can think of?
I appreciate the positive way the Rotary Club conducts the work of the club and the interactions of club members.The work is toward doing good things for the community and each other.Thank you for the opportunity to get to know all of you and participate in the good work.
Jill spoke about growing up in a small town in Iowa (Titonka) and working as a waitress at a young age
Jill decided to get an education instead of just “getting married” like her father wanted for her
Jill talked almost entirely about her son-Jake and his autism
Jill told everyone how prevalent autism has become and was happy to tell everyone how great Jake has done in life and what a joy he is to be around for everyone
Jake holds down a job and lives on his own telling his mom “I don’t make much, but I don’t need much”
The Faribault Rotary Club has inducted two new members. Jim Malterer, second from left, is a retired tailor. Melissa Haars, third from left, is human resources manager at Crown Cork. They are pictured with Rod Mahler, far left, Malterer’s sponsor; and Keith Kramer, leader of the membership team. Jessica Amundson, not pictured, is Haars’ sponsor.
Rotarian Jim Malterer front and center in 1974
Jim was a Faribault Rotary Club member 48 years ago. Also, please note Dr. Roy Anderson at the far left in the front row.
Assistant District Governor Dick Houston updates on district 5960 activities and resources:
Visit other clubs, get your Rotary passport stamped (see passport photo above), and then enter a drawing to win a print painted by the brother of our international president.
District Governor Dayle Quigley plans to give each club leader a Rotary tie or scarf.
The District Awards program includes different club awards presented each spring. We should enter our club.
We should continue having two years’ worth of presidents-elect on our board for stronger continuity of leadership.
Please read the weekly newsletter from Dr. Quigley: President and District Governors may find information in it that’s especially useful to members of your club.
All Rotarians are encouraged to contribute to the Rotary Foundation. Foundation grants support basic education, economic growth, disease prevention, maternal and child health, conservation, and water.
It is time to clean up the Rotary Camp in preparation for our Annual Picnic. On Thursday, September 1st starting at 6:00 pm we need weed whippers, leaf blowers, and a chain saw. I will provide everything else. I'll have the gate open by 5:30 if anyone wants to come earlier.
Please respond to this email if you can help!
The Faribault Rotary Camp is located on the shore of Cedar Lake on 18 beautiful wooded acres. It is about 7 miles from Faribault.
From Faribault: Go WEST on 7th Street continue as 7th Street becomes CR 11 Turn slightly LEFT onto CR 38 (Cedar Lake Blvd) 6.3 miles
Look for the Rotary Camp sign on the left side of the road and Turn LEFT onto HINCKLY WAY 0.3 miles Take a SHARP LEFT onto HOLT TRAIL 0.1 miles
Assistant District Governor Dick Huston exchanged our club flag with Northfield Rotary President Todd Thompson last week. The Faribault Rotary club sponsored the Northfield Club in 1925.
International Rotary has awarded three Faribault Rotarians with Paul Harris Fellow awards. The awards are earned when a member contributes $1,000, at one time or accumulatively. The foundation in turn provides funds to clubs who do international projects. This past March the Faribault club completed a water purification and garden project for 550 school children in Cambodia.
The highlight of our meeting was the presentation by new member, Zak Branham, during his classification speech. He shared the fact that, “We know more about Mars and the Moon, than our ocean.” More books are about “Leadership” than “Doing the Right Thing.” He believes we have an “ocean” of opportunity to do good! This philosophy was developed through his family lifestyle. Zak holds a major in Organization Leadership from River Falls.
He was greatly impacted by the earthquake in Haiti in 2010 and went there to serve in the clean-up experiencing great support and tragedy. He married after college and he and his wife have two children. He shared stories of his family and the health struggles of his daughter, Esther. He helps to lead the bank in Faribault at Affinity Plus. Zak resides in Owatonna with his family. His classification speech wove together his beliefs in specific statements, giving insight into his motivation and purpose in life. We are excited to have Zak in Rotary!
President Halverson opened the meeting with the Four Way test and Pledge of Allegiance. The invocation was given by Jessica Amundson in the form of a blessing. Ken gave us perspective into the virtue of perseverance – Stay the course! Don’t give up!
During the meeting, there were special announcements and reminders:
Dave – Picnic at Rotary Camp – Sept. 7. Will need a “clean-up crew.” Watch for specific details in the next few weeks.
Jess – Picnic volunteers needed.
Murray – Need confirmation of who is attending. Respond to your emails.
Brenda – Dawn Walker’s birthday, owner of Boxers. (Youth group will pay for this.)
South Central – Whiskey World fundraiser, all invited.
Riverbend Ramble – Live auction and fundraiser.
Chad Koepke went around the room during fellowship. Edel Fernandez shared that South Central enrollment is up! The Faribault Sheriff was here as a guest, John Sherwin. He looks forward to serving the community of Faribault. Rural Evangelism Mission fundraiser invitation was handed out by Pastor Greg, inviting all to attend and support families in Liberia. Special thanks were extended to all who helped at Blue Collar event. Prayers were asked for George’s grandchild, Stella. Zak Branham, introduced his guest, his wife.
Chad also shared that gambling profits are up with a $15,000 profit posted this month. Brenda noted that additional volunteers are needed to support upcoming events. The Rotary Camp was being updated over the summer and is close to being done.
At today’s meeting, several members were also recognized for their financial gifts. The Paul Harris Society Fellow Recognition was awarded to members who gave more than $1,000 anytime throughout the year. Receiving this recognition at the meeting was: Jake Cook; Eric Craig; and Kay Hoaglin. Congratulations and thank you!
FRYS’ posted a profit of $15K in July for the second highest month since inception ($19k in November)
E-tab sales were strong at $104K compared to an average of $91K for a positive 14% above trend.
Gross profit margins had a margin of 14.8%, aligning with the historical average of 14.5%
Paper tab sales posted the second-best month on record with revenue of $90K for a positive 61% beat above the monthly mean of $56K in sales.
As with e-tabs, probability remained with FRYS as the gross profit margin on paper tabs hit 21.1% versus the monthly average of 18.4% while delivering gross profit of $19K, exceeding e-tabs’ gross profit of $15K due to more favorable profit margins – even though paper tab sales were only 86% of the e-tabs
While both paper & e-tabs had favorable returns, FRYS’ most profitable outfit is the surging Bingo experience at Boxers, producing sales of $14K with the highest gross profit margin of all games at 28.1% for $4K in gross profit
In fact, Bingo revenue has almost doubled in 6 months since the game first rolled out in February
Turning to other charitable gambling news, FRYS will be selling pull-tabs at the MN Town Ball State Tournament at Bell Field over the long Labor Day weekend from September 2 – September 5 à FRYS is looking for volunteers to help sell pull-tabs
Another FRYS development is the near completion of the first phase of projects at the Rotary Camp
This round is focused on exterior assignments with interior work next on the docket for an expected to start in mid-September
In other news, FRYS dished out $6,900 in unearned business income taxes (UBIT) with $4,700 headed to the Federal Government and $2,200 headed to the State of MN
Per Dave Beranek and Reese Winter’s research, FRYS was going to have to pay UBIT this year regardless of the amount of money donated back into the community due to the start-up cash FRYS received to get its charitable gambling operation up and running taxed at ~30% clip
Further complicating UBIT is the numerous payments and expenses that FRYS’ charitable gambling account experiences at the turn of the month, such as revenue share with M-Peters, the City of Faribault along with various other cash outflows that need to be funded
The following expenses were approved
CG Made Easy Administrative Fee = $250
Fixed fee every month
Inventory = $8,000
Opportunity to purchase more inventory on hand for MN Town Ball State Tournament along with robust sales in July & August so far, meaning more inventory needed
Rotary Gambling Team Compensation = $2,600
Bingo Team Compensation = $2,000
Bingo is being hosted every Thursday night
Revenue Share with MPeters = $8,000
Profit share is 31% of e-tab gaming à Solid activity in July and August so far means a higher revenue share
City of Faribault = $1,200
Rise in sales in July could mean more profit share with the city
Revenue Share with Boxers = $8,000
Profit-share w/ e-tabs = 15% & paper tabs = 20% à Strong paper tabs sales in July and so far in August means higher revenue share
Misc. Cost = $2,000
FRYS hired Reese, Winter payroll processing is ~$1k a month with another $1k for pursue bingo and/or other misc. costs that arrive
Total Expenses = $32,050
On a first by Jake Cook & a second George Wickstrom, FRYS’ membership approved September’s expenses
Our very own Katy Anderegg, Naturalist/Operations Manager at River Bend Nature Center, was our presenter on August 10th, sharing details on the upcoming Riverbend Ramble. The Ramble is Riverbend’s largest fundraiser of the year and has been going strong for 41 years. The Ramble will be held on August 26th at the Inn at Shattuck-St. Mary’s with dinner, live & silent auctions, and a heartwarming program. Riverbend is a non-profit nature center which depends on your support to provide programs, habitat restoration, and maintaining trails. Riverbend host grade-school students throughout the year from all over southern Minnesota for nature-based learning and discovery.
Live auction items include: A Riverbend Nature package, a Ely weekend getaway, A “stay-cation” package in Faribault, Sunset Salon pedicure package. The silent auction starts August 17th, you can get in on the bidding here at the Silent Auction link. Riverbend Nature Center has been a cornerstone gem of the Faribault community for 4 decades, please come out and support your local community and all the birds, bees, and trees by attending the Ramble event, making a donation, or by becoming a member.
Ramble fundraiser is Friday, August 26th starting at 5:30 pm at the Inn at Shattuck. Tickets are $75.00
Members of the Faribault Rotary Club collect the $10 admission fee and hand out wristbands at the entrance to Teepee Tonka Park Saturday afternoon. (Kristine Goodrich/southernminn.com)
We’ve all taken our own path to become a member of Rotary. Some of you joined because your father was a Rotarian. Some of us signed up because an employer tapped us on the shoulder and asked us to attend a meeting. Others became members only after a U.S. Supreme Court ruling made it possible. Yet each of us entered through one mechanism — an invitation. An invitation that unlocks our imaginations and allows us to know that everything and anything is possible. Each one of us has that same opportunity — the honor to extend an invitation.
It is awe-inspiring to imagine how we can look out across our communities and identify our future leaders. It’s often tempting to attract people who are exactly like us. It’s a special form of ingenuity to consider how people who are seemingly very different can, in fact, share our values and have some of those same talents, just waiting to be unleashed. It’s time for Rotary to take our next step in advancing Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) across our organization.
Embracing an experience where people feel included is more than just making our membership numbers more diverse. It’s about making our meetings and events places where we can speak openly and honestly with each other, where our members feel welcome and safe. This means removing barriers for entry and opening doors for inclusion. Our values remain our strength — and our commitment to excellence requires us to maintain high standards for our members as well. I believe we are all committed and determined to advancing DEI across Rotary. This is rooted in the deepest traditions of our organization, and it will ensure that we remain vibrant and relevant for decades to come.
A few years ago, our Rotary Board set the ambitious goal of increasing the share of female members to 30 percent by 2023. We have less than a year to go, but I believe we can meet and exceed this target. We need Rotary leaders to rise from every continent, culture, and creed. We need young members and young thinkers to take on larger roles and responsibilities. We need to listen to new Rotary members just as keenly, and with as much respect, as those with many years of membership.
During our recent convention in Houston, we heard from astronauts about their journeys into space. We reflected upon a time in the 1960s when U.S. President John F. Kennedy urged the world to dream, with his declaration that we would “go to the moon [and do] other things, not because they are easy, but because they are hard.” Fully committing Rotary to DEI and meeting our ambitious membership targets may seem as unlikely as a moon shot. But I know that when people of action are committed to a big goal, we make it worth every ounce of our energy.
The honorable Rod Mahler has proposed Jim Malterer, a retired tailor and former club member for honorary membership in the Faribault Rotary Club. If you have any questions or concerns please contact membership chair, Keith Kramer.
The honorable Jessica Amundson has proposed Melissa Haars, Human Resource Manager at Crown Cork & Seal, for membership in the Faribault Rotary Club. If you have any questions or concerns please contact membership chair, Keith Kramer.
On August 3rd, Rotarians joined at the Inn at Shattuck-St. Mary's roughly at noon. Southwest chicken, beans, rice, and chocolate pudding were for lunch. The meeting started with the virtue reading from George Wickstrom of excellence and a prayer by Pastor Mark Kenney.
In announcements, Jake Kohl presented a check of $2000 to our outbound exchange students. To be used to offset expenses abroad.
Cindy Yerington needs club service help for September. Please reach out here if you are able.
Chad Koepke Started fellowship with the search for volunteers for the FRYS pull tab booth during the City Ball Tournament in town over Labor Day weekend. Shifts will be about three hours in length. More details to come.
Sue Garwood shared her gratitude for the volunteers over the week of the Rice County fair. She saw over 120 people putting in over 900 hours in the week. This coming weekend is Fleck's Extravaganza on Saturday, August 20th.
Rotarian of the Year, Laura Bock shared her incredible experience helping out with Bingo down at Boxers for the FRYS charitable gambling operation.
Cindy Yerington shared that her mother celebrated her 90th birthday and 73rd wedding anniversary.
Rod Mahler shared that when he joined 64 years ago, women were not allowed in Rotary. Rod, with glee, was happy 64 years later to be sitting at a table surrounded by a lovely, wise woman.
This week's presentation was from our outbound exchange students Briauna and Brandelyn. Briauna and Brandelyn are twins moving into their senior year at Waterville Elysian Morristown. They are part of a family of 6. They love spending time out on the lake and doing outdoor activities. This family has been involved in Exchange throughout their lives, starting with their mom and brother, who have also been on Exchange. They have also hosted a student from Spain.
Brandelyn is heading to Chile (like her mother did), While Briauna is going to Thailand. Both are looking forward to making life-long bonds all across the world. They will leave for their Exchange on August 11th for the school year.
The Faribault Rotary Club is sponsoring twin sisters Briauna Jo and Brandelyn Anne Tlusty to spend their senior year in high school as international exchange students. Later this month Brandelyn will travel to Chile and Briauna to Thailand where they will live with a host family. Pictured are Natalie Ginter team lead of Faribault Rotary's Charitable Giving Committee (left), Brianuna, Brandelyn and Chair of Youth Services Chad Koeple.
Rotarians met at the Inn at Shattuck St Mary’s on a bright sunny afternoon in a smaller group then usual (likely due to the bright summer day!)
Announcements
Membership Update from Keith Kramer
15 new members who are not currently on a team or committee
Bingo List
Laura is helping Saturday, Ron will help on Thursday
Fellowship narrated by David Connelly
Guests
Jason Johanson, President of the Faribault Soccer Club was the guest of Keith Kramer
Gary Voegele, former member and new member of the Lakeville rotary club selling tickets to festival in Lakeville August 17 5-9p
Happy Dollars
Carri Ann talked about the blast she had parking cars at the Fair with Laura David and myself. She also talked about the Run baby run walk/run
Faribault/BA co-op was approved for 2022! Great for local youth sports
Brenda is celebrating her 39th wedding anniversary
Erika-had a pain in her neck fixed
Program
George delivered a re-classification speech. Unfortunately, I had to run out of the meeting as there was an incident at the local Walmart that needed my attention!
George delivered a re-classification speech. Unfortunately, I had to run out of the meeting as there was an incident at the local Walmart that needed my attention!
Natalie and I are back from my work conference in Salt Lake City. While we were there, we had the chance to do some sight-seeing and even visit a local Rotary park!
Charitable gambling profits for the month were a robust $13.2K, driven by the annual Rotary Raffle that yielded a gross profit of $13.4K (raffle ticket sales = $18.4K)
The inclusion of the Rotary Raffle in June’s financial performance was overlooked in prior notices when a negative net income was anticipated for July
Turning to the primary function of the charitable gambling operation of pull-tab sales, total pull-tab revenue turned in a surprising $166K in June compared to $145K in May for an increase of 14% month-over-month
This growth in sales halts a three-month trend of declining sales activity going back to March
While sales surprised on the upside, luck was not on FRYS’ side as the gross profit margin on e-tabs hit a record low of 9.7% for the month compared to the historical average margin of 15.1%
To put that into dollars, e-tab gross profit for the month was $9K
If performance was average for the month, gross profit would have been around $14K on e-tabs, so a couple percentage points of gross margin loss make a sizeable difference
Unfortunately, paper tabs also ran well-below historical trend with a gross profit margin of 15.7% compared to the historical average of 17.9%
The following expenses were approved for the month:
CG Made Easy Administrative Fee = $250
Fixed fee every month
Inventory = $8,000
Opportunity to purchase more inventory on hand for MN Town Ball State Tournament
Rotary Gambling Team Compensation = $2,600
Bingo Team Compensation = $2,000
Bingo is being hosted every Thursday night
Revenue Share with MPeters = $9,500
Profit share is 31% of e-tab gaming à Surprise in pull-tab sales in June might be a harbinger of potential increased economic activity
City of Faribault = $1,200
Rise in sales in June could mean more profit share with the city
Revenue Share with Boxers = $7,000
Profit-share w/ e-tabs = 15% & paper tabs = 20% à Revenue up in June means potential for higher sharing with Boxers
Misc. Cost = $2,000
FRYS is hiring Reece, Winter payroll processing is ~$1k a month with another $1k for pursue bingo and/or other misc. costs that arrive
Total Expenses = $32,550
On a first by Rod Muller & a second Dr. Richard Huston, FRYS’ membership approved August’s expenses
In other FRYS news, a general contractor for the Rotary Camp has been located and will be able to complete some of the camp repairs prior to FRYS’ fiscal year-end of August 31
The first set of repairs, focusing on external projects, is the smaller of the two in terms of costs but more pressing from a safety standpoint (~$2k)
Some might ask why the fiscal year-end of August 31 is important à Due to tax law, FRYS is subject to unearned business income tax (UBIT) on profits that exceed $1,000 and are not donated back to the community
Per Mr. Dave Beranek’s understanding, FRYS is going to be hit with some level of UBIT this year due to this being the first year of charitable gambling as startup funds to get the operation up and running are subject to the tax
The last update pertains to FRYS’ partnership with Faribault Baseball Association to sell pull-tabs at the MN Town Ball State Tournament: FRYS is scheduled to sell pull-tabs over the long Labor Day weekend, come watch some great baseball and play some pull-tabs!
A $2500 donation that Faribault Rotary Youth Services was made towards Rice County United Way’s Dolly Parton Imagination Library program which provides free books to youth in Faribault. Pictured from left to right: Rice County United Way Executive Director Elizabeth Child and Faribault Rotarians Natalie Ginter, Mindy Reeder, and Kurt Halverson.
On July 20th, Rotarians joined at the Inn at Shattuck-St. Mary's roughly at noon. Lunch was BBQ chicken wings, pasta salad, green beans, and cupcakes. The meeting started with the virtue reading from George Wickstrom of acceptance and a prayer by Greg Ciesluk.
In announcements, Chad Koepke updated the FRYS gambling and charitable revenue and expenses.
Dr. Dick Huston shared his experience ski-diving this past week. Dick enjoys two actives best. Both start at 13,000 feet and involve gravity: skiing and sky-diving.
David Connelly addressed the community service opportunity to volunteer at the gates for the Blue-Collar festival on August 6th. Look for an email to sign-up as well.
Zak Branham (as his first order of interim community service co-chair) brought a community service opportunity to help with Special Olympics on August 7th at Shattuck. Contact Zak for more information.
Gail Kaderlik is looking to get new members signed up for their classification speeches and always looking for other great programs to bring to the club. Contact Gail if you have any great program ideas!
During the fellowship, Dr. Murray Hanson shared a history quiz of our life and a profile of our prestigious guest, District Governor Dayle Quigley.
Greg Ciesluk introduced Gary Liker, who will be a new pastor in Nerstrand.
Keith Kramer shared thanks for the services at Richie Eye Clinic, for one of his employees needed emergency eye help, and they were great with his care.
Carrie Ann shared that the Human Trafficking committee is partnering with Pregnancy Options for their event Run Baby Run. If you would like to support this event, please get in touch with Carrie Ann.
Cindy Yerington provided a recap on her daughter's wedding this past weekend.
Kay Hoaglin shared that she is turning 70 next week and going on her first vacation as a new retiree.
Mark Kenney said he would be traveling next week to celebrate his and his wife's 25th anniversary.
The presentation was from our new District Governor, Dr. Dayle Quigley. She shared her backstory of how she got into Rotary and her vision for the coming year as District Governor.
Dayle was first truly inspired to join Rotary after her daughter's foreign exchange experience. She was highly motivated to do more after attending the national immunization day in India, where in four days, they immunized 1.4 million children under the age of 5. Dr. Quigley stressed that Rotary doesn't happen within the walls of our meetings but in the world in how we engage it. Asking our programs, "what next?" Being part of an international community makes an impact near us or all across the world. Providing to the global fund helps us share the fruits of our service above self. District Governor Dr. Dayle Quigley encourages all members to visit other clubs, share ideas, and connect. She has implemented a passport system, in which you get a stamp when you see another club check-out the district website: https://www.rotary5960.org/ for more information.
Today’s membership blast brings welcome news compared to the guidance that was offered in last month’s communications. Let’s get right to it!
Charitable gambling profits for the month were a robust $13.2K, driven by the annual Rotary Raffle that yielded a gross profit of $13.4K (raffle ticket sales = $18.4K). The inclusion of the Rotary Raffle in June’s financial performance was overlooked in prior notices, so this was a welcomed surprise compared to last month’s unwelcomed surprise of a hefty tax that brought profits into the negative.
Turning to the primary function of the charitable gambling operation of pull-tab sales, total pull-tab revenue turned in a surprising $166K in June compared to $145K in May for an increase of 14% month-over-month. This growth in sales halts a three-month trend of declining sales activity going back to March, which was certainly not expected given recent history and Dawn’s statements of declining activity in the summer months, of which June certainly qualifies.
While sales surprised on the upside, luck was not on FRYS’ side as the gross profit margin on e-tabs hit a record low of 9.7% for the month compared to the historical average margin of 15.1%. To put that into dollars, e-tab gross profit for the month was $9K. If performance was average for the month, gross profit would have been around $14K on e-tabs, so a couple percentage points of gross margin loss make a sizeable difference. Unfortunately, paper tabs also ran well-below historical trend with a gross profit margin of 15.7% compared to the historical average of 17.9%. Anecdotally, the deviations in gross profit margin month-over-month are significantly larger than what I expected heading into the gambling experience, which makes forecasting monthly performance with any degree of precision a wild gambit.
Looking forward, the growth in sales was a welcomed change in June as that helped eat away at the aggregate gross profit tax that FRYS is subject to (gross profits aggregate to build a tax that progressively accumulates regardless of performance in any single month); however, if the Rotary Raffle would not have occurred, profits for the month would have been right around $0. Expecting July’s performance to continue with positive sales momentum is unlikely as July had Independence Day which brings many folks to cabins, lakes and away from Boxers. As such, a return to tighter profits in July is expected.
In other FRYS news, a general contractor for the Rotary Camp has been located and will be able to complete some of the camp repairs prior to FRYS’ fiscal year-end of August 31. The first set of repairs, focusing on external projects, is the smaller of the two in terms of costs but more pressing from a safety standpoint.
Some might ask why the fiscal year-end of August 31 is important. Due to tax law, FRYS is subject to unearned business income tax (UBIT) on profits that exceed $1,000 and are not donated back to the community. Per Mr. Dave Beranek’s understanding, FRYS is going to be hit with some level of UBIT this year due to this being the first year of charitable gambling as startup funds to get the operation up and running are subject to the tax. Since this is not an email on tax law, readers shall be saved the juicy details of how UBIT applies to FRYS in full (if wanting to know more, please ask myself or even better, FRYS’ resident tax expert, Mr. Beranek).
The last update of the day pertains to FRYS’ partnership with Faribault Baseball Association to sell pull-tabs at the MN Town Ball State Tournament. FRYS is scheduled to sell pull-tabs over the long Labor Day weekend. Chad Wolff of Faribault Baseball, Brenda DeMars and I are meeting this afternoon today to discuss details and establish the operating plan to bring FRYS new cash flows that can be invested in community youth.
The charitable gambling team thanks you for your support in this process. Even with our many successes, this is still year 1 of the operation and the rules of the road are still being fully synthesized, such as navigating UBIT. An experienced team approaches year two with positive perspectives!
All club members are encouraged to attend this week's meeting (July 20th) to meet our new District Governor .
Dayle Quigley DG 2022-2023 Saint Paul Rotary Club #10
Dayle Quigley grew up in Baltimore, Maryland the daughter of a nuclear physicist and reading specialist. Although neither were in Rotary, she watched them give of themselves to the local community just as their parents had done. They instilled in her a sense of gratitude and a desire to do good in the world. It has defined her life. It should also be noted that they also instilled a love of travel and the belief that the world was just a step beyond her own back door.
Dayle traveled to Pennsylvania, California, Okinawa Japan, and Vermont prior to moving and settling down in the beautiful Midwest nestled in Hayward Wisconsin. She lived in Hayward for 23 years raising her children and just recently moved to St Paul. While in Hayward, Dayle co-founded NorthWoods Strings, a program providing string instrument instruction to children in the Hayward and LCO School districts. She was their executive director for 10 years. In 2009 she became the volunteer Medical Director for American Birkebeiner Ski race and in 2017 became the Medical Director for their year-round events. One of her biggest projects was forging a relationship between the LCO College and the Hayward Area Rotary club through NY City’s Public Theater National Mobile Unit with the performance of Sweat in October of 2018 and a community art show in April of 2019.
Professionally, Dayle is an Emergency Physician. She trained as a Family Physician through the USAF and spent her active duty time in California and Okinawa Japan. With three small children, she switched to the ED in 1998 and has never looked back. She loves her job not only because of being able to care for her neighbors but also because of the opportunities it has afforded her. She has taught medical providers in Cap Haitian, Haiti; medical and military members in La Paz and Uyuni, Bolivia; and most recently members of the International Organization for Migration in Bangkok, Thailand.
Dayle joined Rotary after sending her daughter to Lativa as a Rotary Exchange student. She was so impressed she jumped right in. She has been president three times serving in 2010-11, 2015-16, and 2016-17. She has been on the District Grants Subcommittee since 20--, and an Assistant Governor for Area 14 since 2018. She has chaired her club’s Rotary Foundation committee, worked as the Youth Exchange Officer, and facilitated Visioning Programs around the district. She traveled to Delhi India in 2011 for a National Immunization Day, to Brazil for the International Convention in 2015, and to Israel with her husband on a Cultural Exchange in 2018.
Dayle is married to Scott Arndt, a caterer in Fort Atkinson Wisconsin. She has three children Corrine Malcolm (Stephen Ettinger), Ian Malcolm (Abby Huck), and Thomas Malcolm. In her spare time, she likes to eat her husband’s cooking, work out, play her musical instruments, and get lost in a good book.
The Tlusty-Woelfle family welcomes their eldest, Bennet Ruhland, home from Madrid. From left, Brandelyn Tlusty, Julie Woelfle, Bennet Ruhland, Justin Woelfle, Briauna Tlustly and Brayden Tlusty (bottom). (Photo courtesy of Julie Woelfle)
Exchange students have long played a role in the exchange of ideas from other cultures. The Faribault Rotary Club is looking for two more host families for this year’s youth exchange program. Rotary exchange students are 15 to 19 years old who travel from one of the 33 countries involved with the program to experience American life, culture and education system. The 17-year-old exchange student from Thailand is coming and needs two families in Faribault to stay with during his trip. The host families would be hosting the student for the second and third legs of his journey in America. The second leg of the trip is from December to March and the third leg will begin in April and continue to July.
Linda and Darrel Schultz take their grandchildren and the two exchange students on a trip through northern Minnesota. From right, Darrel Schultz, Linda Schultz, Briauna Tlusty, Špela Soršak, Pablo Negro, Brandelyn Tlusty and Brayden Tlusty. (Photo courtesy of Julie Woelfle)
What’s it like?
Julie Woelfle is a former exchange student and host of exchange students and has a few of her own kids going overseas to live and learn in Thailand and Chile this year. “From my personal experience in being an exchanging student, being the mom of an exchange student and hosting a student from another country, I know how life-changing this program is,” she said. “It is not easy, no matter which side of the experience you are in, but one thing is for certain: It is life-altering in a very positive way.”
She said the first time she sent one of her kids overseas was tough. The day he got on the airplane leaving Minneapolis was honestly one of the hardest days of my adult life,” she said. “I cried nonstop. From experience, I knew he was fine. But from the perspective of a mom, I was so nervous ... Then I got a message with a picture from his host family that he arrived safely in Madrid, Spain.
“I was happy and selfishly sad. I knew I wouldn’t see him for 10 months. At the same time, I knew his experience would be life-changing. And it was; he learned a lot about himself and has a greater appreciation for culture, diversity and acceptance of different viewpoints.”
From left, Briauna Tlusty, Pablo Negro, Brandelyn Tlusty, Špela Soršak and Brayden Tlusty smile in the snow on a trip through northern Minnesota. (Photo courtesy of Julie Woelfle)
Still, Woelfle said sending her kids overseas isn’t any easier the second time. I would love to say I am more prepared now than I was with Bennet, but this time there will be two spots empty at the dinner table and two kids not there at Christmas,” she said. But Woelfle said she knows the experience will make her children better global citizens. “Not only will they learn so much about them as individuals but they will also gain a perspective of the world that only a foreign exchange experience through Rotary can offer,” she said.
According to North Star Youth Exchange’s website, becoming a host family can be a mutually beneficial experience. “Each side can act as teachers, leaders and ambassadors of their cultural background by answering questions, teaching each other and opening minds to new thoughts and experiences,” the website says. “No matter our age, we are all students of culture and life, which is why becoming a host family is so rewarding.”
Becoming a Host Family
From left, Špela Soršak, Briauna Tlusty, Pablo Negro, Brandelyn Tlusty and Brayden Tlusty pose for a photo at the head of the Mississippi River. (Photo courtesy of Julie Woelfle)
Becoming a Host Family
There are some requirements to becoming a host family, including having a bedroom for the student and being vaccinated for COVID-19. They are asked to treat their exchange student “like one of their own children” and to “be patient with and help with the exchange student’s understanding English and American culture.”
While the Rotary provides the exchange students with $80 each month of their stay, they must cover any additional expenses. It is customary for host families to pay for the exchange student during family outings, like going to a restaurant or movie theater. Woelfle explained the important life lessons that she’s picked up during her time with the program.
“The world seems huge but, at the end of the day, we are all way more similar than dissimilar,” she said. “More interactions with exchange students will help all of us being able to look at things with a lens that is different than our own.”
Kymn Anderson gave a presentation on the virtues program. She reviewed how our Four-Way Test truly represents core virtues. Each table reviewed and discussed a specific virtue and what it might look like if more people exhibited these virtues. Time was allowed for tables to discuss and share.
Dan Hedge presented Dick Huston with a well needed new tie.
The Rotary meeting began on July 13, 2022 with our President, Kurt Halvorson opening the meeting at 12:15 pm. We opened with the Pledge of Allegiance, Four-Way Test, and the invocation blessing shared by Amy Amundson. Kurt brought laughter with another “Dad” joke after fellowship.
Announcements
Special announcements included:
Donn Johnson: Thank you note shared for the student scholarship. Looking for one more person to help coordinate October music event and other concert/Rotary events.
We were invited to check out Shrek at the Paradise this weekend!
Riverbend Nature Center invited us to their Ramble event.
Christ Lutheran is having a special event tonight (Wed., July 13) with song and food, benefiting Big Brother’s Big Sisters with wood smoked pizza (5-8 p.m.)
Faribault Foundation reorganized and shared small grants with the community. We are invited to contribute and learn more about the Foundation by Kymn Anderson.
Rotary Exchange Program noted one student was reassigned to another Rotary club. We do have one student remaining and looking for hosts. Please note the host family all needs to have their vaccinations.
Thanks for the blood drive donations and support.
Murray Hanson coordinated fellowship at each table.
Northfield Club looking for help at their Rice County Fair booth. Guest introductions included two guests visiting and former members. Happy Dollars stories and highlights shared by many. The continued tie escapades between Murray H and Dick H offered laughs for all with guest Dan Hedge presenting Dick with a well needed new tie. Members,
Lisa and Rod, celebrated July birthdays this week with guest Dan (former member) birthday as well. George W has congratulated for being a member of the Faribault Rotary for 48 years. Marv celebrating 63 years of marriage this month.
Royal Ross & Peter van Sluis – City Council Presentation
They shared highlights of what it is like to serve on City Council. The City Council meets for work sessions and business sessions each month. They all report to the City Administrator and the Mayor is a part of the City Council. Every Friday a packet is sent out with key information for the upcoming week. Much of what is on the agenda is from City Staff. Areas for improvement in the city, projects, and ideas are presented along with budget constraints. These items are discussed and voted on.
In addition, constituents, and city council members present ideas to support the city. In addition, a part of their purpose is to represent the community at various events – new business openings and special events. City Council members receive $700 a month; Mayor receives $900 a month.
Misconceptions: Kwik Trip – closed one location in Faribault, nothing to do with the city. Why don’t we have a Chipotle, Home Depot, etc. – these businesses do not want to come here at this time due to demographics or land costs. Expect more growth for industry.
New Areas: New industry has come into Faribault. One new company takes in Air, cools it, and separates it into four gases (selling the various gases.) Stein Air makes dashboards for older airplanes. They feel that the city developers are doing well in attracting new organizations, businesses and buildings, apartments and houses.
Questions:
Affordable housing need was raised with discussion. What would increase interest in serving on City Council? City staff is helping to create opportunities for citizens to serve, but low interest to serve in our area. We do have one new member who is interested. We are looking to replace the Community Center – this will need a lot of research and is a long-term project. In addition, we are looking to create a park north of viaduct and yet not in the budget. A new park opened north of the Legion (canoe launch, etc.). Funding for the city comes from 40-45% tax income; local government 30% and the rest from fees (water/sewer.) Is there communication available in other languages from the city, and yes, it is in three languages. Fun fact – did you know Kymn Anderson was first female on the Faribault City Council?!
The Rotary meeting began on a beautiful day on July 6, 2022 with our new President, Kurt Halvorson opening the meeting at 12:04 p.m. We began with the Pledge of Allegiance, Four-Way Test, and the Virtue of “Faith” by Troy Dunn followed by the interactive invocation with David Connelly. Kurt shared his first “Dad Joke” as President.
Announcements
Special announcements included reminders:
Assistant District Governor Dick Huston: District News – life and new ideas to share by the new District President of Rotary including: Passport for Rotary; special tie; international Rotary has first female president, Jennifer Jones.
David Connelly: Service opportunities (Blue Collar Festival; Rice County Fair)
International Festival: This weekend, invited to help.
Edel Fernandez coordinated questions during fellowship at each table.
Guest introductions included two guests visiting today along with two honorary members. Happy Dollars: Stories and highlights shared by many. Club service sign up will be coming out next week – be sure to sign up to help! We wished Mary Ellen a happy birthday as well!
Goals: Kurt Halvorson
Club - Improve meeting management and experience.
Community – Signature club project of Warm our Community members
Members – Grow membership, for everyone guest, name goes into a drawing
Rotary – Support Rotary International goals and initiatives
Zach Branham and Jill DeBoef inducted into the club as new members
Club Announcements
Rotary Raffle
Club sold over 900 tickets; Grant Wilson sold 172 himself! Great job Grant.
Mindy
Reminded everyone of a check presentation today for the Somalia resettlement services
Kurt
Introduced his mother and his daughter as special guests
Fellowship
Members of the club honored President Sesker and his long career as a school official, retiring as our superintendent for the past 11 years. Several told stories about meting Todd and he was specifically mentioned as inclusive, enthusiastic leader who accomplished some extraordinary things for our district and our community.
Raffle Winners
1500-Aaron Babcock, 1000-Mark Kenney, 500-George Wilson, 500-Rod Mahler, 500-Aubrey Nicholson, 100-Heidi Schmidtke-Boyd, Sue Trnka, Matt Sewich (donated back to club), Deb Aldrich, Amy Dillon, Kris Cashin, Tyran Fernandez, Karen Krenske, Jan Roberts, Kamryn Hanson (Last year’s $1500 winner)
Every month since I joined Rotary, I’ve looked forward to reading this magazine, especially the opening essay from our Rotary president. I’ll admit that as much as I appreciate a digital copy, I still revel in the tactile sensation of sitting down and leafing through the glossy pages. They are a treasure trove of photos and memorable stories about our great organization — the one we all know and love. I have learned so much over the years about service projects and lives that each of you have transformed.
As a communications professional, I have longed for the day that our stories were a regular part of mainstream media and that our flagship magazine might populate doctor’s offices, coffee shops, or anywhere else people sit, wait, and browse. It’s great that Rotary members are better informed about all we do, and wouldn’t it be that much better if more people knew our stories.
All this was top of mind as I thought about our plans for promoting Rotary worldwide in the upcoming year. Over the next 12 months, we are going to shine a light on projects that put Rotary service on display to the world, and we are going to do it strategically. Nick and I will focus on some of the highest impact, sustainable, and scalable Rotary projects from our areas of focus in what we call the Imagine Impact Tour.
We are inviting top-tier journalists, thought leaders, and influencers to use their channels to help us raise awareness by reaching people who want to serve but have not yet realized they can do it through Rotary. But there was another important issue to consider — our carbon footprint. I take seriously Rotary’s emerging leadership position on environmental issues. The example set by our members during the pandemic is fundamental to how we carve out our future.
That means we will harness digital technology to tell these stories — we will be tweeting, posting, and “going live” to anyone who will listen. We must consider our environment, and part of that means not always traveling but continuing to connect in meaningful ways as we have for the past two years. Of course, we are social people, and we still need to be together. We simply need to be more mindful of our decisions and think about how we get together just a little bit differently. For example, if we travel to visit a project, we will plan successive visits in neighboring areas.
So, what are your stories and who can help tell them? I hope you might consider your own Imagine Impact efforts — your story might be something you can promote just as easily on social media or during a Zoom call. Think about ways to showcase notable projects in your clubs and districts.
We all feel the impact that Rotary service and values have on us. Now it’s our opportunity to share that feeling with others.
The Faribault Rotary Club has inducted Zak Branham, center, as a member. Zak is manager of Affinity Plus Credit Union. he is pictured here with his sponsor, Dr. Dick Huston, left, and membership chair, Keith Kramer.
The Faribault Rotary Club has inducted Jill DeBoef, center as a member. She is the Operations Manager for the Mayo Clinic in Southern Minnesota. She is pictured here with her sponsor, Nort Johnson and membership chair, Keith Kramer.
Congratulations Kurt Halvorson our 103rd Club President!
Kurt Halverson is the new president of the Faribault Rotary Club for 2022-23. He received the gavel from outgoing president Todd Sesker.
President Sesker’s recount of year
Completed the Cambodia water project, increased membership with 19 new members, restarted the Rotary exchange program, continued traditions of Rose sale, cash raffle, warm our community and other items. Finally upgraded technology to include document sharing. President thanked several people for their assistance.
Installation of new President Kurt Halverson
Kurt Halverson became President Halverson after he was handed the gavel from outgoing president Todd Sesker. President Halverson gave the oath to the board and spoke about his vision for the club next year by providing a visual representing a house. President Halverson spoke about a man name Paster Homer Dobson from Tracy, MN and said he will dedicate the next year to him. Congrats Kurt!
The Faribault Rotary Club is currently looking for 6 host families that are interested in hosting a student in their home for 3-4 months during the upcoming school year 2022-2023. The student arrives in mid to late August. The first host family hosts the student in their home once they arrive through Thanksgiving. After Thanksgiving, the student moves to their second host family. The student stays with the second host family through spring break. The third host family will host the student until about the student returns to their home country in mid-June. A host family can consist of any of the following: a 2-parent household with kids at home, a 1-parent household with kids, a retired couple, or even a widow(er).
The host family is asked to provide a bed and a desk for the student. The student can share a bedroom with another child if necessary. The Rotary club pays for their school lunches and school activities. We are looking for host families for a 16-year-old female from Germany and a 17-year-old male from Thailand. Our German female has studied English for 6 years and likes all sports, including tennis and skiing. Our male from Thailand has studied English for 9 years and likes basketball. If you are interested in hosting a student in your home, please contact Lisa Humfeld-Wilson at info@humfeldchiropractic.com or 507-330-0108 to learn more.
You can also visit https://northstaryouthexchange.com/host-families/ to learn and to apply to become a host family. A host family needs to apply, and a background check is completed on adults 18 years of age or older in the household. An in-home interview is conducted by the Rotary club. We look forward to hearing from you soon!
Just one year ago Brenda handed the gavel to Todd as our 102nd president. This week we will install Kurt Halvorson as our 103rd Faribault Rotary Club President. We hope all members will be able to attend in person or on ZOOM.
The Faribault Rotary Club inducted Emily Nesvold, center, as its newest member. She is pictured with Greg Ciesluk of the membership team (left) and her sponsor Dick Huston. Nesvold is a retired public school teacher and is a member of the GROWS Garden Club and the Faribault Environment Commission.
Performance took both an expected and unexpected negative turn in May with a net loss of $(5k)
Starting at the top, total sales for the month were $153k with $82k in e-tab sales, $63k in paper tab sales and $8k in bingo
As communicated in prior communications, Dawn had been projecting a slowdown in gambling activity as the summer months arrive and that is proving true
Outside of January 2022’s weak sales due to the covid surge, June represented the softest demand for e-tabs, which had been around $100k a month since February, for a decline of roughly 20% in May; paper tab sales declined to $63k
Gross profit margins were a mixed bag with e-tabs at 16.91% ($14k in gross profit) while paper tabs were poor at 15.39% ($10k in gross profit)
To put the paper tabs’ gross profit margin of 15.4% into perspective, paper tabs had been running around 18.3% since October 2021
Overall, the decline in sales volume was anticipated; however, what was overlooked was the sizeable progressive tax on gross profits that builds throughout the fiscal year, which had not been as impactful on monthly net income figures due to greater gross profits from robust sales
So how much was this tax in May? About $11.5K in total, which means net income would have been roughly $6k from operations (gross profits $26K – operating expenses $20k)
Next month’s progressive gross margin tax is estimated at $9k, meaning that June is also likely to see negative net income once again due to softer sales as people spend leisure time elsewhere
April’s gross margin tax was $10K but total sales were almost 10% higher, so the margin tax was more easily absorbed in the monthly income statement
The following expenses were approved for July 2022:
CG Made Easy Administrative Fee = $250
Fixed fee every month
Inventory = $4,000
Paper tab sales slowed slightly, so less inventory purchases needed given the amount on hand
Rotary Gambling Team Compensation = $2,600
Bingo Team Compensation = $2,000
Bingo is being hosted every Thursday night
Revenue Share with MPeters = $8,500
Profit share is 31% of e-tab gaming à As noted above, e-tab sales plummeted in May and is expected to remain down for the rest of summer, resulting in a lower share
City of Faribault = $1,000
Weaker sales lower the amount to be shared with the city
Revenue Share with Boxers = $6,000
Profit-share w/ e-tabs = 15% & paper tabs = 20% à Likewise, softer sales will result in less revenue share
Misc. Cost = $2,000
FRYS is hiring Reece, Winter payroll processing is ~$1k a month with another $1k for pursue bingo and/or other misc. costs that arrive
Total Expenses = $23,350
On a motion by Kymn Anderson with a second by Rebecca Freed, the FRYS membership approved the expenses for July
Even though earnings were poor, FRYS was still able to provide charitable gifts to the following organizations at the June membership meeting:
Faribault Rotary Youth Exchange “Outbound Students” - $1,000 each to the two outbound exchange students; $2,000 approved ($1k each)
Faribault Diversity Coalition “international festival” – sponsorship of entertainment for youth. $500 approved
Morristown Gun Club “Summer youth league” –$500 approved
Total Gifts: $3,000
On a motion by Dick Huston with a second by George Wickstrom, the FRYS membership approved the charitable contributions
In other FRYS news, Keith Kramer has been able to locate a contractor to get repairs done at the Rotary Camp, a long-time objective of FRYS but finding labor to get the job done has been a challenge
The FRYS board has earmarked profits for the Rotary Camp and the contractor has been located at the opportune time given that UBIT hits as of August 31 (FRYS tax year-end); estimates on the repair costs are still to come.
The final piece of membership news is that Brenda DeMars has accepted the FRYS board’s invite to become an official board member of FRYS!
Brenda is the critically important Gambling Manager for FRYS’ charitable gambling operation and the essential connection for the FRYS / Boxers partnership
The Faribault Rotary Club donated $4,000 to the Faribault Soccer Club youth soccer program. The funds will be used to provide American Sign Language interpreters to help ensure the youth soccer program is more inclusive for hearing impaired athletes and families.
Powerful earthquakes can make the Earth spin faster. The closer the mass shift during an earthquake is to the equator, the more it will speed up the spinning Earth.
We had a little fun with the return of retired Police Chief Andy Bohlen and retired Sheriff Troy Dunn. They were both honored with the dedication of the banners sponsored by the Faribault Rotary Club on display downtown in front of the Police Station. They both both might just help us solve the "Case of the missing blanket."
The Faribault Rotary Club has donated $4000 to the youth soccer program to provide ASL interpreters to help ensure the program is more inclusive for hearing impaired athletes and families.
The presentation was by Jacob Froyum of the DNR forest division. DNR Forestry keeps Minnesota's forests and trees growing strong. Minnesota's 59 state forests, school trust acres, and other forested lands make up the 4.2 million acres they manage. Our forests need care and management to provide clean water and natural resources for future generations.
With this in mind, we weave sustainability into our forest work—from what trees to plant, to what areas to harvest, to what places to preserve. DNR foresters answer questions about private woods and help you find the right programs to meet your woodland goals. Jacob can help you get a Woodland Stewardship Plan and provide technical help to implement a project in your woods.
The Forestry division can assist with timber sales or connect you with consulting foresters or other professionals for help. To contact Jacob Froyum for his assistance and expertise, stop by the office at 1810 NW 30th St Faribault or by phone 507-497-1350.
On June 15th, Rotarians joined at the Inn at Shattuck-St. Mary's roughly at noon. The meeting started with the virtue reading from Kymn Anderson of Thankfulness and a prayer by Keith Kramer.
In announcements, Dave Beranek updated the process of the FRYS gambling and charitable giving programs.
All funds must support Faribault youth.
Priority funding goes towards existing programs provided by FRYS.
Sometimes funds will not cover all charitable requests at all times.
Keith Kramer had a membership minute. How to sponsor a new member? To do so, there are links on the club website. There are links to the forms. If you need more help finding the forms, please contact Keith so Keith can direct you to Dr. Murray Hanson.
Many special guests were in attendance and honored during the fellowship.
Nort Johnson had a group of delegates from Wurzburg, Germany, one of Faribault's sister cities. At the end of the meeting the mayor presented a uniquely shaped bottle of wine from his city to our club. RodMahler shared a story regarding the outstanding hospitality and receiving a similar bottle from a previous Mayor of Wurzburg 65years ago when he was in the army and stationed in Germany. When that mayor visited Faribault 10 years later Rod shared that bottle with him much to his surprise.
Former Rotarians Andy Bohlen and Troy Dunn were in attendance. They were honored for their service to our community by presenting their "Hometown Heroes" banners in front of the police station. Andy updated us on his new life with his cabin in Canada, and Tory shared his busy golf schedule in Arizona.
Dr. Dick Huston shared that his beloved wife Nancy received her driver's license today after ten months of medical restriction. Good news for Nancy's progress to wellness and Dick's newspaper reading habits.
Has anyone seen this bottle since our president accepted it? Anyone? Anyone?
Brandon gave his classification talk recently. I asked him seven follow up questions to help summarize his presentation for those of us who were present and for our club members who missed the meeting. If you have not had a chance to welcome him to our club, please do so.
Your Family members, occupations (including you) or school level?”
My wife Toniette is a Sergeant at the MN Correctional Facility in Faribault.
Our daughter Anika is in 8th grade at the Faribault Middle School.
Our Son Brayden is in 2nd grade at Roosevelt elementary.
Your Hometown/School/College
I grew up in Rochester, MN and attended Mayo High School, although Faribault is now my hometown. We have lived her for 21 years!
I have an AAS degree in Law Enforcement from Alexandria Technical College and a BS degree from St. Mary’s University.
Your Previous occupations?
I have always worked in law enforcement in some sort for over 21 years!
Any Hobbies?
My hobbies are spending time with my father in our up north home near Siren, WI. I also enjoy sports, my favorite being baseball.I coach my children whenever I can and was an avid athlete until about 38 years old.
Rotary sponsor?
Keith Kramer
Interesting fact about you or your life?
I own and operate BLG woodworking in Faribault.I enjoy making things out of local trees, referred to as urban logging.
Anything else you can think of?Faribault is our hometown, I am happy to be a part of one of the finest organizations/clubs we have-Rotary!
The Rotary meeting began on a beautiful day on June 8, with President Todd Sesker calling the meeting to order at 12:13 p.m. We opened with the Pledge of Allegiance, Four-Way Test, and the Virtue of “Detachment” by George, followed by the invocation with Mindy Reeder.
Announcements
Special announcements included reminders:
David Connelly – Heritage Days Parade – June 18
Eric Craig – Raffle – keep selling, turn in, need 100 tickets to be assigned.
Pastor Greg Ciesluk & Rebekah Freed – Wedding this Saturday, all invited followed by a reception – June 11 – 2 p.m.
Dr. Lisa Humfeld-Wilson - Youth Exchange, we have two host families; 3-4 more host families needed (Do not need to have children in order to host)
BrendaDeMars - Talking to Rotary outbound exchange; holding garage sales to raise money.(We raised $318 during fellowship with the Happy Money!)Looking for space to use. Let her know if you know of a space. Rotarians donated on the spot to support this family.
Introduction of guests. (Several guests/families came today!)
Faribault – Hometown Heroes Banners for retired Sheriff Troy Dunn and retired Police Chief Andy Bohlen sponsored by the Faribault Rotary Club. Both will be here to be honored next week.
Murray Hanson coordinated questions during fellowship at each table. Special updates included: Shout out to Grant Wilson – for selling 120 raffle tickets. Amy – Honor at the Bank, one of the best places to work in MN.
George Wickstrom – shared short invitation to think about the truth!
Superintendent Todd Sesker - Faribault – sending students to State for track! Ready to celebrate his retirement and time with grandchildren.
Our special guests this week will be retired Faribault Police Chief, Andy Bohlen and retired Rice County Sheriff, Troy Dunn. They will honored for their service with the dedication of their banners sponsored by our club on display downtown in front of the Faribault Police station.
Brandon Gliem shared his classification speech. He shared that he is happy to be an officer in Faribault for now for 21 years. “It is a joy!” He met his wife on the force, they were both brought on in Faribault about the same time! Bike patrol is one of his prides, training in new officers each year for the patrol. He has worked as a criminal investigator for the Faribault. He also has done autopsy training and will assist as a medical examiner coordinator, as needed. In addition, he helped to start the police explorers’ program in 2003. This program continues to grow here in Faribault. Now, a patrol Sergeant, he helps to lead a team of officers in serving the needs of the Faribault community.
He and his wife have two children and dog. They love being a part of the Faribault community and reside in town. He enjoys helping his children in their activities, even coaching. They also love baseball, taking vacations, going to his dad’s cabin, and spending time with their dads is more precious as they both lost their mothers at a younger age. He enjoys woodworking and building, harvesting local trees. Also, he created his own “haunted house” that locals came through this year during Halloween.
The honorable Dr. Dick Huston proposes Zak Branham, the Manager of Affinity Plus Federal Credit Union in Faribault for membership in the Faribault Rotary Club. If you have any questions, please contact membership chair, Keith Kramer.
The honorable Nort Johnson proposes Jill DeBoef, Operations Manager | Medical Specialty & Surgical Services | Owatonna & Faribault | Mayo Health System, for membership in the Faribault Rotary Club. If you have any questions, please contact membership chair, Keith Kramer.
George-mentioned the shooting Texas and how messed up the world is
Wedding- Greg and Rebecca will be married Saturday June 11th at 4th Avenue United Methodist Church. Everyone is invited. There will be a reception with cake in the church fellowship hall afterwards
David Connelly-Thanks everyone who participated in the Memorial Day parade.
Mark Kenney’s son graduated from high school. Mark sounded a bit surprised but proud!
Only 3 people registered for open city council positions for the 3 open positions
Dick Huston thanked everyone who made the parade
Todd Sesker- announced in partnership with the City of Faribault our school district will be redesigning the parking lot at Jefferson elementary school
The Greg Ciesluk- Rebecca Freed Fellowship-Wedding Game
Murray and Laura asked many entertaining questions about How well the couple knows each other…….
From picky eating, driving and speeding to date nights- everything was on the table
Both of the newlyweds were in agreement on most things with notable exceptions on who owns the most shoes and who starts most of the arguments
Update from Nort Johnson at the Chamber of Commerce
Large grant for 980k was awarded for the downtown investment project
Another 200k grant was awarded to continue and grow the relationship with FPS and South-Central College
A new position at the chamber will be added with some of that grant money
The honorable Dr. Dick Huston proposes Emily Nesvold, a retired public school teacher and current Conservationist, for membership in the Faribault Rotary Club. If you have any questions, please contact membership chair, Keith Kramer.
Ron gave his classification talk recently. I asked him six follow up questions to help summarize his presentation for those of us who were present and for our club members who missed the meeting. If you have not had a chance to welcome him to our club, please do so.
1.Your Family members, occupations(including you) or school level?”
B. Dweik: Professor of Linguistics (retired)
H. Dweik: Diabetes Education Coordinator
R. Dweik: Enrollment Advisor and Military Admissions
On a cloudy 25th day of May, Rotarians joined together at the Inn at Shattuck at roughly noon by the calling of order by the bell of Todd Sesker(President). The meeting opened with the Pledge of Alliance, Four-Way Test, and the week's Virtue "Detachment" by Mark Kenney, followed by a prayer also provided by Mark Kenney.
In club announcements,
Dr. Murray Hanson (Historian) shared the "Hometown Heroes" banners of former Rotarians Troy Dunn and Andy Bohlen. Both Dunn and Bohlen expressed their gratitude for being honored in our community.
David Connelly (Community Service) reminded the club that the upcoming parades are available to attend and volunteer.
Dick Huston (Public Image) shared that the club participated in Shark Tank and provided $2,750 to other projects from other clubs in the district. River Falls is doing a solar project in Jamaica for a school for girls. Our club gave $1500.00 towards their project. Mankato received $500 for local pollinator gardens. Waseca received $750 toward a fresh produce addition to their local food shelf, stocked with fruits, vegetables, milk, and eggs for public access.
George Wickstrom directed Fellowship:
Rod Mahler introduced former Rotary President James Wolf, who was visiting Indiana. A pleasure to see you again, Mr. Wolf
Dick Huston thanked all the young kids of Rotarians who came out to help with the Highway clean-up while sharing the action of Rotary at a young age.
Katy Anderegg shared that River Bend Nature Center is selling Raffle tickets right now. They are $10 and support the natural gem of our community.
Program: Classification of Mrs. Carri Ann Pollard. Carri Ann's life has always mirrored the values of Rotary and was why she proudly joined this organization to promote equity & diversity, international engagement, and impact. Carri Ann was born in New Hampshire and moved to Faribault at 7. Carri Ann enjoyed theatre throughout her schooling years. Sarah Dickson was a great mentor to Carri Ann and got her involved in her first volunteer program, "SPOT&STOP." In high school, her family got the opportunity to host two exchange students from Brazil and Japan.
September 11th was a pivotal day for Carri Ann. It was a day of national tragedy, and the day Carri Ann first seek-out faith, and what has shaped her from that day on. That following year, Carri Ann went on her first Christian mission trip. The mission trip was so very impactful. Carri Ann took a year off work to join AmeriCorps, where she met her husband, Brett. Living in New York Mills, MN, Carri Ann started teaching youth dance for the Cultural Center and was the technical choreographer for the local high school.
After the birth of their 3rd child of 5, Brett and Carri Ann decided to become a one-income household and provide homeschooling for their young kids. For the next ten years, Carrie Ann executed her full-time duties as a mother and foremost educator. Carri Ann and her husband created three family devotional books during this process, with three more coming out soon.
In 2015 the Pollards moved back to Faribault, found River Valley Church, and were excited to join with their focus on Missionary visions. Although moving back to the area, other changes felt right to make a change. Brett and Carri swapped places, with Brett taking the homeschool position and Carri Ann moving into Reality.
Building a worldly view and enriching their children with a global perspective is essential for Carri Ann and her husband. They look to continue to provide this enrichment through local community engagement, future international projects, and faith.
Carri Ann serves on the Diversity and Human Trafficking committee for the Faribault Rotary Club.
All Rotarians are invited to be a part of the Fellowship Fun at the June 1st meeting as we honor Greg and Rebecca on their upcoming wedding. They will not be asked to sing or rap but co-host Laura Bock and I are planning an activity for the soon to be newly weds. You won't want to miss the fun!
Classification of Mr. Nicholas Sonpon. Nicholas was born and raised in Liberia and was greatly dedicated to his mother and father regarding his upbringing. Nicholas came to the states in 2013; he and his wife are happy parents of 5 kids.
Nicholas's biggest passion is the Rural Evangelism Mission which aims to fund and action in communities. Rural Evangelism Mission is dedicated to bringing the ability for young Liberia girls the option of education over the purchase into marriage at a young age.
For $60 a year, you can fund a young child's education through Nicholas's mission project.
Charitable gambling revenue took a step back with total sales of $168K in April compared to $212K in March for a reduction of 20.7%
The slowdown was largely driven by weaker demand for paper tabs, totaling $64K in April against $100K one month prior
E-tab sales were also down but to a lesser degree at $96K versus $104K, respectively.
On the positive side, the gross margin on E-tabs was strong at 19.9% in April compared to 13.9% one month earlier
On paper tabs, the gross margin slipped to 18.0% against March’s 20.4%
In addition to softer demand in April, the profit-sharing arrangements that are paid in arrears (March’s success paid out in April) resulted in a significant decline in net income for the month, totaling $4K compared to $13K in March.
Softer net income in April should be a supportive base for stronger net income in May all else being equal
FRYS obtained clearance from the MN Gambling Control Board to sell pull-tabs at the MN Town Ball State Tournament at Bell Field this summer. FRYS will be selling the long Labor Day Weekend of Friday, September 2 through Monday, September 5.
The following expenses were approved:
CG Made Easy Administrative Fee = $250
Fixed fee every month
Inventory = $4,000
Paper tab sales slowed in April and Dawn projects weaker demand going forward, so a slight reduction in inventory purchases is anticipated
Rotary Gambling Team Compensation = $2,600
Bingo Team Compensation = $2,000
Bingo is being hosted every Thursday night now, requiring greater compensation
Revenue Share with MPeters = $10,000
Profit share is 31% of e-tab gaming à Growth in e-tabs have slowed as gamblers turn to paper tabs
City of Faribault = $1,500
Revenue share with the city is up with stronger sales
Revenue Share with Boxers = $6,500
Profit-share w/ e-tabs = 15% & paper tabs = 20% à Paper tabs sales were soft in April for what could be a harbinger of slower months to come
Misc. Cost = $3,000
FRYS is hiring Reece, Winter payroll processing is ~$1k a month
Total Expenses = $29,850
On a motion by Rod Muller with a second by Kurt Halverson, the FRYS membership approved the expenses for June
The charitable giving committee has recommended the following gits for membership to vote on at today’s meeting:
1: United Way of Rice County “Dolly Parton Imagination Library” $2,500 – Program provides free books each month to children birth to age 5. A total of 375 children in Faribault benefit and they are seeking funds to increase to 425. Funds are to be allocated to Faribault youth only.
2: Somali Community Resettlement Services “Summer Soccer League for Somali Youth in Faribault” $5,080 – Program provides opportunity for Somali youth to be engaged in a youth soccer program specific for Somali youth and to compete in a league against similar teams.
3: Faribault Soccer Club “ASL Interpreters” $4,000 – Request is to fund ASL interpreting services for two teams. There are 2 youth/families who require ASL interpreters. Having interpreters available will allow the Club to be more inclusive of the deaf/hard of hearing community.
Total Approvals = $11,580
On a motion by Dick Huston with a second by Rebecca Freed, the FRYS membership approved the charitable gifts.
On a sunny 18th day of May, Rotarians joined together at the Inn at Shattuck at roughly noon. The meeting opened the week's Virtue Hope and read by Kent Weaverling followed by a prayer by Pastor Greg Ciesluk.
Club announcements,
Eric Craig (Treasurer) has your cash raffle ticket if you haven't received them yet.
David Connelly (Community Service)reminded the club that the upcoming parades are available to attend and volunteer.
Dick Huston shared that the club will be participating in Shark Tank and look to provide $4,000 to other projects from other clubs in the district.
Chad Koepke provided the gambling revenue for the month of April.
Natalie Ginter updated the club on charitable giving supplied to the community from gambling revenue. For more charitable giving Click here.
George Wickstrom directed Fellowship:
Jamie Bente shared that at the Faribault scholarship event, they will be giving away $200,000 in scholarships to Faribault students.
Kurt Halverson thanked South Central College for his award as an honored Alumni this past week.
Petervan Sluis shared that he has filed for re-election to the city council.
Following the Pledge of Allegiance and Rotary’s Four-Way Test, George Wickström read a selected virtue. Mark Kenney gave the invocation.
Announcements
• Donn Johnson reported on the Faribault High School scholarship program. Rotary increased its donation this year, allowing for twice as many students to receive scholarships than in the past. Johnson is retiring from his position and asked for a volunteer to lead the program, which includes organizing concerts twice annually. He even offered to help his successor as they get acclimated. “We need to support these kids,” he said. “These kids in the arts need what we can do for them.”
• George Wickstrom had lunch with a TCPT employee in the past week, and discovered he, too, is a Rotarian. The conversation got Wickstrom to consider how often we as a club promotes The Four-Way Test.
• Laura Bock reminded Rotarians that the Rotary Camp clean-up was planned for the following day.
• Keith Kramer received an email saying that Faribault youth soccer is looking for coaches for children K-5. No experience necessary.
• Lisa Humfeld-Wilson announced that one of two incoming exchange students has been identified. He is a 17-year-old male from Thailand who enjoys basketball.
• Natalie Ginter read a note from Zach Pruitt thanking the club for the $10,000 donation to the Little Falcons program.
• Tickets for the cash raffle are still available and can be obtained from Eric Craig at JOD Limited (2209 Bard Ave. NW).
Todd Sesker introduced Maree Hampton, director of health promotion and strategy at LiveMore ScreenLess, a non-profit dedicated to digital wellness. The organization was born after the Minnesota Legislature passed the first in the nation law supporting digital wellness.
LiveMore’s Amy Webster has worked with FHS English instructor Isaac Heins to launch a student group at the school that understands and practices digital wellness. Six of the ten students Heins recruited spoke about the negative and positive impacts of screens and social media on teens, and why people of all ages need to be involved in the group’s mission.
Some use of technology is avoidable, the students reported, saying that a great deal of classwork includes screen time and that teachers use technology to post lessons and assignments.
Students, who have met twice weekly for the last three months, are becoming leaders at FHS, said Heins, who added that they’re “moving out of the phase of learning and getting into action.”
The group, he said, will design a project for FHS “to make our school a better place to be and a better place to learn.”
Learn more about the organization at livemorescreenless.org.
For our meeting program this week,KK Myers and Maree Hampton, founders of LiveMore ScreenLess, who will join us to discuss how to use technology so that it doesn't detract from our well-being.
Please join us in person or on ZOOM.
Join our Meeting on May 11th at the new and improved link
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It is time for the annual spring clean up at the Rotary Camp. This Thursday we need a crew of Rotarians to help clean in and around the building and help put in the dock. The sign up sheet will be passed around again at the meeting tomorrow or you may email Dave Beranek directly at davidberanek@charter.net
Due to your positive response to the Each One, Bring One initiative, I am so happy to see that the membership trends in Rotary are looking up. Let us not lose this momentum — keep inviting new members, and also work hard to retain every member we attract. I look forward to seeing you next month in Houston at the 2022 Rotary International Convention, which I assure you will be a great event.
Also in Houston this June, we will be hosting my final presidential conference. We have devoted this year to conferences built around Rotary’s areas of focus. They have been a tremendous success, both in terms of attendance and in the ideas that were generated.
Last fall, our conference in the Philippines, which focused on protecting the environment and growing local economies, attracted 2,200 people online. In Brazil, our meeting centered around water, sanitation, and hygiene and how it relates to disease prevention and treatment; more than 600 people attended. That was followed by an event about the environment, economy, and peace in Maputo, Mozambique, which attracted around 400 in-person attendees and another 700 virtually. Our conference about keeping the economy and environment in harmony, held in Venice, Italy, had more than 600 in attendance.
Through these conferences and my world travels, numerous leaders have met with me and agreed to collaborate with Rotary. They include the prime minister of Mauritius, the president of Seychelles, the deputy prime minister of Bahrain, and the presidents of Albania and Kosovo. Clearly, Rotary is making an impact, and the world is eager for our leadership.
In Houston, the final presidential conference, Serve to Bring Peace, will focus on an area in which Rotary has long provided leadership. Everything we do in Rotary helps create the conditions that foster peace in communities, nations, and ourselves.
In March, I was able to see firsthand the tremendous difference Rotary is making in Ukraine, as refugees continue to pour into Poland. Donors have contributed millions of dollars to this effort; our projects are making a tremendous difference, and there is enormous gratitude for your continued generosity and support.
It is heartbreaking to see up close all the lives that have been uprooted, and the Ukrainian people are not alone. A devastating civil war in Yemen continues. The humanitarian crisis in Afghanistan is deepening. Armed conflicts affect nations across Africa, including Libya, South Sudan, the Central African Republic, northern Mozambique, Ethiopia, and Cameroon. And major refugee crises continue in Syria and Venezuela.
Rotary will always be on the side of the peaceful resolution of conflict and providing aid and comfort to people in need. Rotary was there at the end of World War II, promoting the creation of the United Nations and standing up for the cause of peacebuilding worldwide. It is time to renew our mission and perform our role as one of the world’s great promoters of peace.
There is no better way to Serve to Change Lives than to serve the cause of peace.
The start of the Cash Raffle 2022 was last Wednesday (May 4th) with the distribution of tickets to club members. Please sell your book of 10 tickets and consider asking Eric for another 10 or more to sell.
The proceeds from this fundraiser help to financially support the STRIVE and music scholarships and other youth programs sponsored by our club. Last year we sold all 900 tickets and with a solid concentrated effort. This year with our increased membership the goal will be to sell 1000 tickets at $20 each. There will be $5000 awarded in the prize drawings at our club meeting on June 29th.
Thank you to all club members for continuing the Faribault Rotary Club's mission to serve, promote and encourage the youth in our community.
Rotarians Juanita Picazo, Carri Pollard and Dick Huston were joined by 3 members of the Rise Room to distribute treats to the children at Eid this morning. We handed out 350 candy bars, 75 cotton candy and 60 bowls of popcorn. It was great fun and so very, very much appreciated by the Muslim community.
Jayne Bongers owner of Advantage Care Hearing Center has joined the Faribault Rotary Club. Pictured with Jayne is Keith Kramer chair of the membership team (left) and her sponsor Dr. Dick Huston. Gail Kaderlik is her mentor.
Rotarian Dr. Dick Huston (left) used his $1000 Paul Harris donation to the International Rotary Foundation to honor Gordy Kosfeld for his contributions to the community.
The start of the Cash Raffle 2022 was postponed last week and will start this week (May 4th)with the distribution of tickets to club members. The proceeds from this fundraiser help to financially support the STRIVE and music scholarships and other youth programs sponsored by our club. Last year we sold all 900 tickets and with a solid concentrated effort. This year with our increased membership the goal will be to sell 1000 tickets at $20 each. There will be $5000 awarded in the prize drawings at our club meeting on June 29th.
Thank you to all club members for continuing the Faribault Rotary Club's mission to serve, promote and encourage the youth in our community.
Ron Dweik, an enrollment advisor at South Central College, gave his classification speech.
Ron began his address by discussing his unique heritage. He was born in Jerusalem, but grew up in upstate New York, near Syracuse. Though his mother is Jewish, he has many family members on his father’s side who live in a refugee camp in Palestine.
He has traveled extensively and spent a year in Amman, Jordan, learning Arabic. “it opened my eyes to see the world is so much bigger,” he said of traveling outside the U.S. He graduated from the State University of New York at Buffalo and spent time in Belize working on service project.
He has spent much of his life volunteering in the communities in which he lived. While living in Virginia, he volunteered with the local Big Brothers Big Sisters and since moving to southern Minnesota, he has been involved with the Community Action Center Faribault.
Ron has two unique hobbies: he’s working on getting his pilot’s license and while studying abroad became interested in falconry.
Following the Pledge of Allegiance and Rotary’s Four-Way Test, Briana Maland read a selected virtue. Greg Ciesluk gave the invocation.
Announcements
George Wickstrom made an addendum to his presentation from the prior week, listing a number of facts to support his belief that ethanol is “not a clean fuel.” It’s more costly to make ethanol, he said, uses a three gallons of water to produce one gallon of ethanol and provides fewer miles per gallon than regular gasoline.
Ethanol, he said, “is very bad for the economy.”
Laura Bock reminded Rotarians about several opportunities to support club projects, including Meals on Wheels from May 31-June 3 and Adopt-a-Highway May 21. She also polled members and determined there is enough support for a float in the Memorial and Heritage Day parades. More information to come. She also reminded the membership that if no one takes over the Rotary Readers program for next year that she and David Connelly will take it on.
Todd Sesker issued a reminder that six families are needed to host two international students for portions of the 2022-23 school year.
Brent Peroutka announced Paul Harris fellow: Roger Koopmans, who previously received the award, and Brenda DeMars, Amy Amundson and Rebekah Freed.
Chad Koepke announced a 12% increase in pull tabs sales in March. Since Rotary took on pull tabs in November 2021, it has had $873,000 in sales with a profit of $70,000 (an 8% profit margin).
Koepke also listed the proposed contributions the club would like to make:
• $10,000 for the Little Falcons program which provides scholarships so youth can participate in sports and extracurriculars.
• $7,000 for the Rotary Youth Scholarship program
• $800 for American Legion Safety Camp scholarships
Edward Jones financial advisor Cate Grinney of Faribault was named among the 2022 Best-in-State Wealth Advisors in Minnesota by Forbes and SHOOK Research.
This Best-in-State Wealth Advisors recognition is in addition to Grinney's ranking on the recent Best-in-State Women Wealth Advisors, also from Forbes and announced in February 2022.
Grinney is one of 117 Edward Jones financial advisors to be named to the 2022 Forbes SHOOK Best-in-State Wealth Advisors ranking, which was announced in April 2022 and published in the 2022 April/May issue. To see the full list of Edward Jones financial advisors who ranked among the top in their state, visit edwardjones.com and enter "Best in State Wealth Advisors" into the search box.
Cate Grinney Named to Forbes' Top Financial Advisors Ranking
In 1917 Rotary International created the Paul Harris foundation for assist clubs in doing projects around the world. Rotarians who give $1000 accumulatively or at one time receive a Paul Harris award. Each time a member gives another $1000 they are recognized by a (+). Faribault Rotarians Amy Amundson +2, Benda DeMars +1 and Rebekah Freed +1 have been so honored. Pictured are Rotary president Todd Sesker, Amy Amundson, Brenda DeMars and Rebekah Freed.
A new record performance in monthly revenue with $212k in sales for an increase of 12% from the previous record month’s sales of $190k
Sales of paper tabs drove the record revenue as paper tab sales were $100k while e-tabs were $103K.
The paper tab / e-tab sales ratio of 97% is the highest on record; to put the 97% into perspective, in December 2021, the paper tab / e-tabs sales ratio was 38%.
Gross profit on paper tab sales also established a new high at $20k driven by a solid gross profit margin of 20.4% in March 2022.
Net income for the month was a healthy $13k
Through 6 months (October 21 – March 22) total sales, which have been increasing consistently month-over-month are $873k with net profit of $68k for a net profit margin of 7.78%.
Monthly gross profit on e-tabs has averaged ~$13k with a gross profit margin (sales – prizes) of 14%.
For paper tabs, which have been more volatile, average gross profit is $10k with a margin of 18.4%.
In other gambling news, Dawn has inquired if FRYS would be willing to sponsor/purchase a new video horse racing game to be played at Boxers, costing ~$1,500 for the system
Assuming all the tickets are sold, gross profit per game is guaranteed at $92 per game ($308 purse); however, costs to purchase the paper cards and profit-sharing with Boxers are taken out of the $92 gross profit for a net income per game likely around the $50 mark, requiring ~30 games be played to break-even on the investment
The “shelf-life” of the computer system is many years, so FRYS will turn profits for years to come once the break-even point is reached
On a motion by Jake Cook with a second by Dr. Huston, FRYS membership approved the purchase of horse racing system
With regards to monthly expense approval, the following sought membership approval:
CG Made Easy Administrative Fee = $250
Fixed fee every month
Inventory = $6,000
Paper tab sales set a record high in March 2022, meaning inventory might need to be higher going forward with the positive momentum at Boxers
Rotary Gambling Team Compensation = $2,600
Bingo Team Compensation = $2,000
Bingo is being hosted every Thursday night now, requiring greater compensation
Revenue Share with MPeters = $10,000
Profit share is 31% of e-tab gaming à Growth in e-tabs have slowed as gamblers turn to paper tabs
City of Faribault = $1,500
Revenue share with the city is up with stronger sales
Revenue Share with Boxers = $8,500
Profit-share w/ e-tabs = 15% & paper tabs = 20% à Paper tabs set record highs in March and that means higher revenue share with Boxers given the 20% share
Misc. Cost = $5,000
FRYS is hiring Reece, Winter payroll processing is ~$1k a month
A specialty “purse” bingo is coming in May with purse prizes of $1,100
Total Expenses = $32,250
On a motion by George Wickstrom with a second by Natalie Ginter, FRYS membership approved the May expenses
Turning to the most exciting news of the monthly membership meeting, today’s membership meeting marked the first membership vote on approval of charitable donations from FRYS’ gambling profits
$10,000: Healthy Community Initiative “Little Falcons” – Program’s purpose is to increase participation of elementary aged youth in Faribault in extracurricular activities and athletics
$800: Faribault American Legion “Legionville Safety Camp” – Two scholarships for Faribault students to attend
$500: Faribault Parks and Recreation “Safety Camp” – Sponsorship of the camp which benefits Faribault youth ages 8-10 years old
$7,000: Annual Rotary music, theater and arts scholarships program to be held in mid-May
$300: Candy for kids at the Eid celebration
Note, the Eid approval was not noted on the monthly membership memo as the request came last minute
Total Donations = $18,600
On a motion by Rod Muller with a second by Rebecca Freed, FRYS membership approved the first charitable contributions
On a yet again cold Wednesday in April, Rotarians joined together at the Inn at Shattuck at roughly noon. In club announcements,
Dr. Murray Hanson announced the Annual Cash Raffle would be starting in two weeks on April 27th, and each Rotarian would be given a minimum of ten tickets to sell. As a club, we aimed to sell 1000 tickets.
George Wickstrom read the Virtue of Faithfulness, and Pastor Ciesluk gave our Passover week prayer. Fellowship was conducted by Jessica Amundson with the theme of "best spring break memories" to share.
Dr. Huston shared that the city council approved a new community garden location.
Sara Rojas updated the club on her going back to Help Me Grow.
Katy Anderegg updated the club on the wind damage at River Bend in this week's wind storms. Many trees are down and causing hazardous conditions for the trails. Volunteers are very welcome, and don't hesitate to contact Riverbend to help out.
Ryan Guenther provided our week's program about the Faribault Summer Strength and Conditioning program. Faribault Public Schools built the strength training program in 2014 to increase diversity and athletic participation in Faribault public schools while increasing each athlete's skills in all sports.
The program looks to foster good mechanics and a healthy, safe environment for 6th to 12th-grade students. The program has grown from roughly 50 students in 2014 to 100 students in 2019 to 240 students in 2021. Some of the program's success of growth is due to access to the program free of enrollment fees as they were free in 2021 & upcoming in 2022 from government funding through the STEAM grants.
Ryan stressed the return of strength training in all sports across the board regarding winning and success "It makes our athletes stronger, faster, more confident earlier." Ryan expressed. The program prides itself on looking like the community and embraces diversity through a positive atmosphere. Challenging students to better themselves through teamwork. If you are a student in need of a good summer program this year, please get in touch with Ryan.
Members Laura and Steve Bock, Aubrey Nicholson, David Connelly and President Sesker attended Owatonna’s 100th anniversary on Saturday April 2nd.
Meals on Wheels 05/31-06/03
Adopt a Highway Day 05/21
Thursday, 4/14 is a scholarship event called National Signing Day. Its for graduating Seniors seeking a tech related career. $2500 yearly scholarships for numerous technology and heath care related careers. Details can be found at https://southcentral.edu/Admissions/signing-day.html. Please refer any questions or interested parties to Ron Dweik directly. On April 13 the College is hosting Big Brothers Big Sisters for a career exploration night exclusive for their mentees ranging from 12- 17 years old) and their corresponding mentors.
A Community Good Friday service led by area pastors will be held on Friday, April 15 at 12 noon at Fourth Avenue United Methodist Church, 219 4th Avenue NW. The service will include congregational and choir music, the reading of the Passion from John’s Gospel by lay ministry leaders, community servants, and business leaders, including current and former Rotarians Keith Kramer, Tony Langerud, and Brian Daniels, and a message preached by Father Henry Doyle. The offering will support Jesus Food and its vision to pack and deliver 1,000,000 meals for the Ukrainian people displaced by the current war with Russia.
Induction
Ron Dweik is officially inducted into our Rotary Club!
Fellowship w/ Jessica
Friends who visited today, David, Todd Markman, Jim Purfeerst, Sam Dailey and K9 Taffy
Get Well Soon
Dr Huston’s wife broke her wrist and is recovering from surgery
Friends, one of my mantras in Rotary has been do more, grow more. I am sure you are adopting this mantra. Do more, as in bigger and impactful service projects, and grow more, as in increasing our membership.
There is so much excitement across the Rotary world about our Each One, Bring One effort. Everywhere I travel, club presidents, district governors, and Rotary members — both veteran and new — express appreciation that their membership efforts are inspiring the Rotary world.
We are growing more, and I cannot wait to celebrate all of this success with you at the Rotary International Convention in Houston in June. There is still time to register and make your plans to join us. We are looking forward to a once-in-a-lifetime experience that will unite our members after far too much time apart.
As we grow more, we will have so much more opportunity to do more. April is Maternal and Child Health Month, a great opportunity for your clubs to consider what you are doing to support the health of mothers and young children. Improving access to care and the quality of care for women and children worldwide is an important focus for us and it also ties in very well with our Empowering Girls initiative. I appreciate the work being done by various clubs in this area of focus, and I would encourage you to think of ways to do more.
It has been so exciting to see Rotary members come together at the presidential conferences to share ideas about using our areas of focus to bring about big, lasting change in the world. The past and upcoming presidential conferences are looking at our new area of focus — the environment — and how our work to protect our planet must support our efforts to grow local economies, especially in places with the greatest poverty. I also had the honor to speak at the 26th United Nations climate change conference in Glasgow, Scotland, known as COP26. This important meeting brought together nearly 100 heads of state and government over a two-week period to set new targets for fossil fuel emission. My call to action was to restore mangroves, a crucial ecosystem that can mitigate the effects of climate change in coastal areas. Already, countries across the world are showing great enthusiasm for this plan.
Our survival is at stake — the damage of environmental catastrophe is already upon us — and so, too, is our ability to lift the world’s most needy out of poverty and offer them hope. We must find ways to protect our planet while sustaining the economic growth necessary to achieve our highest humanitarian goals.
This is a very exciting time in Rotary, a time when the world needs us most. As we Serve to Change Lives, remember that we are also changing ourselves. We are becoming the world’s great change-makers and peacebuilders.
The world is ready for us. It’s time to rise to that call.
Faribault Rotary Club has inducted Ron Dweik as its newest member. Ron is an enrollment advisor at Faribault's South Central College Campus. He is willing to put Service Above Self working with area youth. Pictured is his sponsor Greg Ciesluk (left) Ron and Membership team leader Keith Kramer.
Following fellowship, Dr. Huston, Ms. Nygaard, and Ms. Bolt Simons discussed their trip to the Battambang region of Cambodia to inaugurate the Faribault Club sponsored Water purification project. This project is located in a rural village at the village’s school. Former Faribault Rotary member Sam Ouk who was instrumental in getting the project approved and funded also traveled to Cambodia. Mr. Ouk and his relatives in Cambodia helped to host the Faribault delegation.
While presenting pictures of their journey, Dr. Huston stressed how the water purification project was in good hands with our partner club in Cambodia. Huston explained our partner club was very experienced in managing global grants. He also highlighted the water purification project had garden and entrepreneurial aspects. Not only will the children receive clean water, but also the garden associated with the water purification project will allow the children and villagers to grow and consume nutritious food. The water also will be sold to the villagers and the funds will help make the project more sustainable.
Dr. Huston said the group arrived at the project school on National Women’s Day, a national holiday in Cambodia. Despite the school being closed for the holiday, some 100 students came to the ceremony to show appreciation for the water project. One of the students, a young girl, collapsed during the ceremony. Huston helped tend to her and seeing her, dehydrated and malnourished, it really reinforced to him the value of the water purification and garden project for the Cambodians living in this village.
Ms. Nygaard discussed some of the tourist sites the delegation saw in Phnom Penh to include the National Museum of Cambodia, the Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum (aka S-21, the Khmer Rouge torture center), and Buddhist temples. The group also traveled to Siem Reap and visited the magnificent temple complex of Angkor Wat.
Ms. Bolt Simons spoke of trying to see more of real Cambodia by trying to get away from normal tourist activities. Traveling with Sam Ouk’s relatives helped in this regard. She stressed that as a former educator seeing the school, the water project and the students really hit home for her about the importance of the project in providing clean water and food to this impoverished community.
Dr. Huston concluded the briefing by reiterating that our partner club was very strong and capable. He stressed Faribault Rotarians should be very proud of raising the funds for this global grant project which will make a difference in these children’s lives. He added that perhaps more global programs can be initiated building on the success of this important project.
Over the years I have done a variety of volunteer work in my community. It has taught me to give back to the community that I live in. I have been doing community service more and more as I get older and it really makes me realize how much of an impact I can make on my community and how much others appreciate it. There are so many reasons why volunteering is so important. I have learned that volunteering can be just as rewarding for me as for those I am helping. Volunteering has made me a better person. It has broadened my views on how others have struggles that I don't see in my daily life and how I can make a difference for others.
Between March of 2020 and January of 2021 was a busy time of volunteering for me. Despite the times of Covid and volunteers being limited, there was still so much that could be done. With these times being so uncertain I really felt the need to give back to my community. I am involved in 4-H which has a ton of volunteer opportunities. My 4-H ambassador group organizes an annual county wide Easter egg hunt and because of Covid in April of 2020 we were unable to have one. Instead of having an Easter egg hunt, I stuffed eggs and put them in bags and donated them to grocery stores for parents to come and pick up so they could have an Easter egg hunt at home. Also due to Covid, residents in nursing homes were very lonely due to restrictions of visitors. Because of that I knew I needed to do something to try and make them feel like they were not forgotten.
A few of the things I did include visiting residents through their windows, making ornaments and homemade thanksgiving and Christmas cards. Specifically at the Faribault Senior living my 4-H club bought pajamas and lotion for the residents in the memory care unit. I was informed that many of them did not have pajamas or good lotion, so I felt it was necessary to provide them with items they needed. I believe that it is our responsibility as a community to protect the environment. Therefore, my 4-H club has adopted a highway that we clean up every fall and spring. During the Christmas season there are always families that are in extra need for things. Because of that I volunteered to bell ring for the Salvation Army to help raise money for those families in need. Finally, I like to volunteer at the food shelf. The food shelf is always in need of help making sure the community has a place to go when they can't afford food for their families.
With these volunteer opportunities I have worked with a variety of cultures which has made me a more well-rounded person and the fact that I feel good knowing that I am helping my community. I have found that if I were to put myself in some of these situations, I would appreciate the work volunteers do to try and help. Volunteers are so imp01iant and without them a lot of resources would not be available for people to use because some organizations are run solely on volunteers.
The honorable Dr. Dick Huston proposes Jayne Bongers, Owner of Advantage Care Hearing Center, for membership in the Faribault Rotary Club. If you have any questions, pleas contact membership chair, Keith Kramer.
On March 30, the Faribault Rotary Club convened its regular meeting at the Inn at Shattuck. The inductions of Nicholas Sonpon and Carri Ann Pollard into the Club highlighted the meeting.
Rotarian Dr. Richard Huston, Faribault Chamber of Commerce Tourism Director Kelly Nygaard, and Author Lisa Bolt Simons provided the Club with a briefing on their trip to the Battambang region of Cambodia to visit the water purification project that the Faribault Rotary Club had initiated. Salient details of the meeting follow.
Former Club PresidentBrenda DeMars filled in for President Todd Sesker who was not able to join the meeting. She and David Connelly presided over the induction of both Mr. Sonpon and Ms. Pollard. The assembled Rotarians warmly welcomed the new members.
Natalie Ginter, in support of incoming President Kurt Halverson, passed out a survey asking Rotarians to fill out the form listing activities/programs that the Club should continue to do, ideas for new programs, and raising programs/activities that should be considered for elimination. Natalie also subsequently emailed the Club with this request. Please provide this requested information to better inform Mr. Halverson as he prepares to assume his new Rotarian duties.
The Faribault Rotary Club has inducted Cari Ann Pollard as it newest member. She is pictured with her sponsor, Rev. Mark Kenny. Pollard is a Realtor with Pollard Tribe Realty by eXp. She is serving on the diversity and trafficking committees.
The Faribault Rotary Club inducted Nicholas Sonpon, center, as a new member. He is pictured with sponsor Dick Huston (left) and membership team member Greg Ciesluk. Sonpon is employed at Daikin as a technician. He is a native of Liberia and returns there to volunteer promoting education.
I play hockey and I am on the varsity team for Faribault and I'm a senior. I have been playing hockey since I was four years old and I love the game. I love going to watch hockey games from the Minnesota Wild to the Gophers to kids playing association hockey. Even though I love hockey and it is a important part of my life, I have been struggling lately and not having much fun. I don't get to play as much in games like I thought I would for my senior year and I'm on the last line for, our team. This has affected my confidence and how much I enjoy the games and my teammates.
I recently talked to my coach about this and he told me things would get better and he would be changing my line. We have played two times since then and nothing has really changed for me but more for other players around me. After reading the Four way test I have been trying to think about my feelings and this situation on my team using these questions. I think it is helping me look at things differently and not have such a negative mindset.
Is it the truth?
Sometimes it is hard to figure out what is the truth. I have been telling myself that I should be starting because I am a senior and because I am just as good as anyone else. have more experience and hockey knowledge that isn't being used. I have been feeling bad about myself for not starting and find myself having some negative thoughts that aren't the truth. I started to think that I wasn't good enough. That isn't the truth because I know I am good enough and I can play on any line and that doesn't change my value to the team. Our third line needs someone who can be a leader and score and pass and I am that player. I could do that on any line but maybe the younger players wouldn't be able to handle that kind of pressure of lifting up other players like I can.
Is it Fair to all concerned?
For me to feel like I have more value than anyone else is not fair to the others and all that they bring to the team. Hockey is not an individual sport and we all have a role to play. No one is more valuable than the other and if we win it is not because of me and if we lose it is also not because of me or anyone else.
Will it build Goodwill and better friendships?
When we are working hard together and bring out the best in each other then we build friendships and have fun and make memories. I try to build friendships with the guys by inviting them to do stuff outside of practice and that helps the team when we can be friends off the ice too.
Will it be beneficial to all concerned?
Not having fun or being down about playing time or what line I'm on isn't beneficial to anyone especially me. When someone is down, we all feel it and I don't want to be the one dragging others down. I want to do my best to help lift up others and you can only do that if you stay positive and work hard and be a leader for all concerned not just yourself.
Kymn Anderson and George Wickstrom shared information about a project they are both involved in, The Virtues Project-Faribault. The project began as an idea of Faribault’s Cindy Diessner during her participation in the Chamber’s Faribault’s Future class.
The project is part of The Virtues Project, a global initiative that began 30 years ago. It is meant to inspire the inclusion of the virtues in everyday life. People in 135 countries have been involved in The Virtues Project, which are available online, in physical cards and an app. The virtues are found in every culture, religion and ideology. The project employs Five Strategies, resources that create a culture of caring, Anderson said, noting that every person is born with the virtues, but that they need to be developed. They favor no agenda, ideology or religion. Cards designed for adults use quotes, some from religious texts. Those intended for children do not include religious quotes/verbiage.
Wickstrom shared personal experiences, one about his Aunt Marion, a teacher who was a mentor and guide during his childhood. Marion, he said, displayed the virtues in her everyday life, and was able to make an impact on a great number of her students by maintaining a correspondence with them. He also shared a favorite story about founding father Benjamin Franklin, and the 13 Virtues list he created. The virtues, if mastered, Franklin believed, would help him become a better person and correct behavior he found undesirable in himself.
Anderson explained that The Virtues Project – Faribault has been part of several initiatives since its inception. They include the Virtues Trail, Virtue of the Week in the Faribault Daily News and a two-day class in 2016 that trained 68 area residents to be facilitators. “It has become a real passion for some of us in the community,” said Anderson. “We believe we can change the world.”
Wickstrom gifted each club member a code so they could download the Virtues Project app free.
Following the Pledge of Allegiance and Rotary’s Four-Way Test, Jess Amundson read a selected virtue, Faith. Mindy Reeder gave the invocation.
Membership Chair Keith Kramer inducted two new members, Dr. Robert Speckhals and Faribault Police sergeant Brandon Gliem. Both were warmly welcomed into the club.
Announcements
Mark Kenny introduced his guest, his son Sam.
Cate Grinney was named to Forbes' National List of America's Top Women Wealth Advisors for 2022. (See the separate article below.) Congratulations Cate!
Dr. Bob Speckhals was inducted as an Honorary Member in the Faribault Rotary Club. Bob is pictured here with sponsor, Rod Mahler (left) and membership chair, Keith Kramer (right.)
Edward Jones Financial Advisor Cate Grinney of Faribault was named to the annual list of America's Top Women Wealth Advisors for 2022 by Forbes and SHOOK Research. This is her first time being named to this prestigious list. Rankings were announced in February 2022.
Grinney ranked No. 12 among Top Women Wealth Advisors Best-in-State in Minnesota. She has served area investors for the nearly 23 years. "My branch team and I are dedicated to living our purpose, which is embedded in the culture of our firm. We choose to partner for positive impact to improve the wellbeing of our clients and colleagues, and together better our communities and society," Grinney said. "This recognition from Forbes and SHOOK is an honor and a testament to the quality of our partnerships and the mutual trust we are able to develop."
To compile the 2022 list of 1,377 women, SHOOK Research analysts conducted more than 16,000 interviews with nominees. Criteria included client service, compliance records, community involvement, the investment process, assets under care and tenure in the industry. Based on the full nationwide list, best-in-state rankings were determined. Grinney is one of 36 Edward Jones financial advisors to be named to the 2022 Forbes list of America's Top Women Wealth Advisors and subsequently the Top Women Wealth Advisors Best-in-State, which is published in the Feb/March issue of Forbes.
Grinney Named to Forbes' National List of America's Top Women Wealth Advisors for 2022
Brandon Gliem (left) recently was inducted as a new Faribault Rotary club member. Gliem was sponsored by Keith Kramer (right). Gliem is a Faribault police sergeant and will serve on the Rotary’s diversity committee.
Locals bring access to clean water to children in Cambodia
Students in Battambang, Cambodia are gaining access to clean water for the first time in their lives thanks to the Faribault Rotary Club and other Rotary members. (Photo courtesy of Dick Huston)
Reprinted with permission from the Daily News
The Faribault Rotary Club is dedicated to making an impact — oftentimes locally and other times far from home. The Faribault Rotary Club raised $30,000 locally. Rotary International also contributed funds to the project in Battambang, a city in northwestern Cambodia.
“The project was about $75,000 — money well spent that will provide clean water and nutrition for this community for years and years,” Huston said. He explained the beginning of the process on the Rotary’s end. “Rotary does these kinds of events all over the world. We saw the need, and we went about it over a long period and got a grant written, raising the money, and getting the project started.”
The Faribault Rotary could not have accomplished the project without the assistance of the Battambang Rotary Club or Rotary International.
“In order for the Rotary to do an international project like this, we need to be sponsored by a local rotary,” Huston said.
This building will soon hold the water purification machine for the school. The building is now complete, but it will be several months before the purifier is up and running. (Photo courtesy of Dick Huston)
Huston and the rest of the Faribault locals who went on the trip were impressed by how much help the Battambang Rotary members provided.
“One thing important to Rotary International is sustainability,” Huston said. The members from the Battambang Rotary Club are great. The children are first and foremost in our goals.”
Huston and the other Rotarians set out on this trip to help the people of Battambang after Rotarian Sam Ouk pointed out the need. Ouk was born in Cambodia but came to America when he was young. Because he has family that still lives in Cambodia, he had contacts there to help arrange the trip and project.
The project involved creating a holding pond. This allows the school to store enough water to safely get through the dry periods each year. (Photo courtesy of Dick Huston)
When Faribault’s Rotarians made it to Cambodia, they got to see firsthand why this project was so important. “These kids are going to a school with no electricity, meaning no AC, no fans,” Huston said. “Every day we were there was at least in the 90s. We established a garden so that they could have better school lunches. The goal is to have extra from the garden and purifier to be able to sell some of each.”
When they arrived in Cambodia, the Rotarians were given some additional funding from donors. They decided to use this funding to bring some joy to the kids there. This is when the group got a real understanding of the urgency of their project.
“We used that money to buy pencils, books, candy, and gave these things to the school children,” Huston said. “One of the little girls collapsed in line to get her book. It came to our attention that that girl was dehydrated and malnourished. She’s going to be OK now. They need not only water, but also nutrition. The importance of the project was brought forth in that one incident.”
Dick Huston (right) stands with Battambang Rotary’s president Lo Chay (left). (Photo courtesy of Dick Huston)
The honorable Pastor Greg Ciesluk proposes Ron Dweik, Enrollment Advisor for South Central College, for membership in the Faribault Rotary Club. If you have any questions please contact membership chair, Keith Kramer.
The honorable Dr. Dick Huston proposes Nicholas Sonpon, technician at Daiken Applied, for membership in the Faribault Rotary Club. If you have any questions, pleas contact membership chair, Keith Kramer.
The honorable Michigan Wolverine, Pastor Mark Kenney, proposes Carry Ann Pollard, a Realtor at Pollard Tribe Realty, for membership in the Faribault Rotary Club. If you have any questions, please contact membership chair, Keith Kramer.
I volunteer at the Paradise Center doing some ushering and greeting during plays. I like doing this because my dad is in some plays at the theater and I like being involved and going to watch his performances and it's something that not many other kids my age do. I have gotten to know some of the other actors so it is fun to be there with them behind stage and see what is going on behind the scenes that other people don't get to see.
I like seeing all the people who come to the theater and supporting the cast and community. It is more fun to be part of the play then just watching it even if I'm just there to help pass out information or greet people, I feel like part of the cast and crew. Watching and helping with so many plays at the Paradise has made me think about doing stand-up comedy or maybe helping with production like lighting and sound so I am taking Intro to Theater Arts in high school this year. I think this experience helps me be more involved with the community, build more friendships and do new things.
I also helped my girlfriend's family with their business in Faribault this past year. They own Trump's apple orchard and it gets very busy and they need help in the store sometimes because they work every day for 12 to 15 hours. They do a lot to support me so I liked going there to help whenever I was not working at the golf course because it feels good to be helpful and do a good job at something, especially when you are helping people you know and care about. I started learning more about their business the more I went there to help and they had me doing different things like sorting apples, making caramel apples, stocking shelves and cleaning. I learned that I like being busy and working hard and helping customers more than doing something just to get a paycheck.
Afterwards we would have supper together and it was fun to work hard together and then relax together. It felt good to be involved in the orchard because it is a important part of the community and it makes me feel proud to be part of that. Scott delivers apples to all of the HyVee grocery stores in the area and cities every day and a lot of people go to the store to get apples, pumpkins, cider, apple crisp and other products which helps our economy and they provide several jobs. Chrissy runs the store herself so they both work very hard and are good role models for me and their kids. They also get a lot of visitors who come to Faribault to shop so it is important they have enough help to stay open and keep their store running and strong tourism for Faribault. I have learned a lot about what it takes to run a family business and work hard which is an act of service above self because you have to do what is best for the business and your employees before yourself.
Other things I have done include when Covid first started, I helped volunteer downtown and we packed about 200 big food boxes and that was hard work but it felt really good when we got all the boxes done. It was like a race to fill the boxes and I liked it being challenging and rewarding. The boxes were given away at school to families in need. It made me appreciate having food at home when I'm hungry and my family able to go grocery shopping and out to eat.
I also helped deliver 100 bikes and helmets to Jefferson last summer. The bikes were for children who don't have a bike. It was fun to help because they needed my help and they thanked me a lot for coming. Participating helped me appreciate that I had a bike when I was younger and able to go riding around my neighborhood and trails. Lots of other kids don't get to do that and giving them a bike helps them have more freedom to explore the community and be healthy. Sometimes when I see a child riding a bike, I think that is a bike I helped with.
I do also like to help coach younger players in hockey and I've been volunteering to do that this season. I think it's good for the younger kids to get to know us High School varsity players and have good role models and I like being someone the kids can look up to.
On March 16, 2022, the Faribault Rotary Club met at the Inn at Shattuck on a beautiful spring like day. The highlight of the meeting was Susan Garwood’s classification speech, which was preceded by several announcements and warm fellowship. Salient details of the meeting follow.
President Todd Sesker warmed up the assembled Rotarians by proudly, albeit briefly, showing video highlights of the University of Iowa’s Men’s basketball team’s Big Ten Championship. This must have jinxed the Hawkeyes as they were promptly eliminated in the NCAA basketball tournament in the first round. All University of Minnesota fans wish Iowa better luck next year. (Not really😊)
In club announcements, Rotarian of the Year, Laura Bock thanked all the Rotarians who volunteered for the Red Cross blood drive. She stated the Red Cross was pleased with the results of the blood donations obtaining about 20 percent more than anticipated. She also advised that Rotarians will be delivering “Meals on Wheels” at the end of the month and promised to remind the volunteers of their duties. Laura also called on the club to restart the Rotary Readers program, saying a chairperson was needed to get the program reinitiated. The Owatonna Rotary Club is hosting a celebration to commemorate their 100th anniversary, Laura and her husband Steve are planning to attend and welcome anyone who cared to join them.
STRIVE Chairman Greg Ciesluk read a thank you note from Keaton Ginter who earned a STRIVE scholarship.
Natalie Ginter highlighted that Rotarians can help Ukraine by supporting the Rotary disaster relief grant.
President Sesker said the Club had received thanks from both the Faribault Middle and High School for donations to the NEST programs.
Dr. Richard Huston briefed on the results of the Cambodia trip. Dr. Huston praised our partner club in Battambang, Cambodia as being very experienced and an excellent partner for the clean water project. He also praised Natalie Ginter and former club member SamOuk for their stellar work in making the project happen. Dr. Huston also showed a plaque our Cambodian partners gave us to recognize the Faribault Club’s contributions.
Brenda DeMars gave a report on charitable gambling - please see Chad Koepke’s separate email for the great results.
Brenda DeMars led the membership meeting as Chad Koepke was out of the state on the day of the meeting
Total revenue surged to an FRYS record of $190K
Paper tab sales set a new record at $86K
Prior to February’s $86K in paper tab sales, the prior record was $46K in November 2021
The gross margin on paper tabs was the strongest on record as well at 21.6% for a gross profit of $19K
Electronic tabs rebounded as well with sales of $96K with gross profit of $11K for a gross margin of 11.8%
Also contributing to February’s record high revenue was the new addition of non-linked Bingo (“regular” Bingo) to the FRYS CG operation with sales of $7K in February and gross profit of $2K
Turning to other developments, the charitable gambling operation had a surprise audit in the first week of March from Isaac Mixon, Field Audit Specialist for the MN Gambling Control Board. The audit revealed one area of attention, which was that paper tab sellers should be wearing nametags or posted somewhere visible
FRYS received formal approval to repay the $10K startup loan that the main FRYS bank account funded to the gambling account to purchase inventory, processing systems, etc…
Natalie Ginter has been putting in the structure and rules in place to assist with the charitable donations from the gambling profits
Of note, FRYS received confirmation that charitable gambling profits can be donated back to the main FRYS bank account and avoid any unrelated business income taxes as FRYS is a 501 C3 organization. Charitable giving still needs to comply with FRYS’ non-profit objectives to help improve the lives of the youth in Faribault
The following expenses were approved:
CG Made Easy Administrative Fee = $250
Fixed fee every month
Inventory = $4,500
Paper tab sales set a record high in February 2022, which means inventory might need to be higher going forward with the positive momentum and warmer weather on the horizon
Rotary Gambling Team Compensation = $2,600
Bingo Team Compensation = $1,000
Bingo
Revenue Share with MPeters = $10,000
Profit share is 31% of e-tab gaming à Activity rebounded to more normal levels in February and could be in line for stronger numbers as the warmer climate approaches
City of Faribault = $1,500
Revenue share with the city is going to be higher going forward with greater activities
Revenue Share with Boxers = $8,500
Profit-share w/ e-tabs = 15% & paper tabs = 20% à Paper tabs set record highs in February and that means higher revenue share with Boxers given the 20% share
Misc. Cost = $5,000
FRYS is hiring Reece, Winter for payroll processing à first invoice is still on the way
Dawn is potentially interested in FRYS buying a horse racing game for Boxers à costs on such a game are not known, so over allocate if purchase takes place in April
FRYS’ paper tab weighing scale broke, so a new one is needed for purchase at $535
Total Expenses Approved: $33,350
On a motion by Todd Sesker with a second by Jake Kohl, the expenses for the month of April were approved
Susan Garwood, Executive Director Rice County Historical Society, highlighted the meeting with her classification speech. She stressed the importance of family, showing several photographs of her immediate family, her son, and even her as a very young child. She pointed out a picture of her on a tricycle with bare feet to stress she had an idyllic childhood. She credits her parents for instilling in her a love of history, saying although her father worked in advertising, he was a historian at heart. In fact, she showed several photos of her extended family and showed an illustration of her family tree.
Sue attended Saint Cloud State University earning a degree in American Studies as well as later earning a Degree in Library and Information Science. She started working at the Northfield Historical Society in 1988 and through a confluence of events became the Director of the office when she was 23 years old. She later worked at Carleton College until 2003 when she was invited to apply for the Executive Director position for the Rice County Historical Society. Sue was hired and has been at the Rice County Historical Society ever since. After being engaged in the study of Rice County history for 35 years, Sue said she knows that she does not know everything about Rice County, but she does know who to ask to get more information.
Sue said her hobbies and interests include a passion for early photography, all things related to New Zealand, Rugby, Sled dog racing, quilting, gingerbread houses, agates, and gardening in small doses. Highlighting her passion for early photography, she has her own website - sgarwood.com - devoted to early photography. The Club enjoyed her presentation and gave her a warm round of applause.
On a visit to Faribault Senior Living, I came upon this 1929 parade picture of downtown Faribault. Please note the "working" Security Bank clock to the left.
Exciting results from the Red Cross Blood drive that was held Monday March 14th 2022! Faribault Rotary exceeded our unit goal of 47 by collecting 56 units! The Red Cross reached out to congratulate us on such a large overage! As you know the national blood supply is critically low and every drive makes a difference. Thank you to all the Rotarians who took time from their day to volunteer to staff the drive: David Sauer, Keith Kramer, Cindy Yerington, Mary Ellen Bondhus, Kymn Anderson Kay Hoaglin, Greg Ciesluk, Aubrey Nicholson and her daughter Scout. Many Rotarians participated in the blood drive by donating too! You helped us blow past our goal – Thank you!!
A special Thank you to 4th Avenue United Methodist Church for allowing us to host in their fellowship hall – we appreciate your support very much! Our Next Red Cross Blood Drive will be hosted on Friday July 8th from 10 am to 4 pm at 4th Avenue United Methodist Church, and volunteer opportunities are available.
The Cambodia travelers have returned safely. There will be more stories to tell in the next few weeks. Here are some of the photos from Dr. Huston. The first 3 photos are of the students in the classroom, outside the school and receiving books candy and pencils from Rotarians. The fourth photo is the host Rotary President with Dr. Huston at the Garden entrance. The 5th photo is the water purification structure. The sixth is the completed water holding pond.
Here we see students at a remote school and the proposed site for a new school in this village.
"Four Way Test Essay" "Is it fair to all concerned?"
For years, women of all ethnic backgrounds have been treated unfair and as though their career interests and their achievements are not as important or as significant as those of their male counterparts. Little girls from all corners of the world grow up being told that they aren't as special as boys. This perpetuated stereotype must end; as a society, we can elevate girls, teaching them that they can, in fact, be just as successful as their male peers. Gender should never be a barrier between a little girl and her future and should be something that brings people together.
Little girls should be able to love who they are and be happy with their gender rather than wishing they were born a boy so that they would have more opportunities. These stereotypes need to be taken out of work force as well. Gender should not prevent a woman from becoming a successful physician. In the same vein, a man should be able to earn a nursing degree without feeling unsuccessful or "less than." As an advocate of gender equality, it is important to me that eve1y woman and girl across the globe has a voice and can use it in every circumstance. It is my goal that never again should a woman be pushed into a corner and silenced for speaking up about her beliefs and concerns as that is simply unfair. Along with this, I hope to help each woman see that she matters and has a purpose in this world.
In the world in which we live, it is not uncommon to see women being treated as less than their male counterparts. To be an advocate for gender equality,
I must first believe in the value of my dreams and listen to my own strong voice. In the future, I hope to inspire women and advocate for all those who have been treated as less important. I hope to encourage young girls to follow their dreams no matter what society tells them. Truthfully, anyone who claims not to see gender inequality has just as much of an anti-female mindset as those who can see it and refuse to act. Gender equality shouldn't be relegated to the sidelines; it needs to take its rightful place at the center of conversations. Malala Yousafzai, global activist for female education and Nobel Peace Prize laureate, once said, "I raise up my voice-not so that I can shout, but so that those without a voice can be heard . We cannot all succeed when half of us is held back.." Those words inspire me to raise my voice, bringing it out of the dark comer and into the wide world.
Our honorable membership chair proposes Brandon Gliem, a Sergeant in the Faribault Police Department, for membership in the Faribault Rotary Club. If you have any questions please contact Keith.
The honorable Rod Mahler proposes the retired Dr. Robert Speckals for honorary membership in the Faribault Rotary Club. Bob was a member of our club in the 1990's and was originally sponsored by Rod. If you have any questions please contact membership chair Keith Kramer.
Becky Ford and Amber Cues gave our program on AmeriCorps in Rice County. For decades, service to others has been an indispensable part of the American experience. Through our nation’s most trying times, AmeriCorps has come together to help those in need. There are 49 active volunteers in Rice County helping in many different programs ranging from early education to recovery efforts.
Most of the work is with students in three programs: Early Learning Corps - working with pre-K in the form of song and play. Math Corps - working one on one with students on math skills. Reading Corps - working daily with students on reading skills.
Volunteers come from all walks of life and ages. Requirements to join are to be a US citizen, 18 years of age and have a high school diploma. Volunteers are rewarded in several ways by their service. It looks great on resumes, can open career paths and gain new skills, and they pay you to volunteer with a stipend. If you would like to step up and be a volunteer with AmeriCorps or know someone that would like to, please contact Becky Ford atamericorps@healthycommunityinitiative.org
On a sunny, yet cold Wednesday on March 9th, Rotarians joined together at the Inn at Shattuck at roughly noon. In club announcements, Rotarian of the Year, Laura Bock shared there were still opportunities to help with our spring highway clean-up.
Cindy Yerington has a couple of openings in club services for this year. Sign up at our next meeting.
STRIVE chair Greg Ciesluk shared that recruitment has begun for next year's Strive classes. If you know any Juniors that could benefit from Strive, send them over to Greg or Angie Ramirez.
Lois Nelson from Owatonna Rotary Club joined us and invited all Faribault Rotarians to join them at their 100-year celebration on April 2nd at Torey's Restaurant. Please RSVP.
Natalie made an update about the Cambodia trip. There are many pictures on our Facebook page to check out.
In Fellowship, David Sauer shared his daughter's 19th birthday last week and expressed solidarity with Ukraine.
Kurt Halverson's insight of National Woman’s day thanked all the great women within our club.
Pastor Mark shared his recent virtual mission trip, which is in Cambodia.
Nort Johnson shared an announcement between several partners, including the Faribault Industrial Holdings and the Faribault Chamber, they have made a purchase agreement for 13 downtown buildings. Twenty-nine apartments will be renovated within this project.
Sue Garwood updated us that the Historical Society is going back to in-person programing.
Brenda DeMars shared the state did a surprise audit, and we passed.
Becky Ford shared that her daughter Emilia (age 18) is having a fantastic time on the Rice County Historical board. Please let Becky know if other boards are looking for a young perspective.
Brianna gave her classification talk recently. I asked her six follow up questions to help summarize her presentation for those of us who were present and for our club members who missed the meeting. If you have not had a chance to welcome her to our club, please do so.
Your Family members, occupations (including you) or school level?”
Dad – Todd, owner of Bulldog Coatings
Mom – Michele, accountant/office manager Rice County Highway Department
Brother – Alex, part owner of Bulldog Coatings
Brother – Dylan, junior at FHS
Your Hometown/School/College
Faribault, FHS, South Central
Your Previous occupations?
Kwik Trip, Bartender, Sales/Installation at Garage Force
Any Hobbies?
I love to spend time with my dog, family & friends, enjoy time on the lake, and concert
Rotary sponsor?
David Connelly
Interesting fact about you or your life?
I am the youngest member of the KOWZ Sales team at 24 years old,
Throughout my childhood, service has been an extremely important virtue to me. Service not only helps other people, but it also satisfies me knowing I positively impacted someone else's life. Seeing other people who are less fortunate than I can be heart-wrenching but knowing I can help them, comforts me. To me, one of the most important aspects of living is helping those who are in need also live their life to the fullest. Everyone deserves to be living comfortably and that is why I believe it is our job, as people who are blessed with more than enough, to help those who are less fortunate. One of my favorite acts of service is helping those in need by creating shoes out of jeans.
As a service project, I volunteered to take old jeans, and, with the help of others, create shoes for those who have none. The moment I knew that there were thousands of children whose health was declining because of the infections they were getting in their feet I knew I had to help. There are so many children around the world who unfortunately have no shoes to wear, however, this project allowed us to create these shoes so their feet could be protected. Although it may not seem like a lot, these shoes protect children from getting infections and other injuries on their feet. For many, these donated shoes mean so much more than we can truly understand. When we see the happiness and amount of gratitude, they have it truly makes the service project worth every minute given. As president of the National Honors Society, I have had the amazing opportunity to come up with many different service opportunities.
For one project, we found a family in need in Faribault and gifted them with presents that they could not afford for Christmas. After raising money, we were able to gift this family over six hundred dollars’ worth of presents. The best part about this service project was seeing the children's faces light up when we put their presents under the tree. They had never received this many presents before which is why it was even more meaningful to us volunteers. It was so heart warning to see the family's thankfulness but also to see my fellow NHS members involved and excited to provide this sweet family with wonderful gifts.
One of my favorite things to do is protect the earth. From buying natural products and recycled materials to cleaning our environment; I love it all. That is why another one of my top favorite service projects has been cleaning our earth. It is eye-opening to see the amount of garbage and waste that people will throw on the side of the road. After multiple hours cleaning the one side of the road it was clean. It is sad to know that in a couple of months it will be dirty once again from people mistreating it. But we will go out there again and clean it up because that is what our earth deserves: to be clean. Another way I love to take care of our community is by taking care of our school gardens. I volunteer my time by planting flowers, pulling weeds, and just taking care of the garden. I love that people of our community can share the joy that these beautiful gardens bring me each season.
As a result of my community service, I have grown as a person, scholar, and peer. I have learned the most beneficial ways to help those in need by tending to their individual needs first. Although it may be challenging to find a lot of extra time in one's schedule, service will always be there for when you are able to find that time. These service projects have made me eve1more grateful and appreciative for everything I have in my life. I look forward to being of even more service to my community in the future.
Brianna Maland gave her classification speech. She highlighted she is an account executive for KOWZ radio, but also enjoys working part-time as a bartender. In her spare time, Brianna helps her father and brother in their Bull Dog Coating business. She explained that she never thought she would get involved in a sales career having thought she wanted to be a lawyer or an accountant while growing up. Explaining her background, Brianna said she moved to Faribault from Mankato when she was three. She graduated from Faribault Senior High in 2016.
Brianna presented 10 important facts to know about her. She went on to say she is a crazy dog lover, later sharing photographs of her dog. At 24 years of age, she is the youngest member of the KOWZ sales team. Brianna expressed confidence in her problem-solving skills. When she has time off, she loves spending time at a cabin and traveling to Mexico. Wineries are places she also enjoys visiting. Thus far, Brianna has only had two speeding tickets. No artificial Christmas tree for her, as she firmly stated she believes in purchasing real Christmas trees and likes the challenge of finding the perfect tree. Her favorite meal is the Rudy’s Signature Steak at the Ranchero Supper Club in Webster. Finally, she loves to cook and strives to be the perfect hostess when entertaining friends.
Club members enjoyed her speech, asking several follow up questions. Brianna also explained KOWZ’s non-profit spotlight program.
On March 2, 2022, the Faribault Rotary Club convened its regular meeting at the Inn at Shattuck. Key highlights included acknowledging Rod Mahler’s 64th anniversary of being a Faribault Rotary Club member and Brianna Maland’s classification speech. Salient details of the meeting follow.
Announcements:
Laura Bock reminded everyone that there were volunteer opportunities for the March 14 Red Cross blood drive and a need for a driver for Meals on Wheels. If you want to donate blood, Laura said she is available to help people sign up.
Kurt Halverson discussed the recent donation of scholarship money for the STRIVE program by Dr. and Mrs. Roy Anderson who have given funding to support potential students in the medical field. Kurt also noted Pastor Greg Ciesluk would replace him as head of the STRIVE program.
Jake Cook highlighted the Elks Club youth ice fishing tournament saying 165 kids showed up for the event. A 9.25-inch perch was the winning fish for the tournament.
Brent Peroutka announced two Paul Harris Awards. President Todd Sesker and Jake Cook were recognized with their awards. Brent added that five more Paul Harris awards will be named in coming meetings.
During fellowship, the club sang the birthday song to Gail Kaderlik. Her birthday is on March 4. Happy Birthday Gail! Rod Mahler was recognized for being a member of the Faribault Rotary Club for 64 years. Rod shared that when he joined meetings were held in the Hotel Faribault.
Natalie Ginter commented the payment for the Cambodian Water project grant had been initiated. She also pointed out that the Faribault Rotary team visiting Cambodia which is being led by led by Dr. Richard Huston had left that day. They will inaugurate the water project during their time in Cambodia.
Students form a conga line in Bethlehem Academy’s gymnasium Tuesday. (Photo courtesy of Cassie Kratt)
Respect is a seven-lettered word with a whole lot of meaning behind it. Bethlehem Academy’s ninth graders participated in a day-long Youth Frontiers Respect Retreat Tuesday sponsored by the Rotary Club of Faribault. BA Mission Integration Coordinator Cassie Kratt said students spent the day engaged with their peers. Youth Frontiers’ mission is to provide schools with experiences that inspire character, civility and community, Kratt said. The Rotary Club of Faribault sponsored the retreat. Youth Frontiers leaders leading students in activities and serious discussions designed to empower students to respect themselves and others more, and engage bystanders to stand up for respect, according to Kratt.
Youth Frontiers leaders were aided by BA student leaders: seniors Aiden Tobin, Katie Seidel, Henry Schoolmeesters and Madelyn Bauer, along with juniors Karlie DeGrood and Charlie King. Leaders led students in ice-breaker games, contests, singing and dancing. The games were designed to get students comfortable enough with each other to step out of what might be their comfort zone.
Bethlehem Academy ninth grade student Will Parrish competes in a burping contest. The games were designed to get students comfortable enough with each other and to step out of their comfort zone. (Photo courtesy of Cassie Kratt)
Life talks were also incorporated in the retreat. They used personal stories, Kratt said, to help students learn to respect themselves and others as they develop their own identities. “The goal was to challenge students to take a look at how they view themselves and others and how to show more respect and love to both,” Kratt said. The retreat wrapped up with a Respect Card activity. Students were challenged to commit to choosing one of three respect choices for the remainder of the year: Respect yourself, Respect others, Stand up (for others).
Holding retreats at BA is something that’s become a tradition, as Kratt said every grade goes on at some point in the year. “One of the pillars of our school is community, this retreat focuses on that pillar,” Kratt said. “Or that topic, it’s just an opportunity for the class to bond and learn and form a community for after their retreat.” Of the benefits that come along with students participating in these types of retreats, Kratt said one main benefit is how students learn about building character and community. “They take what they learned in the retreat, and apply it to school and life beyond once the retreat wraps up,” Kratt said.
Bethlehem Academy ninth graders, pictured from left, Anna Cohen, Genevieve Donahue, Anna Tobin and Anna DeMars, participated in the Respect Retreat with their fellow classmates. (Michelle Vlasak/southernminn.com)
A refresher on respect
While learning about respect wasn’t a new concept for the ninth-grade class, students Anna DeMars, Genevieve Donahue, Anna Tobin and Anna Cohen agreed it was a nice refresher, and leaders did a good job explaining different ways to show respect.
” It gave us a deeper look into what respect is,” DeMars said. “And the three ways you can show it by respecting yourself, others, and standing up for respect. [Youth Frontiers’ leaders] did a good job not only relating it to our lives, but also making it fun.” Tobin said the retreat was beneficial in many ways, especially because it helped the ninth-grade class bond. ” We grew up with these people, and now once we get to high school it will get harder as we go,” Tobin said. “It’s good to have others by your side, and get to know your classmates better. It doesn’t matter if you’re best friends or not.”
It was imperative students come to the retreat in the morning with an open mind, because Tobin said if students went in with a negative mindset, they likely wouldn’t enjoy it. She saw it as an opportunity to spend the day with her classmates, where they learned how to be better people. Cohen added the leaders intertwined fun activities with lessons, so students were able to stay engaged throughout the whole day.
Youth Frontiers leaders were aided by BA student leaders: seniors Aiden Tobin, Katie Seidel, Henry Schoolmeesters and Madelyn Bauer, along with juniors Karlie DeGrood and Charlie King. Pictured, DeGrood waves her hand up in the air. (Photo courtesy of Bethlehem Academy)
Of the day’s activities, lessons and games, DeMars said one activity towards the end of the retreat was her favorite. She said they had time to sit in a circle and write one goal, and a place to improve, on a note card. Some students also stood up and shared their goals with others. ”It was nice to hear what others had to say,” DeMars said. “You were able to make connections with others, which brings us closer together as a class.”
Donahue liked the portion of the day where they sang together, and Tobin enjoyed the one-on-one time with small groups the most. Cohen said her favorite part was when they performed skits with small groups, where some students sang, and others rapped. Of the skits, Tobin said it brought out other people’s talents they normally wouldn’t see.
Bethlehem Academy ninth graders played a game of thumb war during the Youth Frontiers Respect Retreat sponsored by the Faribault Rotary Club. (Photo courtesy of Bethlehem Academy)
Recipients of scholarships from the 24th annual Strive banquet included seven students. Pictured from left, Pastor Greg Ciesluk, Halimo Ahmed, Kendra Albers, Madelyn Gersemehl, Justin Delesha, Keaton Ginter and Angie Ramirez. (Photo courtesy of Kurt Halverson)
Reprinted with permission from the Daily News
The Faribault Rotary Club was established just over 100 years ago as Rotary’s 596th club. With 22 charter members, that soon grew to 35 by the end of the first year, members act under the motto “Service Above Self.”
Volunteers work locally, regionally and internationally to “combat hunger, improve health and sanitation, provide education and job training and promote peace.” Of the many hats Rotarians wear, is more of a mentorship role through the Strive program.
Strive Chair Kurt Halverson said he works with the program through the Faribault Rotary Club.
“Strive connects area high school students with community members to learn about life skills such as time management, The Virtues Program, the value of higher education, making healthy choices, and personal finance best practices,” Halverson said.
Standing for, “Students Taking Renewed Interest in the Value of Education,” the program was created in District 5960 by Rotarian Don Mooney for the White Bear Rotary Club. According to its site, Rotary District 5960 includes: White Bear Lake Rotary Club, The Rochester Rotary Clubs, Lakeville Rotary Club, Chain of Lakes Rotary Club, Faribault Rotary Club and Stillwater Sunrise Rotary Club.
Halverson said there are eight sessions that start when the participants are juniors and it ends when the students are seniors. If the students attend at least six of the eight sessions, Halverson said they qualify to apply for a scholarship.
Scholarships were awarded at the annual Strive banquet, which was held Feb. 20 at the Inn at Shattuck.
Several students and their families were joined by members of the Rotary Club, local high school administrators and community supporters. Halverson said a grand total of $16,000 was awarded in scholarships this year and the following seven students from the Strive program were recipients: Justin Delesha, Madelyn Gersemehl, Abigail Kugler, Sophy Smith, Keaton Ginter, Kendra Albers, and Halimo Ahmed.
Halverson commended the Strive Team of Angie Ramirez, Edel Fernandez, Pastor Greg Ciesluk and Rebekah Freed for their work.
Freed put her event-planning talents to good use by coordinating the banquet and emceeing the event. Each banquet typically has a theme, and this year’s theme was called, “The Next Chapter.” To highlight this theme, Freed decorated each table based on a classic book, like “The Wizard of Oz” and “Harry Potter.”
Following the Pledge of Allegiance and Rotary’s Four-Way Test, George Wickstrom read a selected virtue, honesty.
Announcements
Kurt Halverson recapped the STRIVE banquet, and thanked Bekah Freed and Greg Ciesluk for making the annual event such a big success. Bekah was responsible for party planning, and using the theme: The Next Chapter,” decorated each table with a different classic book. Each guest took home one of the books as well as other gifts, including a swag bag.
Kurt Halverson said, gave an excellent overview of STRIVE during the event. Halverson also recognized Kay Hoaglin and Angie Ramirez Saucedo, and read a lovely thank you note from one of the STRIVE scholarship recipients, Maddie Gersemehl. In all, $16,000 in scholarships were given to the students.
Natalie Ginter, whose son received a Strive scholarship, reminded club members of the importance of this type of award to so many families, including hers.
Greg issued an invitation to an REM Liberia presentation Sunday, Feb. 27 at Fourth Avenue United Methodist. Nicholas Sonpon, who has been a guest of Greg’s at Rotary many times was set to speak about a recent trip to his native Liberia in west Africa.
Dick Huston noted that he leaves on the Rotary mission trip to Cambodia March 2.
Murray Hanson, who was in charge of fellowship, had all members play a continuous game of Rock, Paper, Scissors. The winner was Erica Staab-Absher.
Edel Fernandez, who recently returned from several weeks in Mexico (during that time his father died due to complications from COVID), gave his classification speech, filling in for another member who was unable to attend due to illness. He read a short essay/poem describing himself before telling a story about his experience following what doctors believe may have been a seizure.
Edel was born in central Mexico in April 1974, and met his wife, who was a foreign exchange student going to school in Mexico nearly 22 years ago. He immigrated to Minnesota on Sept. 6, 2000. On July 4, 2020, during a trip to a local lake with his family, he was playing in the water with his children when he suddenly went underwater. At first, his daughter thought he was playing a joke, but quickly realized he was in danger.
Edel says he remembers nothing of what happened, but was relaying the story based on what he has been told. Edel was pulled from the water and airlifted to a trauma center where he spent 19 days in the ICU, unconscious. After waking up, he spent another week in the hospital before being released.
In the days after he awoke, Edel says he dreamed of thieves trying to steal from him. He finally fought back against the thieves, yelling at them to stop. Doing that, he said, put an end to his bad dreams. Surviving a near death experience got Edel to realize he needed to give back to the community. He chose the Faribault Rotary Club as his vehicle to give back.
Edel Fernandez, who recently returned from several weeks in Mexico (during that time his father died due to complications from COVID), gave his classification speech, filling in for another member who was unable to attend due to illness. He read a short essay/poem describing himself before telling a story about his experience following what doctors believe may have been a seizure.
Edel was born in central Mexico in April 1974, and met his wife, who was a foreign exchange student going to school in Mexico nearly 22 years ago. He immigrated to Minnesota on Sept. 6, 2000. On July 4, 2020, during a trip to a local lake with his family, he was playing in the water with his children when he suddenly went underwater. At first, his daughter thought he was playing a joke, but quickly realized he was in danger. Edel says he remembers nothing of what happened, but was relaying the story based on what he has been told.
Edel was pulled from the water and airlifted to a trauma center where he spent 19 days in the ICU, unconscious. After waking up, he spent another week in the hospital before being released. In the days after he awoke, Edel says he dreamed of thieves trying to steal from him. He finally fought back against the thieves, yelling at them to stop. Doing that, he said, put an end to his bad dreams.
Surviving a near death experience got Edel to realize he needed to give back to the community. He chose the Faribault Rotary Club as his vehicle to give back.
The 2022 Strive banquet was an outstanding success! Rebekah Freed shared her event-planning talents by coordinating the banquet and emceeing the event. This year’s banquet was themed “The Next Chapter”, and Rebekah highlighted this by decorating each table based on a classic book like The Wizard of Oz and Harry Potter. Pastor Greg Ciesluk hosted the Virtue Reading and Invocation. In addition, Pastor Greg gave an overview and history of the Faribault Rotary Club and it’s Strive program.
Several students and their families were joined by members of the Rotary Club, local high school administrators, and community supporters for the banquet. $16,000 was awarded in scholarships this year and 7 students from the Strive program were recipients: Justin Delesha, Madelyn Gersemehl, Abigail Kugler, Sophy Smith, Keaton Ginter, Kendra Albers, and Halimo Ahmed. Many thanks to the Strive Team of Angie Ramirez, Edel Fernandez, Pastor Greg Ciesluk, and Rebekah Freed.
Kay gave her classification talk recently. I asked her seven follow up questions to help summarize her presentation for those of us who were present and for our club members who missed the meeting. If you have not had a chance to welcome her to our club, please do so.
Your Family members, occupations (including you) or school level?”
Myself—Daikin Applied in Faribault (work in Maintenance); Rebekah Freed Daikin Applied (Sr Manager Environmental Health & Safety) Timothy Freed—Epic Electric in Lawson, MO (Master Electrician); Keturah Freed—Salvation Army in Red Wing, MN. Two Daughters & a son.
Your Hometown/School/College
Graduated from AlWood High School in Woodhull, IL attended Carl Sandburg Jr College in Galesburg, IL; Classes at SMSU in Springfield, MO, Southwest Baptist University in Bolivar, MO & various electives in KC, MO
Your Previous occupations?
Cosmetologist in IL & HI, signed for the Deaf in Milwaukee, Firefighter in Bolivar, MO; Periodical Supervisor & over 35 work study students in Bolivar, MO; Public Library in Bolivar, MO covering 4 counties; 33 years at Mid-Continent Public Library in Independence, MO. Trainer for 33 branches over 3 counties, IT Dept, Acquisitions, Cataloging, Accounting & Maintenance. Retired June 30, 2021. Night Check out supervisor for Kmart, taught weight lifting at YMCA, Worked at Do It Best Hardware 12 ½ yrs part time doing parts, orders, deposits, cash drawers, etc. Moved to MN, started working for Daikin.
Any Hobbies?
Always remodeled our homes & helped Rebekah with hers. Crocheting is relaxing to me. Used to make all my own clothes including wedding dress & husband & brother’s suits. Love rides at amusement parks. Favorite was the 180’ drop on a cord head first & flying over everyone.
Rotary sponsor?
Rebekah Freed
Interesting fact about you or your life?
Grew up on farm, canned everything, grandparents had no indoor plumbing on dairy farm until they moved to town & I was in JR High, loved being a firefighter. Canned green beans in Fourth Grade by standing on a chair in front of the stove & had to remove all the boiling hot jars myself. We all used to take baths in the same water in one metal tub.Grandma would start with a little water & keep adding more hot water until everyone was cleaned. Do not miss the outhouse.So cold in the winter & snake, bees & hot in the summer.
Anything else you can think of?
I have 3 children, 7 grandchildren & 10 great grandchildren. I have done so many things in my lifetime. Gods blessed me beyond measure!
Brenda DeMars called the meeting to order at 12:15 pm on February 16th at the Inn at Shattuck St. Mary's. Pastor Greg Ciesluk presented the club with prayer and the virtue of Idealism. As a club, we were delighted and honored to join Jamie Bente into our club, Welcome Mr. Bente!
During Announcements Community Project Lead Co-Chair and current Rotarian of the Year, Laura Bock spoke of many volunteer opportunities to sign up for, including Meals on Wheels, Elks Ice Fishing, Blood Drive, and Highway clean-up. Get engaged by contacting Laura Bock or Co-Chair David Connelly for more information.
Dr. Huston informed the club that each member gets a free T-shirt. You can pick up your T-shirt at the next couple of meetings or by contacting Dick. Please wear your T-shirts when out doing community projects please.
Lastly, Lisa Humfeld-Wilson updated the club on the Exchange families needed. There will be only one student coming this coming August, and we will only need to collect two more host families in our community. If you know of any families looking to host an exchange student, don't hesitate to contact Lisa.
During Fellowship, Greg Ciesluk introduced Ron Dweik as his guest and confirmed Ron would be joining the club as a member.
Kurt Halvorson welcomed Edel back to meetings after a long-understood absence.
Rebekah Freed informed us the Strive Banquet would not be "your mom's Banquet" this Sunday. Following Fellowship, The FRYS gambling board meeting was held at 1:30 pm. Please see the complete FRYS gambling report in your email.
Kay Hoaglin presented her classification speech. Kay was born on July 27th, 1952, in Hinsfield, Illinois, and the middle of 3 children. Her Dad was a dairy farmer and loved baseball, wanted to be a professional ballplayer, yet joined the army and was a sharpshooter during the war.
Kay grew up on the farm and understood the life of grit covered in joy. She met her husband shortly after graduating from High School. They never once went on a date alone, always double-dated. Kay went off to college and her husband to the Navy; They traveled around the United States. They had three children (Rebekah being the most notable), and Kay has tried many different skills and experiences throughout her first 69 years.
At the start of the Rotary year, I challenged every club to plan and host at least one practical and action-oriented Rotary Day of Service. The event should address a challenge your community is facing that fits into one or more of Rotary’s areas of focus and should bring together volunteers from within and outside of Rotary. Rotary Days of Service can motivate Rotary, Rotaract, and Interact clubs to plan innovative and impactful projects. They can showcase your work as people of action and introduce prospective members to your club.
I’ve been inspired by your response so far, and I want to share with you just one project that has captured my imagination. India is home to an estimated 74 million people with diabetes, a disease that is a leading cause of death. Furthermore, about 50 percent of those people remain undiagnosed. Rotary, together with the Research Society for the Study of Diabetes in India, saw the urgent need to diagnose, track, and treat people who have diabetes. Working together and with other organizations, we hosted a nationwide blood glucose testing camp on 29 September, which is World Heart Day.
The camp was spread across more than 10,000 sites in India, with more than 2,000 Rotary and Rotaract clubs participating in the effort. More than 1 million blood-sugar tests were conducted in a day, an accomplishment recognized by the Asia Book of Records. But more important than breaking a record is the fact that tens of thousands of people learned that they may be living with diabetes. They can now be treated for the condition, and they also have been made aware that they should take extra measures to shield themselves from COVID-19 and scores of other diseases that are caused or worsened by diabetes.
This month, on 23 February, the anniversary of Rotary, let us celebrate with more service days, showcasing Rotary’s work in our areas of focus. I look forward to hearing about your Rotary Days of Service. Please share your projects on Rotary Showcase, or browse that webpage to find inspiration and project partners. In particular, I encourage you to execute projects that focus on empowering girls, as they have been disproportionately affected by the pandemic. The Empowering Girls initiative is resonating very well with members of Rotary as well as with non-Rotarians. The governments and NGOs in various countries are appreciating this meaningful effort. Let us keep focusing on it.
I am also happy that the Each One, Bring One ethos is bringing fruitful results. Let us ensure that all club members introduce at least one person to Rotary, and that we then all work to engage new members and keep them in our clubs. In whatever we do, remember that we must push ourselves to grow more, do more as we Serve to Change Lives.
Brenda DeMars led the FRYS membership meeting on February 16, 2022 as Chad Koepke was unable to attend the session due to work commitments
After months of impressive revenue and net income, January's financial performance in January 2022 was heavily impacted by the high amounts of covid
Anecdotally, Dawn reported foot traffic was down considerably over the month, which is laid out in the financial data
Total revenue declined to $59K in January 22 from $157K in December 21 with net income falling to $2,571 from $12,370, respectively
Turning to other news in the FRYS landscape:
To pay for upfront costs, the charitable gambling operation borrowed $10k from the FRYS operating account. Documents have been submitted to the State of MN Gambling Control Board for approval to repay the loan after months of good earnings. No word on when such approval might come.
The newest operations coming under the FRYS umbrella are a meat raffle, Purse Bingo and electronic horse racing at Boxers. Timing and terms are still under development
The City of Faribault has officially approved FRYS' permit to sell pull-tabs at the townball state baseball tournament this summer. FRYS shall be selling tickets the final session of the tourney over the long Labor Day weekend of Sep 2 - Sep 5. Profits from the session are going to be split 50/50 between FRYS and Faribault Youth Baseball.
The formation of the charitable giving committee took place over January 2022. Natalie Ginter is leading the committee and has worked tirelessly to provide the structure and processes needed to ensure the committee's policies align with the mission of FRYS, which is to improve the lives of the youth in the Faribault community
Monthly expenses approved for March of 2022 include:
CG Made Easy Administrative Fee = $250
Fixed fee every month
Inventory = $2,500
With a reduction in traffic over January, smaller inventory purchases are acceptable for the time-being
Rotary Gambling Team Compensation = $2,600
Bingo Team Compensation = $1,000
Bingo
Revenue Share with MPeters = $6,000
Profit share is 31% of e-tab gaming à Activity was down significantly in January due to virus concerns with activity levels still estimated to be a little lower
City of Faribault = $500
Revenue share with the city
Revenue Share with Boxers = $3,500
Profit-share w/ e-tabs = 15% & paper tabs = 20% à Activity was down significantly in January due to virus concerns with activity levels still hampered
Misc. Cost = $5,000
Dawn is looking to start purse bingo, tip board and meat raffles
FRYS is hiring Reece, Winter for payroll processing à first bill could hit in March
Dawn is potentially interested in FRYS buying a horse racing game for Boxers à costs on such a game are not known, so over allocate if purchase takes place in March
Total Expenses Approved: $21,550
On a motion by George Wickstrom with a second by Laura Bock, the membership approved expenses for March 2022
Faribault Rotary Club has induction Jamie Bente as its newest member. Jamie is currently the principal at the Faribault Senior High and will become Superintendent of Schools beginning July 1st. Jamie is well positioned to put into practice the Rotary motto of Service Above Self. Pictured are his sponsor Dr. Dick Huston, Jamie Bente and Greg Ciesluk who is part of the membership team.
After discussion with the staff at The Inn at Shattuck it was decided that with the recent increase in Covid cases, we will make the following meeting adjustments through the end of February.
No more than 4 Rotarians/guests at a table
Masking is required excepted when eating
If you are unable to attend the meeting in person please use the Zoom link provided.
On February 9, 2022, the Faribault Rotary club welcomed Minneapolis Federal Reserve Vice President Terry Fitzgerald who provided the club with a briefing on the mission and structure of the U.S. Federal Reserve Bank. Although Mr. Fitzgerald joined the meeting virtually, his presentation generated a lot of interest and led to a number of visitors to attend the meeting to include Rice County Commissioner Jim Purfeerst, Faribault Mayor Kevin Voracek, and Reliance Bank President Todd Markman.
Prior to Mr. Fitzgerald’s presentation, regular announcements and fellowship were held. Pertinent announcements follow:
Kurt Halverson praised Pastor Greg Ciesluk for stepping up to organize a group to judge STRIVE scholarship student essays. He also praised Rebekah Freed and other volunteers in coordinating and organizing the STRIVE Banquet, scheduled for February 20, at the Inn at Shattuck.
Suzzanne Fox, Executive Director of Ruth’s House, highlighted the ongoing Helping Hearts online auction to benefit Ruth’s House. Please check out ruthshousemn.org/helpinghearts or call 507-334-5043.
Laura Bock stated the Elks Club youth fishing contest will be held February 26. The Elks Club is looking for volunteers to work at the event. Please contact Laura if you are interested in helping.
Natalie Ginter said the Charitable Gambling Committee met on February 7. The committee is well represented and closely aligning with Faribault Rotary Youth Services.
Fellowship: Pastor Mark Kenney introduced his guest, Cheryl Wendt, Community Action Center of Faribault.
Murray Hanson introduced former Faribault Rotarian and now past Bishop Steven Delzer of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA).
Richard Huston highlighted the South-Central College online benefit auction, noting that the auction will not only benefit South Central, but also local vendors who have donated goods to the auction.
Mr. Fitzgerald stressed the Congressionally mandated assignment of the Federal Reserve Bank to maximize employment and create price stability. He began the briefing by noting the Federal Reserve was created by act of Congress in 1913. The Federal Reserve has the responsibility to regulate banks, provide financial services such as clear financial payments and be the lender of last resort.
Mr. Fitzgerald described the structure of the Federal Reserve system, explaining the Board of Governors and the 12 District Banks. He went on to explain the structure of the Federal Open Market Committee (FOMC).
Highlighting the challenges, the U.S. economy has faced because of the pandemic, Mr. Fitzgerald noted there is still a tight labor market with 2.9 million fewer employed than prior to the pandemic. Many people are still out of the work force perhaps because of fear of the virus or child care issues, etc. He believed the labor supply might increase during the course of the year as COVID recedes.
Inflation is usually targeted at 2 percent but is now around 5.8 percent. Talk of interest rate hikes to combat inflation is ongoing and may be impacted by persistent supply chain problems. The Federal Reserve is trying to assess if inflation is persistent or more transitory which will impact how aggressively it will act to try to combat inflation.
In answer to club members questions, Mr. Fitzgerald commented that Congress and the U.S. Government executive branch have the responsibility to deal with ballooning federal debt. He concluded the session by thanking the club for the opportunity to speak, but more importantly the club’s dedication in serving the Faribault Community.
The Honorable Dick Huston propose Faribault High School Principal and soon to be Superintendent Jamie Bente for membership in the Faribault Rotary Club. If you have any questions or concerns, please contact membership chair, Keith Kramer.
Scheduled speaker Edel Fernandez remained out of town, taking care of a family emergency.
Dr. Anne Marie Leland and Club President Todd Sesker filled in, discussing a program Faribault Public Schools is involved in known as Grow Your Own. The program, which is funded with grant money, is a collaboration with seven other area school districts, and is designed to help reduce the teacher shortage by encouraging high school students to become teachers and hopefully return to work for their alma mater.
In particular, the program seeks to encourage students of color to go into the education field. Just 3% of Minnesota’s teachers are people of color, said Leland. That’s especially important for Faribault Public Schools where nearly 60% of its students are people of color.
“We want to make sure our students are comfortable and have teachers who look like them,” she said. The program is also beneficial in that it encourages students to take more rigorous courses. Nearly 100 students have benefitted from the program.
Sesker noted that beginning in 2022-23, the district will offer a construction pathway program for students interested in construction-related careers.
Announcements: President Todd Sesker announced the day’s happy dollars would be split between Ruth’s House and HOPE Center.
Natalie Ginter has reached out to other local clubs to gauge their interest in financially supporting Faribault Youth Services.
Lisa Humfeld-Wilson shared a poster announcing that the club is looking for six families to hose a foreign exchange student during the upcoming school year.
Brenda DeMars said that the club had taken over the pull tab machines River Bend Nature Center had been operating at Boxers. In exchange, RBNC asked that Rotary support some of its future youth programs.
Greg Ciesluk introduced two guests: West African native Nicholas, who has been his guest previously and is employed at Daikin Applied, and Rob, a Buffalo native who works at South Central College.
Club members wished Mark Kenney and George Wickstrom a happy birthday. Wickstrom shared that he is now 92 years young.
Dick Huston announced that Pakistan recorded no polio cases in 2021. According to the World Health Organization, the disease annually paralyzed approximately 20,000 children in the early 1990s.
Rod Mahler’s grandson, Michael, was named a Benilde-St. Margaret’s distinguished alumni.
Murray Hanson introduced a new game he called “Fleece-opoly.” According the “rules,” Hanson was able to use his knowledge of certain club members to encourage donations.
Limited time only: Save on the 2022 Rotary International Convention
In response to questions and concerns raised by members worldwide, we are pleased to announce that the Rotary International Board of Directors has confirmed that the 2022 Rotary International Convention will be an in-person event 4-8 June in Houston, Texas, USA. We are excited to offer a special registration rate of US$495 through 28 February.
In addition, the Board has determined that all participants, including Rotary International preconvention participants, must either be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 (as defined by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention) OR provide a negative result from a COVID-19 test taken no more than 72 hours before their arrival at the convention. Check convention.rotary.org for updates as we continue to determine what safety protocols are necessary, based on the current CDC recommendations for safe gatherings. Don’t delay, because this special registration offer expires 28 February. You’ll have the opportunity to cancel for a full refund, minus a $50 per person administration fee, until 30 April.
On a sunny Wednesday in late January, Rotarians joined together at the Inn at Shattuck at roughly noon. In club announcements,
Rotarian of the Year and Community Project Chair Laura Bock shared the news that Jefferson school had reached out and asked to help with a need for winter gear. We can provide leftovers from the "Warm Our Community" event last October.
STRIVE Chair Kurt Halvorson shared that Angie Ramirez had accepted the Communication and Attendance coordinator role in the STRIVE program.
In Fellowship, Rotarians acknowledged the birthday of Bekah Freed along with Roger Koopman's 71 years of marriage.
Many Rotarians congratulated Greg and Bekah on their recent wedding engagement.
Dr. Murray Hanson shared a joke he told former member Dan Hedge over the weekend after the Packers lost this past week. The joke was, "A Vikings quarterback, a Bears quarterback, and a Packers go into a bar... to watch the playoffs."
Dr. Huston shared new scientific discoveries in cows. The enzymes located in the cow's second stomach have been found to break down plastic. All Rotarians are encouraged to take their plastic recyclables to Dr. Huston's cow for processing.
The Faribault Rotary Club has donated $1000 to the NEST. The NEST is room in both the junior and senior high schools which provides clothing, food and toiletries to students. The items are free with no questions asked to meet the need of students. An example would be a student going to a party and does not own the proper attire. They may find it at the NEST. The rooms are stocked entirely by donations and managed by volunteers. Pictured are Rotarian Brenda DeMars (left) presenting the check to student volunteer Saida Adan and faculty supervisor Terra Boyd who is also the school nurse.
Our speaker was our very own Suzzanne Fox giving her classification speech. Suzanne has been defying expectations since she was born. She grew up on a farm in Crossville, TN. Her family was very close to her and spent a lot of her childhood with grandparents and family. Faith was also essential in their family fabric. Suzzanne recalled going with her grandpa to a Wednesday bible study. Suzzanne was the oldest of 3 children, and her dad was an artist by trade. Suzzanne's family went to the race track and enjoyed Chevy trucks on the weekends. Suzzanne can identify any Chevy Truck from the 50s and 60s by look.
Suzzanne enjoyed school a lot and majored in psychology. She met her husband Tim in high school, and they have two kids, Mollie Grace and Pilot. Tim's job brought their family to Minnesota. Suzzanne sold vintage items on eBay for many years and volunteered at women's shelters in her spare time. She first started as a volunteer at Ruth's house before accepting the Executive Director position. Suzzanne's faith and passion for bringing safety to those in need drive her work and involvement in our community.
On a frigid January 19, the Faribault Rotary Club met in person and virtually at the Inn at Shattuck. During the meeting, the club inducted two new members, learned of the likely arrival of two foreign exchange students in the fall and heard the classification speech of Ms. Suzy Rook. Salient details of the meeting follow.
Induction: Rotarian David Connelly inducted new Rotarians Ken Waverly and Sue Garwood. Dr. Richard Huston sponsored both new Rotarians and he participated in the induction ceremony.
Announcements: Two foreign exchange students are anticipated to arrive in Faribault in fall 2022. Eight host families will be needed to take care of the students while they are here. Please consider volunteering for this needed service. The club also will need to have counselors available for the students in order to assist with the transition of the students to school in the United States.
-Rod Mahler introduced Pastor Greg Ciesluk. Greg announced that he and fellow Rotarian Rebekah Freed are engaged and planning a June 11 wedding at the 4th Ave United Methodist Church. All club members are invited. Congratulations Greg and Rebekah!
- Dr. Huston has Rotary shirts for sale and he plans to have them available the next few weeks.
- Natalie Ginter confirmed the Rotary Global Grant for the Cambodia clean water project had been approved. As the Faribault Club had considerable success in raising funds, some of the money will be used by the club locally. Local Rotarians who donated will receive Paul Harris fellowship credit. Project kick off will be done on Tuesday evening via a Zoom meeting with our Cambodian partners.
- Kurt Halverson announced that the club had received a thank you note from the Blue Collar festival. He also noted the recent STRIVE meeting in which Kymn Anderson presented the “Virtues Project” and reminded everyone that the STRIVE banquet is scheduled for February 20.
- Club President Todd Sesker reminded the attendees of the upcoming cash raffle.
Fellowship: The Happy Birthday song was sang twice to recognize January Birthdays.
- David Connelly recognized the ladies of the club for their contributions and highlighted the ratio of women to men in the Faribault club is the highest in the District.
- Gail Kaderlik highlighted South Central College’s online fund raising auction, which will run February 3-15.
- Sue Garwood thanked club members for the warm welcome and announced the Alexander Faribault House had been awarded an $85k grant. Congratulations to the Rice County Historical Society.
- Suzy Rook announced her daughter is engaged and planning for an August wedding.
Suzanne Rook emphasized the importance of family in her life. She began her speech by talking of her birth, how both her father and mother claimed credit for naming her, as well as her five brothers and a sister. As a child she grew up in the suburbs of New York City, which she characterized as pretty routine. Her mother was from Adams, New York, which also is the birthplace of Bishop Whipple. Suzy commented that one of her earliest claims to fame is a poem she wrote about snow when she was five years old.
Snow is fun
Snow is white
You can play in snow tonight.
Suzy moved to Greensboro, NC after high school and spoke about the culture shock she initially felt from moving to the southern United States. She met her husband in Greensboro and earned a degree in graphic arts. Her husband went back to school after being laid off and earned a degree in computer engineering. As the same time, she and her husband were welcoming a growing family, Suzy held a variety of jobs including managing a Chinese restaurant and working for an optometrist. She did not enjoy working for the optometrist and prayed for a new opportunity. Prayers were answered and she eventually applied for a newspaper reporter job and, over the years, steadily increased her responsibilities.
Suzy stated that life often throws you curveballs and in the mid-2000s her family faced tragedies from her husband breaking a leg in a bad car accident, losing her father to cancer, and her son being in a catastrophic car accident resulting in him being a quadriplegic.
Suzy and her family moved to Minnesota after her husband took a job in the State. She said she really liked Minnesota as it reminded her of the area surrounding her father’s hometown of Syracuse, New York and the upstate New York area. After moving, she applied to be reporter for the Northfield News and later also worked for the newspapers in Waseca and Saint Peter. She then came to Faribault to serve as the editor of the Faribault Daily News. Highlighting the ongoing challenges in the newspaper industry, Suzy said she decided to leave the Daily News and recently took a position at Rice County working on public affairs.
Club members appreciated the classification speech and warmly welcomed Suzy.
Reprinted with permission from the Daily News- Reporter Jennifer Sweet
Rotary International has recognized the children of Our Saviors Lutheran Church of Faribault for their selfless act of giving to help the children of Karachi, Pakistan.
In 1985 Rotary International began an effort to rid the world of polio. At that time there were 350,000 new cases of polio in 120 countries each year. The goal was to vaccinate every child under five in the world. Since that time some 3 billion children have been vaccinated and 400 million continue to be vaccinated each year.
Some 1.2 million Rotarians have donated 2.2 billion dollars to support this project. In 2019 Dr. Dick Huston went to Pakistan to vaccinate children. Upon his return the children of Our Saviors showed their love by donating nearly $1000 to provide vaccinations to the children in Karachi.
Using matching funds from the Gates Foundation this was enough money to keep 1000 children from experiencing the crippling disease and possible death. In 2021 there were only two cases of polio in the world. Only in Pakistan and Afghanistan does the disease still exist. Pictured is Dr. Huston (left) presenting the certificate of appreciation to Pastor Jeff Sangren.
Rotary International Recognizes the Children of Our Savior's
Two new members were inducted into the Faribault Rotary Club last week by membership committee member, David Connelly (center-left.). Sue Garwood, Executive Director of the Rice County Historical Society (center-right) and Ken Weaverling, Commercial/ Residential Loan Officer for 1st United Bank (right,) are pictured here with sponsor, Dr. Richard Huston (left.) If you haven't had a chance to visit with them, please do so.
As illustrated above, December 2021 was a record in revenue for FRYS’ charitable gambling operation with total revenue of $157K
However, December illustrated the probabilities of gambling as FRYS’ gross margin weakened to an aggregate of 16% from November’s 19%
The tightening was due to a large reduction in paper tabs, falling to 12% from 19%, respectively.
Net income was $12,370, which was down from $18,643 one month prior. Net income partially operates in arrears, meaning the profit sharing with Boxers and MPeters (pull tab supplier) is paid in the following month, so net income was lower due to the profit-sharing being paid in December for the strong performance in November.
Next came expense approvals for the coming month of February 2022
CG Made Easy Administrative Fee = $250
Fixed fee every month
Inventory = $4,000
While current inventory is favorable, FRYS is expanding operations at Boxers once again in February with the addition of new boxes
Gambling Team Compensation = $2,600
Faribault Rotary Board approved a compensation increase for FRYS’ charitable gambling team
Revenue Share with MPeters = $10,000
Profit share is 31% of e-tab gaming à revenue share with MPeters almost hit the approved amount of $7K, so a larger cushion is needed to support the expanded operation
City of Faribault = $1,000
Similar to above à expanded operation and greater revenue means large tax obligations to the city
Revenue Share with Boxers = $8,000
As with MPeters, the larger operation needs a greater cushion to ensure approved expenses do not exceed the actual amount
Bing Compensation = $1,000
Part of FRYS’ expanded operation now includes Bingo twice a month that FRYS pays to staff
Total Expenses Approved = $26,850
On a motion by Dr. Murray Hanson followed by Kurt Halverson, FRYS Membership approved February 2022’s expenses
Amy Amundson, treasurer of the charitable gambling, provided notice that FRYS’ bank account was approaching $48K in funds and had adequate levels of liquidity to repay the $10,000 startup loan that the main Rotary organization provided to FRYS to fund start-up costs.
On a motion by George Wickstrom and seconded by Natalie Ginter, membership approved repaying the $10,000 loan
FRYS now needs to obtain approval from the State of MN Gambling Control Board to repay the funds
In other news, FRYS continues to work to obtain approval to have a pull tab operation at the MN Town Ball tournament this summer
Rotary President, Todd Sesker, is working on establishing a committee to screen, review and process charitable gambling funds
Mindy gave her classification talk recently. I asked her six follow up questions to help summarize her presentation for those of us who were present and for our club members who missed the meeting. If you have not had a chance to welcome her to our club, please do so.
Your Family members, occupations (including you) or school level?”
Jim Reeder – Music Retail Store Owner (former band owner) – Assoc. Degree from St. Cloud.
Jake Reeder – Key Grip and owner of Misfit Grip in LA (BA from Moorhead State)
Katrina Reeder – Bilingual Speech Pathologist (Masters) at Mercy Medical in Coon Rapids
Kaylee Reeder – Sylist for Cel.Sell in LA. (BA from Mt Mary Univ)
Mindy Reeder – Administrator, licensed teacher and K-12 administrator; BA from U of M; Masters from St. Kate; Education Specialist Degree from St. Thomas U.
Your Hometown/School/College – Born in Rochester, MN, grew up in Detroit Lakes, Mn, graduated from Anoka, MN. See colleges above.
Your Previous occupations? Prior to education, I was a marketing and public relations professional first in the business sector, then later in nonprofit settings. I have now been in education for 17 years.
Any Hobbies? I love nature walks; playing piano; singing in church choir; crafts
Rotary sponsor? Dick Huston
Interesting fact about you or your life? I was Miss Anoka – 1988; I’ve traveled to many countries!
This picture was taken of Central Avenue Faribault from Second Street in 1886 following a snow storm in 1886. This photo is on display at Faribault Senior Living.
This week the Faribault Rotary STRIVE program was blessed to have our own Kymn Anderson present on the Virtues Project! Kymn did a wonderful job sharing with the students on how they can use their virtues to help make the world a better place!
In addition, there were a couple of brief videos that Kymn wanted to share with us, but unfortunately, we ran into some technical difficulties. Here are links to her videos:
Our January Strive session is tomorrow, January 12th at 7:15 a.m. over Zoom. This month we will be hearing from Kymn Anderson on the Virtues Project! If you are not able to join us live, I will be sending out a link to a recorded version of the meeting later in the day on Wednesday.
You are invited to a Zoom webinar. When: Jan 12, 2022 07:15 AM Central Time (US and Canada) Topic: January Strive Session
The Cambodia Project Itinerary is set from March 2-10. See the attached details. There will also be a separate email with the details sent to everyone. The flight cost would be $2200. Hotel $502 and food about $200.
This past week we heard a classification speech from Melinda (Mindy) Reeder, Principal of Bethlehem Academy. Mindy describes herself as a mother of three, devoted to family and career, striving to impact the next generation. She lives on a homestead in Montgomery, Minnesota, with her husband of 31 years, Jim "Music Man" Reeder.
Born in Anoka, Minnesota Mindy moved around throughout Minnesota during her life. Mindy first started in Marketing with a passion for non-profit work. Faith has always been important to Mindy in her life, and at times, it shaped who she is today, and the experiences, including struggles life presents us.
Two of her kids are located in Los Angeles, California, working in Film and fashion with one child living in the twin cities. Mindy received her MBA at St. Thomas in K-12 educational administration. Mindy loves to touch lives and the growth of the students around her. She spoke about how dealing with the struggles one faces and learning the grit to win over the struggles is one of the most significant issues facing students.
On Dec. 15th, the Faribault Rotary Club held its 81st Christmas Concert as presented by the Faribault High School Choir. The club has enjoyed this tradition since 1939. Longtime member, Rod Mahler, sang with the choir back in 1948-49. There were 57 members and guests in attendance for lunch and the concert.
One of Rotary’s founding principles was to use your vocation — whether as a doctor, lawyer, engineer, or another profession — to do good in the world. As we attempt to overcome and recover from the pandemic, this principle is vital in retraining people who have lost their jobs. In response, the Rotary E-Club of Tamar Hong Kong organized seminars for young people, with the aim of preparing them for the changing world of work.
This type of training must happen on a large scale. According to the United Nations, global unemployment is expected to exceed 200 million people in 2022. Women and youths are likely to be disproportionately affected.
This is why I’ve placed such a strong emphasis this year on projects that empower girls, and I’ve been delighted to see some of these projects in action. Of course, access to education and the path to employment can be blocked by a lack of water and sanitation infrastructure.
A project in Pune, India, focuses on providing girls and women with an affordable, reusable sanitary pad. The project provides employment for production and distribution of the pads, and it will reduce the pollution caused by the disposal of 12.3 billion sanitary napkins in the country annually, many of which end up in India’s landfills.
Others have used vocational service to advance the empowerment of women. The Rotary Club of Poona, India, conducted workshops to teach martial arts to young women, for self-defense against the threat of abuse or human trafficking.
I’ve also been fortunate to use my vocation to do good through Rotary. The Indian Ocean tsunami in 2004 devastated the Andaman and Nicobar Islands, which are part of my district. Thousands of homes were destroyed, and many areas lost electricity and running water. On my visit to Little Andaman Island, the builder in me immediately wanted to build homes for the homeless islanders there. We decided to construct 500 homes on Little Andaman.
On the last of my seven trips to the island, I could see something glimmering below as my helicopter was about to land. I realized that what I was seeing were the roofs of new homes. I was overjoyed by the sight, and soon a realization dawned upon me. As a builder I had built many beautiful buildings. In comparison, these 500 homes were the most ordinary buildings I had ever built, and they were in a place I likely will never visit again, for people I will never meet again. And yet the satisfaction I had in handing over these houses was greater than from anything I had previously built. Probably because for once I was using my vocation to Serve to Change Lives.
You, too, may have had opportunities to use your vocation to Serve to Change Lives. I welcome your stories of performing vocational service through Rotary. Also, I want to close by congratulating every club that has engaged with the Each One, Bring One initiative, which asks every member to introduce one person to Rotary. Increasing our membership gives people from all walks of life the opportunity to share their knowledge and skills in transformational service.
Current Faribault Rotary Club President, Todd Sesker, presented past president Brenda DeMars with this plaque thanking her for her service as our 101st President 2020-21.
On December 8 the Faribault Rotary Club was honored to receive the classification talk by fellow Rotarian Katy Anderegg. Ms. Anderegg started her talk describing her family; speaking of her husband of three years, Nate; her mother; and her affable grandfather, who had a gift for connecting with people he met. She spoke of the difficult relationship she had with her father, expressing gratitude that she was able to reconcile with him prior to his passing.
Katy revealed that she has a genetically passed disease that runs in her family, Multiple Endocrine Neoplasia Type-1 (MEN-1). She described the disease and commented she will likely have surgery to manage the disease’s effects on her health in the coming years. Katy has a varied background having worked as a graphic designer, but later becoming a Minnesota Master Naturalist in 2019. She also has achieved a yellow belt in tae kwon do. She enjoys working at the River Bend Nature Center, serving as the operations manager. Katy spoke about she and her husband’s love of travel, showing photographs of recent trips. She really enjoys visiting a wildlife management area near Shieldsville and showed several pictures she has taken of wildlife.
The Club warmly welcomed her presentation and members look forward to joining with her to serve our community.
To being the meeting, Chad Koepke discussed how Faribault Rotary Youth Services (FRYS) is likely to be subject to an unrelated business income tax if net profits after charitable donations exceeds $1,000
As such, the Rotary Board greenlighted the idea to develop a charitable giving committee to help shepherd funds, accept proposals and screen grants
The next topic was a high-level overview of FRYS’ charitable gambling performance for November 2021, which is illustrated in the ensuing chart
Next came expense approvals for the coming month of January 2022
CG Made Easy Administrative Fee = $250
Fixed fee every month
Inventory = $4,000
While current inventory is favorable, FRYS is expanding operations at Boxers in January with the addition of two new boxes and filling two vending pull tab machines
Gambling Team Compensation = $600
This figure is likely to change following Rotary’s review of compensation
Revenue Share with MPeters = $7,000
Profit share is 31% of e-tab gaming à unsure of how gaming activity will fair over the holidays (November 2021’s profit share = $6,111)
City of Faribault = $500
For November 2021, City of Faribault received $388 à holiday activity unknown, so over allocating
Revenue Share with Boxers = $6,000
Profit share with Boxers was roughly ~$4,000 in November 2021; over allocating once again for the holidays, which could either be a boon or slowdown for gambling
Misc. Cost = $1,650
FRYS is likely to be purchasing bingo machines from River Bend Nature Center in January and be the sponsor of Bingo at Boxers, which requires paying individuals to run Bingo; however, no set date is established for the purchase and initial Bingo session
FRYS also has provider fees on the horizon as well as a couple extra dollars in case inventory needs more funding with the rollout of more boxes
Total Expenses Approved = $20,000
On a motion by Dr. Houston followed by George Wickstrom, the FRYS Membership approved January 2021’s expenses
The honorable Dr. Dick Huston proposes Sue Garwood, Executive Director of The Rice County Historical Society, for membership in the Faribault Rotary Club. If you have any questions, please contact membership chair, Keith Kramer.
The honorable Dr. Dick Huston proposes Ken Weaverling, Commercial/Residential Loan Officer for 1st United Bank, for membership in the Faribault Rotary Club. If you have any questions, please contact membership chair, Keith Kramer.
I am excited to share that Faribault Rotarian George Wickstrom is presenting to us this Wednesday about financial best practices! In past years, George's session has been one of the STRIVE student's favorites, so you won't want to miss it! George is hoping to see some of the STRIVE students' and Rotarian's faces on the Zoom meeting, so if you are able to join, please turn your camera on.
Please note that for this Zoom session, you will be prompted for a passcode which is: 560446
As in the past, I will send out a link to the recorded session if you are not able to attend the live session.
Take care,
Kurt
STRIVE Team Lead
Kurt Halverson is inviting you to a scheduled Zoom meeting.
Topic: December Strive Session Time: Dec 8, 2021 07:15 AM Central Time (US and Canada)
“War”. I use quotes on the word war because the first part of the conflict was mostly a massacre (with a fair amount of rape and taking captured young women as ”brides”) inflicted upon unsuspecting European settlers (mostly German Immigrants who could not speak English or Dakota so no way to communicate with Dakota warriors) by Dakota fighters. Panic, fueled by lurid press stories, set in among the population of the state with settlers leaving everything behind and fleeing Minnesota. Early accounts from Faribault speak of the Catholic Church being filled with Refugees and of Alexander Faribault organizing about 40 men to help fight against the Dakota. Alexander, who knew many of the leading Dakota, was involved in the Battle of Birch Coulée. Of course, the Dakota War took place in the midst of the U.S. Civil War in which most able-bodied men and arms/ammunition was deployed against the Confederacy.
The U.S.-Dakota War was a vicious, ethnic based conflict that the Dakota lost and resulted in them being kicked out of the State. Anyway, I will get off my editorial high horse and the summary follows below. Have a great day.
On December 1, Honorary Rotarian Dr. Roy Anderson and local artist Jeff Jarvis provided the Faribault Rotary Club with a presentation entitled the Faribault Dakota Project. Dr. Anderson began the briefing by outlining where the Dakota tribes were located starting in the early 1800s, the different tribal divisions and various Dakota place names for different land marks around Faribault. For example, the street name “Tatepaha” means “windy hill” in Dakota.
Mr. Jarvis spoke about the Wahpekute Dakota tribe which was initially active around Cannon Lake but later moved to the area around the banks of the Straight River near the present-day location of Buckham Memorial Library and the Alexander Faribault house. The Wahpekute moved to the Straight River for protection from other tribes as well as due to the urgings of Alexander Faribault perhaps trying to protect his own business interests with the Wahpekute.
Jarvis estimated in 1853 there were around 200-400 Dakota living along the Straight River starting at what is now Central and Division Street down to 14th Street NE. The Wahpekute lived in an estimated 40 bark huts with a school as well as farming being conducted. Mr. Jarvis highlighted Peace Park as an area of special interest. Peace Park was an Indian Burial ground. Jarvis emphasized the City of Faribault should designate Peace Park as a cemetery or, at the very least, have some sort of historical marker acknowledging the area as a Dakota burial ground.
Jarvis gave a brief discussion of the conflict between the Dakota and European settlers flowing into Minnesota. This culminated in the U.S.-Dakota war which led to the expulsion of the Dakota from Minnesota after their surrender to forces under the command of General Henry Sibley. Mr. Jarvis also noted the public execution of 38 Indians, which is the largest public execution in U.S. history.
Some Indians did not wish to fight and they were important in helping to secure the release of hostages taken by the Dakota during the fighting. Of these, forty-two members of the families of Taopi and Good Thunder were assisted by Episcopal Bishop Henry Whipple to be released from interment and were given land to live on by Alexander Faribault. They lived along the Straight River near the vicinity of Teepee Tonka Park.
Jarvis closed the briefing by highlighting prominent Dakota, including the St. Clair family. George St. Clair was ordained as a Minister by Bishop Whipple and his descendant Rueben St. Clair served the nation during World War II.
The club enjoyed the presentation and appreciated the efforts of both Dr. Anderson and Mr. Jarvis to bring forth some of Faribault’s rich history.
Twas a few weeks before Christmas, when all through downtown,
Not a Rotarian was stirring, no one to be found;
The invites were made by Donn Johnson with care,
In hopes that everyone would soon be there;
The Rotarians were nestled all snug in their beds;
While visions of Christmas concerts danced in their heads;
They knew in a moment the time had drawn near,
To sign-up with Donn and tell him no fear;
For we will be coming, even bringing a guest;
Looking forward to lunch and the choir's singing best;
More rapid than eagles the Faribault Rotarians came,
And Donn whistled and shouted and called them by name:
Now, Leland! Now, Hoaglin! Now, Nelson and Sauer!
On, Freed! On, Maland! On, Purdie and Mahler!
To the seat of your cars! To the end of the street!
Now dash away! Dash away! And soon we will meet!
Then we heard Donn exclaim, as he walked out of sight;
"Happy Christmas to all, and to all a good night!"
All Rotarians their families, and guests are invited to the 80th annual Faribault Rotary Christmas Concert to be held on Wednesday December 15th (11:45 am- 1:15 pm) at Our Savior's Lutheran Church. The joyful sounds of the holiday season will be brought to us by the Faribault High School Choir. Our host for over 30 years, Donn Johnson asks that you respond to the online email whether or not you will be coming and bringing one or more guests. The cost of the meal is $15 unless you are on the meal plan.
Reprinted with permission from the Daily News ( Photo provided by Suzanne Rook)
A lifelong resident of Faribault with a passion for community service, Laura Bock was recently named the Faribault Rotary Club’s Rotarian of the Year for 2021. The award is presented annually by the club to one of its members who displays the ideals of Rotary in service to the community, has demonstrated leadership to the club and has provided outstanding contributions to one or more Rotary activities. The award’s announcement was made earlier this month by club President Todd Sesker and it was presented to Bock by Rotary Club Treasurer Eric Craig.
“There is no one more deserving of this award than Laura Bock,” said David Connelly, who serves along with Bock as a co-chair for the Rotary Club’s Community Service Committee. “The motto that Rotarians have is ‘Service Above Self,’ and in our club being the Community Service Chair, who sets up basically all of our community service, Laura has been that person for years.
In presenting the award to Bock, Craig said, “Laura Bock is truly an example of what all Rotarians should be and we are fortunate to have her within our club.” A member of the Faribault Rotary Club since 2017, Bock has been a leader for the club’s community service activities from the time she was inducted.
Bock’s connection with the club started with her husband Steve Bock, who is also a Rotary Club member and a co-owner of Glen’s Towing. The couple had hosted a Rotary foreign exchange student from Columbia in 2017, and that experience helped convince Bock to become a Rotarian. “My husband is a Rotarian as well,” Bock said. “We hosted an exchange student that year and I had been attending so many Rotary meetings as a host parent, I was invited to be a member by Jake Cook. I decided to take him up on the offer because I really liked the club.
“When I was inducted (in 2017), I was asked to be the Community Service Committee Chairperson. So, I just started organizing all the different Rotarian community service events that we do throughout the year. I enjoy volunteering and it works out really well for me." Over the past four years, Bock has been responsible for organizing multiple community service activities for the Rotary Club including Red Cross blood drives three times a year, monthly Meals on Wheels delivery, Adopt-A-Highway clean-up east of town near Cedar Lake, Salvation Army bell ringing during the holiday season, Habitat for Humanity work and help with the Warm Our Community Coat Drive. She more recently helped plan the club’s picnic, helped with a clean-up project at Crockers Creek and volunteered to help pack meals at the food shelf.
“We are just trying to help support the other organizations that help make Faribault a healthier and better community,” Bock said. “We help organizations keep doing what they do best.” Craig noted in the award presentation, “Not only does Laura the leadership skills by getting these events organized and staffed, she is there as a volunteer placing service above self.”
A native of Faribault, Bock’s community service interest dates back over 10 years to her time when she was involved with the Chamber of Commerce and Faribault’s Main Street Program as the manager of the Cheese Cave in downtown. She helped with a variety of volunteer events in that capacity and carried that passion on to the Rotary Club and her current position with Thrivent Financial, where she has helped organized community service events with her co-workers including putting together care packages for the military.
“She is just a very kind-hearted person who is willing to roll up her sleeves anytime and help out our community,” Connelly said. “She is also super organized and makes sure that everyone is in place and where they need to be for all our community projects." Bock’s work has definitely made an impact on the community, but she also believes that her community service work has been a positive factor in her life too. “I make the time now because it feel good to volunteer,” Bock said. “I feel that if you can give of yourself, eventually, if you are in need, those good vibes are going to come back to you.”
To receive the award, a club member is nominated by other club members and then selected by a committee for Rotarian of the Year. “I was completely surprised to receive the award,” Bock said. “It is very humbling to be nominated and receive the award from my fellow Rotarians.” Another humbling moment for Bock has been her recent selection as a future president for the club. She is slated to serve as the Faribault Rotary Club’s president in 2023-24.
“I accepted that, and it is very humbling to be asked because it means they think you can run the club for the year,” said Bock.
High school students find themselves at a crossroad in their lives, trying to complete the day to day requirements of a student while also deciding what career or education path they will take after graduation. The Faribault Rotary Club helps students in this critical time through the STRIVE Program. STRIVE, which is now in it's 23rd year, gives area students the opportunity to hear from local people about topics that will help them in their lives such as managing stress, personal finance, and the role that civics plays in our communities. In addition, students that participate in this program also have the ability to apply for scholarships. $16,000 in scholarships was awarded in 2020 to area students that participated in STRIVE!
The STRIVE team is in the process of wrapping up the 2021-2022 STRIVE program and planning next year's program. We are meeting at the Faribault Perkins on Wednesday, December 1st from 5:00 to 6:30 pm. Please come and join us if you would like to hear more about STRIVE and get involved! If you would like to attend, please RSVP to me so I can make sure that we have a large enough table: khalverson@hometowncu.coop
Members Present: Jake Cook, Eric Craig, Brenda DeMars, Jake Kohl, Chad Koepke, Dave Beranek, Rebecca Freed, Keith Kramer (also present Katy Anderegg)
Moving forward meeting for this board will be quarterly
Board formally accepted Jake Cook’s resignation. Jake will stay on in an advisory role providing financial advice for investment opportunities
Rebecca Freed made a motion to add Jake Kohl to the board, seconded by Eric Craig and motion carried
Potential to have pull tabs present at MN state baseball tournament next summer. Eric Craig made a motion to pursue selling pull tabs at this event, seconded by Jake Kohl and the motion passed
Year end bill from Reese Winter was $2,170 for compiling the tax return, annual report, monthly work and other misc. tasks. Chad Koepke made a motion to pay the $2,170, seconded by Rebecca Freed and the motion carried
Cap repairs: Deck railing to be painted & few boards replaced, soffit & fascia on pump house, light coming in at the peak of the fireplace, bathroom remodel, tree limb pruning for safety. General thought is to hire these items out, most likely next spring.
Motion to end the $50 youth services payments for each Rotary member. Keith Kramer made the motion and Chad Koepke seconded. Motion carried
Jessica Amundson was added to the gambling team so she can help count down boxes and do other misc. tasks.
Sub-committee to be formed to set compensation for gambling manager and other gambling positions. Much more time is being spent than originally thought.
Rotary is potentially taking over Bingo from River Bend at Boxers, and also multiple pull tab boxes. More to come on this.
Chad Koepke made a motion to move all FRYS investments over to Comprehensive Wealth Solutions to be managed by Brent & Jake. Eric seconded and the motion carried.
Jake Cook financial proposal: 60% equities, 40% fixed income portfolio. Brent & Jake are looking to actively manage this account and we would give them fiduciary authority to make trades on behalf of the club without having to come to the club each time. Advisor fee will be .6%
Board had a discussion about how much in total should be held in reserve, and also what to do with excess funds going forward. Thought was that our main board will create a sub -committee to direct excess funds.
We must make sure that gambling funds are used or earmarked to avoid unrelated business tax income.
Dave Beranek asked that we give consideration to accurate recordkeeping with him gone a portion of the year and multiple people depositing funds.
Rebecca Freed made a motion to elect Eric Craig as Vice President of Faribault Rotary Youth Services. Chad Koepke seconded and the motion carried.
Several years ago, Aubrey Nicholson settled in Faribault. It hasn’t been long but Aubrey reflected, as a kid and young adult she moved around a lot. Her parents were very hard workers and provided well. With all the moving around Aubrey expressed it was hard to gather a sense of community.
Friends and current Rotarians Brett Peroutka and Laura Bock were great community members that made her feel welcome and introduced community service to Aubrey. This community service so inspired Aubrey that having Wednesday afternoons open to attend Rotary meetings was a term of acceptance for her new job at Atlantic Union Bank.
Aubrey is married to Clayton Nicholson, owner, and trainer of Revolution Fitness. They have an 8-year-old daughter named Scout, who is currently in the third grade and plays hockey.
Chad Koepke highlighted the revenues, prizes, allowable expenses and tax payments for October 2021 (image below for highlights)
Of note, paper pull tabs were only active for 2.5 weeks whereas e-tabs were active the whole month
Chad noted that October had higher expenses due to the one-time costs associated with establishing the gambling operation, such as purchasing the POS system, iPads, etc….
Chad noted that a couple expenses, such as profit sharing with the bar, are going to hit the income statement in arrears as the sharing amount is a function of financial performance for the month, which cannot be established till the books close
The following expenses were approved for December 2021:
Specific Payments = $17,750 & Total Approved Payments = $18,500
Given the nascent nature of the operation, the gambling team sought larger dollar approvals to ensure payments are under the approved amount à over time, specific approval amounts should tighten once a trend can be determined
Additionally, the gambling team requested $750 in unknown overhead expenses as the full cash flow picture – both cash in and out – is still being developed as a full month of operations, with paper and e-tabs, will not be available till the completion of November 17, 2021 as paper tabs were only in place for 2.5 weeks of October
No lawful donations / charitable contributions were approved at the November meeting
Faribault Rotary Youth Services is meeting Friday, November 19 to discuss processes and procedures for allocating gambling funds along with other items that fall under FRYS’ reach
We have been challenged to a Friendly Bell Ringing Competition by the Lion's Club of Faribault. The challenge is to see which club can ring more days this holiday season. I understand that they have two days this week alone!
Faribault Rotary is currently signed up to ring a full day on Saturday December 11th at the Wal Mart Grocery door. 10 am to 6 pm.
Go to https://registertoring.com/shifts-select-group.aspx to get your time on the 11th. You will need a username and password for the Salvation Army Website, if you prefer not to create those, please text or call Laura Bock or just and she will book your time for you. 507-384-2280.
Feel free to use www.registertoring.com to sign yourself, friends, family, or co-workers up for a time that is convenient for you! Report back to David Connelly or Laura Bock so we can track your hours!
During fellowship we will be doing an interactive sign up so bring your November and December calendars!
I first discovered the value of service when I saw how a few simple acts can immeasurably change lives. It began when I joined others in my club for a project to bring toilets and clean drinking water to rural villages near our city. It moved forward when we promoted sanitation and provided opportunities for education across the country, thanks to generous gifts from supporters who believed in our projects as much as those of us on the ground did.
There is no better time of the year to be reminded of that generosity than November, which is Rotary Foundation Month.
As the charitable arm of Rotary International, The Rotary Foundation is the engine that powers so many Rotary projects throughout the world. The Foundation transforms your gifts into projects that change lives. It is the Foundation that helps us to get closer to our goal of eradicating polio, to show more people how we promote peace through tangible actions, and to demonstrate the impact our projects have in our areas of focus.
Consider some recent projects that were made possible by the Foundation:
The Rotary clubs of Guatemala La Reforma, Guatemala, and Calgary, Alberta, received an $80,000 global grant to organize a comprehensive plan to train nurses and rural health care workers to prevent and treat cervical cancer and to implement a sustainable system of referrals in seven regions of Guatemala.
More than two dozen hospitals in Honduras received personal protective equipment for their medical staff thanks to a $169,347 global grant sponsored by the Rotary clubs of Villa Real de Tegucigalpa, Honduras, and Waldo Brookside-Kansas City, Missouri.
The Rotary clubs of Cotonou Le Nautile, Benin, and Tournai Haut-Escaut, Belgium, received a $39,390 global grant to provide agricultural training at an ecologically responsible permaculture mini-farm connected to a center for children in Sowé, Benin. This will help a new generation of farmers become economically self-sufficient.
I like comparing The Rotary Foundation to the Taj Mahal, a monument of one man’s love for a woman. The Foundation is a dynamic monument of our love for all of humanity.
This month I am asking all Rotary clubs to bring attention to the Foundation. It is what connects all Rotarians worldwide and transforms our collective passions into projects that change lives. Visit rotary.org/donate; once there, you will have an opportunity to give directly to the program you’re most passionate about.
Thank you for giving your all to Rotary. You are the reason that Rotary is able to do more and grow more. Let’s continue to represent that important legacy this month, this year, and beyond as we Serve to Change Lives.
All Rotarians and guests are invited to attend the 55th Rotary Youth Concert on Monday night Nov. 22nd at 7pm at the Michael J. Hanson Auditorium at Faribault High School. You will be entertained with musical selections from the choir band an orchestra.
This was such a good, in depth presentation I had a hard time summarizing the presentation in all it's awesomeness.
I've created an introduction to a "fireside chat" for the write-up. Bravo Mr. Sauer on an amazing presentation.
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Our fellow Rotarian David Sauer on the eve of Veterans Day shared many stories of Faribault locals and their heroic acts of service for their country including the story of the “1st Minnesota Volunteer Infantry Regiment”. This week’s speech is an in-depth, 42-minute fireside chat with Mr. Sauers. Sit down, get comfortable, and enjoy the audio enlightenment of Faribault’s bravest stories of military service. Enjoy the Full Program Now
Rotary’s 3rd blood drive of the year was successful. Our goal was to collect 43 units of blood. We had 6 no shows, but 4 walk ins, and 4 declines. Total units collected was 40. Just a little shy of our goal, but still a great day!
Thank you to the Rotarians who gave blood – the need for blood is incredible currently, and thank you to the following Rotarians for volunteering to help run the drive: Chad Koepke, Suzy Rook, Greg Ciesluck, Cindy Yerington, Mindy Reeder, Amy Amundson, Brenda DeMars, Jake Kohl, Aubrey Nicholson and Steve Bock.
Special thank you to Pastor Greg and 4th Avenue United Methodist for always allowing us to host our blood drives in their fellowship hall. The space is appreciated so much!!
This year we sold 1,200 dozen roses. Up 280 dozen from 2020.
Approximate profit to the club will be $14,400.
Top 10 sellers were:
Grant Wilson 174
Eric Craig 124
Brenda DeMars 100
Jake Cook 92
Laura Bock 62
These five sold 552 dozen roses just the five of them! Almost half our club sales!
Greg Ciesluk 44
Lisa Humfeld Wilson 41
Jessica Amundson 31
Kurt Halverson 30
Keith Kramer 30
Murray Hanson 29
Amy Amundson 28
George Wickstrom 28
The total for the top 10 spots was 813 dozen roses!
Extra special thank you to Kymn Anderson, Brenda DeMars, Eric Craig, and Jessica Amundson for sorting orders and having everything ready for pickup on the 1st. Could not have done it without all of you!
Rotarians, church members warm the community with winter gear distribution
Fatima Aden, 5, a kindergartner at Jefferson Elementary School shows off the new winter coat she received.
Reprinted with permission from the Faribault Daily News
It wouldn't be a stretch to say that over the last seven years, the Faribault Rotary Club has outfitted 3,000 area residents.
This year's Warm Our Community event, held Oct. 30 at Faribo West Mall, served fewer residents than last year, said Rotary's Keith Kramer, who organizes the event and encouraged the club to take it on in 2018, the year he served as club president. This year, he estimated the event, where residents in need can get new or gently used winter gear, served about 300.
About 65 adults came out as opposed to 100 in 2020.
As in previous years, kids' clothing — coats, snow pants and boots — went like a stack of hotcakes in front of ravenous teenagers. There were coats in all colors and quite a few with some particularly trendy designs: hearts, stars and even unicorns.
Several teens, like Ahmed and Alham Abdi, found coats to suit their taste and even helped their moms select jackets for each of their siblings. Rotary members helped adults with their "shopping lists," while River Valley Church members pulled gear for the shoppers and kept the stacks of coats, snow pants and boots separated by size.
Leftover men's coats were taken to St. Vincent de Paul, while the remaining women's coats were split between Ruth's House and the HOPE Center.
The event began as an outreach of the Chamber's Y-Pro group, now known as The 507 Connect.
On November 3, the Faribault Rotary Club was pleased to announce Laura Bock as the Club’s Rotarian of the Year. Club President Todd Sesker made the announcement while Club Treasurer Eric Craig presented the award highlighting Laura’s incredible record of service to the community. She has been instrumental in having the Rotary Club involved in several community service activities including packing food for the hungry, organizing meals on wheels deliveries, and Red Cross Blood drives.
Laura received an enthusiastic standing ovation from her fellow Rotarians as she received the award. Her family surprised her by attending the event and made several warm comments about Laura’s commitment to service. Laura humbly accepted the award and thanked her fellow Rotarians for the honor as well as their dedication to service.
Rotarians also expressed their congratulations to retiring Sheriff and Rotarian Troy Dunn. Sheriff Dunn will be retiring after decades of selfless service. He and his family will be moving to Arizona. All Rotarians wished the Sheriff well and thanked him for his service.
Faribault Chamber ambassadors joined Rotary members last month to celebrate pull tabs benefitting Rotary at Boxers Bar. Pictured are Eric Craig, Samantha Pirkl, Bonnie Cervenka, Faribault Chamber’s Kelly Nygaard, Jess Amundson, Dick Huston, Brenda DeMars, Boxers owner Dawn Walker, Troy Dunn, Chad Koepke, Damian Pineda, David Connelly and Todd Sesker. (Suzanne Rook/southernminn.com)
Eric Craig never could have predicted that stopping into Boxers for a bit of lunch could have a positive impact on the lives of local kids.
Long story short: Craig and Boxers owner Dawn Walker got to talking that day and the conversation turned to pull tabs and e-pull tabs, with Walker saying she was interested in inviting another local nonprofit to provide the forms of charitable gambling that benefit the state and local organizations. Host business also benefit from rent charged the sponsoring organization.
Craig, treasurer of the Rotary Club of Faribault, knew the club was looking for additional revenue sources to funds its scholarships and service projects that benefit local youth, and Walker’s suggestion felt like the perfect fit.
“We wanted to find ways that we can help the community event more,” said Rotary past president Brenda DeMars, who’s serving as Rotary’s charitable gambling manager.
“It all fell together,” she said, adding that Walker “had an idea and was running with it and we got lucky.”
Walker, who’s been offering pull tabs in her bar for about 26 years, was already building a new space specifically for pull tabs at her downtown bar, which she expects will draw more attention (and hopefully more revenue) to the pull tabs.
Setting a nonprofit up as a charitable gambling recipient is no easy task. In addition to ordering supplies, machines and other incidentals, the club needed to set up a separate organization — Faribault Area Youth Services — specifically for gambling income and expenses, and install another president and board just for it.
Once DeMars was selected as gambling manager and Chad Koepke was named president of Faribault Area Youth Services, the two needed to study state laws and guidelines and earn at least 85% on timed online tests to prove they understood the rules.
While how much the club will earn is unknown, any funds will likely help boost either the number of scholarships and/or the amount available to students, and benefit its Strive program at Bethlehem Academy, Faribault High School and South Central College.
Some of the money may also go to help restart the club’s efforts with the Rotary Exchange program for outgoing and incoming students.
Club members learned Wednesday that Rotary district leaders have cleared a path for the program to relaunch following a break due to COVID.
“We don’t know yet what it’s going to generate. We have high hopes,” said DeMars.
“I don’t know what else we could be doing,” she said of supporting the community’s youth. “But I know there’s more to be done.”
The Faribault Rotary Club inducted Brianna Maland, Account Executive at KOWZ Radio, as its newest member last week. She is pictured here with her sponsor and membership committee member, David Connelly.
The Community Action Center of Faribault invites the entire Faribault Rotary Club to their Grand Opening Ribbon Cutting on Wednesday November 17th at 4:00 pm.
They greatly appreciate the support Rotary has given them in packing food the first half of 2021.
Chad Koepke called the meeting to order with the topic of board seats the first discussion point
Two board seats were up for election in 2021, which were held by Troy Dunn and Dave Beranek
Mr. Dunn is not seeking reelection à The nominee to replace Troy is Rebecca Freed
On a motion by Brenda and Dr. Huston, the membership of FRYS approved the nomination of Ms. Freed to the FRYS board
Dave Beranek originally was not going to seek reelection but with the rollout of charitable gambling underway, Mr. Beranek and the board agreed his continued presence and wisdom would be welcomed
On a motion by David C. and Kay, the membership of FRYS approved Mr. Beranek for another term
Additionally, Chad mentioned that Jake Kohl has replaced Jake Cook on the FRYS board as Mr. Cook will be providing financial advisory services to FRYS, which required him to stepdown for conflict-of-interest reasons
Dave Beranek took over after the board nominations and gave a little background on the history of FRYS for new members
Mr. Beranek, who is also the treasury, highlighted his roles of asset management, non-profit compliance and budgeting
Programs that reside under FRYS include STRIVE, high school music/theater, the Rotary Camp, Warm our community and now charitable gambling
With the addition of charitable gambling, the annual rose sale has been moved out of FRYS to the main Rotary club
For 2021, large donations from individuals accounted for 18.94% of FRYS revenue, which was well-below IRS requirements for non-profits
Mr. Beranek noted that FRYS’ total assets were $224,061.63 with liabilities of $28,800.00 for a net worth of $195,261.63.
With regards to the Rotary Camp, the operation began the year with $27,559.66 in funds, added $5,027.42 in receipts with disbursements of $15,670.88 for an ending balance of $16,916.20
The fee structure for the Rotary Camp is as follows:
Youth Groups - $75 a day
50 individuals or less = $150
51+ individuals = $250
For 2022, the proposed repairs and maintenance options are being considered:
Chad Koepke called the meeting to order, providing a brief overview of the monthly reporting and meeting requirements that are required for charitable gambling requirements
While the structure has not been fully established, Mr. Koepke is looking at the option to send out the monthly reports electronically ahead of the meeting for members to view and asks questions when in-person
The November 2021 meeting will be the first meeting with concrete financial results as October 1, 2021 was the official start of FRYS charitable gambling at Boxer’s Bar in Faribault
Given that the operation is nascent and still developing the structure of cash inflows & outflows, Chad sought a larger approval of expenses to ensure there is no need to come back for further approval in the month àthe following items and amounts were approved by membership
Pull tab inventory for the month of November = $3,500
Pull tab stock boxes (3x) = $1,000
Game costs = $600
Projected Sum = $5,100 with approved amount of $5,500
On a motion from Natalie and Murray, FRYS membership approved the purchases for the month
Of note, FRYS will be receiving a credit of ~$525 for returning the driver’s license scanner as that is not required with the PoS system
Although the month of October has not concluded, Chad gave a couple preliminary figures for members to better understand what the charitable gambling results might look like:
Since October 1, e-tabs have revenue of roughly $88K, prizes of $79K for a net of ~$9k
October 22 was the official kickoff of the pull tab program at Boxers
Since the kickoff, ticket sales were 5,419 for revenue of $7.3K with prizes of $5.3K, resulting in a net of ~$2k
The official ribbon cutting ceremony for selling pull tabs at Boxer's by the Faribault Rotary Club was last Friday evening. It was great fun and well received. There will be more in the bulletin next week!
A quarter of the Rotary year is now behind us. I am sure you are helping Rotary to grow more and do more. And I hope you have already done your part for the Each One, Bring One initiative by introducing one person to Rotary.
Do you ever think about your earliest days as a Rotarian? I often do — because those first moments of discovering the power of service shaped who I am today. When I joined my Rotary club, our efforts focused on India’s rural communities, where people were living without toilets, getting their drinking water from the same pond they bathed in, and sending their children to outdoor classrooms set up under a tree. The nearest health care provider often was miles away — and the services were inadequate. But after Rotary clubs carried out some service projects, the villages had toilets, clean drinking water, a classroom for early learning, and a nearby health care center.
The spark that Rotary kindled within me forced me to look beyond myself and embrace humanity. It made service a way of life and led me to a guiding principle I still stand by: Service is the rent I pay for the space I occupy on Earth.
If you feel the need to reignite the spark of service in yourself or your club, October — Community Economic Development Month — is a great time to do so. When we work to improve the lives of people in underserved communities — through, for example, projects that provide vocational training and access to financial resources — we help build and sustain local economic growth.
The need is great. According to the United Nations, 9 percent of the world’s population — that’s 700 million people, a majority of them in sub-Saharan Africa — live on less than $1.90 a day. By supporting strong community development as well as entrepreneurs, we can help improve conditions for people in that region and others.
Your club can also promote economic development in your own community by expanding vocational training opportunities through local schools and community colleges, partnering with lenders to improve access to financial services, or working with a nonprofit that provides resources to entrepreneurs and connects them with the business community.
Of course, developing strong communities is impossible without strong public health. On 24 October, World Polio Day, we’ll celebrate our tremendous progress in the effort to eradicate polio. But we also know the fight is not over. We still need your help raising funds and awareness to ensure that all children are immunized against polio. Please don’t forget to activate your clubs on that important day and encourage them to donate here: endpolio.org/world-polio-day.
Service has been rewarding for me throughout my life. I know the same is true for many of you. Join me this month in becoming a good tenant of our planet by helping others to better themselves and their communities. Together, we can Serve to Change Lives.
It all began in the mind and heart of a great lady, Dorothy Fredricksen, wife of long time Rotarian Felix Fredricksen. Mrs. Fredricksen had a deep love for Girl Scouting, a wish for young women to know the world of nature and a desire for camping opportunities. She made a cash bequest to a group of Faribault Girl Scout Leaders which eventually grew to $10,000. A girls camp committee was formed to research and facilitate an investment which could make the outdoors and camping available to Faribault girls.
In the late 1950s, a search for lakeshore sites in Faribault area made it apparent that more funds would be needed an additional support to handle purchase and development of a campsite and facilities. The husbands of most of the Girls Camp Committee were Rotarians, so it developed quite naturally that the women came with their goals and request to the Faribault Rotary club. A site on Cedar Lake became the chief object of interest. It was owned by Basil Heselton whose wife had just been involved in Girl Scouting. It was accessible only by boat since it was separated from roads by a creek drainage away and private property. Shirlee and Arnold Madow, Nancy and Bob Jirik, and Irene and Layton Hoysler accepted responsibility of explorer duties. They rented a boat and, like pilgrims, made their way sure to check the topography and boundaries. The recommendations to the Rotary camp project committee in 1960 resulted in the purchase for the huge sum of $9000. It was originally thought to be a 12 acre tract. But it turned out to be close to 18 acres, it became even more evident that it was a choice property at a very desirable price.
Rotarian support of the project with many man hours of work and substantial financial involvement. The first and most urgent construction project was a road and huge culvert to get access to the property. This is completed by the B.H. Heselton Company. From that time in 1960 it became a labor of love for Rotarians and Rotary Anns. Rotarian Bernie Wegner supervise the construction of our main shelter logic, Rotarian George Freeborn supervised well and water installation, and Rotarian Bob Jirik installed the electrical service. We installed our new main building on June 28, 1963, with a fireplace given in the name of Marguerite Kennedy, and outstanding Girl Scout leader.
Money borrowed by our Youth Service Corporation for camp improvements was paid off and the mortgage document was burned in a 1968 ceremony.
The rest is history. Faribault Rotarians can take pride in providing a wonderful facility for our youth and community.
We had the honor of hosting the District Governor, Kenneth Klooster to the club. Mr. Klooster gave a great speech on the state of Rotary from the district level. Murray Hanson, during the fellowship, grilled the club on facts of Kenneth's profile. We as a club were 100% on the answers about Mr. Klooster.
Ken, during his speech, focused on the engagement and intent of Rotarians in our community and in projects. Expressed the need to grow our clubs by showing our reach and concentrating on our diversity and inclusion.
Ken was super pleased with our club's membership ratios of Female/Male ratio at 45:55 and our efforts to grow a more diverse membership across expectations of the past. The district goal is to provide as many members coming in as are going out. We need your help to commit someone to membership, you like or admire.
This week the Strive students were able to watch a previous presentation given by Dr. Brian Wariboko about how decisions made as a teenager can have a long lasting impact on your life. This was well received and we look forward to our next meeting on Wednesday Nov. 10th.
I was born on a farm near Adrian, MN. My early life was spent on the family farm where I learned about hard work, faith and volunteerism. From an early age I was very involved with the Adrian United Methodist Church and my parents taught me the value of sharing time and talents. In 1988 I graduated from Adrian High School and moved to Mankato to attend college at MSU‐ Mankato. While I was attending college full‐time, I worked part‐time in the History Department where I was able to interact with both fellow students as well as professors. After my Sophomore year I stayed in Mankato for the summer and worked at a couple of part‐time jobs. One of which was as a part‐time teller position at TCF Bank.
After two more years of college and working part‐time, I applied for a full‐time position where I began truly began my career path. I earned my insurance license in 1992 and Series 6 securities license in 1994 as I moved through several positions with TCF Bank while attending night classes. While at TCF Bank, I was honored to receive the “Jo Gilbert Customer Service” award which is awarded once per year nationwide. I graduated in 1996 with a BS degree in Accounting & Finance. In 1997 I received a job offer from First Bank, which I accepted. I was able to obtain the Series 7 securities license while I grew my practice at First Bank/US Bank/Piper Jaffray. In 2002 I moved on to Edward Jones. In 2006 I earned my Accredited Asset Management Specialist professional designation and after 15+ years I remain a Financial Advisor and Limited Partner.
I have been married to my wife, Jill, for 20 years and we have two sons, Chandler & Cameron. In their early years I coached many of their youth sports teams (football, soccer, basketball, baseball) while continuing to build my business as well as supporting my wife’s career as a CPA. I enjoy living in the Mankato area and am very active in the local community. As an active blood donor, I am currently working on gallon number 8 for the Red Cross. Mankato has a “Leave A Legacy” chapter that I have served as a past Board member. I have served as a Board member for our church and my family has hosted twelve Mankato Moondogs summer collegiate baseball players.
Currently I serve as a Board member for the Mankato Symphony Orchestra. This is in addition to volunteering for numerous organizations. I joined the Mankato Rotary Club in 2003 and have served in many board positions including accepting the Presidency nine months early when our current President transferred to a job out of state. I am currently serving the Greater Mankato Club as the Foundation Team Lead and District 5960 as an Assistant District Governor. My family has hosted two Rotary Exchange students. Jill and I have been awarded with multiple Paul Harris Fellowships and attended Rotary International Conventions in Atlanta and Toronto as well as a Zone Conference in Chicago.
Director Julianna Skluzacek gave us a brief history lesson and "behind the scenes" into providing theatre as the Merlin Players. 27 years ago, the Merlin Players performed Driving Miss Daisy at the Newhall auditorium at Shattuck-St. Mary's. For many years the Merlin Players were the resident artist at SSM. The Merlin Players annually will perform 2-4 shows at various locations, including The Little Theatre of Owatonna. In 2004 Julianna and colleagues set out to restore and re-open the Paradise Theatre in downtown Faribault. In 2008 first production, A Christmas Carol, opened on the Paradise stage by the Merlin Players.
27 years strong and coming out of two years of cancelations, the Merlin Players are starting their 2021 season with "Brighton Beach Memoirs" An American comedy by Neil Simon. Eugene Jerome is coming of age in 1937 NYC, and it's not an easy transition. This story is filled with warmth and laughter. "Brighton Beach Memoirs" opens October 22nd and runs through the 24th. You can purchase tickets at the Paradise or season passes at their websitehttp://www.themerlinplayers.org/from-the-director.html
For October’s Strive session, we will be reviewing Dr. Brian Wariboko’s 2020 presentation on the impact of making smart decisions and healthy choices. Here is the link to the Zoom meeting:
Topic: October Strive Session
Time: Oct 13, 2021 07:15 AM Central Time (US and Canada)
The honorable David Connelly proposes Brianna Maland, Account Executive for KOWZ Radio, for membership in the Faribault Rotary Club. If you have any questions, please contact membership chair, Keith Kramer.
Faribault Rotary has inducted Aubrey Nicholson as a new member. Aubrey is sponsored by Laura Bock who will also be her mentor. Pictured with Aubrey (center) is Greg Ciesluk who is part of the Rotary membership team and Laura Bock.
Pictured left to right: Suzzanne Fox, Katy Anderegg, Ericka Staab, Aubrey Nicholson, Sarah Rojas, Heidi Nelson, Natalie Ginter, Kymn Anderson and Laura Bock.
Sunday October 10, 2021 The Faribault Foundation hosted 100 Women Who Care, a gathering of local women philanthropists to kick start an endowment fund for the foundation AND award one lucky local non profit with $5000.00. One of George Wickstrom’s favorite nonprofits Believet Canine Service Partners was awarded the funds this year. Our very own Kymn Anderson is the Faribault Foundation Director.
It was a wonderful event held at the Barn at Crocker’s Creek and in attendance happened to be multiple Rotarian’s! Way to go Women of Rotary!!
On October 6, the Faribault Rotary Club (FRC) hosted Mohamed Idris, the Executive Director of the Minnesota based, America Relief Agency for the Horn of Africa (ARAHA) and ARAHA’s Deputy Director Rodwaan Saleh. Both gentlemen spoke about ARAHA’s charitable relief efforts in the Horn of Africa, which is focused on the countries of Somalia, Ethiopia, Kenya, and Sudan.
Explaining the cycle of drought followed by extreme flooding people living in the Horn face, Mr. Idris emphasized that these extreme conditions, particularly drought, results in residents of the impacted areas losing all their crops and livestock, forcing residents to move into camps to receive assistance. Mr. Idris highlighted the critical role access to clean water has on poor residents of these countries.
Mr. Idris stated ARAHA is focused on delivering relief projects such as providing food, digging wells for clean water, and building new schools - all for the benefit of people living in the Horn of Africa, which is one of the most vulnerable populations in the world. To date, ARAHA’s efforts have resulted in more than 500 new water wells being constructed, providing food to over 1 million people, and building several schools
Some of the strategies ARAHA tries to implement in providing assistance to impacted populations is to try to build resilience through education, teaching water harvesting techniques as well as to build water wells, focus on child nutrition, support agriculture and livestock, promote forestation through tree planting and promote solar energy applications.
Mr. Idris highlighted how blessed we are in the United States and this is particularly apparent when he travels to the Horn of Africa. He shared the story of a young immigrant from Uganda graduating from college in Kentucky. She was giving the commencement address and highlighted that she was the luckiest girl in the world because of a goat. Her family had been too poor to send her to school even though at a young age she wanted to attend school. A donation to her family of a goat led her family to become more prosperous. Soon they had enough money to send her to school. She did well in school resulting in her receiving scholarships to attend school in Kampala and eventually earning scholarships to attend college in Kentucky.
Mr. Idris and Deputy Director Saleh provided Rotarians with brochures explaining ARAHA’s activities and how interested individuals can donate money to support their ongoing relief efforts. It was a pleasure hosting both gentlemen, who gave a thought-provoking presentation of the challenges people face living in extreme drought conditions.
Mount Whitney, the highest point in the continental United States, and ZabriskienPoint in Death Valley, the lowest point in the United States, are less than 80 miles apart.
George Wickstrom brought us together as a fellowship to discuss the values of Unity and how we can use the critical virtues of Detachment and Truthfulness to get Unity in our community as people of action. The club broke up into several small groups and discussed and came back with talking points to share.
Many great points came back to the forum of discussion. Dave Sauer’s group mentioned, “We can provide truth individually in the community as Rotarians by exercising the 4-way test.”.
Kurt Halverson shared “One’s person’s truth could be different to another’s truth. Look back at detachment to find common ground.”.
Keith Kramer shared from his group. “Framing statements as questions are valuable to open up the discussion to the b and c topics which might not get discussed if a topic is shut down the progress.”.
Susanne Fox pointed out, “For trust in truth, to be clear is to be kind. Transparency is key to building trustful relationships to create Unity.
This week’s talk sparked lots of great conversations. If you want more content about the Virtues Project, please contact George Wickstrom and invite him to breakfast or lunch.
Rotarians love giving back to our community as we live by the motto of “Service Above Self.”
This is Faribault Rotary Club’s fourth year of hosting Warm Our Community which is an event where we give away winter outerwear to school age students in the Faribault community. We have a heart to see school age children receive warm coats, snow pants, boots and other items for our long Minnesota winters! This year we feel that there will be a great need and in past years we have always had a greater demand for outerwear than we have been able to supply. Our best estimate is that we were able to provide 100 families and hundreds of local youth with needed outerwear during the Warm Our Community event last year.
This year Warm Our Community is graciously hosted by the Faribo West Mall, east entrance at 9 a.m. Saturday, Oct. 30. When guests arrive for the event they will be given a ticket as it will be first come, first served. Guests then fill out sizing information for their children and go through the line to receive clothing. There will be a maximum of two people per family allowed, due to the ongoing pandemic.
Because we have so much demand each year, our hope is to provide even more gently used outerwear and increase our monetary donations to purchase new items.
One of the best things about this event is the opportunity to collaborate with other organizations within our community who also care deeply about each child having warm winter gear. The Faribault Y-Pro group which is now 507-Connect started the event and hosted it for a few years. Last year we partnered with Faribault Youth Investment who provided donations of food and Rice County Public Health who donated supplies and resources. This year we are hoping for a similar collaboration with community organizations as we are currently working through the details. We have had many generous donors give both time and financial resources and we are deeply grateful for both. Our local community is great!
Our ask is for those in more fortunate circumstances to drop off new or gently used winter outerwear at one of our collection points: HyVee, Fareway, River Valley Church, Reliance Bank, Hometown Credit Union and the Faribault Area Chamber of Commerce. There are also opportunities to volunteer at the event and if you are interested please send us a message on our Rotary website, portal.clubrunner.ca/7871.
We really appreciate the community backing for this great event and we are humbled to see such generosity! I am grateful to be a Rotarian and have the opportunity to serve.
Club members spent time last week after the meeting preparing community donation boxes.
The Annual Rose Sale orders are now due. There will be email requests for your total sales soon. Be sure to respond and thank you for all your efforts!
Halvorson has a passion for cars, antique ambulances
Kurt Halvorson, above, shows off his 1977 Cadillac ambulance following Wednesday’s Faribault Rotary Club meeting. Halvorson, who previously worked for Gold Cross Ambulance, enjoys learning about the history of ambulances and the vehicles used to transport sick and injured patients. His ambulance was originally used in the city of Tracy in western Minnesota. One of the vehicle’s former drivers gave Halvorson his jacket, which Halvorson wore Wednesday, to commemorate their friendship, and shared appreciation for ambulances and their role in society. Also pictured is Natalie Ginter. (Suzanne Rook/southernminn.com)
On September 22, Faribault Rotary Club President-elect Kurt Halvorson gave a presentation on car-based ambulances. Mr. Halvorson also drove his very own ambulance to the meeting for club members to take a look after the luncheon was over.
Mr. Halvorson started the presentation by reminding everyone that ambulances used to be based on cars not on trucks or small vans as they are today. He explained that initially many of the first car-based ambulances actually doubled as hearses. Local funeral homes often would transport sick patients to hospitals and would outfit their hearses with some medical equipment to take care of the patients.
The Vietnam War in the 1960’s changed how ambulances were used in the United States. Policy-makers were unpleasantly surprised when they learned that a battlefield casualty in Vietnam had a better chance of survival than someone injured in the U.S. in an automobile accident. Policies designed to increase the professionalism of ambulance crews came into effect in the expectation they could effectively treat sick or injured patients before they reached a hospital. These new policies resulted in new careers such as Emergency Medical Technicians (EMT) and Paramedics.
The Cadillac Car Company in the 1960’s and 70’s produced car chassis’ that could be customized into car-based ambulances by specialized firms. One of the best of these firms was called Superior, which was active in customizing ambulances during the 1970’s.
In the late 1970’s, U.S. car manufacturers decreased the size of their chassis for less weight to realize better fuel economy. The smaller size combined with a desire for more medical capability led to ambulances moving to van or truck mounted versions.
Mr. Halvorson spoke about how he became interested in car-based ambulances, highlighting the impact the movie “Ghost Busters” had on him. As a five-year-old, Mr. Halvorson really liked the car-based ambulance the Ghost Busters used to transport themselves to combat ghosts. His interest in car-based ambulances came to fruition when he bought his ambulance in 2012. The ambulance he bought was used in Tracy, Minnesota for many years.
Mr. Halvorson dedicated his presentation to Mr. Tony Karsmia, who was a long-time funeral director who shared Halvorson’s interest in car-based ambulances.
Faribault’s Dean Purdie has been named a lifetime member of Faribault Rotary Club. Purdie was first installed as a Rotarian in 1964 by his father, Clarence Purdie, then club president. It was the first time in the club’s history that a president inducted their child. While Clarence was the club’s 44th president, Dean served as its 58th, from 1977-78. Dean was a club member for 27 years before taking his leave in 1991. Purdie also served as the city’s mayor from 1989-92. Today, at 90, Purdie is back and as charming as ever.
The honorable Laura Bock has proposed Aubrey Nicholson for membership in the Faribault Rotary Club. If you have any questions or concerns please contact membership chair Keith Kramer.
The Faribault Rotary club has inducted Angie Ramirez Saucedo to be part of a membership that puts service above self. Pictured with Angie (center) is Keith Kramer, membership chair and her sponsor Hanan Mohamud. She will be mentored by Brenda DeMars.
Volunteers are still needed to clean up Crocker's Creek from the A&W to Burger King behind the Chamber office this Thursday Sept. 23rd 4-7 pm and Sat. Sept. 25th 9-noon. We are so close to finishing this project. Dick Huston will bring a chain saw, 4 loppers and six spray bottles with chemicals. Bring tools if you have them. The goal is to cut down all remaining woody plants six inches in diameter and less. Immediately after cutting the stump, they need to be sprayed. It works good if one cuts and another sprays. The spraying should be done right after cutting or some will be missed. If not treated there will be 2 - 6 shoots coming the next year. Please respond to the email invitations being sent.
Patrick Mader grew up on a small dairy farm near St. Bonifacius, Minnesota, with six brothers and sisters. He has always enjoyed Minnesota sports, history, and geography.
Patrick’s latest book, More Minnesota Gold, celebrates Minnesota’s rich sports heritage through the lives, stories, challenges, and achievements of fifty-one Minnesota athletes competing on the world stage (Olympics and World Championships). This coffee table-sized book represents athletes from various sports and eras from every geographical region of our diverse state.
Some highlighted athletes Patrick pointed out were Buzz Schneider- sub-captain US Hockey 1980, Bri Scurry- 3-time Olympian soccer, Jerry & Jay Martin- Ski Long-Jumpers. Faribault native Ted Nelson posted the first mile recorded under 4 minutes at the world championship in 1956. Ted Nelson never ran in the Olympics but is mentioned in Patrick’s book nonetheless. If you would like to learn more about Patrick’s story or purchase one of his books, check out his website.
I am sure you are having an enriching experience as you Serve to Change Lives. One of the ways you can make the greatest change in a person’s life is to help them learn to read. Literacy opens up the world to us. It makes us better informed about life in our own communities and opens vistas to other cultures. Reading and writing connects people and gives us another way to express our love for one another.
September is Basic Education and Literacy Month in Rotary. Enhancing literacy skills is critical in our pursuit of reducing poverty, improving health, and promoting peace. In fact, if all students in low-income countries left school with basic reading skills, it would result in a significant cut in global poverty rates.
Without education, illiterate children become illiterate adults. Today, 14 percent of the world’s adult population — 762 million people — lack basic reading and writing skills. Two-thirds of that group are women. Literacy and numeracy skills are essential to obtaining better housing, health care, and jobs over a lifetime.
Especially for girls and women, literacy can be a life-or-death issue. If all girls completed their primary education, there would be far fewer maternal deaths. And a child is more likely to survive past age 5 if he or she is born to a mother who can read. Improving outcomes for more people worldwide is possible only if countries remove barriers to education for girls. The economic argument for doing so is clear: In some countries where schooling is geared toward boys, the cost of missed economic opportunity is more than $1 billion per year.
Empowering people through education is among the boldest goals we have as Rotarians. We don’t have to travel far from our homes to encounter those whose lives are being curtailed because they struggle with reading, rely on others to read for them, or cannot write anything more than their own name.
Starting this month, consider how your club can Serve to Change Lives through literacy: Support local organizations that offer free programs to support adult literacy or local language learning, or that provide teachers with professional development centered around reading and writing. Become literacy mentors, or work with an organization like the Global Partnership for Education to increase learning opportunities for children around the world. Have conversations with local schools and libraries to see how your club can support their existing programs or help create needed ones in your community.
In India, the TEACH program, a successful collaboration between the country’s Rotary clubs and its government, has demonstrated how to scale up literacy efforts to reach millions of children. And at a time when schools across India were closed due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the program’s e-learning component reached more than 100 million children through national television.
Literacy is the first step out of poverty. As Nobel laureate Malala Yousafzai has noted, “One child, one teacher, one book, and one pen can change the world.”
The Faribault Rotary club has inducted Kay Hoaglin as a new member. Kay recently moved to Faribault to be near her daughter Rebekah Freed. Rebekah is her sponsor and another mother-daughter duo become Rotary members. Pictured with Kay (center) is membership chair Keith Kramer and her daughter Rebekah. Jessica Amundson is her mentor.
Bethlehem Academy president and principal Melinda Reeder was recently sponsored by Dr. Dick Huston to become the newest member of the Faribault Rotary Club. Melinda brings a history of service and strongly believes in the Rotary motto of SERVICE ABOVE SELF. Amy Amundson is her mentor. Pictured with Melinda is membership chair Keith Kramer (left) and Dr. Dick Huston
The Annual Faribault Rotary Club Picnic 2021 was well attended with 60 members and guests at Alexander Park last Wednesday. There was great food provided by Joe's and a big thank you to Laura, Sara, Grant, and Todd along with anyone else who helped to make this a fun evening.
The honorable Brenda DeMars has proposed Shannon Cliff, Operations Administrator for Mayo Clinic- Faribault, for membership in the Faribault Rotary Club. If you have any questions or concerns please contact membership chair Keith Kramer.
The honorable Hanan Mohamud has proposed Angie Ramirez, FMS Rise Coordinator from the Healthy Community Initiative, for membership in the Faribault Rotary Club. If you have any questions or concerns please contact membership chair Keith Kramer.
The Faribault Rotary Club volunteers and several extra helpers made section of County Road 38 near the Rotary Camp by Cedar Lake much cleaner last Saturday morning!
Click here to watch our fellow Rotarian Edel Fernandez discuss the importance of higher education in today's Strive session: https://youtu.be/3drFBF2uhQ8
Watch for details soon regarding our October session! As always, please let me know if you would like to learn more about STRIVE or get involved!
The Faribault Rotary Club's annual picnic, a tradition that goes back to our founding in 1920, will be held at Alexander Park on Wednesday Sept. 8th at 5:00 pmwith a food truck and beverages provided at Shelter #1. All Rotarians will be charged $15 for the meal except for those on the meal plan. There will be a juggler and magician for entertainment! Everyone is encouraged to bring lawn chairs.
The honorable Dr. Dick Huston has proposed Melinda Reeder, President of Bethlehem Academy, for membership in the Faribault Rotary Club. If you have any questions or concerns please contact membership chair Keith Kramer.
The honorable Rebekah Freed has proposed Kay Hoaglin for membership in the Faribault Rotary Club. If you have any questions or concerns please contact membership chair Keith Kramer.
A reminder to all those who signed up to clean up the Rotary camp tonight at 5 pm. It is not too late for anyone who didn't sign but still wants to volunteer. Just respond to this email and Dave Beranek will be in touch with you.
On September 1, the Faribault Rotary Club was pleased to welcome Ms. Michelle Redman of Big Brothers Big Sisters of Southern Minnesota. Ms. Redman has been with the southern Minnesota Big Brothers Big Sisters, which covers Rice, Steele, Dodge and Waseca Counties, for 13 years. She has served as the Executive Director for the organization for the past 6 years.
Ms. Redman stressed the positive impact a positive adult role model can have in the lives of the children (i.e., littles) involved in the program. She noted that nearly all the “littles” see their academics improve and show increased self-confidence. Almost 93% of the participants comment on improved relationships with family and peers of having an adult role model.
Within her region, Ms. Redman said 67% of the children in the program qualify for free or reduced lunch. Fifty-five percent come from non-traditional households. Twenty-two percent have parents that are either incarcerated or somehow involved with law enforcement (e.g., on parole).
Ms. Redman highlighted anyone can be a volunteer (i.e., a big). Prospective volunteers all need to go through background checks and an interview process. Her organization takes time and works hard to match the volunteers with “littles” that they would most be compatible.
With the spread of the pandemic in spring of 2020, the Big Brother Big Sister program initiated a new virtual program called AVID. AVID is entirely online and has volunteers talk with students for a half hour about their individual career/life path. For Faribault, 46 students have signed up for the program for this fall so she is looking for volunteers to engage the students and talk to them about the lessons the volunteers have learned about life and careers. The AVID program is starting up again in the Faribault school district in late October.
Ms. Redman also spoke about the Traditional School Site program in which volunteers meet their “littles” during school lunchtime, stressing the value of having this face-to-face interaction. She also commented that the traditional community programs are still going on despite the challenges of the pandemic. Volunteers for these programs would need to commit for one year.
Ms. Redman thanked the Club for inviting her to speak, highlighting her past service as a Rotarian and commenting on all the good work the Club is doing in the Faribault community.
Local Dairy Queen owner and regional director for Jobs HQ Jen Strand enlightened us on the current labor market and the insider’s scoop of good employer practices in the labor market today.
Jobs HQ is an online recruitment and digital advertising company owned by Forum Communications. Jobs HQ is the largest career search site across the Upper Midwest, with 35+ media websites contributing to its vast network of employment offerings, reaching more than 4.5 million visitors in Minnesota, North Dakota, South Dakota, and Wisconsin.
There is a lot of analytics that go into a campaign made by Jobs HQ Jen expressed. Although we live in this digital world, the main point to landing the perfect candidate is a concrete concept. When recruiting for new talents, Jen suggests finding positive incentives to add to any job. You need to create a buzz that allows the job listing to stand out. Your “point of difference” (POD) is a crucial strategy to consider when starting any employment campaign.
Recruiting talent is expensive, as Jen expressed retention is vital in today’s labor market. Understanding what fosters a positive experience for your employees is critical. Look back to the creative incentives you are recruiting with; do they create good retention? Jen mentioned it is essential to talk to employees at all levels to understand what is important to them to help foster excellent retention. During the presentation, Jen served DQ Dilly Bars. This treat was a great and tasty strategy to boost listener retention by Mrs. Strand.
The changes are below were approved by the club for the Rotary Youth Services, Inc Bylaws. This brings them into compliance with Minnesota Stat Gambling laws for non profit organizations.
Article 1
Section 1: Name was changed to Faribault Rotary Youth Services, Inc.
Section 2: Purpose was added to acknowledge role in Faribault community and tax status of organization
Article 2
Section 2: Language added on monthly membership meetings
Section 5: Removed notice of meetings by mail and added email and ClubRunner communication to acceptable forms of notice
Section 6: Adjusted the language of a quorum to reflect only the members present at the meeting rather than a majority
Article 3
Section 8: Added language on digital meetings and voting to be permitted
The Faribault Rotary Club's annual picnic, a tradition that goes back to our founding in 1920 will have a new venue this year due to possibility of Covid-19 pandemic restrictions that may affect our gathering. The picnic is planned to be held at Alexander Park on Wednesday Sept. 8th at 5:00 pmwith a food truck and beverages served at Shelter #1. There is a huge kids play area close by and everyone is encouraged to bring lawn chairs.
George Wickstrom has offered to provide either a Magician to entertain the kids or a 3- piece musical act for adults.
We need to know the number of members and guests and kids planning to attend as soon as possible to plan the entertainment. To RSVP, please respond to this email and let us know if you are planning to attend and how many guests would be with you.
Also , please respond if you will not be coming as well.
On August 18, new Faribault Rotary Club member, Ms. Jessica Amundson, provided the club with her Classification speech. Jessica spoke about her background highlighting that she was born in New Prague and graduated from New Prague High School. She is currently attending Minnesota State University in Mankato majoring in Business Administration. She also works at Reliance Bank. Her hobbies include anything that involves the great outdoors such as archery, camping, hiking, fishing, and her dogs.
Jessica credited her parents for instilling in her a love of service. She especially highlighted her mother and fellow Rotarian Amy Amundson. She spoke about the deep impact personal tragedies in her family have had on her and how they created an awareness and calling for service to others. She also highlighted her strong Christian Faith and the importance of mental health.
Jessica has volunteered for a number of different service groups over the years to include “Feed my Starving Children” and “Basic Blessings”. She also has participated in Christian mission trips. She and her mother are looking forward to the “Survivor Rally” describing it as a high-speed scavenger hunt.
Club members appreciated hearing the heart felt Classification speech and working with Jessica as she continues to put service over self as a Faribault Rotary Club member.
The Faribault Rotary Club has inducted Katy Anderegg as a new member. Katy is a naturalist and administrative coordinator at the Riverbend Nature Center. She has a history of volunteering so she fits right in with Rotary's motto of Service Above Self. Pictured with Katy is Keith Kramer (left) membership chair and Dr. Dick Huston her sponsor.
John Harper from South Central College had a conversation with the club about Equity and Inclusion.
“Is it the Truth? Is it Fair to All Concerned? Will it bring Goodwill and Better Friendships? Will it be Beneficial to all concerned?” The Four-Way test looks equitable, although as Mr. Harper explained, “truth” comes down to perception. Each person in a situation or even the same position can have a different “truth” they understand. Mr. Harper expressed that Equity isn’t about sameness, rather fairness. Inclusion shouldn’t be a company goal, yet an opportunity for more perspectives and prosperity together.
As the Director of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion at South Central College, John Harper works to make the student experience prosper in fairness. To educate and open up conversations. John also provides workshops for groups in the field of Equity and Inclusion.
This week John Harper had a conversation with our club about Equity and Inclusion. The conversation is how we get to a more equitable place. In all fairness, we talk to each other about our perspectives and listen to the other’s perspectives around us to bridge our sameness.
It is the time of year that we need to select our 2021 Rotarian of the Year. The nomination form has been sent to all Rotarians in a separate email and is available on our website and at our weekly meetings. Nominations are due back to me in person or at (kymnanderson@gmail.com) by September 24, 2021.
The Rotarian of the Year Award provides the Faribault Rotary Club with an opportunity to publicly recognize one of its members who exemplifies the ideals of the Rotary Four-Way Test, exhibits a true spirit of volunteerism, demonstrates community leadership through participation in Rotary committees, programs, and activities.
The Rotarian of the Year Award will be based on one or all of the following criteria:
> The nominee has provided outstanding contributions to one or more Rotary activities. > The nominee has demonstrated leadership to the club in general, or within one or more Rotary programs. > The nominee displays the ideals of Rotary in service to the greater community. > Holding an office or serving on the Board of Directors neither prohibits nor promotes a member for nomination.
The selection committee consists of: Kymn Anderson, chair
Dick Huston
George Wickstrom
Jake Cook
Eric Craig Todd Sesker, President.
PAST FARIBAULT ROTARIAN OF THE YEAR AWARDS YEAR
2008 Gary Peterson 2009 David Beranek 2010 Richard Cook 2011 Angela Storch 2012 Lisa Humfeld-Wilson 2013 Richard Ormsby 2014 Brent Peroutka 2015 Murray Hanson
Sarah gave her classification talk recently. I asked her six follow up questions to help summarize her presentation for those of us who were present and for our club members who missed the meeting. If you have not had a chance to welcome her to our club, please do so.
Your Family members, occupations (including you) or school level?”
Sarah, Office Manager for Rojas All Pros Companies
Jose, Owner of Rojas All Pros Companies
Donovan, 9th grade
Maddy, 8th grade
D'Angelo, 7th Grade
Ben, 6th grade
Alexa, 4th grade
Sam, 4th grade
Your Hometown/School/College (no real "hometown" b/c we moved a lot)
Graduated high school from North High, Sioux City
Normandale Community College and University of MN Twin Cities
Your Previous occupations?
Outreach and Marketing
Customer Service
Any Hobbies?
Cooking, baking, reading, spending time with family
Rotary sponsor? Lisa Humfeld Wilson
Interesting fact about you or your life?
Apple Pay has been around for a few years. I finally figured out how to use it last week!
On August 4, the Faribault Public Schools’ (FPS) Science Technology Engineering Art Math (STEAM) Summer program personnel provided the Faribault Rotary Club with a briefing about STEAM’s ongoing programs. Rotarian and FPS Community Education Director Anne Marie Leland led the briefing with several program assistants and interns explaining STEAM.
Running Monday through Thursday from 7 AM to 3 PM, STEAM is designed to improve student participants reading and writing skills and then encourages them to develop a culture of team work. Through 12 different camps with distinct themes, hands on learning is used as students do new projects each week. The program helps participants get to know one another and has the added benefit of teachers meeting students that they may not yet have had a chance to have in their classroom.
Joe Timmer, FPS Band Teacher and Administrative Intern in the STEAM summer program, noted STEAM is focusing on family engagement of the students. STEAM is encouraging this by running a nature week program followed by a workshop on storytelling and then a student showcase. For this summer, STEAM has launched a new newsletter featuring the students, including a student of the week and upcoming community events.
STEAM involves about 600 students and utilizes approximately 110 staff members. Staff members are FPS teachers and administrators. STEAM encourages college education majors to apply for internships and program assistant jobs within STEAM to help with the programs.
The new "Rotary Community Garden" sign was on display at our meeting last week. Thank you Dick Huston and thank you Edel for the assist!
The Sign is now installed!
On Saturday Sam and several Cambodian gardeners helped Dick put up the Rotary sign. Hanan and Juanita are administering the contracts and overseeing the garden and suggested their telephone numbers also be on the sign. Faribault Rotary Club's public image just got enhanced!!!!!!!!
The honorable Dr. Dick Huston has proposed Katy Anderegg, Naturalist at the River Bend Nature Center, for membership in the Faribault Rotary Club. If you have any questions or concerns please contact membership chair Keith Kramer.
Can you tell me when and where this historic local building was built? The first to answer gets a one day " Get out of fleecing card" the next time I have fellowship?"
The Northfield Rotary Club has invited our club to join their Zoom meetings any Thursday. President Vicki Dilley sent the following link for everyone to use. The meetings open at 11.45, but actually start at 12.10, but you can be in a breakout room before that. Welcome anytime!
Meeting ID: 836 2096 1395 Passcode: 164383 One tap mobile +16465588656,,83620961395#,,,,*164383# US (New York) +13017158592,,83620961395#,,,,*164383# US (Washington DC)
Dial by your location +1 646 558 8656 US (New York) +1 301 715 8592 US (Washington DC) +1 312 626 6799 US (Chicago) +1 669 900 9128 US (San Jose) +1 253 215 8782 US (Tacoma) +1 346 248 7799 US (Houston) Meeting ID: 836 2096 1395 Passcode: 164383
Rebekah gave her classification talk recently. She is the only member of this club to ever sing a rap at her classification talk. I asked her seven follow up questions to help summarize her presentation for those of us who were present and for our club members who missed the meeting. If you have not had a chance to welcome her to our club, please do so.
Your Family members, occupations (including you) or school level?”
Jacob Kohl was born in Faribault as the oldest of two siblings. Throughout his youth he was active in school and sports at Bethlehem Academy, Jacob was the Vice President of the student council and was on the Basketball, Soccer, Track, and kicker on the football team. Jacob went to Gustavus and majored in sports medicine. While at Gustavus he continued volunteering with child mentoring programs and providing first aid at the special Olympics.
Graduating from Gustavus in 2016, Jacob decided to continue the family practice and his degree in Mortuary Science from the University of Minnesota in 2017. Jacob moved back to his hometown area with his wife Bailey (married 2019) and dog, Marge. In Jacob and Bailey’s free time they enjoy golfing, traveling to vineyards and breweries. Fun final fact: Jacob can juggle.
On Saturday July 24th, Sam and Dick partnered with Suki at the Buddhist Temple to raise awareness and funds for the Cambodian water purification and garden project. As many may remember Suki spoke at Rotary and is donating a portion of every scarf sale. In addition to her help we raised nearly $1000.00 in donations from the Cambodian community. A day well spent informing folks what we are doing for their country of origin. They were so appreciative.
We proudly displayed the Faribault Rotary Banner!!!!!!!
In addition Dick talked to two Cambodians who lived in Faribault and expressed an interest in knowing more about Rotary. He will set up a breakfast or lunch with them soon.
On July 21 2021, the Faribault Rotary Club was pleased to welcome back Ms. Sarah Rojas as a Rotarian. Sarah rejoined the Club and provided members with her classification speech. She described her reasons for renewing her membership in the club, highlighting the Club’s efforts to give back to the community, the positive vibe the Rotary Club brings forth, service above self, and her enjoyment of the regular lunch time meetings with adults.
She proudly showed photographs of her daughter, Alexa, being named a 2021 Rice County Ambassador and jokingly described her family which is made up of 8 humans and 2 dogs. Her husband Jose and the rest of the family have made Faribault their home for the past 5 years.
The Rojas family operates 4 businesses, which keeps them all very busy. Despite their extremely active professional life, Sarah stressed that she and her husband are striving to be the best parents and community members that they can be.
Rotary members were glad to welcome Sarah back to the Club and enjoyed her classification speech.
The Faribault Rotary Club has inducted Edel Fernandez into membership. As Director of Admissions to South Central College Mr. Fernandez plays a huge role in the betterment of out entire community and we will be well served as he has exhibited the Rotary motto of Service Above Self in all that he does. Pictured with Mr. Hernandez, center, is Keith Kramer, membership chair on the left and his sponsor Dr. Dick Huston. David Connelly is his mentor.
I wish each of you and your families a great Rotary New Year! Together, let us make it the best year of our lives, by making it a year to grow more and do more. Let this be a year of changemakers, and let us begin with our membership.
That is precisely why the Each One, Bring One initiative is so important. During this year, I urge you to dream of new ways in which Rotary can expand its reach into your community and therefore the world. If each member introduces one person to Rotary, our membership can increase to 1.3 million by July 2022. So, let’s just do it!
Imagine the change we, as Rotary members, can make when there are so many more of us! More people to care for others, more people to Serve to Change Lives. Think of the impact we can have through grow more, do more. More members will enable us to embark on bigger and bolder service projects. And each of us can also continue to serve in our own personal ways, responding to needs in our communities.
The beauty of Rotary is that service means different things to different people around the world. One element, however, that we can incorporate into all of our service initiatives is empowering girls. Unfortunately, even in this day and age, girls and young women face disproportionate challenges all over the world. We have the power to lead the charge for gender equality. Empowering girls and young women to have greater access to education, better health care, more employment, and equality in all walks of life should be embedded in every Rotary project we launch. Girls are future leaders, so we must ensure that we help them shape their future.
The biggest gift we are given Is the power to touch a life,
To change, to make a difference In the circle of life.
If we can reach out With our hand, heart, and soul,
The magic will start to happen As the wheel begins to roll.
Let’s turn the wheel together So all humanity thrives,
We have the power and the magic To Serve to Change Lives.
These are challenging times, and I compliment each of your efforts in grappling with COVID-19. No challenge is too big for Rotarians. The bigger the challenge, the more passionate the Rotarian. Look at what we can do when we take on a colossal challenge such as eradicating polio. Look at the millions of lives we improve by strengthening access to water, sanitation, and hygiene. Look at what we do every year to promote peace in places where it seems unimaginable. Our basic education and literacy programs have nation-building impact.
This year, let us challenge ourselves to do more such projects and programs that have national reach and impact. This year, let us Serve to Change Lives.
We are down to selling the last 10 tickets as of noon Tuesday. The goal is to sell all 900 tickets by the time we do the drawing tomorrow at our noon meeting. Thank you to everyone for another great club fundraiser for Youth Services!
Fellow Rotarian Bill Tobin presented on July 14th the disaster relief non-profit ShelterBox, and It was founded by the Rotary Club of Helston-Lizard of Cornwall, England. ShelterBox is an independent non-profit outside of Rotary. Yet is the official disaster relief partnership of the Rotary Foundation.
ShelterBox aims to supply victims of natural disasters and refugees of war-struck areas with the necessary materials to provide shelter and safety. From tents or tarps, wash buckets, to pots and pans, ShelterBox delivers an inventory of over 100 different items in their stock, which is customized for each disaster relief effort.
Due to their global network of distribution and generous donations, ShelterBox has provided service to over 2 million people worldwide. Human displacement is on the rise. It is estimated that 113 million people were displaced due to natural disasters or military conflict.
Last Saturday I visited Kurt Halvorson and had the opportunity to drive his 1977 Cadillac Ambulance that used to be in service in his mother's hometown of Tracy MN.. Such a smooth ride through Owatonna. Kurt will present a program this September on the history of ambulances and will have this ambulance at the Inn at Shattuck. (Fortunately we did not have to head for Faribault with lights flashing and sirens blaring to provide emergency assistance to the Rotarian Kubota driver.)
Rotarian Kabota has pulled logs after the tornado at the camp and another time there trimmed paths with her brush hog. Rotarian Kabota has pulled logs from Crockers Creek on four separate occasions, pulled a float in a parade and twice went to the Community Garden - once to disk and once to spray weeds. Rotarian Kabota knows SERVICE BEFORE SELF.
Kymn Anderson has sponsored Suzy Rook as a new member of the Faribault Rotary Club. Suzy is editor of the Faribault Daily News and brings a breadth of community knowledge and service to the Rotary motto of Service Above Self. Pictured with Suzy (center) is Kymn and membership chair Keith Kramer. Dr. Dick Huston is her mentor.
Congratulations on another successful Rotary Blood Drive! The American Red Cross was able to collect 59 units of blood – our best drive to date!!
Special thanks to Rotary volunteers who make it all happen – Troy Dunn, Steve Bock, Gail Kaderlik, Lisa Humfeld Wilson, Mark Kenney, Sam Kenney, Greg Ciesluk, & Mary Ellen Bondhus. Sincere thanks to you all – GOOOOO TEAM!
The honorable tie challenged Dick Huston proposes Edel Hernandez, Director of Admissions for South Central College, for membership in the Faribault Rotary Club. If you have any questions or concerns please contact membership chair Keith Kramer.
The Faribault Rotary Club was proud to partner with volunteers from River Valley Church on Saturday, July 10th to continue efforts in cleaning up the creek. Dr. Dick Huston has championed this project for many years and was very happy to have help on this day.
The creek section being worked on runs on the east side of the A&W restaurant to the west side of Burger King. The land was overgrown with buckthorn and vegetation, which was overtaking the natural prairie landscape.
The group could not have chosen a better day to work outside, as the temperature was cool and there were very few bugs out. A large section of the creek was able to be cleared and Rotarian Rod Mahler ended up buying burgers and root beer for 24 volunteers!
Rotary would like to thank Pastor Mark Kenney for his leadership in making this project part of the church’s annual Serve Day!
Community gardens are more than a place to grow vegetables and herbs. They're a place to gather and grow relationships.
That's just what the Faribault Rotary Club Diversity Committee set out to do a month ago — create a community garden to encourage community members from various ethnic groups to work together and build friendships. The garden is now established at the corner of Willow and 17th St. SW.
A community garden is established on the corner of Willow and 17th St. SW in Faribault. The idea was implemented by the Faribault Rotary Club Diversity Committee, along with the collaboration of old and young, farmers and business people, government, multiple ethnic groups and more. (Michelle Vlasak/southernminn.com)
Together, FRC diversity committee members Sam Ouk, Hanan Mohamud, Cindy Yerington, Brian Coleman, Heidi Nelson, Juanita Picazo, David Sauer, Dick Huston and Natalie Ginter, jumped through multiple hurdles to accomplish their goal of establishing the garden.
Currently there are 12 to 15 gardeners growing vegetables. Though the Faribault Rotary Club Diversity Committee is still searching for area residents to use the remaining space, Ouk said they achieved their initial goal of getting people actively involved and getting the word out about the garden plot availability. Ouk said those who currently have plots are grateful to have a place to create a healthy lifestyle.
"Gardening adds so much in terms of having a fun hobby, it's so great," said Ouk.
The first step in the process was to find a place to house the gardens. Huston reached out to Rice County Commissioner Jim Purfeerst, and Rick Cashin, who owns property in the city. Purfeerst said he would check things out at the next commissioner's meeting. In the meantime, Cashin, well aware of the opportunities in the area, suggested a site, which is where community garden currently now sits.
Also volunteering his assistance, Cashin suggested Huston call Faribault Parks and Recreation Department Director Paul Peanasky. Hustin recalled Peanasky being very supportive of the project and took the idea to the Faribault City Council. Peanasky connected with Huston after the council meeting to let him know the council OK'd the garden.
Huston said the committee, which was formed within the last 10 months, soon partnered with the Faribault Diversity Coalition. In an effort to expand the Rotary's efforts in increasing its diversity in its membership, Huston said it was natural to partner with the Diversity Coalition. For the community garden project, Huston said the Diversity Coalition helped out financially, as they required some supplies like rope, stakes and one of the water tanks, along with helping get the word out to gardeners in the area.
Rotarian Laura Bock suggested her father, Ben Froman, and former dairy client of Huston, may be able to take care of the plowing and discing of the garden. A few days later, Huston said he disced it again and sprayed it for weeds.
While the preparations for the garden were taking place, Ouk was communicating with his friend, Kim Sin, of Rochester, who helped establish a successful community garden in Olmsted County in 2019. Sin provided valuable startup tips and a template for a contract explaining gardeners' responsibilities.
Ouk finds gardening a good way to bring people together, especially since it takes place in every culture and is a common language everyone speaks.
"There's so much you can learn about people, not only about people's backgrounds, but also the gardening skills people bring over in terms from their particular cultural background," said Ouk.
The Faribault Rotary Club Diversity Committee set out to create a community garden to encourage various ethnic groups to work together and build friendships. Rotarian Sam Ouk, right, received helpful tips and a template for a contract explaining gardener's responsibility from his friend Kim Sin, of Rochester. (Photo courtesy of Faribault Rotary Club)
Mohamud and Picazo, of the RISE room at Faribault High School, developed a recruitment flyer and spread the word that gardeners from every communities were encouraged to participate. Mohamud and Picazo, co-chairs of the Diversity Committee, are also coordinators of the RISE program, which provides individualized support to students in need at FHS.
Nora Schultz, Mohamud, Picazo and other committee members then pounded posts and strung rope around the area to make 26 accessible gardens.
The last hurdle for those involved to jump through was access to water. Due to staffing shortages, the city and Fire Department were off the table, and community advocate Chuck Budde contacted Met-Con, but it lacked the necessary tank. Huston reached out to Purfeerst, and without hesitation Purfeerst agreed to fill up the tank donated by Leon Gregor of AgPro. Now, 800 gallons of water are available, which Huston says is necessary for successful gardening.
On July 7, 2021, the Faribault Rotary Club was pleased to hear Ms. Rebekah Freed’s inspired classification talk. Ms Freed gave an impassioned speech talking from the heart about her life of purpose and what inspires her. She opened the speech by performing the “Rotary Rap”, which she had written. Ms. Freed also highlighted how “Alice in Wonderland” by Lewis Carroll has provided guidance and inspiration in her life.
Ms. Freed emphasized her Christian faith and her relationship with God and Jesus Christ. She enjoys music and is active in youth ministry. She is committed to having a servant’s heart and, as such, is active in Earth Day, Habitat for Humanity, and is a licensed Foster Care provider. Professionally, she is Daikin’s Senior Environmental Health and Safety Engineer and has a Master's degree in Occupational Safety Management.
Ms. Freed gave lunch attendees each a gift bag. In the bag, she gave everyone a ruler, a pencil, mint lifesavers (on the tables), small inspirational cards, and a bookmark. She explained the ruler symbolizes being centered in your life, while the pencil was like a person in that everyone has potential. The mint lifesavers are meant to be a lifeline as the aroma of the mint spreads everywhere and is a breath of fresh air to everyone. The bookmark symbolized the importance of reading and gaining knowledge in order to grow.
Club members warmly welcomed Ms. Freed’s personal and inspirational speech. She received a warm standing ovation at the conclusion of her classification talk.
The Cash Raffle 2021 is underway with the distribution of tickets to club members. The proceeds from this fundraiser help to financially support the STRIVE and music scholarships and other youth programs sponsored by our club. Last year we sold all 900 tickets and with a solid concentrated effort over the next 2 weeks we can do it again.
Thank you for your help in continuing the Faribault Rotary Club's mission to serve, promote and encourage the youth in our community.
WOW what a year it has been, I cannot believe it went so fast.
My speech a year ago had a paragraph in it that went like this:
The team work that goes into getting things done and how that is shown in this Club is amazing. Other organizations that I have belonged to, I have seen many walk away when their leadership year is done, feeling they have done their share, now it’s up to someone else. Not in this Rotary Club. Our group is full of members that live and breathe Rotary and do not hesitate to give service above self. The longevity of some of our members and especially our Rotary Board that is always willing to step up and help fellow Rotarians is why this club succeeds. Please don’t stop now, I need much help this year. We all will achieve much more than we ever thought with actions and involvement of working together to get things done. I believe we did just that and the support that I received was more than I could even have imagined.
We survived through a Pandemic of Covid 19- through many months of zoom meetings and finally were able to bring our meetings with great fellowship back together to in person meetings.
Though it was a strange and unpredictable year- our group as a team we were able to still accomplish so much.
We have hosted many Red Cross Blood Drives and deliver many meals on wheels.
The Strive Program was a huge success even done via zoom.
We started helping with Food Packing for the Faribault Community Action Council – If you didn’t get to do this, you will definitely want to take your turn with upcoming events. What a great night of fun with Rotarians and sometimes some of their families.
We had great success with our cash raffle and rose sales- Knocked it out of the park I would say even again though times were strange. That’s only because so many took the initiative to make it happen.
Clean up at Crockers Creek- a lot of work, yet a lot of fun to get together with others and make it happen for the community. It looks amazing.
Thank you to Brenda - what a year with the challenges you faced. I don’t know if there has ever been a year like this. Congratulations on not only making it through this year, but also leading our rotary club successfully and setting me up for success.
Looking forward to a great year
Reasons why I joined rotary
My father was a long time Rotarian
His best friend growing up had polio
Connections to great people doing some pretty great things for our community
Wonderful fellowship each week
It is nice to be part of a group that is so dedicated to rotary and its mission
I look forward to the speakers we have each week. I learn something new with each person that presents. I am looking forward to the speakers that Heidi and Gail will be scheduling this year
I look forward to making sure I keep the rotary 4-way test in place as we continue down this successful path
Goals to look forward to accomplishing - along with all of the current great things that everyone here is doing
A. Increasing our membership by a net 5 people this year
B Successful international project (Cambodia project)
C. Keeping our focus on eliminating polio completely
D. Successfully Increase in our youth services revenue
E. Increasing the foundation donations by $1000
Conclusion
This is a great club and I am really looking forward to serving you in this capacity.
I am honored that I have been selected as the next Faribault Rotary Club president.
The honorable Kymn Anderson proposes Suzy Rook, Editor of the Faribault Daily News, for membership in the Faribault Rotary Club. If you have any questions or concerns please contact membership chair Keith Kramer.
The Faribault Rotary Club inducts new member Sara Rojas and honorary member Dr. Roy Anderson. Pictured from left, membership chair Keith Kramer, Rojas, Anderson and president Brenda DeMars. Rojas is a very active returning member whose employment situation caused a pause in her membership for a period of time. She was enthusiastically welcomed back. Anderson joined as an honorary member. Anderson had been a committed member for many years serving as president along with multiple endeavors providing serving Faribault and the world with his expertise as an eye Doctor. DeMars is just completing one of the most dynamic years of Faribault Rotary.
Friday July 9th Rotary Blood Drive held at Fourth Avenue United Methodist, in the fellowship hall.
10:00 am to 4:00 pm.
There are a dozen donor spots left to fill. To register to donate visit the Red Cross website. You can find our drive at the top of the list after you put in 55021 for a zip code
About a month ago the Faribault Rotary Club Diversity Committee agreed a community garden was a project worth doing to encourage the various ethnic groups to work together and build friendships. Our committee included Sam Ouk, Hanan Mohamud, Cindy Yerington, Brian Coleman, Heidi Nelson, Juanita Picazo, David Sauer and Dr. Dick Huston. That meeting was on a Wednesday.
There were multiple hurdles. The first was where to locate gardens. The following Saturday Dick contacted Jim Purfeerst and Rick Cashin. Jim, a county commissioner said he would check things out at the next meeting on Tuesday. Rick who owns property in the city is well aware of opportunities in the area called me on Sunday and suggested the site where we now have gardens at the corner of Willow and 17th Street SW.
He said he would help and that I should call Paul Peanasky Director of City of Faribault Parks and Recreation Department. On Monday Dick talked to Paul. He was very supportive of the project and took it the City Council on Tuesday night. He sent Dick an email about ten that evening with the good news the council had okayed the garden.
Soon we partnered with the Faribault Diversity Coalition. Next came the tillage. Rotarian Laura Bock suggested her father may be able to plow and disk it. Her father, Ben Froman and a former dairy client of Dick agreed to do it. A few days later Dick disked it again and sprayed it for weeds.
While all this preparation was taking place Sam was communicating with his friend, Kim Sin in Rochester who had helped establish a very successful community garden there in 2019. Kim provided valuable start up tips and a template for a contract relative to gardeners responsibility. Hanan and Juanita of the RISE room at senior high developed a recruitment flyer and started spreading the word that we were looking for gardeners from all communities. The next effort was staking out the gardens. Nora Schultz, Juanita, Hanan and students from the RISE room along with other committee members pounded posts and strung rope to make twenty six accessible gardens.
The last of the issues was where do we get water. We checked with city and fire department but they had staff shortages. Community advocate Chuck Budde contacted Met Con but they lacked the necessary tank. Dick contacted Jim Purfeerst and without hesitation he said yes to fill a tank donated to us Leon Gregor of AgPro. We now have 800 gallons of water so necessary successful gardening.
We have 12 - 15 of the gardeners growing vegetables and are looking for people to use the remaining spaces.
Partnerships with Rotarians and non-Rotarians alike came together to make an idea a reality. No who was asked refused. It was a collaboration of old and young, farmers and business people, government, multiple ethnic groups and others.
Service above self-means we leave our egos at the door and do what is best for the people we are serving. The True Rotarian is a person whose activities are a result of his/her personal goodwill and a sense that the world will be a better place because of his/her work and effort in Rotary.
Today we are honoring Rod Mahler who has been a member of the Faribault Rotary Club for 63 of the 101 years our club has existed.
The early founders of our club established a tradition of record keeping that has now been passed on to me in the form of 8 boxes of records dating back to the first days of our club. My research into Rod’s membership in our club has revealed a lifetime of service not only to Rotary but also to this community.
Rod attended Garfield and Washington Grade Schools and during this time he started his business as a trapper and a paperboy. In junior high he was 7th grade class president and was active in Sunday school, summer Bible camps, musical training, and choir. He even sang in the Rotary Christmas concert in the late 1940’s.
He was in the “F” Club, Dramatics Club, and student council. As a senior, he received the Faribault Senior High Service Award. In college, Rod was vice president of his freshman and senior class.
After college, he served a tour in the Army before returning to Faribault and joining his father in the hardware business. At that time, he was active in the State Hardware Association.
In his early 20’s he married Jean and they had three kids, David, Heidi, and Gayle, which led to 9 grandkids and 10 great grandkids. Jean was the love of his life and they had 59 ½ years together before she passed away in 2014. (Slide 4)
Pete Beck, Sales Manager at NSP sponsored Rod for membership in the Faribault Rotary Club on March 5, 1958, at the age of 24. His classification was Hardware Sales. He has been a member of the Elk’s, the Country Club and found time to serve in the Chamber of Commerce, the Industrial Corp, the United Fund, and his Church. He was a Gold Key Award winner. This is just a partial list of his accomplishments before he was even 36 years old.
In 1969, the Minnesota Jaycees named him as one of Minnesota’s 10 Outstanding Young Men. (In middle to right of guy in white tux)
Over the next 50 years, he has continued with “Service above Self” in this community and our club including a Rotary Merit Award.
In his first year of Rotary in 1958, he missed 2 weeks in August with the mumps and then had 10 years of perfect attendance. I estimate that he has attended over 2900 meetings with over 90% attendance and over 3500 total Rotary events of which he would be happy to discuss any one of them with you.
As I have shared with you the 100-year history of our club over the last several years, I have further discovered Rod’s significant role in our club.
Rod has connections all the way back to the first year of our club when the original 35 first year members joined during 1920-21. Nuba Pletcher and Dr. Donald Chathum who became members that first year were still members for 5-7 years after Rod joined in 1958. Just recently, I asked David Sauer to interview Rod to chronicle his stories and memories of many of our past presidents and other significant events in our club history. The following are a few highlights of his membership in the Faribault Rotary Club.
In the early 1960’s the Rotary Camp was a controversial decision within the Faribault Rotary club. Prior to supporting the camp, the club was mostly a knife and fork club, which meant having lunch and a program. There was no consistent service component to the club. Layton Hoysler and Arnold Madow were important club members in securing club support for the camp.
Rod played an important role as the club decided to focus more on the youth of Faribault with the dedication of the camp. This focus on service to the community then began to grow and bring us to where we are today 60 years later celebrating our 100th anniversary.
In our club’s 50- year anniversary year in 1970, He and Jean were hosts to Rotary exchange student from Bolivia.
He donated a brand-new American flag in 1971 and then replaced it in 2017.
--He was our club’s 53rd president in 1972-73.
He once presented a program on his “Big Game Hunting” expedition in Alaska complete with slides and movies of trophy bags of brown bear, moose, and caribou.
-In 1979 Rod was on WCCO TV on Tuesday July 17 doing an energy conservation interview and the following Wednesday morning on national TV and then on the CBS evening news with Walter Cronkite.
-He has played a key role in choosing the next 51 presidents that followed him.
Rod eventually left the hardware business moving to another vocation of service to the community- Real Estate. He and Jean took great pride in helping families find their dream home. He was even known to stand in for Santa Claus when needed.
When I joined 28 years ago, Rod was one of the first Rotarians to fleece me during fellowship, just to be sure that I felt welcome. He has always been welcoming and encouraging to new members over the years and is a true example of what it means to be a Rotarian.
He has served this club and Faribault continuously during his 63-years sponsoring dozens of new members, participating and leading many club activities, and keeping us updated on sports with the U of M and Notre Dame.
Just 3 years ago we honored Rod for 60 years of service and we will continue to do so at 64-65-66-67-and on.
Rod’s life is reflected in the 4-Way test we not only recite every week as Rotarians but demonstrate to others through our actions and treatment of others.
Is it the truth?
Is it fair to all concerned?
Will it build goodwill and better friendships?
Will it be beneficial to all concerned?
By honoring these ideals in his personal and professional life he has set the bar high in this club and demonstrated what it is to be a true Rotarian.
Rod has discovered that the best way to find yourself is to lose yourself in the service of others.
He has felt privileged to be a member of this club as it has given him the opportunity to meet fantastic people and make a difference in our community.
Rod, today this club honors you for your service above self to Rotary, our community, and our nation. You have our highest respect and our deepest congratulations.
On behalf of the Rotarian of the Year Committee and the Faribault Rotary Club, we present you with our first Lifetime Achievement Award.
Faribault Rotary celebrates Mahler's Lifetime Achievement in its 101st year
Rod Mahler received the Lifetime Achievement Award during the Faribault Rotary Club’s 100th anniversary celebration Wednesday at The Inn at Shattuck-St. Mary’s. Pictured, from left, Club Historian Murray Hanson, Mahler, Club President Brenda DeMars and Rotary District Governor Ed Marek. (Misty Schwab/southernminn.com)
Rod Mahler has attended approximately 2,900 Faribault Rotary Club meetings since he joined 63 years ago, making him the club’s longest serving member.
“Sixty-three years of service in a club celebrating 101 years — that is what awesome is,” Rotary District Governor Ed Marek told the Faribault Rotary Club during its meeting Wednesday.
Lifetime Achievement Award winner Rod Mahler poses for a photo with Rotary District Governor Ed Marek after Mahler received a Paul Harris Fellow Award. (Misty Schwab/southernminn.com)
Rotary Club members gathered at The Inn at Shattuck-St. Mary’s at noon Wednesday to not only recognize 100 years of Faribault Rotary but also recognize Mahler as a Lifetime Achievement Award winner.
“This is really memorable to me, and I’ll never forget it,” Mahler said after accepting his award from Club Historian Murray Hanson. “Rotarians, keep working hard. It’s a fantastic experience I’ve had in my life.”
Rod Mahler joined Faribault Rotary 63 years ago and received the Lifetime Achievement Award during the club’s 100th anniversary celebration Wednesday. (Misty Schwab/southernminn.com)
Mahler said he joined Rotary when he was 25, making him, to his knowledge, the youngest member to join the Faribault club. Now, he said, he’s one of its oldest members.
Hanson compiled his research on Mahler’s history in Rotary into a slideshow, which was presented at the meeting, and highlighted many of Mahler’s achievements and acts of service to the community, which began long before he joined Rotary.
Dr. Murray Hanson introduced Lifetime Achievement Award winner Rod Mahler during the Faribault Rotary Club’s 100th anniversary celebration Wednesday. (Misty Schwab/southernminn.com)
In his youth, Mahler worked as a trapper, and as an elementary school student, a paperboy. He held the office of seventh-grade class president, participated in summer Bible camps and drama club, and he sang in the Rotary Christmas concert in the late 1940s. Mahler received the Faribault Senior High Service Award as a high school senior.
After college, Mahler served a tour in the U.S. Army before returning to Faribault to help his father in the hardware business. Years later, Mahler switched to a career in real estate.
Mahler and his wife, Jean, were married 59½ years until her death in 2014. Together they had three children, David, Heidi and Gayle, and nine grandchildren and 10 great grandchildren.
Mahler’s Rotary membership began March 5, 1958, under the sponsorship of NSP sales manager Pete Beck. Apart from being out two weeks with the mumps back in 1958, Mahler had 10 years of perfect attendance within Faribault Rotary. He has participated in over 3,500 Rotary events, and his tenure overlapped with some of the club’s first members.
Murray said Mahler was instrumental in shaping the club’s focus on youth, supporting the local Rotary youth camp on Cedar Lake. Mahler and his family also hosted a Rotary exchange student from Bolivia during the club’s 50th year.
From 1972 to 1973, Mahler served as the Faribault Rotary Club’s 53rd president and helped choose the 51 presidents that followed.
In addition to Rotary, Mahler has belonged to the Elks and the Faribault Country Club and served on the Faribault Chamber of Commerce, all before turning 36. In 1969, the Minnesota Jaycees named him one of Minnesota’s 10 Outstanding Young Men.
As a personal highlight, Mahler appeared on WCCO, national TV and the CBS evening news with Walter Cronkite to do energy conservation interviews in 1979.
“When I joined 28 years ago, Rod was one of the first Rotarians to fleece me during fellowship, just to be sure that I felt welcome,” Hanson said. “He has always been welcoming and encouraging to new members over the years and is a true example of what it means to be a Rotarian.”
A century of service
The Faribault Rotary Club technically celebrated its 100th anniversary at noon May 1, 2020. Due to the coronavirus pandemic, the club moved the celebration to an online video platform and postponed the in-person celebration a couple of times.
Incidentally, Murray said Faribault Rotary was established during the Spanish flu that lasted from 1918 to 1920. The Faribault Club was founded as Rotary International’s 596th club with 22 charter members. The club’s charter president was Frank W. McKellip, and the 100th president was Amy Amundson, who spoke at the celebration Wednesday.
Faribault Rotary’s 100th president Amy Amundson spoke about the club’s resilience during the coronavirus pandemic and expressed her pride for belonging to the club during the 100th anniversary celebration. (Misty Schwab/southernminn.com)
Until 1987, Rotary was exclusively a men’s organization. After Rotary International allowed women to become Rotarians, Janine Sahagian became Faribault’s first woman to join the local club. She was named president in 1999.
The Faribault Rotary started various traditions in the local community such as a Christmas concert featuring the Faribault High School choir, which ran for over 80 years.
Whether through music, art, or academics, Faribault Rotary has given local students over $350,000 in scholarships. A concert to benefit youth services through Rotary started as a tradition over 55 years ago. Community projects like the development of local soccer fields, buddy benches at school playgrounds, Respect Retreats and Rotary Readers are all designed to benefit Faribault youth.
Internationally, Faribault Rotary has participated in efforts to improve farming processes in Sierra Leone, sent books to schools in Africa and inoculated children against polio in Pakistan and other countries.
Locally, Rotarians have volunteered at blood drives, rang the bells for the Salvation Army during the Christmas season, delivered Meals on Wheels and participated in beautification projects and clothing drives.
“As we look to the future, we will continue to live and promote the ideals of the ‘Four Way Test’ adopted by Rotary International in 1943,” Hanson said. “Is it the truth? Is it fair to all concerned? Will it build goodwill and better friendships? Will it be beneficial to all concerned? So, today after 100 years, the men and women of the Faribault Rotary Club will continue to honor the legacy of ‘Service Above Self’ to our community and the world for the next 100 years and beyond.”
The honorable past president Amy Amundson proposes Jessica Amundson, Loan Support Specialist at Reliance Bank, for membership in the Faribault Rotary Club. If you have any questions or concerns, please contact membership Chair, Keith Kramer.
In the last 100 years the Faribault Rotary Club has celebrated 40th, 50th, and 75th anniversaries. Today we celebrate our 100th.
The Faribault Rotary Clubwas officially charted 101 years ago at noon on May 1, 1920 as Rotary's 596th club with 22 charter members and by the end of the first-year membership had reached a total of 35.
E.B. Johnson, representing the district governor of the International Rotary Clubs, and three other members of the Minneapolis Rotary Club met with our charter members on Thursday April 29, 1920 to draw up the charter documents. The first President of the Faribault Rotary Club was Frank W. McKellip.
Meetings were held at noon on the first and third Monday of each month and on the evening of the fourth Monday. By 1927 the weekly meeting time was moved to noon on Wednesdays and remains there to this day. Over the years the club has held its meetings at Episcopal Guild House,the Elks Club, Harvey Hotel, Bluebird Inn, Hotel Faribault, Evergreen Knoll, Faribault Country Club, the Lavender Inn, Bernie’s Vintage Ballroom and now and currently at the Inn at Shattuck.
On this 100th anniversary, our club has had approximately 5000 weekly meetings with our longest serving 63-year member, Rod Mahler, attending over 2900 of those meetings. Rod was our 53rd president in 1972-73 and has connections back to the first year of our club when the original 35 first year members were added during 1920-21. Nuba Pletcher, our 4th president and Dr. Donald Chathum our 22nd president joined that first year and were still members after Rod joined in 1958.
Faribault Rotary has sponsored four other clubs: Owatonna in 1922, Northfield in 1925, Cannon Falls in 1954 and the Rotaract club at South Central College in 2019.
Youth service whether local or international has been one of our objectives over the last 100 years. Some examples include:
A picnic for 290 boys at Roberds Lake in 1924.
The Youth Camp on Cedar Lake was dedicated in 1963 and has stayed an important part of our club legacy providing service and enjoyment for youth organizations, families and other groups to this day.
The club sponsored a shelter for the street children of Santarem, Brazil which provided a place for them to meet in groups and participate in life improvement activities in 1994.
We sponsored the Rotary youth soccer fields at the Faribault Soccer Complex in 2010 and continue to provide shirts every year through the “Little Feat” program.
The Faribault Club has hosted many exchange students here and sent local students abroad to increase unity and understanding.
Rotary’s focus on youth has also resulted in programs like STRIVE, STAY, Rotary Readers, the school buddy benches, youth Respect Retreats, aquatic wheelchairs for disabled children and many more programs benefiting local youth.
Over $350,000 have been given to local students by Rotary through music, arts and academic scholarships.
The Faribault Rotary Club has been part of international programs to improve farming processes in Sierra Leone, sending books to schools in Africa, and inoculating children against polio around the world, most recently in Pakistan.
In 2016 we were instrumental in the renovation of an historic clock downtown long in disrepair, and the placement of a mural honoring that clock in downtown Faribault.
We honor the motto of “Service Above Self” by sponsoring blood drives, ringing Salvation Army Bells, delivering meals on wheels, participating in clothing drives, community beautification projects, selling roses and conducting raffles to fund youth programing.
We have established a number of traditions that are still an important part of the Faribault Rotary Club. In 1939 the Faribault High School Choir started an annual Christmas Concert. This December will be the 81st Rotary Concert.
In 1965, the Faribault Senior High Band, Choir and Orchestra performed with all proceeds used to benefit Faribault Youth Services Inc. and the Rotary Camp which continues to this day.
During Rotary luncheon programs we have had Governor’s, Senators, congressman, state and local politicians express their views. Programs over the years included topics such as:
- Does Faribault need an airport? (1941)
- A program on Direct Dialing telephones and the new Highway 35 progress. (1961)
- Over the last 10 years we have had historically informational and international adventure programs from our own Rotarians George Wickstrom and Dick Huston.
-We award multiple Paul Harris Fellows every year.
As a club we started a new tradition 5 years ago of honoring past presidents who are no longer members by inviting them every year at the end of June to join us for the installation of our next president.
Six district governors have come from the Faribault Rotary Club. The last one, Layton Hoysler, served in 1974.
Rotary was a men’s organization until 1987 when Rotary International authorized the induction of women as Rotarians.
Janine Sahagian was the first women to join the Faribault club and served as the first female president in 1999-2000 and in our 100th year, Amy Amundson became our 100th President.
Just 26 years ago I was fortunate enough to be part of the 75-year anniversary celebration. As I look back at my picture at the far left I realize that my necktie has always been better than Dick Huston’s.
With the current Covid-19 pandemic crisis and the government stay at home order along with the cancellation of all group meetings and events, we were unable to hold our 100-year celebration banquet on May 2, 2020. Ironically our club’s founders started this club 100 years ago during the Spanish flu pandemic. Hopefully this will not be the case on our 200-year anniversary.
As we look to the future, we will continue to live and promote the ideals of the “Four Way Test” adopted by Rotary International in 1943:
Is it the Truth?
Is it fair to all concerned?
Will it build goodwill and better friendships?
Will it be beneficial to all concerned?
So, today after 100-years, the men and women of the Faribault Rotary Club will continue to honor the legacy of “Service Above Self” to our community and the world for the next 100 years and beyond.
The Faribault Rotary club had an amazing time participating in the Faribault Heritage Day Parade. It was great fun celebrating with the Faribault community.
On June 16 2022, the Faribault Rotary Club had the pleasure of hosting Ms. Becky Ford of the Faribault Youth Investment who spoke to the club about the Healthy Community Initiative (HCI). As part of Ms. Ford’s introduction, it was highlighted she has been named the Faribault Citizen of the Year.
HCI is a non-profit organization that supports - behind the scenes - a variety of programs throughout Rice County. Their mission is to is to cultivate a collaborative community that supports, values and empowers youth.
Ms. Ford showed a video highlighting HCI’s engagement and support of some of their programs from the over twenty that HCI backs in Rice County. Highlighted programs included Faribault Senior High’s Realizing Individual Student Excellence (RISE), 100% Connected which seeks to ensure all students have internet access; Northfield High School’s Tackling Obstacles and Realizing College Hopes (TORCH); and Growing up Healthy located at Northfield’s Greenvale Elementary School, which provides programming for over 800 students and families.
Ms. Ford noted HCI has a website detailing the rich programming that they support and commented on ongoing fund raising efforts. Club members appreciated the opportunity to hear Ms. Ford’s presentation and the good work of HCI.
Just a little update on the pull tab process that is coming along fairly well. The pull tabs will be housed at Boxers on Central Avenue. Dawn, the owner is in the processing of building a new area within the bar for the pull tabs which will have 8-10 boxes in play at all times. This is a huge opportunity for our club to earn funds to help us give back to the youth in our community as well as many other great causes.
I have passed the exam, the required checking account has been opened. The premises permit has been approved by the Faribault Gambling board and presented to the Faribault City Council on Tuesday, June 8th. The council has also given its approval and we have sent in all of the documents to the state for final approval. The Security bond required for pull tabs has been purchased through Jake Cook’s office Thank you Dave Beranek for all the help of completing the documents needed through the application process. I have been talking with Diana at the State gambling office, and she said that they have many applications that they are working through, so our hope is to start July 1, but just don’t know what that time line looks like for sure.
Susan Hvistendahl, Northfield historian and author, gave a presentation on “Judge Buckham’s Legacy: Faribault’s Library,” for the Faribault Rotary Club via Zoom on June 9. It was based on a column she wrote for the Entertainment Guide of Southern Minnesota in July of 2013. She spoke of the background of Thomas Scott Buckham who came from Vermont to Minnesota in 1856 and established himself as an attorney in Faribault, becoming Faribault’s second mayor, a senator in the state legislature and judge of the fifth district, among other positions.
He had an unusual marriage to Anna Mallory Buckham of Brooklyn, N.Y., who returned often to the East coast and they spent their last 20 years apart before his death in 1928. She inherited his wealth of more than three million dollars and stayed on, planning the Modern/Art Deco Thomas Scott Buckham Memorial Library which was presented to the city on July 20, 1930, at a cost of $239,000. Hvistendahl also gave information about the architect (Buckham’s nephew Charles Buckham), the stained glass window of renowned Boston artist Charles Connick and four Grecian murals painted by Carleton art professor Alfred Hyslop.
The honorable past president Amy Amundson propose Sarah Rojas, office administrator for Rojas All Pros Companies, for membership and reinstatement in the Faribault Rotary Club. Sarah is a pasty member who is now able to rejoin the club. If you have any questions, please contact membership chair, Keith Kramer.
The Global Grant team for the Faribault Rotary Club just received good news. As of last week, the team will be receiving $23,500 from The District Rotary Foundation. This puts us in a very good spot to reach our goal of $75,000 for our water project in Ta Meun Province. The entire project will focus on four activities: water purification, pond expansion to trap more water, a community garden, and entrepreneurial training for the school committee at Ta Meun to ensure sustainability of the project.
Interesting Fact About Cambodia:
The Khmers of Cambodia were actually masters of controlling and directing water. The kingdom and its succeeding Khmer Empires came to prominence because of their abilities to create resevoirs to store water and redirect river flows to move building materials. Part of our project with Ta Meun will be to expand a pond so that enough water can be collected for the village. This thinking will be similar to that of what the Khmers had during the Angkor Period.
Several weekly meetings were cancelled due to winter storms.
The club was encouraged to add the ClubRunner Smartphone app to their phones.
We partnered with the Elks Club for the annual youth fishing contest on French Lake.
The club toured the newly expanded Buckham West Senior Center.
Over $20,000 in scholarships were awarded to STRIVE students.
61-year member, Rod Mahler, donated a new US flag and stand to replace the one he originally donated in 1971.
A small group of us volunteered at Habitat for Humanity and spent the day painting.
We had a 99th anniversary get together at the inn which was attended by past presidents, district representatives and many Rotarians & families.
The club held its third annual cash raffle to raise funds for Youth Services and scholarships.
The city gives the Lifetime Achievement Award to GeorgeWickstrom.
Dick Huston is recognized as a Paul Harris Society member.
Todd Rost and Rotarian/Chamber President Nort Johnson in two separate programs told the story of Todd’s grandfather’s service in the 163rd infantry in WWI and his role in the liberation of Podensac France in 1918. The citizens of Podensac honored a group from Faribault on the 100th anniversary of that liberation.
Repairs at the Rotary Camp included replacing the roof, replacing the culvert under the road leading into the camp and fixing the deck after tornadoes swept through Rice County in the fall of 2018. As a result, the club was able to have the annual picnic.
The Rotarian of the Year 2019 was awarded to Jake Cook.
Jake Langslag from Goat Dispatch told the club about how goats are an alternative solution to eliminating buckthorn, raspberries, and other pesky vegetation.
The club held the second annual warm our community event providing outerwear for many local youths.
Our club’s 99th president in2018-19 was Keith Kramer.
You are invited for an encore presentation of our 100 year anniversary program on June 23rd at our weekly meeting. This program was originally presented on Zoom May 1, 2020. The start time for the program will be at noon so we ask everyone to come at 11:30 am if possible to allow time for check in, lunch and seating.
As part of our 100-year anniversary celebration we will also award multiple Paul Harris Fellows and our club will have the distinct honor of presenting the Life Time Achievement Award to Rod Mahler. He has lived the 4-Way Test and has demonstrated Service Above Self not only in the Faribault Rotary Club for over 63 years but as an active member of this community and in service to our country.
Please plan to attend and be a part this historic celebration of our past 100 years as we move forward out of the shadow of the pandemic and start the next 100 years of Service Above Self.
The Faribault Rotary Club's Global Project Team has been busy doing presentations to other Rotary and service clubs throughout Minnesota. We've presented to Owatonna's Sunrise Rotary club and Lions Club. The Global Project Team also received $4,500 from Rotary Shark tank and on Friday presented our grant submission to the Rotary Foundation. So far we've raised close to $15,000 from pledge support, and small donations. Our goal is to raise $30,000 on top of grant awards. Thank you so much for everyone's support. If you would like to hear of our project in Cambodia, please message us on Facebook or email one of our team members, Natalie Ginter, David Sauer, Dr. Dick Huston or Sam Ouk. You can reach Sam at samouk01@gmail.com.
Interesting Fact about Cambodia:
After the "Khmer Rouge" communist guerrilla army won the Cambodian Civil War in 1975, a period known as The Killing Fields took over Cambodia. For 4 years, between 1.7 to 2.5 million Cambodians were systematically killed off through hard labor and targeted murders of the most educated people in the country.
As terrible as this nightmare was, the theme of hope, heroism, and the power of the human spirit did not burn out of those who survived the Killing Field as the the Khmer rouge intended. In fact, the opposite thing happened and the world got to witness the amazing resilience and courage of the Cambodian people. The documentary below tells of one man's journey from escaping genocide in Cambodia to becoming the Donut King of California.
Rotarian of the Year 2018 was awarded to George Wickstrom.
The sponsors the Warm our Community clothing Drive.
The club celebrates the holidays with a gathering for “A night to Rejoice as Rotarians” with dinner and a concert at Shattuck.
The club sponsors the new Faribault Rotaract Club at South Central College.
The club sponsors the annual Red Cross Blood Drive.
The club participates in the annual Salvation Army Bell Ringing.
The club enjoys the 79th annual Christmas Concert.
Our club’s 98th president in 2017-18 was Sheriff Troy Dunn.
Troy had the following memories of his year as president:
Donating the handicap wheelchair to the Faribault Aquatic Center, planting trees with the students at Jefferson School and a great Rotary Picnic out at the Rotary camp with horses, jump tents and great fellowship with friends.
This noble band of Faribault Rotarians and special guests enjoyed a beautiful day of sunshine, fellowship and watching the Minnesota Twins beat the Baltimore Orioles 3-2 on May 26, 2021. The group took a coach bus from South Central College and had "socially distanced" seating in the right field porch section of Target Field. Rotarian Mark Kenney brought his glove and was ready for a home run ball the entire game but the closest anyone came to getting a ball was Rod Mahler when a foul ball came within just a few feet from his seat!
Last Tuesday, The Faribault Rotary Club Participated in the 2nd annual Rotary Shark Tank event. Clubs from Barron County, Lakeville, Prior Lake, and Stillwater Sunrise participated in the events as sharks. They combined to donate over $10,000 to support various events being done by different Rotary Clubs across the state. Our club was able to walk away with the support of $4,500 towards our water purification project in Cambodia. This along with individual donations from club members and community members saw us raise close to $10,000 towards the project. If you would like to donate money to help bring clean water to Cambodian children in Ta Meun village, you can use the Venmo QR code below. Any amount would be greatly appreciated. Thank you!
Interesting Fact about Cambodia:
Cambodia is home to the largest lake in Southeast Asia. The Tonle Sap Lake covers an area of 1,042 sq. miles which makes it a little bit smaller than the Great Salt Lake in the US. The Tonle Sap is home to fresh water dolphins, plenty of fish and even a huge floating village complete with stores, schools and a shopping area.
When navigating, the bees are able to use the sun as a fixed reference point. This allows them to fly in a compass direction simply by keeping the angle between their line of flight and the sun constant. Bees that have successfully found food are then able to share the location through their dance language.
In February, Rotary District 5960 conducted a “Share the Love” campaign to raise money for the Rotary Foundation. Rotarians who donated $1,000 could designate another Rotarian to be a Paul Harris Fellow. Dr. Dick Huston donated $2,000 and chose to honor Hanan Mohamud and Juanita Picazo. Pictured with Hanan (right) and Juanita is Brent Peroutka, Faribault Rotary Foundation Chair. (Photo courtesy of Faribault Rotary Club)
The Faribault Rotary club has inducted Jake Kohl as a member. Jake was born and raised in Faribault. He has joined his father and uncle as an associate in the Parker Kohl Funeral Home. Jake was sponsored by Dr. Dick Huston and will be mentored by David Sauer. Pictured with Jake is (left) membership team chair Keith Kramer (left).
On May 19 2021, Faribault Rotary Club hosted two guest speakers. Mr. Bashir Omor (picture unavailable) of the Faribault Public Schools gave a presentation about the Eid celebration and the Islamic faith. Following Mr. Omor, Ms. Sissy Yang of the Mayo Health System provided the Club with a briefing on Covid-19.
Mr. Omor thanked the Club for supporting the May 12 Eid celebration at the Faribault Soccer complex. He explained the holiday, noting there are two Eid holidays. The one just completed follows Ramadan in which Muslims fast during the daytime. At the end of the 30 days of Ramadan, the fast is broken and there is a celebration marked by food and special treats for children. The second Eid holiday will be July 19 this year and marks the occasion in which Ibrahim is told to sacrifice his son for God, but God recognizing Ibrahim’s is belief in God switches the son for a ram. This holiday is marked in many Muslim countries with feasts.
Mr. Omor also explained the five pillars of Islam. He said the first pillar is to believe in one God. The second pillar is to participate in prayer five times daily every day. The third pillar is to give alms to the needy. The fourth is the need for fasting and finally, the fifth pillar is going on the Hajj to Mecca. Mr. Omor stressed Muslims believe in the prophets, highlighting he knows the teachings of Jesus Christ, but believes Mohammed is the most important prophet.
Ms. Yang told the Club about the Mayo Clinic’s presence in Faribault and its efforts to assist with early childhood literacy and childhood oral health. She described the different COVID-19 vaccines (mRNA for Pfizer and Moderna and vector for Johnson and Johnson) and discussed some of the factors that may delay a vaccination such as waiting 90 days for a vaccination if the patient had COVID previously or had received COVID antibody therapy.
Ms. Yang noted that Mayo is now offering walk up appointments for vaccinations in Owatonna, Red Wing, Austin, and Albert Lea. In Rice County, as of mid-May data, 32,005 people had received one dose of a vaccine and 26, 345 people had completed the series of vaccinations.
Now that our application was submitted. The Faribault Rotary Club will be scheduling presentations to different Rotary and service clubs throughout the state. Below are pictures of our presentation to the Rotary Breakfast club. We are scheduled to present at Rotary Shark Tank this Tuesday and the Lions Club in Owatonna on June 1st. Our goal is to inform people of the importance of our water purification project in Cambodia and seek support for the project. The Faribault Rotary Club will need to raise around $40,000 outside of grant awards to make this project work. Please donate if you can. You can use the Venmo QR Code below to donate directly to this project.
Interesting Fact about Cambodia:
As of 2019 30% of Cambodia's population does not have access to clean water. Polluted rivers and lakes leave rain water as the only safe option for much of rural Cambodia. As so many illnesses are derived from the lack of access to clean drinking water, Rotary's water purification efforts around the world becomes vitally important.
The Faribault Rotary Club WILLNOT be meeting this week due to the Minnesota Twins game club outing. All in attendance will receive credit for a make up since there will be no formal meeting.
Rotarians Police Chief Andy Bohlen and Rice County Sheriff Troy Dunn gave a great presentation about our local K9 police dogs.
The weekly Faribaultarian newsletter began publishing new member profiles.
The club awarded over $20,000 in STRIVE scholarships.
Former Rotarian and past president (1973-74) Dr. Roy Anderson returned in full costume and historical knowledge as our city’s founder, Alexander Faribault.
The club held a Beer, BBQ and Bacon spring fundraiser at the F-Town Brewery for the new Rotary mural.
The club held its first cash raffle to raise funds for youth services.
The club sponsored the Courage Retreat for Faribault 7th graders.
The tradition of inviting retired past presidents to installation ceremonies for the new president was started.
A dedication ceremony for Faribault's newest mural was spear headed by Dick Huston, who made a short presentation to Rotarians and guests in the lot next to the Chavis building.
2016 Rotarian of the year was Kymn Anderson.
The Club partnered with the United Way and Unity Students to build the first of six Little Libraries in Faribault.
There was a great presentation from Shoreview Rotarian, John Suzukida, who spoke of his parent’s internment in Japanese- American relocation camps during WWII.
The club enjoyed the 77th annual Christmas Concert.
Our club’s 96th president in 2015-16 was Dr. Richard Huston.
Dr. Huston had the following memories:
-Hosting exchange student Maggie in the spring and enjoying all the events and friends she had.
-Planning for, procuring financing and seeing the mural project completed to let the people of Faribault know the value of Rotary
-Presidents Event at F-Town planned by our very own Dan Hedge
-Working with Dan Hedge to develop promotional brochure, Exchange brochure and "Ways to Serve.”
-Displaying the flags on banners.
-Doing orientation with a meal to really get to know the incoming members and letting them know Rotary is Service above Self
Murray had the best ties that year and frankly every year since.
Kelly Nygaard from the Faribault Chamber of Commerce visited our club to share the state of tourism for Faribault. The Chamber as the area tourism bureau collects a 3% tax on all overnight stays in the city. These funds are then focused back at potential travelers to visit our community.
Kelly explained the many ways the Chamber uses the funds from billboards on Interstate 35, travel guides, geo fencing mobile ads, trade shows and social media post. One of the most successful campaigns has been using social influencers on Instagram to visit Faribault and run a story on their pages and blogs.
Covid-19 took a big dip into the travel industry but Kelly feels the future is bright for tourism in Faribault due to many of our local outdoor activities and historical buildings.
For more information or to see all the fun things happening in Faribault follow "visit Faribault” on Instagram or Facebook.
The Faribault Rotary Club's Diversity Committee celebrated Eid Al Fitr today with the city's Muslim community by teaming up with Rice County to provide Covid-19 Vaccines to interested people and popcorn, cotton candy, and Ice Cream to kids. It was such a fun day. Eid Mubarak!
Your help is needed! Volunteers are required for the annual Faribault Rotary Camp Clean Up either Wednesday or Thursday this week.. Cleaning products for the inside of the building will be supplied. If you can bring weed whippers, leaf blowers, and/or chain saws for outdoor work. Please use the sign up sent in a separate email or contact Dave Beranek.
Our next STRIVE session is at 7:15 a.m. on Wednesday, May 12th. This month we will be joined by Jenny Teletor, Community Health Worker with HealthFinders. Jenny is going to tell us about their MESA wellness program. Here is the Zoom link: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/81006854677
As always, a link to a recorded version of the presentation will be sent out later that day if you are not able to attend the session. Please let me know if you would like to learn more about how you can help shape the future of our youth through STRIVE!
The Rotary Club of Faribault is putting things into place to to provide clean drinking water and create a sufficient source of water for Ta Meun Village, a small rural village in Northwest Cambodia. The project will also include the establishment of a community garden. Overall, this venture will help to improve the health of the community by providing safe drinking water and fresh produce to people. The total cost of the project is estimated at around $75,000.
Interesting fact about Cambodia:
The Angkor Wat, a Hindu temple, is one of the largest religious monument in the world and it is the largest in the world if you consider the total land area and structure that makes up the entire temple complex. However, Angkor was not just a temple. In fact it was an entire city. At it's height, there were roughly 700,000 to 900,000 people there. This estimate could possibly make Angkor the largest city in the world in that time period.
The temple is the national symbol of the country and can be seen in Cambodian communities across the globe. It is also the logo of one of our project sponsors, ChheamKounKhmer Clothing.
There was an annual Strive Awards banquet at the Elks Club. The Club honored students from Faribault High School and Bethlehem Academy with college scholarships totaling $21,000.
To honor the late Al Burkhartzmeyer’s dedication as a Rotarian with 55 years of perfectattendance, who served in many capacities in his years as a Rotarian and always honored the message of integrity and service espoused by Rotary, the club raised $27,000 to restore the Security Bank Clock on Central Ave.
The club held a spring social fundraising event for the clock project.
The club hosted exchange students from India and Taiwan.
Outbound Exchange Student, Theresa Wilder, sent monthly reports to the club from Poland.
The annual picnic was held at the Rotary Camp.
The 2015 Rotarian of the Year was Dr. Murray Hanson.
The club welcomed a GSE group from Brazil.
The club enjoyed the 76th annual FHS Christmas Concert at Our Savior’s Lutheran Church.
Our club’s 95th president in 2014-15 was Tony Langerud. He has been a member since November 2006.
Faribault Rotarians receiving the Pride Grant from Foundation Board Members (Left to Right) Pat Rice, Christine Shaffer-Brown, Pat Gustafson, with Rotarians, Keith Kramer - Warm our Community Chair, Brenda DeMars - Rotary President, Laura Bock- Rotary Community Service Organizer.
The Faribault Foundation is proud to announce the recipients of the 2021 Community Pride Grants.
Warm Our Community is a project that assists families in need by providing winter weather gear at no charge. Good condition used coats and snow pants and boots are accepted, and monetary donations fund the purchase of new items to supplement the donations. The Faribault Rotary Club leads this effort and used many local volunteers. The Foundation is awarding $300.00 to this effort.
Selection was made based on impact, need and alignment with the mission of the Faribault Foundation. The Mission of the Faribault Foundation is to promote philanthropy to enhance the quality of life in Faribault.
Key values of the Faribault Foundation:
Community Betterment
The Foundation seeks initiatives that look to the future by helping develop assets for the community by capacity building and by supporting beautification and recreation projects.
Youth & Families
The Foundation seeks to support programs that help youth and families grow, learn, and become better citizens by targeting needs in areas such as: hunger, housing, poverty, education, recreation, art and culture, healthy lifestyles, and civic engagement.
Cultural Diversity
The Foundation seeks initiatives that will foster equal opportunity, open dialogue, mutual respect, and cross-cultural collaboration in our community.
The honorable Dr. Richard Huston proposes Jacob Kohl, Funeral Director at Parker-Kohl Funeral Home, for membership in the Faribault Rotary Club. If you have any questions or concerns please contact membership chair Keith Kramer.
Sarah McGuire, Director of the Cannon Valley Special Education Cooperative,
"Every child has a different learning style and pace. Each child is unique, not only capable of learning, but capable of succeeding."
–Robert John Meehan
On 5 May 2021, Sarah McGuire, Director of the Cannon Valley Special Education Cooperative, spoke to the Rotary Club about the Cooperative. Ms. McGuire highlighted the Cooperative’s mission, which is to prepare every special needs student to learn and succeed in our communities. She explained the Faribault, Medford, Owatonna, and Northfield public school districts make up the Cannon Valley Special Education Cooperative and it was established in 2016. She went on to say that school districts are required to have special education in place to meet the needs of all students. Thus, the Cooperative serves those students from the four communities whose needs are specific and often represent the most vulnerable. Ms. McGuire also mentioned the economic and programming advantage of cooperating with the four other school districts to meet the special education needs in our communities.
Explaining how the Cooperative works, Ms. McGuire commented that there are three different programs serving specific students. The first program, the Sun program, meets the needs of students who have communication or hearing devices and strives to enable the students to gain academic, social and emotional development. Students can stay in the Sun program until they are 21.
The second program is housed in the Alexander Learning Academy and serves the area’s most vulnerable students. Students at the academy have intense social, emotional, and behavioral needs. Students come to the Academy and then transition back to their home districts once it is judged they are ready to return to their home school. Ms. McGuire said starting next year, the Alexander Learning Academy will be building in a significant mental health component. She added the students attending the Academy need a lot of care and direction during the day.
The third program is the Step program. This program is for students ages 18-21 and most of these students have completed and graduated from high school. The Step program gives the students the opportunity to continue their education in order to nurture the students to live independently. Ms. McGuire noted that a work component is an integral part of the Step program. The students have job coaches to assist the students in transitioning to the workplace. Ms. McGuire added that the cooperative is always looking for additional partners to work with the students.
Ms. McGuire ended her presentation by highlighting the Cooperative will be moving into a large space at the Faribo West Mall. She commented that this will be the first time the cooperative will be located under one roof, which should help with programming and efficiencies. She expects to take possession of the site on 1 June and to be fully operational by mid-June 2021.
Mitch Anderson spoke to us about the FEEP program in the Faribault Public School. The Falcon Education Enrichment Program (FEEP) was founded in 2018 under the FAPSETA Trust created in 1986. FEEPS mission is to support specific classroom and learning opportunities beyond typical classroom financial support.
Since December 2018, FEEP has approved over $30,000 in grants that improve the educational opportunities in all of the schools in the district. The average grant is around $1,100. Grants support areas of need such as Literacy, Science, Technology, Engineering, Cultural Awareness. Here is a great video of the value of the FEEP program. https://drive.google.com/file/d/1d9CRtLfreqPiCYubBt4NssaHF1n64XL-/view?usp=sharing
The Falcon Education Enrichment Program is always looking for positive donations and energized people to be on their board. You can receive more information from the Faribault District office.
In 1986, Faribault Area Public School Education Trust Association (FAPSETA), a tax-exempt entity that provides scholarship opportunities to Faribault Public School students, was created.
What started with a fundraising goal of $50,000 has grown to $1,175,000
FAPSETA has awarded over $1.4 million in scholarships to more than 1,200 Faribault students since 1988.
The Board consists of business, community, and education members
In 2018, FAPSETA created the Falcon Education Enrichment Program (FEEP) to complement their mission by securing funding to support specific classroom and learning opportunities beyond typical classroom financial support.
Thank you Rotarians for responding to the club Covid-19 vaccination survey. At present 75% of our membership is vaccinated as of May 1st. That number will increase to 87% by June 1st. Most of the remaining 13% have mostly attended through Zoom or not at all. As I stated in the survey, individual responses will not be shared with the club.
The Faribault Rotary Club will be applying for a Global Grant to do a water purification project for Ta Moeurn Village in Battambang, Cambodia. The work has just started and we've already received great support from Minnesota's Cambodian community. Thank you to Angkor Treasures, ChheamKonKhmer Clothing and Wat Munisotaram for supporting our fundraising efforts and personally contributing to our cause.
As part of Asian Heritage Month (May), we will send a post each week with interesting facts about the country of Cambodia and update you on the progress of our work in Ta Moeurn Village. More information will come out soon on how you can support or donate to this project. Please stay tuned!
For years, Susanne and I hosted many Rotary Youth Exchange students in our home. This program was an entry point to Rotary for me, and my heart is truly in it. When Rotary’s exchange programs were suspended because of COVID-19 to keep students and families safe, we felt sorry, especially for the participants, because those years cannot be repeated.
Because of the many uncertainties of the pandemic, the Rotary Board has decided to suspend in-person exchanges through June 2022. As we look ahead with hope, we thank Youth Exchange officers, host families, and volunteers for their contributions in years past, and we encourage districts to offer virtual exchanges as a way of connecting students around the world with each other and with our communities.
For those who are not able to participate in Rotary Youth Exchange, Rotary offers other opportunities. New Generations Service Exchange (NGSE) is a Rotary program that deserves wider recognition: It is an excellent opportunity for young people ages 18 to 30 to participate in community service as individuals or in a group and to gain internship experience. Simukai Matshalaga, a Rotaractor from Zimbabwe, stayed with us in Ratzeburg during her NGSE experience three years ago.
When I applied for the New Generations Service Exchange program, I did not realize that I was signing up for a life-changing experience. This program gave me that opportunity and much more. It taught me about the importance of failing fast, learning quicker, and being myself.
Some of my greatest experiences happened at the dinner table. The warmth and kindness of every home I lived in still resonate with me today. It took me weeks to understand how a stranger could care for me as deeply as these members of the Rotary family did. I am inspired by the lessons of humility I learned from all the amazing people I met. I came to understand a new culture and realized that the only things that separate us as people are our experiences and, at times, our false assumptions.
Professionally, it gave me confidence in my own abilities as an engineer. Seeing how other organizations handled problems made me aware that the best person to solve the challenges in my country was me. Returning home from northern Germany, I declined a promotion, quit my job, and began building a family business — a decision that previously I would have never made, out of fear.
I am indebted to the Rotary family. I am not sure whether the friends, mentors, and families I left behind knew that they changed my life permanently. I hope they now do.
New Generations Service Exchange changed Simukai’s life. It can change yours, too. All Rotary members can experience something similar at any time: I encourage everyone to take a virtual journey this month and visit meetings of other clubs online. You will see how different Rotary is around the world as you meet great people and make new friends.
Let us build upon these connections forged online — and later, when the time is right, enjoy in-person exchanges through Rotary Friendship Exchange, another excellent program for Rotary members of all ages.
Our ability to meet in person is limited now, but we know that Rotary Opens Opportunities, always. Now is the time to get ready, so that when the pandemic is behind us, Rotary’s exchange programs will come back stronger than before, serving a world that is yearning to reconnect.
The global grant application for funding for GG14-11947 "UDDAO Cassava Processing Plant," submitted by host sponsor Rotary Club of Faribault (part of District 5960) and international sponsor Rotary Club Makeni (part of District 9101), was approved by The Rotary Foundation. The award is $54,000.
Janel Klein, NBC News Correspondent/Kare 11 and an FHS graduate and spoke to the club about her career in the TV industry.
Tami Schluter talked to the club about a project with Rick's Restoration (Cable TV show) and the Tilt-A-Whirl restoration for display on Central Ave.
There was a Rotary Honors banquet at the KC Hall.
The 2014 Rotarian of the Year was Brent Peroutka.
There was a President’s Event that included wine tasting and Rotary social in the ballroom above the new Alexander's Supper Club.
The club conducted its second car raffle to raise funds for Youth Services.
2013-14 Rotary District Governor Gary Campbell awarded the Faribault Rotary Club with three awards.
2013-14 Rotary Club Central Award- for setting strategic goals to Engage Rotary and Change Lives.
2013-14 Presidential Citation- for actively working to Engage Rotary and Change Lives.
2013-2014 Zone Literacy and Education Award- for promoting literacy and education that strengthens individual dignity and self-worth of people, thereby strengthening the foundation of international goodwill, understanding and peace.
Our club’s 94th president in 2013-14 was Brent Peroutka. He has been a member since January 2004.
Brent has the following memories from his year:
Since I value history, I had Murray Hanson provide a brief “history minute” during each Rotary meeting.
We recognized members each week that performed service above self with a “Service Above Self” trophy. This was a great way to recognize members in our club for their work in Rotary as well as in the community.
We continued the fundraising efforts for the Rotary Clock Project that originally started with the Al Burkhartzmeyer memorial. We raised over $7,000 towards the project and started working on the proper legal documents with the city and building owner. The project finished the following year with a beautiful memorial and clock downtown Faribault.
We held several meetings at the Rotary Camp as I wanted to highlight this great asset, and we made several improvements to the camp during the year.
We held a “President’s Event” in order to raise funds for other projects, build relationships outside of Rotary, as well as recruit new members. This year we hosed a wine tasting and social. Rotarian George Wickstrom had donated some of the wine.
Our club completed its first international project in several years, a cassava processing plant in Sierra Leone Africa. This process started prior to my term as Rotary president, and I was so grateful for everyone hard work putting this together and raising the necessary funds to make this project a success. We had a contingent of Rotarians travel to Sierra Leone Africa to work on the project first hand. Jake Cook, Richard Cook, Richard Ormsby, Dr. Richard Huston, Pat Gustafson (and I believe her granddaughter) all traveled to Africa to help with the project. This helped to build a sustainable cassava processing plat where local residents could produce, store and sell this local produce.
Our club received the Presidential Citation Award as well as a Literacy Award from the district with awards at the District 5960 Conference.
As club president, I had 100% attendance and led every meeting during the year!
It has been announced by the District that the Faribault Rotaract Club at South Central College has been disassembled as of 3/31/2021. The club was unable to name a new president when David Mesta resigned. With the Covid-19 pandemic forcing most learning online the initial enthusiastic interest in the newly formed club (2019) suffered. We hope there will be an opportunity to reform the club in the future.
Dr Richard Huston gave a program about his mission trip to India.
The first car raffle was conducted to raise money for Youth Services and STRIVE scholarships.
Dr. Murray Hanson and Dr. Michael Richie presented a program on the advances in digital lenses and cataract lens implants.
There was another successful year with the STRIVE program and banquet! Over $20,000 in scholarships were awarded to students.
The Ethics Essay committee led by Kymn Anderson conducted a successful Ethics Essay contest with $1000 in prizes being awarded to the top 5 students who submitted excellent essays.
Our most senior member of 57 years, Bob Bjorgum. and his son, Bruce spoke to the club about Bob's distinguished military service in WWII in Norway and his recent award and the recognition he received from the King of Norway.
The Club made a $2500 donation to the Faribault Booster Club for the Fielitz Fitness Center at Faribault High School.
The club hosted a Group Exchange Team from Taiwan.
Dr. Lisa Humfeld-Wilson was named 2012 Rotarian of the Year.
The District decided that Rotarians who provide transportation for youth, or come in contact with youth outside a Rotary meeting needed to complete the training and have a current background check on file.
Our club’s 92nd president in 2011-12 was Dr. Murray Hanson who joined Rotary in 1993.
This was taken from the weekly bulletin.
The Faribault Rotary Club lost Al Burkhartzmeyer (11/1/1920- 02-29-2012) recently. He was our President 1971-72 and was a member for 54 years. Several years ago, he was recognized for 50 years of perfect attendance in Rotary. He was a WWII veteran who was the sole survivor of plane crash in which 11 of his crew members were killed. He spent a year in the hospital recovering from burns and injuries and always felt that God gave him a second chance at life. His life of service to his family, his community and to Rotary was an inspiration to everyone who knew him. We just had our first meeting in 54 years without him as a member but we all felt his presence. He will be missed.
2013
Outbound Exchange student, Sydney Beumaster, kept the club informed with her weekly blog covering her adventures in Indonesia.
Exchange student from Norway, Line Berg Almestrand, kept the club informed with her weekly blog covering her experiences in Faribault and her US travels.
Dr. Dick Huston became a Paul Harris Society member.
Robert Jirik, a member for 51 years (1961-2013) passed away.
STRIVE students were awarded $22,000 in scholarships.
The club participates in “Bowl for Kid’s Sake” to support Big Brothers Big Sisters.
President- Elect Rev. Steve Delzer is named Bishop of the Southeast Minnesota Synod of the ELCA in June which elevated Brent Peroutka to President-Elect a year ahead of schedule and 3 weeks before becoming president.
Annual dues were set at $352.
The Club set a goal of raising $15,000 and our team's goal is to collect $5,000 from other local Rotary Club's (totaling $20,000 from local sources). Our District 5960 will match $12,000 and Rotary International will match $22,000 for a total of $54,000 for the International project for the Uddao Cassava Processing plant in Sierra Leone-Africa
Rotarian of the year was Pastor Rick Ormsby.
Rotarian Robert Bjorgum passed away at the age of 94. He was the longest standing member of our club at the time with 59 years and 8 months of membership since joining in 1954.
Our club’s 93rd president in 2012-13 was Kymn Anderson. She has been a member since 1999 and recently chaired our 100-year anniversary celebration.
A restoration project in 2004 gathered a community of volunteers at Crockers Creek. Seventeen years later, the Faribault Rotary Club hopes the community will step up in a big way again for a new restoration project in the same area. (Photo courtesy of Kymn Anderson)
In 2004, Faribault residents came together to restore 39,000-square feet of shoreland along Crockers Creek, located along Hwy. 21.
Seventeen years later, the Faribault Rotary Club has selected this same area for a beautification project. And just like last time, it will take plenty of helping hands to bring back the native species along the waterway.
Since Rotary International decided to add a seventh area of focus, the environment, the district leaders have encouraged clubs to do a project by April or May of this year. The Faribault club selected Crockers Creek, which Rotarian Dick Huston began cleaning up on his own several years ago.
Located along Hwy. 21, Crockers Creek is the area the Faribault Rotary Club has selected as its beautification project. Rotarian Dick Huston has cleaned up the area outside the Chamber of Commerce the past several years, but there’s still much more work to do. (Misty Schwab/southernminn.com)
The restoration of Crockers Creek, which spans from the A&W on Hwy. 21 to the Burger King at the Seventh Street intersection, kicks off 1 p.m. Saturday and continues 5 p.m. Thursday, April 29. Volunteers can simply show up outside the Faribault Chamber of Commerce office and bring loppers and chainsaws they own.
“Depending on how many people show up, it’s going to take some time,” Huston said. “It’s a big, big job but it will have major benefits.”
Invasive species are prevalent at the creek, but understanding how prairies work on his own farm, Huston said the native plants can return in the proper environment. Any woody plants that grow need to be cut down, he said, and the stump needs to be treated, or shoots will grow back in a year or two.
Beautification aside, Huston pointed out another benefit to bringing back the restoration project. The roots of the current plants go down as far as 15 feet, he said, and that means they filter the contaminants of the runoff from both the road and parking lot. The plants start the filtering process, which means the chemicals don’t end up in the water.
“To me it’s a big deal, and it can be for the city too, to make it look way way better than it is,” Huston said.
A community project
Kymn Anderson, specials project manager of the Faribault Chamber of Commerce, said the Crockers Creek restoration project dates back to 2002. Throughout a two-year Business Retention and Expansion program within the Chamber, members gathered input from hundreds of businesses about what they viewed as important for the local community to thrive. A number of different initiatives were born from that interview process, including Gateway Beautification.
Anderson recalled Master Gardeners, city staff, Boy Scouts, Girl Scouts, high school groups and more working on different aspects of the community throughout 2003 and 2004. These volunteers pulled weeds, and planted flower gardens and trees as part of the beautification projects. One of the major projects in spring and summer 2004 focused specifically on Crockers Creek.
“It was a mess,” Anderson said of Crockers Creek at that time. “Just a pile of weeds and a place where garbage gets collected a lot. We were able to get a grant from the Department of Natural Resources for $13,000, and we began the restoration of that area.”
With the grant, the community volunteers planted 17,000 native plants on both sides of the waterway. Following the big, sweeping effort of planting in 2004, Anderson said keeping up with the process has become an effort of the Chamber of Commerce. But Huston on his own has also made sure Crockers Creek is cared for properly.
Huston began cleaning up the Crockers Creek area in front of the Chamber several years ago, ridding the shore of invasive species. Last summer, Huston spotted 12 prairie flowers blooming.
He’s also invited the Faribault Fire Department to conduct controlled burns on the land regularly to rid the area of non-native plants and allow it to repopulated with native ones.
“[Fire Chief] Dusty Dienst is awesome in getting that burned, and that’s important for reviving the prairie plants,” Huston said. “Fire is one of the things that stimulates their growth.”
Added Anderson: “Every few years when it gets burned down, that helps those native plants become stronger, and it kills the invasive plants we want to get rid of. It’s a big project. It’s not perfect yet, but the idea is that every step of the way makes it easier for the native species to return rather than some of the weeds that had grown up along the way.”
On April 21, 2021 Rotarian and Executive Director of the Paradise Center of the Arts (PCA), Ms. Heidi Nelson briefed the club on the Paradise and its upcoming programs and activities. Since the pandemic, Ms. Nelson highlighted the PCA had its first in-person program in the auditorium on April 16. The PCA’s Gallery also had an opening and both programs were done safely following COVID-19 safety protocols. On May 21, there will be another gallery opening and a visual artist will be performing. Ms. Nelson stated that she expects Community Theater will be performing Frozen Junior opening in June.
Ms. Nelson said that since June 2020 the PCA’s gallery has averaged a new gallery opening every five to six weeks. These are generally broadcast over Facebook Live which allows for interactions from viewers including questions of, and answers from, the artists. Ms. Nelson added that if there are questions on future events that people may call the PCA’s box office at 507- 332-7372.
Commenting on the age of the building, Ms. Nelson said funds earmarked by the City of Faribault for the PCA will be used to renovate two HVAC systems. She went on to explain the PCA’s current financial situation, stressing the desire to pay off the PCA’s line of credit and the existing mortgage for the building. She expects to reduce the existing mortgage by approximately $100,000 prior to asking the City to pay off the remainder of the mortgage’s balance.
Speaking of the PCA’s future, Ms. Nelson spoke of recent fund-raising successes and of the 100 Club, which by donating $2500 will make the donator a lifetime PCA member. By becoming debt free, Ms. Nelson stressed the PCA will be able to become self-sustainable and provide a wide range of programming. She plans on establishing a programming sponsorship effort. Sponsors who donate $10,000 will receive special benefits including the ability to invite staff to events as well as be recognized throughout the year for contributing to the PCA. Ms. Nelson’s goals is to have sufficient resources to be able to schedule programs two and a half years out.
Ms. Nelson reiterated that for the PCA step one is to improve the PCA’s financial situation while step two is to work on long-term programming. Step three is developing an endowment for PCA to make it sustainable for the future. She expressed thanks for the strong community support for the PCA and noted the contributions made by PCA board members and donors. She also praised the staff of the PCA for their dedication and hard work. Finally, Ms. Nelson commented that there are many volunteer opportunities to serve on PCA committees and sub-committees.
It's spring in Minnesota and that means it's Twins baseball season!
Popcorn! Peanuts! Cracker Jacks! Get your ice cold beer here! I can almost hear the crack of the bat now!
Our Club is holding a special social outing to a Minnesota Twins game coming up on May 26th... and we want YOU to join us!
Thanks to the generosity of one of our fellow Faribault Rotarians, transportation is being provided at no additional cost to you AND your ticket price is reduced. WOW!! We want as many Rotarians to participate as possible and hope that by providing transportation and more affordable tickets will help do that.
More details and the RSVP for tickets are included in the link below.
Please RSVP no later than April 28th. Payment is expected by our May 5th meeting.
Please note, tickets are limited and available on a first-come, first-served basis. The quicker you sign up, the better your chance of getting to hang out with your fellow Rotarians while enjoying a Twins game on a beautiful spring day in Minnesota!!
Volunteers are needed to clean up Crocker's Creek from the A&W to Burger King behind the Chamber office on Saturday April 24th and Thursday April 29th. It is a big job and will require folks and time. We will need extra chain saws, loppers and spray bottles with chemicals. Dick Huston will bring a chain saw, 4 loppers and six spray bottles with chemicals. The goal is to cut down all woody plants six inches in diameter and less. Immediately after cutting the stump, they need to be sprayed. It works good if one cuts and another sprays. The spraying should be done right after cutting or some will be missed. If not treated there will be 2 - 6 shoots coming the next year.
This is a great opportunity to get together to help our city. Our Rotary club first cleaned this area in 2003. Please sign up on the separate email request that has already been sent to each member.
Wat Munisutaram Temple is the largest Buddhist Temple in North America
On April 17th, Two members of the Cambodian Global Grants Project Team and two other Rotary members visited the Cambodian Buddhist Temple in Hampton MN (pictured above) to take part in the Minnesota Cambodian community’s annual New Year celebration. The Rotary members were Dick Huston, Sam Ouk, George Wickstrom and Rebekah Freed. The team hoped to learn as much as they can about the Cambodian culture and people through talking and sharing a meal with the Cambodian community members at the temple. The pictures below show the ceremonial activities Rotary members were able to take part in at the temple. The team also had an opportunity to talk to the Abbot (head monk) of the Buddhist temple about our water purification project for Ta Moeung Village in Battambang, Cambodia. The project will provide clean water for over 500 students and hundreds more villagers. At the end of the conversation, the monks blessed a string bracelet and handed it to the team as a gift of friendship.
The Rotary Team was also joined by Tracy Corcoran of Faribault Public Schools.
David York joined the club and enlightened us on the history (and the differences) in the investigations done by the Warren Commission and the Report by the House of Representatives regarding the Assassination of the 35th President John F Kennedy.
Mr. York pointed out several disadvantages the Warren Commission had. From funding to time of investigation, even the interest of the commission members themselves. Mr. York expressed only Gerald Ford requested to be on the commission. The Warren Commission spent ten months investigating the assassination of John F. Kennedy. They were under pressure to complete their report before election season. Many heads of state worked to keep parts of their agencies secret; therefore, the commission was lead with false information.
The investigation by the House of Representatives had plenty of funding, time (31 months), and a lot more evidence that had surfaced 12 years later, including audio recordings, new video angles, and many articles.
These two government investigations came up with two completely different conclusions with their reports. Mr. York pointed out a couple of examples in his talk.
1) Oswalt acted alone, Warren said yes, House said No, others were working with Oswalt.
2) Number of Gunshots: Warren stated 3, House claim at least 4.
3) Jack Ruby had a Mafia connection: Warren said no; the House documented 122 pages of mafia ties.
Mr. David York concluded his talk by simply pointing out how the frame of truth can only be understood by the lens that sees it. For more information and knowledge on the subject, visit your local library.
The Faribault Rotary Club's newest member is Rebekah Freed. She is the Senior Environmental Health & Safety Manager for Daiken Applied in Faribault. Her sponsor is Amy Amundson.
The club raised $50,000 for naming rights on one of the soccer fields by sponsoring a couple of circus fundraisers
The soccer committee that included Dick Cook, Shelli Frana, Lisa Humfeld and Angela Storch presented the second of two $25,000 checks to Troy Temple of the Soccer Association.
Bulletin editor, Kymn Anderson, sent the weekly bulletin through Constant Contact.
The club enjoyed the annual picnic at the Rotary Camp.
Rotarian of the Year was Richard Cook.
Our club’s 90th president in 2009-10 was Dr. Lisa Humfeld. Lisa has been a member since April 2002. She married Grant Wilson in February, four months before becoming club president.
Lisa had the following memories of her year as president:
In April 2009, we hosted the GSE Team from India. This team consisted of one Rotarian Krisha Sagar, and four non-Rotarians. I have stayed in touch with three out of the five. Krisha returned to MN with wife and son in 2017.
In August of 2009, Tim Penny from SMIF (Southern MN Initiative Foundation) joined me at an open house at Jefferson Elementary. Earlier that year, we had applied for some grant money for another book donation. Kids in 1st-3rd grade at Jefferson Elementary received over $1700 worth of books as part of their Kickstart Program.
On November 3, 2009, the club sponsored Rachel’s Challenge at the Faribault High School. Rachel Joy Scott was the first person who died in the Columbine High School shooting in April 1999. After her death, many students that Rachel reached out to share stories with her parents about the profound impact her simple acts of kindness had on their lives; even preventing one young man for taking his own life. Her parents realized the transformational effect of Rachel’s story and started Rachel’s Challenge. This program was brought here to help prevent bullying and violence and replace it with acts of kindness.
In December 2009, we held our first ever Rotary Reindeer 5K Run at Boston’s restaurant and started on the bike path.
I ended my year with a trip to Montreal to the International Rotary Convention with my husband Grant and Matt and Shelli Frana. Shelli Frana was the new incoming President.
2011
The club enlisted ClubRunner to establish our new website. We used its programming to help reorganize the club and use the internet for better communication between members.
Publishing of the Weekly Bulletin was started through ClubRunner.
The date of the annual picnic at the Rotary camp was set on the Wednesday after Labor Day reduce summer conflicts and enhance attendance.
Rotarian of the Year 2011 was Angela Storch.
Local students were encouraged to participate in an Ethics Essay contest, which involved writing an essay regarding an understanding ethical behavior and the 4-Way Test. The four best essays received prizes totaling $1000.
Thanks to generous contributions and an inspiring story from Richard Maus a polio survivor and the author ofThe Lucky One, the club raised $2200 for Polio Plus and exceeded its goal of $1500 on the first day of the 2011-12 campaign.
Tim Penney addressed the club regarding the Southern Minnesota initiative.
The club participated in Salvation Army Bell Ringing at Christmas.
The club enjoyed the 72nd annual Christmas Concert at St. Luke’s Church.
On April 7 2021, Mr. Ryan Heinritz joined the meeting to discuss the possibility of a Rotary Twins outing. Mr. Heinritz gave the club a virtual view of Target Field and talked about the home opener scheduled for April 8. He recommended right field porch seats in Target Field that would allow for social distancing and comfort, but still offer affordable ticket prices ($36). Section 125 was another recommended seating area because it offered plenty of sun during day games. Upper deck seats also were mentioned as a possibility. The Club will discuss this possible event further prior to making any decisions.
Rotarians Lisa Humfeld and Grant Wilson were married on Feb. 9th.
The Annual Honor’s Banquet was held for seniors from BA and Faribault High School.
The Annual Strive Banquet was held with scholarships awarded at the Elks Club.
In April 2009, we hosted the GSE Team from India.
The Club held the annual picnic at the Rotary Camp.
The club sponsored a second circus at the Rice County Fairgrounds as a fundraiser for the soccer fields.
Over $1700 worth of books were donated to kids in 1st-3rd grade at Jefferson Elementary as part of their Kickstart Program.
Rotarian of the Year was awarded to Dave Beranek.
The annual Rotary Rose Sale was held in October.
On November 3rd, 2009, Rachel’s Challenge was held at the Faribault High School. Rachel Joy Scott was the first person who died in the Columbine High School shooting in April 1999.
In December 2009, we held our first ever Rotary Reindeer 5K Run. This was held at Boston’s and started on the bike path.
The club enjoyed the 70th annual Christmas Concert.
Our club’s 89th president in 2008-09 was Pastor Rick Ormsby.
I received the following from Pastor Ormsby who now lives in Pine Island.
Murray, as per our phone conversation, nothing sticks out in my fading mind about my year as Rotary President. I know we had good programs, supported ongoing and special causes, etc. We had just completed our international project--a cassava processing plant for 8 villages near Makeni, Sierra Leone, West Africa. That was begun during Angela Storch's presidency.
Since then, our Faribault Rotary Club was introduced to Rev. Judith Banya, who has spoken formally and informally about her dreams as a United Methodist Pastor in Sierra Leone. Since returning to her home country in 2013 (after spending 18 years in the US), she has founded 3 congregations in Baiwalla, center for the chiefdom, and in nearby villages (Dodo and Bomaru)--totaling 200 worshipers, 1/2 children.
She has also led a ministry which has fed 500 children a noon meal in three schools every school day. A major donor of food has been Minnesota's own Feed My Starving Children. She has organized community work projects (like road repairs), adult literacy classes, and conflict mediation.
The mission pick-up truck provided by the Pine Island United Methodist Church ($17,000) not only provides its intended purpose of moving children, adults, and bags of basic foods from a distant city, but also had the unintended use as an area ambulance. To date an estimated 12 people are alive because the truck shrinks the time needed to get to the nearest hospital from several days to four hours. The area is 95% Muslim, who have good relations with the few Christians. One of the Iman's is thankful that our ambulance "rushed" his wife to the hospital for an appendectomy.
Since 2017 the major project is construction of a secondary school (grades 7-11). I took Minnesota work teams in 2017 and 2018 and was made honorary Paramount Chief for Baiwalla. I was given a robe and cap by the Paramount Chief, along with the gift of a live goat, which I donated to the food program.
Since April, 2013, I have worked with churches and individuals in Minnesota, North Carolina, Massachusetts, and Oklahoma to see that Rev. Banya received $2000 monthly to support her work. In 2017 we raised the monthly stipend to $2500. One church in North Carolina has contributed $20,000 in support in the last 4 years. Another large North Carolina church donated 1/2 their Christmas offering--a gift of $10,000. Fourth Avenue UMC in Faribault provided $6000 from 2013-2015. While the money (over $200,000) for building the school was donated by a retired General Mills executive in Minneapolis, the Bishop in Sierra Leone called to tell me they were naming the school for me—
Richard Ormsby Methodist High School.
The school has opened with just four classes, 120 student, and 6 teachers and staff. With 11 classrooms, 2 labs, an auditorium and library, 4 offices and sets of bathrooms, the school will eventually have 500 students.
As I mentioned in our phone conversation, I believe this project is related to our Rotary project in Sierra Leone in 2006-2008. Recently I received a generous contribution for the school from Dick Cook, who along with Dick Huston worked with me on our Rotary project.
On April 7 2021, the Faribault Rotary Club welcomed Mr. Jim Hunt who virtually spoke about Fast for Hope (FFH). FFH’s vision statement is applying the power of Rotary to end extreme poverty. FFH wants projects to be sustainable and focused on community self-sufficiency. Mr. Hunt explained extreme poverty is defined as living on $1.90 per day as articulated by the United Nations. FFH follows new thinking about global projects to address poverty. Mr. Hunt commented that aid provided by developed countries to date has not reduced poverty on a sustainable basis and does not address underlying causes of poverty in the developing world.
Mr. Hunt used FFH’s efforts in Nicaragua as a case study, highlighting the difficulties of operating in Nicaragua over the past year caused by political unrest, hurricanes, and COVID-19. Mr. Hunt said that among the lessons learned in working on humanitarian projects in Nicaragua is that many relief efforts apply relief instead of development or rehabilitation. He also commented that many projects focus on doing for rather than working with the host community. He emphasized the importance of investing in individuals in the target community and working closely with the community to ensure the community identifies the need and solution for any aid projects. He stressed the need for the community to be the first investor in any aid project. The targeted community needs to set the pace of any project. Importantly, projects need to ensure that appropriate technical background/support and training are provided to ensure the project is sustainable.
FFH partners with Opportunity International. (OI) and an NGO named Kairos in Nicaragua. OI has a background in micro-finance and has a similar mission as FFH in combating extreme poverty. All three organizations try to complement efforts in their project work. Projects include electrification, water purification, and roads.
Mr. Hunt provided an update on the El Corozo project which has been challenged by leadership issues and COVID. Kairos has been active in El Corozo focused on social issues (Children program, Women’s group, Healthcare initiative, and a reading program). New leadership at El Corozo has focused on water to ensure the community has a safe and reliable water supply. Plans call for installing a bore hole well drill with solar powered mechanical pump and a tank reservoir for water retention and community piping.
Mr. Hunt stated FFH is well-aligned, focused and growing in ability to achieve positive change and impact in targeted communities. Partnering with OI and Kairos, FFH is focused on completing the well project by January 2022. As always, FFH is striving for measurable impact on target communities.
Mr. Hunt requested Rotarians to get involved by donating money, participating in a cultural delegation, and/or joining FFH steering community.
The Annual Honor’s Banquet was held for seniors from BA and Faribault High School.
The Annual Strive Banquet was held with scholarships awarded at the Elks Club.
The Rotary Reader program was started at Jefferson Elementary.
The Club held the annual picnic at the Rotary Camp but discontinued the silent auction.
Led by Rev. Rick Ormsby, the club committed $12,000 to Books for Africa.
Al Burkhartzmeyer was honored for 50 years of perfect attendance.
The annual Rotary Rose Sale was held in October.
The club enjoyed the 68th annual Christmas Concert.
Our club’s 87th president in 2006-07 was Angela Storch. She was the Director of United Way in Faribault.
Angela had the following memories:
I joined the Faribault Rotary Club in August of 1996, just a week after my wedding, and was a new college graduate. Doing so, I became the third female member of our club, joining ranks with Janine Sahagian and Jill Finstuen. My, oh my how the times do change! My sponsors Dave Balcom and Harry Algyer, encouraged me to become active. The Pastor Gordon Orde echoed that wisdom with his speech "let there be no RHINOS - Rotarians In Name Only." Following their advice, I became a long-time editor of the club's bulletin, helped to organize Jingle Bell runs, Car Raffles, Parade Floats, Clean Up projects, and brought a circus to town - twice.
Fast forward to 2006 -2007, my Presidency of the Faribault Rotary. Personally, it was a year of enormous change: I had relocated my young family to rural Waterville, and became the Alumni Director at South Central College. Our beloved Keith Shaffer's unexpected passing moved the role of Presidency up a year earlier than anticipated for both Gary Peterson and myself. In that whirlwind, I vividly remember being supported by our membership. Our leadership worked tirelessly to engage all our members in club activities. The Faribault Rotary Club had 90 students participate in STRIVE. Via Hy-Vee, we purchased and presented 15 backpacks to local school principals. We received and sent Rotary Exchange Students, delivered meals on wheels, supported the Little Feet Soccer Program, held RESPECT retreats, and awarded four Paul Harris Fellowships. We made repairs and updates to our Rotary Camp and increased efforts to market its availability to the public. Through Rotary's call to Service Above Self, I fondly recall all the good we accomplished together, and will forever cherish the fellowship had and friendships made, both here in Faribault and around the world.
Cheers, Angela
2008
The Annual Honor’s Banquet was held for seniors from BA and Faribault High School.
The club participated in a Long-Range Rotary Planning Facilitation.
The Annual Strive Banquet was held with scholarships awarded at the Elks Club.
The Rotary Reader program was continued at Jefferson Elementary.
A video was produced for the Rotary Camp.
Honorary membership was granted to Stu Thibodeau, Layton Hoysler and Al Burkhartzmeyer.
The Club held the annual picnic at the Rotary Camp.
The club sponsored a circus at the Rice County Fairgrounds as a fundraiser for the soccer fields.
Rotarian of the Year was awarded to Gary Peterson.
The annual Rotary Rose Sale was held in October.
The club enjoyed the 69th annual Christmas Concert.
Our club’s 88th president in 2007-08 was Grant Wilson. Grant has been a member for 20 years joining the club on Jan. 6, 2000.
Grant had the following memories:
The thing I remember most was being asked. Sheriff Cook and Gary Peterson showed up and asked me to do it. A lawyer and a guy with a gun, how could I say no!
We carried on the Rotary Readers and it grew. I participated for the next 8 years. We had a great time with a chili cook off. We had the Rotary planning session, which would be interesting to review if we still had the notes. I remember the circus and what a circus that was!
(Reprinted with permission from the Daily News and Dick Huston)
The Faribault Rotary Club has undertaken a project to supply clean water to some 600 children in rural Cambodia.
Natalie Ginter, David Sauer, Sam Ouk and I are leading the effort with the support of the entire Faribault Rotary and clubs from the surrounding area. The goal is to raise some $30,000 locally. With that accomplished, the District and International Rotary organizations will provide funds to reach the proposed $75,000 goal.
Cambodia was a natural choice for the Faribault club because Rotarian Sam Ouk was born there. He came to the U.S. as a 4-year-old and has many family members still living there. His uncle lives in the area and will help oversee the implementation of the project. It is anticipated Cambodians throughout southern Minnesota will also aid in getting the project funded.
The project is titled a Global Grant. The process is to identify a Rotary Club in the host country that will partner with us. Faribault is very fortunate to collaborate with the Rotary Club of Battambang, Cambodia, as this is the area Sam was born. This is especially fortunate because they have previously partnered with another Rotary club to successfully place a water purification plant at another school.
This project will be at a school where children do not have clean drinking water. The installation will include digging a ditch for water storage. From there it will be piped to the equipment we are purchasing and installing to be filtered and purified. Approximately 600 school children and their families will have potable water to drink for the first time in their lives.
Over 1 billion people in the world do not have access to clean water and every day more than 6,000 children die daily from water-related diseases, according to Unicef.
With Sam leading the way we have been able to connect with the leadership of the Battambang club via phone, email and Zoom. This is especially gratifying as Rotary International has a set of guidelines which must be followed to secure the matching grant. Having this communication and working with a club which has previously completed a project makes the likelihood of success very likely. Working at such a long distance is often difficult and prone to missteps along the way.
Not only is it important to identify a need, but we must assure as much as possible that a project is sustainable. We are confident it will be. Cambodians will be trained to maintain the equipment and the community will be able to sell clean water to provide revenue to keep the project going for the long term.
We are confident we can enhance the lives of the people in village by improving their health and welfare. Working with our club, the Battambang club, neighboring clubs and Rotary International we endeavor to live the Rotary motto of Service above self.
On March 31st, 2021, Kurt Halverson, David Connelly, and Amy Amundson presented the 2021-2024 club visioning report.
The visioning process asked club participants to look at what would benefit the club and envision what goals would be obtained through the process in success within three years.
The main objectives most important to the club from the vision project focused on 3 main objective concepts.
1) Restarting Exchange Program.
2) Branding club through visible community service.
3) Being engaged in our purpose as members.
The visioning process is still in its infant stages and will adapt and grow as our needs and focus might change due to our control or nonetheless. More information about how to objectively obtain our club goals will be addressed in the coming weeks and months.
Please look forward to being involved in our club's vision success. It will profit those who in need from our service above ourselves and be a blessing to our community.
The club moved its meetings from the Elks to Bernie’s Vintage Ballroom.
With the Rotary International Theme, “Celebrate Rotary” the club celebrated the 100-year anniversary of Rotary with a special program.
The Annual Honor’s Banquet was held for BA and FHS seniors.
The Annual Strive Banquet was held with scholarships awarded at the Elks Club.
The club’s 3-year pledge drive for Polio Plus ended with collections exceeding the $7500 goal.
The Club held the annual picnic and silent auction at the Rotary Camp.
The club enjoyed the 66th annual Christmas Concert.
Our club’s 85th president in 2004-05 was Richard Cook. He joined our club in 1997 and has been a member for 23 years.
This was probably Dick’s fondest yet bittersweet memory:
"That has Rotary written all over it", a comment made observing kids playing soccer on our way to a 2004 training session at the Hasting High School. With me that day were Keith Shaffer, president-elect and Angela Storch. Keith wouldn't be president dying prematurely of a heart attack in 2005. Keith was one of those guys to get things done. That comment, that day inspired me. So, we signed a resolution on October 4, 2004 to take a leadership role in creating soccer fields in Faribault by assembling a group of key stakeholders to explore and lead this initiative.
The money piece, as past president Darlene Meillier noted 2 weeks ago, actually took place after her presidency. It was a big deal at the time and she is right the camp did come into play as a revenue source. It was subsequently dropped when Rotarian Wes Bahl talked to his son, Tracy. Wes had cancer at that time and an unknown future. When the Bahl Foundation committed a million dollars other stakeholders, like Faribault Rotary stepped up. Our club raised $50,000 for naming rights on one of the fields by sponsoring a couple of circus fundraisers. The fields and our commitment came to fruition in 2010 with the dedication of Faribault Soccer Complex and Bahl Field. Neither Keith Shaffer or Wes Bahl, both friends and Rotarians, never lived to see this come to pass yet were key inspirations.
2006
Our club’s 85th president in 2005-06 was Gary Peterson.
Gary’s memories from the year he was president started on a sad note with the unexpected and sudden death of incoming President Keith Shaffer in March 2005. He was one of the most respected and productive members of our club. He was missed greatly by everyone. As President-elect to follow Keith, I then became president a year earlier than anticipated.
Through the Rotary year we celebrated the Strive and Honors banquets recognizing the achievements of local students, the annual picnic at the Rotary Youth Camp, the 67th annual Christmas concert at St. Luke’s Church with the Faribault Senior High Choir, and all of the club’s ongoing activities.
The Club started the Rotary Readers program with the assistance of the first, second and third grade teachers at Jefferson Elementary School. Rotarians volunteered on a weekly basis to meet and read with students selected by the teachers in a one-on-one setting. Teachers reported positive results in student confidence and reading skills. Participating Rotarians contributed many hours of their time in this volunteer activity.
In addition, Rotarian Pastor Mark Noreen organized, and Capstone Press in Mankato provided, a gift of over 1,000 new library books organized and distributed by our Faribault Rotary members to the Faribault public elementary school libraries.
The honorable past president, Amy Amundson, proposes Rebekah Freed, Senior Environmental Health & Safety Manager for Daiken Applied, for membership in the Faribault Rotary Club. if you have any questions or concerns please contact membership chair, Keith Kramer.
Just a reminder: our kick off session for the 2021-2022 Strive Program is tomorrow from 7:15 to 7:45 a.m.! We are continuing to meet over Zoom, and the link to Wednesday's session is: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/84218346511 This session will also be recorded, and I will share a link to that video with the club when it is available. If you are interested in learning more about Strive or simply supporting our area students, please join us for tomorrow's session!
Brian gave his classification talk recently. I asked him six follow up questions to help summarize his presentation for those of us who were present and for our club members who missed the meeting. If you have not had a chance to welcome him to our club, please do so.
Your Family members, occupations (including you) or school level?”
Brian- Career and Equity Coordinator – Faribault High School
MBA
Wife Linda- Customer Relations Specialist- Big Brothers Big sisters of Southern MN
Son-Mason 14-Minnesota Autism Center, Daughter- Jersey 12 -6th grade and Daughter- Harper 9 -4th grade
Your Hometown/School/College
Hometown: Port Huron, Michigan
Port Huron High School,
St. Clair County Community College,
Huron University, Huron, SD.
Your Previous occupations? Career Counselor, Adjunct Professor, Area Manager, Service Learning Coordinator
Any Hobbies? golf, fishing, basketball, reading and watching my kids in activities and grow.
Rotary sponsor? George Wickstrom
Interesting fact about you or your life? I was able to visit Japan and play basketball in college.
On March 24 2021, Mr. Bruce Morlan and Richard DeBeau addressed the club about “Braver Angels.” Mr. George Wickstrom introduced the gentlemen to the club. Braver Angels strives to explore peace and reconciliation in the political realm.
Explaining how Braver Angels was formed, Morlan and DeBeau highlighted the results of the 2016 U.S. Presidential election had unexpected and caused the electorate to exam what it meant to be a liberal or a conservative. The election had further divided the nation along partisan political lines.
Seeking to bridge the divide a group of people gathered for a meeting in Ohio evenly divided along partisan grounds. The group eventually started calling themselves “Braver Angels” and appeared on various media programs from 2017-2018 transforming Braver Angels into a national movement. The Braver Angels idea is to form Red/Blue community alliances, teach practical skills for communicating across political divides and make strong public arguments for depolarization. The goal is not victory but reaching common understanding. It involves letting go of individuals’ need to be right.
Braver Angels’ mission is to depolarize and unify a divided nation. They pledge to remove hatred from political discourse and build working alliances to foster new ways to talk and improve our communities.
Braver Angels offers workshops throughout the nation. Over 1000 workshops in almost every state have been held around the country with thousands of participants. The workshops teach skills for bridging the partisan divide, depolarizing within, and dealing with families. The workshops are designed to be balanced politically and seek to find common ground. Workshops also have initiated conversations about race in America.
Throughout the presentation, Morlan and DeBeau used the principles on which the Rotary has been founded as a basis for the work of the Braver Angels. Rotarians can help bridge the partisan gap and use its culture of service and selflessness to help bridge differences among communities
Many years ago in England , pub frequenters had a whistle baked into the rim, or handle, of their ceramic cups. When they needed a refill , they used the whistle to get some service. 'Wet your whistle' is the phrase inspired by this practice.
Don't delete this paragraph below just because it looks weird. Believe it or not, you can read it.
I cdnuolt blveiee taht I cluod aulaclty uesdnatnrd waht I was rdanieg. The phaonmneal pweor of the hmuan mnid Aoccdrnig to rscheearch at Cmabrigde Uinervtisy, it deosn't mttaer in waht oredr the ltteers in a wrod are, the olny iprmoatnt tihng is taht the first and last ltteer be in the rghit pclae The rset can be a taotl mses and you can still raed it wouthit a porbelm. This is bcuseae the huamn mnid deos not raed ervey lteter by istlef, but the wrod as a wlohe. Amzanig huh?
On March 17th, 2021, the club was granted great pleasure to hear from Soknegn Durski. A dear childhood friend of our very own Sambath Ouk, Soknegn shared her origins and her objective with her clothing line Angkor Treasures.
She was born in a suburb of Cambodia's capital, displaced into refugee camps, and eventually located in Rochester, Minnesota, in 1993. Soknegn worked towards her master's degree in Statistics and now practices in the field of computer science. In dedication to Soknegn's homeland of Cambodia and in memory of her father, local Cambodian artisans handcraft each scarf and every pattern tells its own story in Cambodian culture. Scarfs range from $35-60. Soknegn has pledged $3 to each scarf sold to go towards the Faribault clean water project in Cambodia coming in the summer of 2022.
As someone who knows firsthand the great leadership potential of Rotaractors, I always look forward to World Rotaract Week, which we are celebrating from 8 to 14 March. Rotaractors are the focus of all three of my presidential conferences this year, and I was proud when, two years ago, the Council on Legislation voted to elevate Rotaract by including Rotaract clubs as members of Rotary International. Before that, the Council had already made dual membership possible, and shortly after, the Board of Directors decided to do away with Rotaract’s age limits.
But we are only just embarking on our journey together. Partnering effectively doesn’t happen by itself. It requires both sides to be open and to understand the value of cross-generational alliances. Louie De Real, a dual member of Rotaract and Rotary, explains.
Joint virtual meetings have helped Rotaractors introduce Rotarians to new ideas and tools, pioneering unique ways for clubs to collaborate. In the case of pandemic and disaster response, Rotaract clubs used social media to coordinate efforts, drive information, and fundraise, while Rotary clubs used their networks and resources to amplify support, provide logistics, and bring the goods and services to communities.
Rotaractors’ innovative virtual engagement and professional development activities inspired Rotarians to support and follow suit. The pandemic made Rotaract clubs realize that we can immediately connect and partner with Rotary clubs through virtual platforms. With constant collaboration, we realize that Rotary and Rotaract indeed complement each other — that we are part of a single organization with shared goals.
Both sides add value. Rotarians can be mentors and service partners to Rotaractors, while Rotaractors can demonstrate to Rotarians that difficult jobs can be simplified and limitations can be surpassed through digital approaches. This synergy motivates Rotaractors to become future Rotarians: I joined Rotary because Rotarians gave me memorable membership experiences through inspirational moments of collaboration. I needed to be a Rotarian to inspire Rotaractors the same way, now and in the future.
That same synergy leads Rotarians to realize that while Rotaractors may have a different culture, we all share a common vision of uniting people to take action. Rotaract’s unique ways of doing things serve as inspiration for innovation, helping Rotary increase its ability to adapt to future challenges. Rotarians and Rotaractors will build the future together, so let’s start today.
I see no difference between a Rotary club and a Rotaract club, except perhaps for the average age!
Many Rotarians still view Rotaract as our youth organization, but I see it differently. For me, they are part of us, and they are like us. To be successful together, we need to have mutual respect — to see each other as equals. Let’s see Rotaractors for who they really are: students and young leaders, but also successful managers and entrepreneurs who are capable of planning, organizing, and managing a Rotary institute — including breakout sessions in five languages — as they did in Berlin in 2014.
As we take this journey together, let’s remember the strengths of Rotary and Rotaract. And, as Louie says, let’s get started right away in building the future together. In doing so, we open endless opportunities for our organization.
Minnesota House Representative Lynda Boudreau gave a presentation on “The Minnesota Personal Protection Act of 2003.”
The Annual Honor’s Banquet was held for seniors from BA and Faribault High School.
The Annual Strive Banquet was held with scholarships awarded at the Lavender Inn.
The Lavender Inn closed and the club moved its meetings to the Trucker’s Inn for a short time and then eventually to the Elks Club.
There was serious discussion about the future of the Rotary Camp at Cedar Lake. The club considered selling the land to fund the new soccer fields. The Bahl Foundation stepped in so the club discussion ended.
The club started a 3-year $7500 pledge drive for Polio Plus. This amount ensured that 90,000 children will receive the vaccination.
The Club held the annual picnic and silent auction at the Rotary Camp.
The club enjoyed the 64th annual Christmas Concert.
Our club’s 83rd president in 2002-03 was Darlene Meillier.
Darlene had the following memory from her year as president: She greatly enjoyed attending the Rotary International Meeting in Barcelona Spain.
2004
The Annual Honor’s Banquet was held for seniors from BA and Faribault High School.
The Annual Strive Banquet was held with scholarships awarded at the Elks Club.
The club was in the second year of the 3-year $7500 pledge drive for Polio Plus. $5626 had been collected to date.
The Club held the annual picnic and silent auction at the Rotary Camp.
The club enjoyed the 65th annual Christmas Concert.
Our club’s 84th president in 2003-04 was James Wolf. He was the CEO of District One Hospital.
James had the following memories from his year as president:
- I recall the hallmark of my year as President was the participation in the Beautification project. I believe the Chamber had engaged the U of MN extension service and efforts to undertake beautification projects was an outcome of that survey.
Specifically, I remember doing plantings near El Tequila and near the west side Kwik Trip. We tried to make the triangle park just east of Buckham into a manicured landscape. We painted a building on Central Avenue that the owner was allowing to be a real eyesore. And the final project I remember was working on cleaning up Crocker’s Creek in front of the Chamber.
One other action of my term was we printed attendance on a quarterly basis. I had some excellent pictures of the Rotary crew working on these projects but the process of decluttering for the move probably claimed them.
In English pubs, ale is ordered by pints and quarts.. So in old England , when customers got unruly, the bartender would yell at them 'Mind your pints and quarts, and settle down.' It's where we get the phrase "mind your P's and Q's."
It was the accepted practice in Babylon 4,000 years ago that for a month after the wedding, the bride's father would supply his son-in-law with all the mead he could drink. Mead is a honey beer and because their calendar was lunar based, this period was called the honey month, which we know today as the honeymoon.
In Shakespeare's time, mattresses were secured on bed frames by ropes. When you pulled on the ropes, the mattress tightened, making the bed firmer to sleep on. Hence the phrase..."Goodnight , sleep tight."
Keith Badger Faribault High School Activities Director
On March 10, 2021, Faribault High School (FHS) Activities Director Keith Badger presented FHS’ Student Athlete Leadership program. At the outset, Keith outlined his discussion providing a brief history of the leadership class, what FHS is doing currently with the class and what the school plans to do in the future as well as what students who participate in the class will learn.
Keith described graduating from University of Saint Thomas and then eventually working at a high school in New Richland, Wisconsin where he taught Physical Education and coached football in New Richland, he started teaching leadership.
Keith stressed leadership was the foundation of any successful organization. Knowing how valuable effective leadership is, he said that a leadership program had to be part of any organizations he belonged to. He observed aloud teams have losing years. Often the description of an unsuccessful team was that the team did not have any leaders. However, teams could have down years, but a team with strong leadership would sustain the organization through difficult seasons. Using the “no leaders” excuse ultimately did not reflect who was accountable for not having developed leaders. The school must develop leaders as it develops all students in the school.
Sports do not inherently teach character and leadership but coaches and participants in activities can develop leadership in others. Keith recalled when he first started the New Richland program only 6 kids showed up for the class. As he was teaching the leadership program, he discovered that his personal standard of behavior was lower than what he expected leaders in the program to be. As a result, he strived to raise his own behavior to match the expectations he was setting in his class.
Keith stated students want to be challenged to become better. In this vein, he would ask his leadership students what they wanted to change and then empower them to try to make change. When he left New Richland to come to Faribault to be the Activities Director, Keith already knew that effective leadership among a school community can change the culture of a school.
Keith noted that as the Activities Director he sits in his office and mostly interacts with adults all day rather than students. For this reason, he challenged the FHS coaches to embrace leadership education. Each week he wanted a new coach to stand before the students involved in leadership education to discuss their views on leadership. He felt it is important for different coaches to impart their wisdom and experience to the student athletes that they might not normally have the opportunity to engage.
Keith emphasized his view that to change a culture the students needed to be challenged to be better and empowered. In Faribault, he said FHS holds an initial “icebreaker” meeting at 7:00 AM. Even though FHS should be thought of as a middle-sized school, he quickly discovered most kids do not know each other. Having met and talked with each other broke down barriers and eased discussion. Usually the class would watch a “Growing Leaders” video, break out into small groups to discuss and then rejoin their classmates to talk about what they had learned.
Keith also highlighted that he expected participants in the leadership class to treat FHS as their home and invite their fellow students into the building as if they were their guests. As an example, he has had the group wear clothing that identifies them as FHS student athletes and then had them hold the doors open for their fellow FHS students to make them feel welcome. Using the example of a thermostat or a thermometer, Keith highlighted he wanted all the students to be thermostats setting the culture and energy in the school. All the students have great potential and can do anything they want to achieve. He noted that with a strong attitude plus great effort people can achieve great things.
With the advent of the 7-period school day at FHS, Keith commented it was a great opportunity to get leadership training into the classroom (i.e., not starting at 7 AM before the official start of school). In the coming year, leadership classes – Leadership class 1 and 2 – will be taught throughout the school year.
Rotarians asked questions about how to get these valuable leadership lessons and teachings to younger students. Keith said he hoped to impart FHS’s leadership ethos to youth coaches and he agreed that using older student athletes to mentor younger ones was a good idea.
The Annual Honor’s Banquet was held for seniors from BA and Faribault High School.
The Annual Strive Banquet was held with scholarships awarded. The program was doing well in its third year with Marv Schrader as chair.
The Club held the annual picnic and silent auction at the Rotary Camp.
The club enjoyed the 62 annual Christmas Concert.
Our club’s 81st president in 2000-01 was David Balcom. He was the managing editor of The Faribault Daily News.
Rod Mahler noted the following:
“I remember Dave was a big Michigan fan (graduate there) and we always got on each other when the football, hockey, and basketball games were played. I sold his house when he moved out west.”
2002
Chamber President, Kymn Anderson addressed the club regarding the Blandin Foundation and other Chamber initiatives.
Medical Specialist Kristin Auge gave a program about her tour with Minnesota National Guard.
Our club sponsored and attended a special program for all middle school and high school students. Mr. Henry Oertelt, a Jewish holocaust survivor, detailed his life in Germany and surviving both the Theresienstadt and Auschwitz concentration camps.
The Annual Honor’s Banquet was held for 58 seniors from BA and Faribault High School.
The Annual Strive Banquet was held with scholarships awarded at the Lavender Inn with 110 in attendance.
The Club held the annual picnic and silent auction at the Rotary Camp.
The club enjoyed the 63 annual Christmas Concert.
Our club’s 82nd president in 2001-02 was Mike Gramse. He joined our club in 1985 and has been a member for 35 years.
Mike had the following memory from his year as president:
“One thing that I did that year was I would ask a member of the club to get up at the beginning of the meeting a give a 60 second story about themselves and then as they rambled on, I would cut them off at 60 seconds. I thought it was pretty interesting to hear them talk about themselves and then fun to cut them off. We learned a lot about each other that year. We had a very prestigious membership, very interesting people.”
The Faribault Rotary Club has welcomed Suzzanne Fox as the newest member. Fox is Executive Director of Ruth's House of Hope and brings a history of leadership to the club. Pictured with Fox is her sponsor Greg Ciesluk
Alex Tsatsolis visited the Faribault Rotary Club virtually, to share the efforts and mission of The Minnesota Land Trust to our state's natural lands. The Minnesota Land Trust protects and restores Minnesota’s most vital natural lands in order to provide wildlife habitat, clean water, outdoor experiences, and scenic beauty for generations to come.
As a public charity, the Minnesota Land Trust has been working with landowners and local communities since 1991 to protect and enhance Minnesota’s increasingly threatened lands and waters.
To complete their mission the Minnesota Land Trust looks to:
PROTECT: Permanently protecting land through conservation easements and effective land management.
RESTORE: Building upon our current pioneering work in the St. Louis River Estuary, we are adding more projects to restore land and waters that have been degraded.
ENGAGE: Helping to foster a culture of conservation, to support enhanced conservation legislation and funding, and to ensure the state has highly-skilled professionals. We’re currently working closely with the City of Duluth to develop world-class trails and recreational experiences. We expect this project to inspire more cities in reaching their outdoor livability goals.
If you are interested in more information about the Minnesota Land Trust, please see their website athttps://mnland.org/
Hanan gave her classification talk recently. I asked her seven follow up questions to help summarize her presentation for those of us who were present and for our club members who missed the meeting. If you have not had a chance to welcome her to our club, please do so.
Your Family members, occupations (including you) or school level?”
My mom takes care of the home, my dad works at a mirror factory. Both of them have a high school education. I work as a RISE coordinator at the high school. I have a BA in psychology.
Your Hometown/School/College
I am from Faribault, MN. I went to the Faribault schools and attended Gustavus Adolphus College.
Your Previous occupations?
Behavioral Therapist, and Personal Care Assistant.
Any Hobbies?
I love reading, training for a marathon, playing basketball, and hanging out with my baby.
Rotary sponsor?
Richard Huston
Interesting fact about you or your life?
I was born in Saudi Arabia.
Anything else you can think of?
Not really, if you have any questions please let me know.
An anonymous Rotarian donated $500 and asked for matching donations for the Special Olympics.
The club delivered 406 meals during its two weeks turn with Meals on Wheels in January.
Local Golf Pro, Ken Gorg, spoke to the club about the developments of golf in general and how golf came to Faribault in 1910.
The club did an exceptional performance of Row, Row, Row your Boat during fellowship.
A group of Rotarians from Mongolia presented a program about their country.
The club presented the annual Honors Banquet and he second annual STRIVE Banquet two weeks apart in May.
The annual picnic and auction were held at the Rotary Camp.
Former Governor Al Quie spoke to the club.
Don Lucia, the new head coach of the Minnesota Gophers Hockey team and Rod Mahler’s nephew, spoke to the club about his goals and plans for the team.
Jeanine Sahagian sold 200 dozen roses during the annual sale.
The 60th Annual Christmas Concert was held at Shattuck-St. Mary’s.
Our club’s 79th president in 1998-99 was Pastor Gordon Orde.
2000
The end of the millennium/century/decade/year was acknowledged by reflections from Rod Mahler, Tom Gagnon (Gawn-yun) and Harley Pettipiece during the first program.
State Senator Tom Neuville outlined the big issues facing the 2000 legislative season.
Major General Eugene Andreotti of the Minnesota Air and Army National Guard addressed the club before leaving for Kosovo that week.
Faribault Futures leadership Program for 2000 told the club about their organization.
The annual STRIVE Banquet was held at the Lavender Inn.
The annual club picnic and silent auction were held at the Rotary Camp.
The annual Youth benefit concert was held at Faribault High School.
The club enjoyed the 61st annual Christmas concert.
Our club’s 80th president in 1999-2000 was Janine Sahagian. She was the first woman to join our club and the first woman president.
Charlie Cogan, co-chair of Rotary District 5960 Polio Plus team, recently attended the Faribault Rotary Club to honor members Dick Huston, George Wickstrom, Marv Schrader, Troy Dunn, Dave Green, Rod Mahler and Brenda DeMars for their recent contributions to help eliminate polio in the world. The Faribault club ranks as one of the top 10 Rotary clubs in the district.
When Rotary International took on the task of eliminating polio in the world, there were 350,000 case in 125 countries. After leading the effort to vaccinate billions of young children across every continent there are now less than 150 cases in two countries. In addition, the mechanism and training put in place to fight polio has since been used to fight Ebola and now COVID-19.
On February 24, 2021, new Rotary club member Hanan Mohamud gave her classification speech. Hanan was born in Saudi Arabia, moved to Somalia, and then to Egypt. She and her family came to the U.S. through the auspices of World Relief Foundation. First coming to Florida, Hanan and her family found that while Florida was beautiful, it was not all that welcoming to new immigrants. The family decided to move and because her family had a relative living in Faribault (Hanan’s Aunt), the family decided to move here.
Hanan described the difficulties of a newcomer moving to Faribault and noted that Faribault really did not feel like home even though she had lived here for 17 years. She recommended that people should try to talk to people who are different than they are. Speaking about food, kids, etc. are natural topics to discuss to get to know someone and make them feel welcome. She is grateful to be a member of Rotary so she can share her story, help the community, and continue to grow as a person.
Hanan was the first member of her family to graduate from college with a degree in Psychology and has plans to further her education in graduate school. Four months ago, she was blessed with a baby girl, describing her as her ray of sunshine. She has been a leader in Faribault Senior High’s Realizing Individual Student Excellence (RISE) program, providing on-site mentoring and support for Faribault Senior High School students. Hanan spoke of the positive impact RISE has made for students during the pandemic, making involved students feel like they belong to a community and that they can be themselves.
Hanan’s classification speech sparked several questions about how to make Faribault a more welcoming community and how Faribault’s Rotary club can make a difference. Hanan again emphasized how glad she was to be a Rotarian and contribute to making Faribault a better place.
Sambath Ouk spoke to the club about a Global Grant in Cambodia. Dick Huston, Sam Ouk, and Natalie Ginter have been working on a Global Grant program to assist a village near Battambang, Cambodia acquire a Water Purification system for a 558 student, grade 1-6 elementary school. The school is located some 20 kilometers from Battambang and was built in 1997. In 2014, the school had a biosand water purification system installed but it has fallen in disrepair due maintenance issues.
In order to move forward with the project, money needs to be raised with an estimated goal of around $40,000. Fund raising efforts with surrounding clubs, a Minnesota based Buddhist temple, and tying in fund raising efforts with the Khmer New Year were discussed. Sambath and Dick Huston spoke of trying to organize a trip to Cambodia in February and March 2022 . Sambath spoke about having the local Battambang Rotary club help figure out the actual cost for the system and then move forward with the project. Several members who have visited Cambodia
Only two people signed the Declaration of Independence on July 4, John Hancock and Charles Thomson. Most of the rest signed on August 2, but the last signature wasn't added until 5 years later.
Rotarian Dr. Roy Anderson gave a presentation on his book called “The not so Straight River.”
Jerry Bell, President of the Minnesota Twins, gave a presentation to the club about what makes a successful sports franchise and the proposal for the new Twins stadium.
Palmer Dragsten was honored for 50 years of service and Al Burkhartzmeyer was honored for 40 years of service in Rotary.
The annual Honors Banquet was cancelled due to school construction.
Rotarian Marv Schrader presented the goals for Vocational Services which included the plans for the STRIVE program.
Nate Gagnon, son of Rotarian Tom and Linda Gagnon returned from being a Rotary Exchange and presented a very interesting program to the club.
Rotarian past president Kevin Mahoney spoke to the club about his trip to Israel organized by the American-Israel Chamber of Commerce.
The 58th Annual Christmas Concert was held at Trinity Lutheran Church.
Our club’s 77th president in 1996-97 was Don Olson.
1998
Donn Johnson led a program entitled “A Look into the Crystal Ball at Faribault’s Future.”
In the first year of the STRIVE Program, the club awarded $3000 In scholarships to students.
Dr. Michael Richie presented a program on the advances in Refractive surgery.
The Annual Honors Banquet was held at South Central College and Brent Peroutka was one of the seniors being honored.
Club dues were set at $150 for the year.
There were programs discussing the economic importance of the Faribault Airport and the festivities involving the Hot Air Balloon Rally and the Tree Frog Music Festival.
Sheriff’s Deputy Dan Silkey presented a talk on Rice County Gang Suppression.
Rotarian Harley Pettipiece gave a program on his family’s past and how his family farm is now the site of Perkins Restaurant.
The 59th Annual Rotary Christmas Concert was held at Shattuck-St. Mary’s.
Our club’s 78th president in 1997-98 was Wade Karli.
Mary Ellen gave her classification talk recently. I asked her six follow up questions to help summarize her presentation for those of us who were present and for our club members who missed the meeting. If you have not had a chance to welcome her to our club, please do so.
Your Family members, occupations (including you) or school level?”
Paul Bondhus (husband) BA from Mankato State University
Vice President of The Sheeter Group
Sam Bondhus (son) Junior College Student College of St. Scholastica
Will Bondhus (son) Sophomore College Student Rochester Institute of Technology, Forklift Driver Lowe’s Owatonna
Mary Ellen BS from University of Georgia
Your Hometown/School/College
Marietta, Georgia North Cobb High School 1986
University of Georgia Publica Relations & Speech Communications
Your Previous occupations?
MN Hands & Voices Parent Guide-
Helped families with Deaf & Hard of Hearing Children find resources.
Georgia Eye Bank- Trained Physicians and Nurses on Eye, Organ & Tissue Donation
Cindy gave her classification talk recently. I asked her seven follow up questions to help summarize her presentation for those of us who were present and for our club members who missed the meeting. If you have not had a chance to welcome her to our club, please do so.
Your Family members, occupations (including you) or school level?”
Scott (Husband)– GM of United Prairie Insurance
Cindy Yerington – Realtor with Edina Realty
Corey Johnston (son)- Retired Green Beret, now doing contract work for the State of Washington
Dan Johnston (son) -VP of Regional Sales with ClickSwitch -Owego, NY
Jason Johnston (son) – Medical Litigation Attorney/Partner with Zimmerman and Reed in Minneapolis
Cale Johnston (son)- Owner, CEO of ClickSwitch
Emery Yerington (Daughter) – Accountant for Scrap-It in Dallas, TX and is actively getting her masters in Accounting to study for her CPA.
Your Hometown/School/College
lived in Kearney, MO until 1970. We moved to West Liberty, IA and made that our home for 36 years before Moving to MN. We have lived in MN since 2006.
I graduated from Scott Community College with Associates Degree in Nursing.
Your Previous occupations?
I did childcare in my home when my 4 boys were small. I can proudly say I did that for 10 years!
Then I went to college to get my nursing degree. After taking my Nursing Exam and obtaining my license, I worked as an ICU nurse in Muscatine, IA. I was in that position for 3 years and then I went to work
as an office nurse in a Pediatric Office in Iowa City.
When we moved to Minnesota I start working at Regions Hospital in St. Paul as a Pre-op/Post-op/PACU nurse until fall of 2018.
Any Hobbies?
We love to boat. Before moving to MN our summers were spent at the Lake of the Ozarks in MO, And Boating on the reservoir’s in Iowa and Mississippi River - That is why we chose to live on Roberds Lake!I love to Read, spend time with my grandchildren and travel to see all of our children. When we are not traveling to see our family, our next favorite destinations are beaches for a little R&R.
Rotary sponsor?
Brenda DeMars
Interesting fact about you or your life?
I’m a New Year’s baby and that allows me to always spend my birthday with friends and family since it is a holiday!
WE have 5 children, and soon to be 8 grandchildren, the twins are due 2/14/2021 that will equal 4 grandsons and 4 granddaughters!
I moved my parents from Iowa in 2016 and they are residents at the Faribault Senior Living.
Anything else you can think of?
I look forward to meeting everyone soon and being an active member of Rotary.
The 2021 Strive Banquet was held virtually this year over Zoom. President Brenda DeMars started the event off in typically Rotary meeting fashion, and Kymn Anderson shared with us the virtue of purposefulness. Brenda then shared an overview of Rotary and highlighted a portion of the work that we do locally and globally. Then Strive Committee Chair Kurt Halverson provided and overview of Strive. After that, all of the students who participated in Strive were recognized, and then all scholarship recipients were recognized. Kurt then thanked all those that help to make Strive possible, including those that contribute to the scholarship fund.
Mary Ellen Bondhus enjoys her role at Edina Realty in assisting people in one of life’s most significant transitions. Born in Texas, Mary Ellen has lived life with a heart filled with hope, optimism, and resilience to overcome challenges. Mary Ellen was born blind and with heart complications which she concorded at early ages. Mary Ellen moved around from Texas to Northern California and finally Georgia. In Georgia, Mary Ellen met her best friend to this day, Molly in 7th grade. Mary Ellen also graduated from the University of Georgia, majoring in public relations.
Mary Ellen’s history of blindness led her into her career field with the Georgia Eye Bank. In this position, Mary Ellen learned and strived with her human connections of listening and empathy. Mary Ellen met her husband, Paul, on a “winter wonderland” vacation trip to Minnesota. They had twin boys after marriage. Will and Sam were born prematurely. They both were resilient, overcoming challenges in the first couple of years of life. Will and Sam would eventually bring Mary Ellen and Paul to Faribault.
Mary Ellen enjoys all that Faribault has to offer. The history, nature, culture, and most of all, strong community.
If a statue in the park of a person on a horse has both front legs in the air, the person died in battle. If the horse has one front leg in the air, the person died because of wounds received in battle. If the horse has all four legs on the ground, the person died of natural causes
(If the statue is on the ground it is because of political reasons!)
Each king in a deck of playing cards represents a great king from history: Spades - King David /Hearts - Charlemagne /Clubs -Alexander The Great / Diamonds - Julius Caesar.
Local veterinarian and agricultural consulting expert, Dr. Richard Huston presented a program about his trip to Mongolia.
The club participated in Meals on Wheels.
Faribault Area Chamber of Commerce President Kymn Anderson spoke to the club about her organization’s plans for Faribault in 1995.
The annual Honor’s Banquet was held at Riverland Technical College.
The club celebrated its 75th anniversary.
Our state representative, Lynda Boudreau, gave us a legislative update.
Faribault High School Superintendent Keith Dixon talked to the club about the upcoming levy referendum.
The club toured Viratec.
The 56th Annual Rotary Christmas Concert was well attended.
Our club’s 75th president in 1994-95 was Bob Bue.
1996
Rice County Commissioner, Dan Minnick, spoke to the club about the growing pains of Rice County and the struggles of the Rice County Board.
There was a program about the merging of Peace Lutheran and Trinity Lutheran Schools.
Rotarian Harley Pettipiece talked to the club about the bicycle tours he and wife, Gloria enjoyed in Germany and Ireland.
Reverend James Snell gave his classification talk and said that it was a natural to go from his previous career in law enforcement to the ministry because he was so good at getting confessions.
The annual Honors banquet was held at Riverland Technical College.
Annual Dues were set at $125.
The Club received the Presidents Citation for Integrity, Love and Peace.
The club toured the Aircraft Restoration Facility at the Faribault Airport with owner and Rotarian Roy Redman as host.
Rotarian Bernie Ardolf spoke to the club about the upcoming Group Study Exchange from India and Brazil.
Club members participated in a special event that welcomed First Lady Hillary Clinton to Faribault.
Our club’s 76th president in 1995-96 was Kevin Mahoney.
On Wednesday February 10, 2021 Faribault Rotarians had the pleasure of hearing from Faribault Public Schools Community Education Team, Faribault Rotarian Dr. Anne Marie Leland and her associates Cassie Ohnstad, Kate Geary and Vicky Croon presenting “Cradle to Career FPS Community Education”
Anne Marie stated there has been tremendous growth of the Community School Education programing since she started in 2012.
Vicky Croon runs Community School at Jefferson Elementary. Coming up for 5th graders is an opportunity to work virtually with the U of Minnesota on a cooking class making apple sauce. Looking forward to some warmer months, and starting a community garden at Jefferson. This will provide many learning opportunities.
Kate Geary runs the programing at the Faribault Middle School, serving 6 -8th graders. There are a variety of clubs offered five days a week, including the popular P.E on Wednesdays when there is open gym. There are about 30 Kids taking advantage of this right now and soon warmer weather will allow them to do outdoor activities as well such as cross-country skiing and snow shoeing. The students have an advisory board within community school at FMS, and have expressed the need to be around their teachers more!
Cassie Ohnstad runs the programing for Highschool and Adult Education. She has partnered with some local businesses to launch a community training program for adults looking to go to work at Daiken or another factory in the area. The class is teaching the basics one would need to know to work in the factory setting, including handling tools, basic wiring and safety to name a few. She is also excited about “Renting Basics” a program that will be offered for new home buyers and first-time renters. When you are in charge of a house hold for the first time, you don’t know what you don’t know. For example: when you are renting, it is not the landlord’s job to vacuum for you or change a battery in your smoke detector.
Thank you, FPS Community Education Team! It is so exciting to hear about the programs you are all putting together for our community – you are making our community a better place! We appreciate all your hard work and diligence! Visit us again soon!
The honorable Pastor Greg Ciesluk has proposed Suzanne Fox, the Director of Ruth's House, for membership in the Faribault Rotary Club. If you have any questions or concerns, please contact membership chair Keith Kramer
This year the Faribault Rotary Club will be hosting a virtual recognition event in lieu of our usually Strive banquet. We would be delighted to have you join us if it works for your schedule!
Minnesota Attorney General Skip Humphrey presented a program on Environmental issues affecting our state.
Rice County Auditor, Lorraine Nelson spoke to the club about the duties and responsibilities of the county auditor’s department.
A group exchange team from India visited the club.
The annual picnic at the Rotary Camp was held on May 12th and included an auction with over $3300 going to the Rotary Foundation.
The annual honors banquet was held at The Riverland Technical College.
The club received a Presidential Citation Award.
A program was presented on the Prairie Island nuclear storage problem.
Dick Hanson, coordinator of the Real Life Cooperative, explained the new housing project underway at the King Mill site in Faribault.
The 64th annual Rotary Christmas Concert was held at Shattuck.
U.S House Representative Tim Penney updated the club on legislation in Washington DC.
Our club’s 73rd president in 1992-93 was Julius Wadekamper.
1994
The club toured the new facilities at District One Hospital after the $5.2 million expansion and remodeling.
Dr. Richard Rush, President of Mankato State talked to the club about the school’s mission and its role in southern Minnesota.
Julius Wadekamper, Gus Hoffman and Janine Sahagian presented three separate programs summarizing their trip to the Amazon rain forest and the city of Santarem to visit Ron Hein who works with the children’s program the club supports.
The club raised $4,200 for the Rotary Foundation at the Annual Picnic and auction.
The club toured the newly remodeled Buckham Library.
The club listened to a program about the new proposed ice arena to be built next to Bruce Smith Field.
George Wickstrom played 78 holes of golf on the Annual Longest Day of Golf to support cancer prevention.
The IRS decided that Rotary dues are deductible on member’s federal returns.
The club sold 759 dozen roses.
The 55th annual Christmas concert was held at Shattuck-St. Mary’s.
Our club’s 74th president in 1993-94 was Ken Smith.
Cindy Yerington was the first child born in Kansas City in 1961. This genuine mark of fortune has followed her throughout her life. She enjoys her current career in Realty at Edina Realty. “It allows me to bring care to people, help them make a life moment.” Cindy was glad to raise her 5 kids in the melting pot community of West Liberty IA.
Cindy was engaged in a lot of community service engagement from sport booster clubs, to Treats for Troops. Her family hosted three Rotary exchange students. She spent 25 years in the Nursing field which brought her and her family to the Faribault area. Cindy has a huge heart with everything she engages, and looks forward to her time within the Faribault Rotary Club, helping our community.
Dr. Richard Huston, local veterinarian and now in private consulting, showed the club slides of his trip to Bolivia through the Ministry of Christian Veterinarians.
The club recognized Layton Hoysler for 31 years of perfect attendance, Al Burkhartzmeyer for 24 years and Olaus Moe for 18 years.
Cate Grinney was a student guest from Faribault High School.
The Annual Honors Banquet was held at the high school.
A Group Study Exchange from Argentina visited the club.
Club dues were $125.
State Senator, Tom Neville addressed the club to discuss the recent legislative session.
Every member was to sell 5 dozen roses at $12 each. $400 dozen were sold.
The 27th annual Youth Benefit concert was held at the high school.
Our club’s 71st president in 1990-91 was Dr. Richard Skewes.
1992
The club supported the Fast for Hope project.
The club toured Mercury Minnesota.
The club listened to a presentation on the upcoming School construction bond referendum from Rotarian Tom Gagnon.
Rotarian Julius Wadekamper made it known to the club that the people of Santarem, Brazil were in desperate need of $5,000 to maximize efforts at saving children there. (Please read the “The Street Children of Santarem” in the stories section of the bulletin)
Navy Commander Raymond Lee Marshal discussed the Navy’s role in our National defense and in Operation Desert Storm.
The club plus spouses took a trip to the Old Log Theatre for the production “It Runs in the Family”.
The 28th Annual Youth Benefit Concert was held at the High School.
The club sold 488 dozen roses during the annual sale.
State Auditor Mark Dayton spoke to the club about the role of his office in state government.
The following article was written by our 73rd President Julius Wadekamper who led the project. He was fluent in Portuguese and had taught school in Brazil previously. This article is being reprinted from our 75th anniversary program in 1995.
Murray Hanson
THE STREET CHILDREN OF SANTAREM, BRAZIL
By: Julius Wadekamper
There is so much poverty, suffering, hunger, and child abuse in the world that we cannot begin to comprehend it. Anything that a person or an organization does to help is like a drop of water in the ocean. Nevertheless, for those who are helped even so little makes a world of difference to them. One of the greatest effects in their lives is to know someone cares and the effect in our lies is knowing that we, who are able to help, do so.
It is not uncommon for the street children of Brazil to be shot. Well over 600 in Rio de Janeiro alone have been shot. How does this come about?
In Santarem, people migrate to the city from the interior in pursuit of jobs. The children must fend for themselves. They take to the streets to find a little work or to steal. Those from whom they are stealing hire off-duty policemen to eliminate the problem. This has been well documented.
On person who has made a big difference is Ronald Hein of Santarem. Seeing the plight of children of the streets he opened a shelter where they can come in groups once a week. They are attracted by sports, soccer, volleyball, basketball, music, guitar playing and singing, crafts such as woodworking, sewing, and a warm meal at noon. They are given a t-shirt depicting their association with the center and if in need, some food to take back to their families. Needless to say, they love the program, However Ronald has set some rules they must follow.
They must have a job, which he helps them find. Hauling groceries from the market, shining shoes, selling popsicles, stocking shelves, etc. While on the job they wear their t-shirt and are proud to do so.
They must be enrolled in school. (Schools only run for half days in order to accommodate all the students). Here again, since there is not enough space for all children to attend school, Ronald and his staff are able to secure room in the schools.
They must sleep at home or with a relative, not under a bridge or in the streets. Home visits are made regularly to help the poor parents and the relatives.
Now many of the children are turning 16 and need to prepare for more permanent
work. Here is where the Faribault Rotary Club comes in. In addition to the $5,000.00 we have already sent, we have raised an additional $14,000.00 with the help of the Hudson, Wisconsin, and White Bear Lake Rotary Clubs, and with the assistance of the District and Rotary International. This money will be used to purchase technical equipment. For carpentry, sewing, printing, computer work, etc., for training so the children can enter in a profitable profession.
Santarem is a town of 150,000 people 500 miles up the Amazon river. Our “drop in the ocean” is extremely meaningful to the 400 children we help and save. Faribault can well be proud of its Rotary Citizens and the good they do.
There are 10 groups of 40 children each, boys and girls, in the Street Children Project. Each group meets once a week at the center. 400 children take part in the program.
On Saturday, February 13, 2021, at 6pm, Ruth’s House will host our 1st Annual Helping Hearts VIRTUAL Event. This entertaining evening includes Brenda Elsagher - National Speaker, Author, & Comedian - Can You See Me Laughing Behind My Mask? In addition, there will be a soloist performance by Abby Engbrecht, a live auction, and a silent auction. This event is Ruth's House biggest fundraiser of the year, averaging about 30% of the overall annual budget.
On Wednesday January 27th we had the pleasure of hearing from one of our newest Rotarians Juanita Picazo. Juanita was born in South West Texas and at the age of 13 her parents decided to leave Texas and head for Minnesota. Juanita recalls fondly her early years living in Texas and spending her weekends in Mexico with her Grandparents. She feels she had the best of both worlds. School during the week learning English and weekends with her grandparents learning to read, write and speak Spanish.
Juanita proudly described life in her migrant family as they travelled to Michigan to work in the berry fields. Juanita has 5 children ages 23, 21, 13, 11, and 9, and she is a grandmother as well. Juanita was a young single mother, and she is a provider and a fighter. She made sure she provided for her young children at times working two or sometimes even three jobs.
After meeting her husband 13 years ago her life changed knowing that she now had someone who was going to be there for her. She had her 3 younger children and became a stay-at-home mom cherishing the time she was able to spend with her kids.
As time passed, she had a desire to return to the work force and accepted a job in Elysian as a preschool teacher for a migrant program. After a few years of teaching, she advanced to a position as a family advocate helping families get whatever was needed to make a life here. Sometimes it was just picking up a child for school. She is grateful for her opportunities and recognizes that it forced her to grow as a person and change.
Juanita joined the Faribault High School as a Para and EL teacher, and now she is one of the coordinators of the RISE program for Faribault Public Schools. She continues to do what she does really well – help others. She provides social, emotional and academic support to the students giving 1000% - and it shows!!
We are so excited to have you Juanita!! Welcome to Rotary!!
Deb Asp, an instructor at the Wilson Center, gave a presentation on the building and sailing of the Viking ship, Hjemkomst. Deb, her three brothers and eight others sailed from Duluth to Norway.
Our club’s 69th president in 1988-89 was Bob Trench.
1990
The club volunteered for Meals on Wheels for 2 weeks in January.
Betty Piper, Director of Community Relations for the Minnesota Twins, presented a promotional video on “Twins Bloopers.” The community relations program was instituted by Twins players to help them be active and serve as role models in the community.
The Annual High School Honors Banquet was held at Bethlehem Academy.
A program on how to eat Minnesotan and be healthy was presented to the club.
Dick Skewes attended the Rotary International Convention in Portland, Oregon.
The annual picnic was held at Gus Hoffman’s home on Cannon Lake.
Mike Monge, Deputy Director of Public Safety spoke to the club about fire safety.
Elizabeth Strofus, a member of the elite Women Airforce Service Program (WASP) presented a program to the club about her service in WWII.
Our club’s 70th president in 1989-90 was Jim Nielson.
In Rotary, 23 February is our anniversary, and February is also the month when we focus on promoting peace. There is a reason for this: Contributing to peace and international understanding has been a high priority for us since our earliest days.
We are often asked: “How can we get involved in peace now?” There are many paths to peace in Rotary. Our youth programs point us in the direction of Positive Peace, as does the work of intercountry committees and the Rotary Action Group for Peace.
Another path is the Rotarian Peace Projects Incubator (RPPI), an inspirational collaboration among Rotarians, Rotaractors, and Rotary Peace Fellows and alumni. Led by Rotarians in Switzerland and Liechtenstein, RPPI has designed 48 global projects that any club can support, either directly or through Rotary Foundation global grants. Nino Lotishvili and Matthew Johnsen, alumni of the Rotary Peace Center at Chulalongkorn University in Bangkok, Thailand, are two of the many volunteers.
During my Rotary peace journey, I have learned how personal resilience helps build inner peace and create sustainable outer peace. This was the inspiration behind the Women Peace Ambassadors for the South Caucasus project, which is based on my field research in Georgia. The RPPI team of Rotarians and peace fellows recognized the incredible potential of women from mixed-ethnicity families who live on borderlands to be role models for peace within and beyond their communities. Through workshops on building inner and outer peace that draw on the power of storytelling, 40 participants will be sharing their stories and reaching around 400 extended family and community members. These inspiring but marginalized women will reclaim their inner strength as peacebuilders at the grassroots level. In this way, we will take steps toward the sustainable, peaceful society we need so much, not only in our region, but throughout the world. — Nino Lotishvili
I was excited to join the peace incubator project and to further strengthen my ties with Rotary’s peace community by working with past and current peace fellows to develop these proposals. My team wrote five proposals — three in Bangladesh, one in Iraq, and one in Poland — that focus on the arts and on education to generate dialogue across religious divisions and avert the radicalization of young people. I was inspired by how, despite the pandemic, we came together via technology with a vision to develop, test, and strengthen ideas and to produce workable solutions that clubs across the world can support to advance peace. I am excited to work with Rotary’s peace community to transform these visions into reality. — Matthew Johnsen
Here is further proof that in Rotary, we prefer action to words. This is Rotary at its best. I encourage you to visit rppi.ch to explore the projects and support them.
We have lasted 116 years because of our strong ethics, our passion for Service Above Self, and our unique approach to problem-solving. One of our greatest strengths is how we reach across our communities and across national, ethnic, religious, and political divisions to unite people of all backgrounds and to help others. This month, let’s celebrate our history and the many ways that Rotary Opens Opportunities to advance world understanding, goodwill, and peace, our ultimate mission.
Many years ago in Scotland , a new game was invented. It was ruled 'Gentlemen Only...Ladies Forbidden'...and thus, the word GOLF entered into the English language.
Kate Langlais is a local artist living and working in Faribault. She is involved at the Paradise Center for the Arts by teaching classes, working on the gallery committee, and displaying her work there. One of her current projects, "I Am Minnesota," features portraits of local 1st and 2nd generation immigrants along with their stories. Kate looks to do more pieces in her collection soon with a grant from Cultural Heritage Fund. Kate works primarily with charcoal and oil paint, but also works with other 2D media. Examples of her work can be found at www.katelanglais.com.
Larry Neumann, assistant trainer for the Minnesota Vikings presented a program on the prevention & Care of Athletic injuries. He showed slides of the new training facilities at Winter Park in Eden Prairie and was optimistic about the Vikings Super Bowl chances.
Once again Captain Donn Johnson led a noble band of 22 Rotarians in the 8th annual Service Club Olympics.
The 66th annual picnic was held at the Rotary Youth Camp at Cedar Lake. The first club picnic was in 1921.
Donn Johnson spoke to the club about the background of “Life Unlimited,” an interdenominational singing group boys and girls ages 16-22 led by him. They performed at 21 different events including the State Fair.
The club held several “fireside” meetings for new members.
Mike Gramse, founder, owner, and president of MRG Tool and Dye tells the story of his business during his classification talk.
The club’s Polio Plus Foundation fund drive surpassed $20,000 in pledges.
Our club’s 67th president in 1986-87 was Stu Thibodeau.
The club and spouses enjoyed a leisurely summer evening with a dinner cruise on the Jonathan Paddleford on the Mississippi River.
A program was presented on the future of Ethanol.
The club toured the Faribault Woolen Mills and its new retail store.
The Annual Student Honors Banquet was held at BA.
The club toured MRG Tool & Die.
The club toured Faribault Foods.
There was a program on the progress of the new Viratec construction project.
Dave Beranek gave the annual financial report of Faribault Youth Services Inc.
Our club’s 68th president in 1987-88 was Dave Peterson.
A note from the Feb. 24, 1988 Faribaultarian:
“Roger Koopmans, accompanied by Donn Johnson, led the singing last week. Donn played well, but Roger’s tie would never be found in Gentleman’s Quarterly. Roger says it was a gift from Steve Springmeyer! Wherever it came from….. I am sure there are no others in captivity.”
On Wednesday January 13th Faribault Rotary had the pleasure of hearing a classification speech from one of our newest members Brian Coleman. Brian is Faribault Public Schools Service-Learning Coordinator.
Brian started us off with a reading on Unity by Morgan Harper Nichols and set the stage for a very moving presentation. Brian was born in Port Huron MI and stated that his town was not the safest place. He described his childhood for us (leaving many of us in tears). Brian had a very difficult childhood. He is bi-racial and his mom took him and his little brother to live safely away from his dad when he was just 3 years old.
They were homeless, and lived in a car at different times. Elementary school was rough, minus his extremely awesome hair. Children can be very mean, and Brian was not spared from their name calling and harassment. By middle school Brian had learned to get along with others and discovered the sports of football and basketball at which he excelled. By high school Brian was participating in student senate and Varsity club.
His talent on the court afforded him the opportunity for a full Scholarship to St. Claire County Community College. Brian was a shining star in his freshmen year. Any way he could be winning he was! As a sophomore he was let go from the basketball team, but allowed to keep his scholarship to SC4. He ended up transferring to Northern State University in Herron, South Dakota where he played basketball and met his wife Linda.
After college graduation, Linda relocated to Minnesota for a teaching job. After Brian’s Step Father passed in 2000 the family made a move back to Minnesota and Brian started a job with Workforce Center as a career counselor, and eventually landed where he is today as the Faribault Public Schools Service-Learning Coordinator.
Brian is married to Linda, they have three children Mason – 14, Jersey – 12, and Harper – 9. They are an active family and wishing Covid-19 would wrap up so they can get back to sports and the things they love to do.
Brian had started his presentation with a quote “all people can be successful with support.” It is clear that Brian had a lot of support from a lot of people who love him. Even fellow Rotarians weighed in at the end of the presentation to say what an exceptional person he is.
WOW! Are we ever lucky Brian has joined our ranks! Brian, we are so excited to have you and look forward to making great thing happen with you in our club!
Students in our community can thrive in life after high school when they have the opportunity to hear from members of the community about valuable life information. Make a difference in the lives of Faribault-area youth by joining the Strive committee! The Faribault Rotary Strive program has over two decades of helping high school seniors prepare for what's next in life. We are in the process or wrapping up our 2020-2021 Strive year, and about to start planning for 2021-2022. We would love to have you be a part of it! Just send me an email or give me a call to hear more about this amazing program and how you can help!
January is finally here. As we look forward to 2021, our thinking doesn’t have to stop at the end of these 365 days. Are you thinking ahead about what you will be doing in 2022, 2023, and beyond? We cannot foresee the future, but we can steer ourselves where we want to go. I think it is important that every Rotary club hold a strategic meeting at least once a year. Past RI Director Greg Yank, who has a lot of experience working with clubs on their plans, shares his viewpoint.
A famous aphorism states, “By failing to prepare, you are preparing to fail.” Planning is essential to achieving success in all areas of life, including Rotary, and we’re getting better at it every year. Strategic planning for Rotary clubs works. I have helped many clubs find that pathway by working with them to build what I call a blueprint, a multiyear plan that answers the fundamental question: “What is our vision for our club?” The best plans I have seen are those that are focused, when a club concentrates its resources on the best opportunities it has. Your Rotary club cannot be all things to its members and to the community it serves; it has limited human, financial, and time resources. A successful plan factors in assets and limitations to chart the desired pathway for your members.
Begin building a multiyear strategic plan by brainstorming with your club, asking, “What are our initiatives and priorities for the next two to three years?” Document your answers using action-oriented language that is specific, concrete, and measurable about the goals you want to achieve. Next, narrow down your initiatives to a core set of three to five priorities. Your club will then develop specific objectives for each initiative, outlining who will be involved, key milestones of achievement, how progress will be tracked, and a timeline for completion. Keep your plan short and simple. Then go out and do it. Review the progress you make toward accomplishing the initiatives, and revise as needed at least once a year. Rotary has a solid template to assist clubs in their planning, which you can find at my.rotary.org/en/document/strategic-planning-guide.
We want to enrich and enliven our clubs with new discussions and ideas. But how do we attract the diverse professionals, from different backgrounds, ages, and experiences, who are all driven by as strong a sense of integrity as we are? Through strategic planning, we explore this question to define the very nature of our club and the value it offers to its members and to the community. Each club is different, and each club’s value will be unique. During the planning process, clubs may also find that some of the activities they used to do are no longer relevant or attractive.
Once your club makes a strategic plan, it’s time to take action and carry out the necessary changes. When we do that — as we engage members in vibrant and active clubs that not only have fun but also serve their communities with projects that have real and lasting impact — our clubs grow stronger. And when we discover what makes our own clubs unique and build upon those core values in all our efforts, Rotary Opens Opportunities to enrich the lives of everyone.
The club completes four successful weeks in January with meals on wheels.
Local resident, Bill Korf, was elected President of the State Fair Board. He gave a program highlighting the history of the Minnesota State Fair from 1859 to present.
A group study exchange team from Brazil visited the club.
The club participated in the 6th annual Service Club Olympics.
The Annual Honors Banquet was held at the Senior High.
The annual picnic was held at the Rotary Camp.
There was a program on Haley’s comet which was visible in late 1985.
The club was given a tour of the new Junior High School Building.
Our club’s 65th president in 1984-85 was Donelly Martinson.
1986
State Senator Clarence Purfeerst spoke to the club about pending legislation.
Ken Gorg, Faribault Country Club Pro, addressed the club about the beginning of golf in Faribault and hopefully helped improve a few golf scores.
Led by team captain Donn Johnson, the club finished fourth (out of seven) in the 7th annual Service Club Olympics.
The 22nd annual High School Honors banquet honoring 43 seniors from BA and FHS was held at Bethlehem Academy.
The club had 78 members plus one honorary member. Of this group Ardolf, Beranek, Gerbig, Johnson, Koopmans, Mahler, and Wickstrom are still members today.
Football coaches from Faribault High School and Bethlehem Academy spoke about the upcoming season.
Our clubs 66th president in 1985-86 was Dr. Steve Springmeyer.
Here is the link to the recording for last Wednesday's Strive session, where we heard from Dr. Brian Wariboko on making wise choices: https://youtu.be/mHRAQeB1lQM
We are in need of 8-9 Rotarians, family and friends ages 10 and older to volunteer to pack food on Tuesday February 2nd from 5:30 to 7:00 at the Faribault CAC food shelf. 1400 Cannon Circle door 5.
Call, text, email or just mention to Laura Bock you would like to be involved!
There was a program titled “Information Ala Carte” telling the club about new telephone communication possibilities and technologies such as the personal computer.
The club took second to Sertoma as they won the 4th annual Service Club Olympics. Dale Hamilton won the pie eating contest.
Superintendent of Schools, Dr. Richard Berge gave the club an update on Faribault Schools.
The 20th Annual Honors Banquet was held at Faribault Senior High.
Music Scholarships were awarded to four Faribault Senior High Students.
George Wickstrom organizes a bus trip to the Minnesota-Purdue Big Ten Football game at the brand new Metrodome.
The annual club picnic was held at the Rotary Camp.
Janine Sahagian, Clinical Vice President, Constance Bultman Wilson Center spoke to the club on adolescence and the Center programs.
New member, Donn Johnson, was inducted into the club on Dec. 14, 1983. His sponsor was Dick Skewes.
Our club’s 63rd president in 1982-83 was Bill Wise.
1984
The club took the annual Rotary Ann party on the road with a bus to the Old Log Theatre.
Rotary District 596 Mid-Term Evaluation was held in January at Shattuck.
There was a club program on the formation of the new Faribault Area Hospice.
Gayle Mahler (Rod and Jean’s daughter) presented a talk about her recent mission trip to the Philippines.
Northwest Airlines President Steve Rothmeier talked to the club about the Airline industry.
The club was given an update on the U.S. Postal system and to get use to the new extra 4 numbers given to each zip code.
The highly anticipated classification talk from Donn Johnson was well received.
Judy Fruehbrodt, our Rotary exchange student to Sweden gave a lively presentation to the club about life on the farm, learning Swedish, their school system and other social activities. Today, Dr. Judy Fruehbrodt- Glenzinzki is a physician here in Faribault.
Minnesota Governor Al Quie gave a non-political talk to the club about his perceptions of power bases in America.
State Auditor and future Minnesota Governor Arne Carlson spoke to the club.
Our club’s 64th president in 1983-84 was Tom Gagnon.
This past week fellow Rotarians Anika Rychner and Scott Wopata spoke to our club about Northfield's Community Action Center. The Community Action Center is a non-profit looking to take local challenges and create local solutions for them. The CAC has many different programs they operate. From food access, transportation, and housing support, to youth services. Recently, with over 20 various local partners, the CAC has created a mobile food unit in Faribault. Since April has delivered over 9,000 boxes of food to homes in 9 neighborhoods, feeding 1,500 people.
The Faribault Rotary Club has signed up to provide monthly volunteer service for the mobile food shelf. If you would like to stay up to date on the project, check out their new Facebook page @Faribault Food Access or at https://communityactioncenter.org/
At the Community Action Center (CAC) of Northfield, we are “neighbors helping neighbors.” Our programs – from Creating Homes to Feeding the Hungry – meet the most basic needs of individuals and families who are seeking help.
The Club participated in the second annual Service Club Olympics
Governor Al Quie addressed a joint meeting of all the Faribault service clubs.
The annual Honors Banquet was held at Faribault High School.
There was a program on the future of public and cable television.
The club had a presentation by local Naturalist Orwin Rustad and a walking tour of the Nature Center followed by a picnic lunch in the parking lot.
Club dues for the year was $60.
The Club held the 17th Annual Youth Benefit Concert with 582 people attending.
Attendance Chairman George Wickstrom informed the club that each member is responsible for marking the attendance log at lunch or you will be marked absent.
The 42nd annual Christmas Concert was held at Shattuck.
Our club’s 61st president in 1980-81 was Oskar Teisberg.
1982
The club participated in the 3rd annual Service Club Olympics with Sertoma winning for the third year in a row but this year we were second place.
Attendance was at 83.5% this year down from 89.24% in 1981.
Faribault mayor Gary Kindseth spoke to the club about the city’s sound financial position and future plans.
The club held the annual honors banquet for 50 BA and FHS seniors at Bethlehem Academy.
Future Rotarian of the year (2009) Dave Beranek joined the club on June 16, 1982. Wes Bahl was his sponsor. During his classification talk he mentioned that he was single and played fastpitch softball.
New improved songbooks were provided by a number of Rotarians. These are our current songbooks and replaced the ones purchased in 1966.
The club awarded four music scholarships to Faribault High School seniors.
Our club’s 62nd president in 1981-82 was Dale Hamilton.
Chad gave his classification talk recently. I asked him follow up questions to help summarize his presentation for those of us who were present and for our club members who missed the meeting. If you have not had a chance to welcome him to our club, please do so.
Chad Koepke
Your Family members, occupations (including you) or school level?”
Father: Steve Koepke – Banker @ Wells Fargo
Mother: Kim Koepke – Banker @ State Bank of Faribault
Sister: Lauren Koepke – Banker @ State Bank of Faribault
Your Hometown/School/College
Hometown: Blaine, MN
High School: Concordia Academy, Roseville
Undergraduate Degree: Labovitz School of Business & Economics @ University of Minnesota Duluth (B.B.A – Finance)
Graduate Degree: Carlson School of Management @ University of Minnesota (M.B.A – Finance)
Your Previous occupations?
Financial Institutions Group (Portfolio Manager) @ Wells Fargo
Any Hobbies?
Music (guitar & producing)
Athletics & Fitness
Reading (non-fiction)
Rotary sponsor?
Dr. Huston
Interesting fact about you or your life?
Owner of a Quaker parrot (Bird) that is 18 years young
Anything else you can think of?
Recently proposed to the love of my life, Courtney, on Christmas Day 2020
Faribault administrator graduates in online ceremony
Anne Marie Leland, the director of community education for Faribault Public Schools, finished her Doctor of Education degree last March but due to the pandemic, had to wait until December to officially participate in the formal graduation ceremony.
The online ceremony conducted by Minnesota State University, Moorhead included all bachelor's, master's, and doctoral degrees conferred through the MSUM College of Education through 2020. The ceremony included all the usual pomp and circumstance complete with graduation speeches, awards, music and revelry. Outside audiences were able to link in to cheer for their favorite graduate.
2020 Faribault Rotarian of the Year winner enjoys giving back
Faribault Rotarian Eric Craig was named the 2020 Faribault Rotarian of the Year Dec. 16 via online streaming. Craig grew up in Faribault and joined the local club in September 2015. He had previously been recognized as a Paul Harris Fellow.
Reprinted with permission from the Daily News
“Eric Craig is a ‘do everything’ kind of Rotarian,” according to Dick Huston. In just over five years of involvement with the Faribault club, Craig has shown that he, as fellow Rotarian Huston said, “definitely lives the ‘service above self’ model of Rotary.”
“From selling the most roses for fundraisers to helping with the clothing drive in the winter time, from helping at blood drives to working at the camp, Eric is first and foremost ready to go,” Huston said. Just before the Faribault Rotary’s virtual Christmas concert, the club recognized Craig as the 2020 Faribault Rotarian of the Year in a Dec. 16 online meeting. “I was extremely honored, extremely surprised and humbled,” Craig said. “You have a group of 60 Rotarians, and they give their time, and their families give time, and any one of them would be deserving. I was extremely honored and humbled to be recognized by my peers.”
Craig grew up in Faribault, and after living in St. Paul for about a decade, returned to his hometown about 10 years ago. He joined the Faribault Rotary Club in September 2015, making him a relatively new member.
His involvement with the Faribault Rotary Club started with his employer at JOD Limited, where he’s worked for the past 11 years. His business partner at the time, Gary Demro, had been a 40-year member of the Faribault Rotary and said to Craig, “My time is up, and I want you to join.” Craig said he plans to be a lifelong member of Rotary. “The most important thing, the thing that influences me the most, is the people, who give back through service or monetary, in most cases it’s both,” Craig said. “It’s just really humbling to be a part of a bigger cause.”
In the past five years, Craig has participated in Rotary volunteerism and project fundraising in a number of capacities. He has volunteered with Red Cross blood drives, a winter clothing drive called Warm Our Community, Meals on Wheels, and Salvation Army bell ringing for the Red Kettle Campaign. Next year, he said the Faribault Rotary Club plans to participate in the Adopt a Highway program. In Craig’s first year in the club, the Rotary held a fundraiser for a community project, “buddy benches,” which gives children a place to make friends if they feel alone at recess. He also helped the club raise funds for the Rotary mural on the Vacuum and Sewing Center downtown.
Even while traveling abroad, Craig can’t get enough of Rotary. Since there are clubs in around 220 countries, and members are welcome to join meetings held around the globe, Craig has taken full advantage of those opportunities when possible. He and his wife, Sara, attended a Rotary meeting in London, England, while on their honeymoon. They also attended a meeting in Dublin, Ireland, where Rotary’s first club outside the U.S. was established. Although he hasn’t volunteered abroad as a Rotarian, Craig’s monetary donations as a Paul Harris Fellow have served people around the world. In Rotary, anyone who gives $1,000 in a year is considered a Paul Harris Fellow. Craig has taken it a step further by belonging to the Paul Harris Society, committing to giving $1,000 every year.
There are still more ways Craig wants to give back through Rotary. A big goal for the future, he says is to become involved with the club’s international projects. The Faribault Rotary Club has contributed to efforts abroad like improving farming processes in Sierra Leone in west Africa, sending books to schools in Africa, and providing polio vaccines to children in Pakistan.
Craig also plans to continue serving as club treasurer, a role he began four years ago. While committing much of his time to Rotary, Craig has extended his outreach to another local volunteer opportunity. Being involved in Rotary led Craig to join Big Brothers Big Sisters of Southern Minnesota, which Huston recommended. Through the program, which matches children and teens with adult mentors, Craig and wife, Sara, mentor a “Little” close in age to their son, Finley, 6.
Throughout his involvement with Rotary, Craig is especially appreciative of Sara and Finley for not only being accommodating of his involvement with Rotary but also being involved themselves. At Christmastime they join him in ringing the bells for the Salvation Army.
He also appreciates his business partners and colleagues at JOD Limited, who allow him the flexibility he needs to give as much of his time as he can to Rotary.
“This community has given me so much in my life,” Craig said. “I enjoy being able to give back.”
The Faribault Rotary Club has inducted Mary Ellen Bondus and Cindy Yerrington as new members. Both are both realtors with Edina Realty. Bondus has a history of volunteering and Yerrington has family history in Rotary.
David gave his classification talk recently. I asked him seven follow up questions to help summarize his presentation for those of us who were present and for our club members who missed the meeting. If you have not had a chance to welcome him to our club, please do so.
Your Family members, occupations (including you) or school level?”
David Sauer – Presently retired.
Kris Sauer – spouse – Director of Admissions Bethlehem Academy
Elizabeth Sauer – Junior University of Wisconsin Madison
Caroline Sauer, Senior, Bethlehem Academy
Your Hometown/School/College
Faribault, Minnesota/ Faribault Senior High Class of 1984, BA Chemistry Gustavus Adolphus College 1988, MA National Security Policy the George Washington University 1991
Your Previous occupations? Central Intelligence Agency
Any Hobbies? Exercise, Duck Hunting, Collecting old things, History
Rotary sponsor? Rod Mahler
Interesting fact about you or your life? I have met the then President of China, the King of Cambodia, the Prime Minister of Cambodia, the President of Taiwan, former President George H.W. Bush, and former President Barack Obama.
Anything else of interest? Proposed to my wife in a Senator’s office in the Senate Russell Office Building
Chad Koepke addressed the club with his classification speech this week. Chad grew up in Blaine MN. Sports growing up were a focus and passion for Chad, who excelled at Football and Basketball. Graduating in 2010 Chad went to college at Minnesota Duluth majoring in finance and received his MBA at Minnesota Carlson School of Management. Employment brought Chad to Faribault to the State Bank of Faribault for a short period before becoming a portfolio manager with Wells Fargo. Chad has recently transitioned back to the State Bank of Faribault as the Assistant Financial Officer.
Chad is excited for this holiday season with this girlfriend Courtney, with some big plans to share with us all in the new year. In his free time, Chad still enjoys sports along with playing guitar, music production, and reading non-fiction topics. Lastly, Chad is excited to get into the Faribault community and be a positive force for others. As a new mentor in BBBS, Rotary, and other community groups.
Donn Johnson gave an interesting program about the Faribault Senior High Choir trip to Mexico.
The annual rotary Ann Banquet was held at the Faribault Country Club with George Wickstrom as chairman. (Rotary Ann and eventually Rotary Andy were the nicknames of spouses of Rotarians)
The annual Faribault Rotary honors banquet was held for seniors at Faribault high School.
A program by new Rotarian Chip Harris, the plant manager at the Faribault Treasure Cave Blue Cheese operation told the story of how Faribault Rotarian Felix Frederiksen while fighting in France during WWI watched how Roquefort cheese was made and took a fancy to it. Felix then started the operation in Faribault in 1936.
The annual picnic was at the Rotary youth camp.
Rotarian Rod Mahler was on WCCO Tuesday July 17 doing an energy conservation interview and the following Wednesday morning on national TV and then on the CBS evening news with Walter Cronkite.
15th Annual Youth Benefit Concert was held with Dr. Richard Skewes as senior high orchestra director and Donn Johnson as choir director. George Wickstrom sold the most tickets- 47.
Our club’s 59th president in 1978-79 was Gilmore Lundquist.
1980
Roger Koopmans was inducted with great ceremony after 10 years in the Rochester Club and the last four years of perfect attendance. On January 1, 2020, he will have 50 years in Rotary.
Bernie Ardolf joined the club on Jan 8, 1980. He also will have 50 years in Rotary this January.
The club celebrated Rotary’s 75th anniversary.
Arthur Johannsen’s 29 years of perfect, attendance was acknowledged and honored by Al Burkhartzmeyer.
The club took 4th place in the first annual Faribault Service Club Olympics. Sertoma won 1st place. Events included 15 different events including a Liar’s contest, checkers, cribbage, darts, a football throw, golf putting and many more.
The annual club picnic was held at Gus Hoffman’s home on Cannon Lake.
Improvements were made to the Youth Camp which included a new large deck, an upgraded bathroom, a remote shelter, and steps to the waterfront.
The club held the 16th annual Youth benefit concert.
Our clubs 60th president in 1979-80 was Robert Nichols.
Red Cross Blood Drive -We had 37 donors and collected 42 Units of blood. 10 Rotarians volunteered to run the drive with the Red Cross crew. Special thanks to Troy Dunn, David Sauer, Chad Koepke, Rod Mahler, Kymn Anderson Gail Kaderlic, Mark Kenney, George Wickstrom and Brenda Demars!
Salvation Army Bell Ringing
Its time to RING THE BELLS! The Salvation Army needs our help! Please sign up for a 2 hour shift by visiting www.registertoring.com or call Jim at 715-733-0575. Please contact Laura Bock if you need assistance. 507-384-2280.
Meals on Wheels
There is still one opening for delivering Meals on Wheels the week of December 14 Monday December 14th is still available. Contact Laura Bock if you can take that shift.
FYI – Faribault Youth Investment
We can use our help packing some meals the week of December 14th. We need to assemble a group of 6 -8 people to pack. Date and time TBD, most likely after 5:00 one day. Interested persons should contact Laura Bock 507-384-2280
Twas ten days before Christmas, when all through downtown,
Not a Rotarian was stirring, no one to be found;
For there was a pandemic that filled the air,
With hope that a vaccine would soon be there;
The Rotarians were nestled all snug in their beds;
While visions of Christmas concerts danced in their heads;
They knew in a moment the time had drawn near,
But there would be no sign-up with Donn this year
For now, we will be zooming, which will be a test;
Instead looking forward to Gail and Greg's Christmas best;
More rapid than searching the Faribault Rotarians will zoom
And Brenda whistled and shouted and will call them at noon:
Now, Mahler! Now, Wilson! Now, Sanchez and Nelson!
On, Sauer! On, Sesker! On, Coleman and Wickstrom!
To the seat of your desk! To the end of the screen!
Now dash away! Dash away! And soon we'll be seen!
Then we heard Gail and Greg exclaim, as they logged out that night;
"Happy Christmas to all, and to all a good night!"
All Rotarians, Rotaract members, their families, and guests are invited to the NO 81st Annual Faribault Rotary Christmas Concert Event to be held on Wednesday December 16th at noon on Zoom. First, we will award Faribault Rotary Club's Rotarian of the Year 2020 with President Brenda and the recipient live from The Inn at Shattuck. Following this presentation, the joyful sounds of the holiday season will be brought to us by Pastor Greg Ciesluk and Gail Kaderlik. Our regular host for over 30 years, Donn Johnson will sit back and enjoy this program with the rest of us with the hope that everyone will have a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!
My name is Hailey Reuvers and I am a freshman at Faribault High School and a member of the student council. I am reaching out the Faribault Rotary club seeking donations. Each year we host a big fundraiser for Toys for Tots so we can purchase and donate toys to families in need. Unfortunately this year with COVID-19 pandemic, our fundraising options are extremely limited. The link to this GoFundMe is really our only way to raise money this year. Please consider donating even a dollar to help these children have a happy holiday. Every donation counts!
Thank you so much for your time, I appreciate it. I hope you and your family have a happy holiday!
On Wednesday December 2nd our club had the pleasure of hearing a classification speech from one of its newest members, David Sauer. David started his presentation for the comfort of his home office via Zoom because of the pandemic. He gave a "shout out" to Rod Mahler, his sponsor who introduced him to Rotary.
He paid a compliment to the Rotarians for all they are doing in the community to make a difference and then he started to talk about his family. His parents who were present in person at the Inn at Shattuck for the virtual meeting, came to Faribault in the mid 1950's. His father was a Dentist, and his mother a stay at home mom who he credits with raising himself and his brother and sister. She instilled in them a strong value for education. David explained how he graduated from Faribault Senior High in 1984. He mentioned some of his graduating class and the great things they are up to - Heidi Nelson (current Rotarian) running the Paradise Center for the Arts during a pandemic when theater goers cannot gather, John Jasinski a State Senator, and others with incredible careers.
David attended Gustavus after high school and decided to take a "J-term" and study abroad in Eastern Europe. This was 1986, and when he got off his plane there were armed guards at the airport - again 1986, intrigue, and a love of Tom Clancy novels led David on a path to listen to and speak with a recruiter for the CIA, yes Central Intelligence Agency!
His story is fascinating, meeting his wife in Washington while attending George Washington University, and playing softball for fun, he goes on to tell of almost two decades of work in foreign countries, learning the Chinese language, to finally having to tell his daughters what he really did for a living in 2019 on their way to watch their father receive an honor at the CIA headquarters.... His stories are simply edge of your seat exciting and it's like having someone read a spy novel to you!
David you are so humble and kind, and gracious. I hope you share more stories about your time with the CIA, and Rotary already appreciates the time you have given to volunteer in the early days of your membership. We are looking forward to so many more really great times with you! WELCOME!
Rotary exchange student Satsuki Tanaka from Japan gave an informative program on her country and her impressions of America.
The club enjoyed a school lunch with the students in the cafeteria and a tour of Faribault Senior High School led by Principal Boettcher, Mr. James Warren and student Heidi Mahler.
The Annual Honors Banquet recognizing the accomplishments of 43 Seniors from BA and Faribault Senior High was held at the High School.
Repairs were made at the Rotary Camp after vandals had broken seven windows.
Superintendent John Messerli updated the club on plans to address overcrowding and the educational needs for the future of the Faribault School System.
State Senator Clarence Purfeerst gave the club a legislative update.
This was taken from the Feb. 9, 1977 Faribotarian:
The trouble with being a leader is that you can’t be sure whether people are following you or chasing you.
Our club’s 57th president in 1976-77 was Ralph Palan.
1978
The club overwhelmingly supported the proposed amending of the Rotary constitution which would allow women to become Rotarians.” This change was adopted at the Rotary International Convention.
There was a program informing the club of plans for the state amateur baseball tournament to be played in Faribault in late August.
The club toured the yard and gardens of Roger Koopmans.
The Youth Camp was used by 3562 campers.
The 14th annual Youth service Benefit Concert was held in the Junior High Auditorium. The Senior High Choir was directed by Donn Johnson and the Orchestra by Dr. Richard Skewes.
Congressman Al Quie spoke about the race for Minnesota Governor and was accompanied by U.S. Senate Candidate Dave Durenberger. TV cameras were present at the meeting.
Pastor Lowell Lundstrom spoke to the club about his evangelical ministry.
Our club’s 58th president in 1977-78 was Dean Purdie.
Thank you for welcoming Jon Eisele and me to your Rotary Club earlier this year! As you may have heard, Enbridge Energy has received permits to begin construction of Pipeline 3. Shovels are currently in the ground so Minnesotans can soon have safe and available access to the fuel they need.
Enbridge will be hosting a Virtual Open House on Wednesday, December 9th at 5:00pm. Enbridge and their skilled Labor partners have developed plans to safely and respectfully construct Pipeline 3 over the upcoming months. This is a great follow-up to our discussion with you and your club. Please review the attached flyer in the email that follows the bulletin and you are welcome to join and learn what to expect during pipeline construction. This link on the attachment will connect you to the event on Wednesday.
As I look back on 2020, I reflect on how our lives have changed. The global COVID-19 pandemic brought pain and loss to many of us. And for almost all of us, our daily lives, family time, and work also changed this year. But we've made it to the end of this difficult year, not on our own but by reaching out to one another, as we always do in Rotary. With each passing year, I become prouder of our organization. I will choose to remember 2020 as a year of great change and strength for us; Rotary didn't stop, despite the pandemic. We removed obstacles, found new ways to connect, and embraced new approaches to service, such as online projects and virtual fundraising. I have invited two Rotarians to share their stories about how Rotary grew stronger this year.
When the pandemic shut everything down, our emerging e-club was already providing digital service, including internationally. Fourteen U.S. women and I, members of multiple Rotary clubs, were using WhatsApp to mentor women entrepreneurs in rural Costa Rica, helping them to grow their ecotourism business, RETUS Tours [the subject of the magazine's May cover story, "Nature & Nurture"]. The project has grown, with 30 Rotarians now providing consulting and help with the RETUS website and social media. Most importantly, we continue building relationships and empowering these women to transform their own lives, and we are doing it online. I've even helped one of the women, Rosa, prepare a presentation in English for an online international conference. While our engagement with the Costa Rican women still requires some hands-on activity, the most transformative impacts haven't had to be in person. — Liza Larson, Rotary E-Club Engage and Rotary Club of Plano East, Texas
I was president of my club when COVID-19 hit, and many members didn't yet have Zoom. Only 10 of our 53 members participated in the first Zoom meeting during the pandemic. I thought that reaching out and getting guest speakers from around the world to engage our members would help. Many Rotary leaders, a Rotary Peace Fellow, and even RI President Holger Knaack visited virtually and spoke to our club. Meeting attendance improved, while we reduced running costs by cutting out meals. Some members who worked outside our city and had missed our meetings even rejoined us. Registering our online meetings on My Rotary enhanced contacts with clubs across the world, and the joint meeting addressed by Holger attracted more than 300 visitors. We also raised more funds as members and visitors contributed to our projects. To continue being flexible for all, we are now offering hybrid meetings. For me, 2020 has been the best year in Rotary as I've made many new friends. — Blessing Michael, Rotary Club of Port Harcourt North, Nigeria
These stories should give us all reasons to be optimistic about Rotary in the year ahead. We are not just surviving; we are gaining strength. We are discovering how resilient our organization truly is. We are seeing for ourselves how Rotary Opens Opportunities — even during pandemics — to grow, connect, and engage our members and the communities we serve.
From our home in Ratzeburg to yours, Susanne and I would like to bid you and your family the warmest of season's greetings. We can't wait to see the good things that 2021 will bring.
Rotarian George Wickstrom and Rotary International have presented Becky Ford and Father Henry Doyle with Paul Harris awards. Rotarians accumulate Paul Harris points with their own donations and can use those points to honor community members who practice the Rotary motto of "Service Above Self". Pictured here is George Wickstrom with the recipients.
On Jan. 8th, George Wickstrom presented a very interesting classification talk which included how to present life insurance to a prospect.
Rod Mahler presented a program on his “Big Game Hunting” expedition in Alaska complete with slides and movies of trophy bags of brown bear, moose and caribou.
Roger Koopmans made his first visit to the club as a visiting Rotarian from Rochester.
Layton Hoysler reviewed a successful year as District Governor.
The club has a three-year pledge drive to help defray expenses at the Youth camp related to a new bath house and other remodeling.
Wade Karli was the first club member to participate in the Rotary Foundation Program titled “Awards to Teachers.” He will be studying at Oxford in England in the fall.
The club teamed up with the Lion’s, Exchange, and Sertoma for the Faribault Service Club’s Golf Tournament and dinner.
Our club’s 55th president in 1974-75 was Dan Moline.
1976
Theprice of lunch increased to $3.00.
A dozen Rotarians attended the District Conference in Arden Hills.
Earl Bonde presented a slide story about his 3-week trip to China visiting communal farms and other agricultural interests.
A slide presentation narrated by WCCO’s Dave Moore titled “Trip through the Valley Fair” was presented to the club promoting the new Valley Fair theme park in Shakopee.
The club hosted six visitors from India as part of a study exchange group coordinated by past District Governor, Layton Hoysler.
The club visited Harley’s Auto Salvage and witnessed the crushing of automobiles.
There was a program on the future of wind power.
Each Rotarian bought $15.00 worth of tickets to the annual Rotary Youth Concert.
Wade Karli returned from a year in England and presented a program about his Rotary Fellowship at Oxford University and Lady Spencer Churchill College.
Our club’s 56th president in 1975-76 was Gustav Hoffman.
Michelle Redman, Director of Big Brothers Big Sisters (BBBS) of Southern Minnesota was our guest this week. As many understand BBBS matches children with adult mentors for better enrichment of a youth life. Mrs. Redman spoke of the in-depth pairing system of BBBS, looking not to make just a match but the ideal match for success.
BBBS is predicated on one-on-one interaction in activity. This has been a challenge due to the on-gowning pandemic. BBBS has adapted to these new norms with virtual engagements and a new partnership with the middle school program Avid. The Avid program pairs a big with a student to work on guided program topics to enhance engagement and planning skills within the student.
The waiting list for littles looking for a big is over 250 kids. If you are looking to make a difference in a child's life, with as little of a commitment of 2 times a month. Michelle's contact information is as follows:
On Wednesday November 11, 2020 we had the pleasure of a classification speech by new (returning) member Sambath Ouk. Sam is an experienced speaker with a fascinating life story. It is one of hope, and he tells it well. Sam was a refugee coming to America at the age of 2. He spoke of his life as a young refugee and the families that helped him along the way. He traveled here with his mother and grandparents. It was a hard life, he experienced poverty and racism.
Hope – he says is what got him through. As a youth in the Rochester MN area he became involved with gangs. His school was extremely segregated, and gangs were forming all over Rochester. After a conversation with a teacher, Sam started changing the groups he joined. He belonged to multiple groups that helped him move forward in high school with a job and his studies. He belonged to a unity group that made racial justice “cool”.
Sam learned how important it was to find common ground in any situation, and he excels at that practice now in life. The Rotary model of Service Above Self is one of Sam’s favorites. He has set the bar high for the rest of us to follow his examples of the 4-way test.
Welcome back Sambath, we are looking forward to your leadership in Rotary, and the community!
Vanilla is used to make chocolate. Chocolate makers often include vanilla as a method to smooth or reduce bitterness arising from low quality bulk beans. Starting nearly a century ago, chocolate companies found that the low quality beans they were using were often bitter for consumers, even after adding a lot of sugar, so they added vanilla.
Newly elected Mayor, Bob Larson, addressed the club with goals and aspirations for Faribault.
Congressman Al Quie updated the club on what is happening in Washington DC.
The club sponsored two delegates, Faribault Juniors, Therese Sorenson and David Mahler, to the St. Paul Youth Conference.
Layton Hoysler was nominated to serve as District Governor for 1974-75.
Arlen Erdahl, Minnesota Secretary of State, presented a program on voter registration.
Total membership stayed at 68 Rotarians for 1973.
A music scholarship was awarded to Rebecca Wickstrom daughter of Mr. and Mrs. George Wickstrom.
Our club’s 53rd president in 1972-73 was Rod Mahler who is now been a member for over 62 years. He was the sponsor of our 100th president, Amy Amundson.
The following was noted in the Faribotarian from the June 27, 1973 meeting.
It was like New Year’s Eve. President Rod gave a summary of the Rotary year that just ended and turned the gavel over to President-Elect Dr. Roy Anderson. It was the biggest smile that Rod had all year. Our Thanks to Rod for a most successful year. Roy started out in shirt sleeves and laid out his goals for the club. Maybe this was a preview of things to come.
Which leads us to 1974!
The club had a program titled, “Morality in Politics.”
Dr. Roy Anderson presented a highly educational program and film titled “Eyes on the Road.” Which was produced by the esteemed American Optometric Association for driver’s training and educational purposes.
Eight Faribault Rotarians and their wives opened their homes to visits from Rotarians from around the world during the International Convention in Minneapolis. Amongst those were Rod and Jean Mahler who entertained a couple from Saskatchewan and Roy and Bobbi Anderson who entertained a couple from Ontario, Canada.
Thirty-five seniors from Bethlehem Academy and Faribault High School were honored at the annual Honors Banquet at the Senior High.
Layton Hoysler becomes District Governor for Rotary District 595 and made his official visit on July 3rd.
The annual picnic was a huge success at Gus Hoffman’s “resort”
This was taken from the Jan. 30, 1974 Faribotarian:
Here is a bit of legend: England’s King Charles the second, who ruled from 1660 to 1685, likes loin roast so well he decided he would “knight” the meat. Touching his sword to a piece of roast, he declared, “I hereby dub thee Sir Loin.” Today we find sirloin steak on most restaurant menus.
Our club’s 54th president in 1973-74 was Dr. Roy Anderson.
Rod Mahler led a large group of Rotarians on a bus trip to a North Stars Hockey game.
The club visited Shattuck for lunch and was treated to a demonstration by the famous Crack Drill Team.
There was a program on the proposed ultra-modern Zoo to be located on a choice 470-acre tract in Apple Valley.
The club’s annual Rotary Scholarship Awards Banquet was held at Bethlehem Academy.
A brand-new American flag was donated to the club by Rod Mahler and replaced by him again in 2017.
The fellowship tradition of introducing guests by stating their name and having everyone shout out their name by saying “hi “was brought back after many years and is still in practice today.
Our club’s 51st president in 1970-71 was Erwin Sorenson.
1972
Dr. Roy Anderson took over registration duties for the Youth camp from Dean Purdie.
Roger Strom, manager of the Red Owl Store gave a program about a new program in our community titled “Big Brothers.”
The club’s annual presentation of scholarship awards was held at Faribault Senior High.
The club paid a visit to the Alexander Faribault House which was built in 1853.
The club sponsored the eighth Annual Youth Concert for the Youth Camp.
The club began meeting at the Lavender Inn on Nov. 1st.
Our club’s 52nd president in 1971-72 was Alvin Burkhartzmeyer who later honored in 2010 for 50 consecutive years of perfect attendance.
As many of you know, following high school, Al joined the Navy. However, this ended in tragedy when the overloaded bomber on which he was the radioman crashed on a Pacific Island an Al was the sole survivor of the 12-man crew and was badly burned and injured. After a long recovery and an official visit to each of the families of the 11 crash victims, he returned to Faribault to join his father and two brothers in the very successful operation of Burkhartzmeyer Shoes Inc.
Rick Olson of the Prior Lake Rotary Club spoke to us over Zoom about their continued efforts in Nigeria with-in the Nakivale Refugee Area. The Prior Lake club has created a Best Future School to provide better education changes for kids within the Refugee Area. Along with improving water access, sanitation.
The Nakivale best future school sees about 500 kids. The class buildings are small with no room for desks. The Nakivale refugees see little support in food and funding, averaging about 5.67 per month per person. It is all a start, with a lot of room for growth in efforts.
Recently Prior Lake added a Better Future Bakery and Sewing center. Both new concepts look to help provide more food and supplies while creating opportunities for learned skills. Prior Lake is looking to continue their efforts by teaming up with H2Opendoors.org to increase clean drinking water in the Refugee area. They would love your support towards their goal of securing a Rotary International grant to continue their efforts. You can learn more about this project at www.betterfuture.center
We all know Rotary's tremendous power to transform our communities and ourselves. However, in every community, people have been left out, and we have not made a strong enough effort to reach them.
The RI Board of Directors is taking action to make Rotary more welcoming and diverse. We formed a task force to promote diversity, equity, and inclusion to help clubs attract new members regardless of gender, race, religion, age, or other factors. This will help us speed up the change we all want and need. The selection of Jennifer E. Jones as Rotary president for 2022-23 — the first woman to lead our organization — is another step in this direction.
At the grassroots level, clubs drive inclusion and diversity. Alia Ali — who serves on the board of directors at the Big West Rotaract Multidistrict Information Organization and is a Rotary Youth Leadership Awards alumna and past president of the Rotaract Club of Surrey-Newton, British Columbia — offers her perspective.
I still remember the relief I felt as a RYLA participant four years ago. I had finally found my people: people who cared as much as I did. All over the world, Rotary has the same heart. We serve our communities and take action where others feel paralyzed by the size and scope of a problem.
Let's continue that spirit, especially when the conversation is difficult. Racism, prejudice, and discrimination take on different forms but exist in every country, in every city, and in every person. How do we root it out?
As a diversity, equity, and inclusion consultant, I help organizations create a culture that empowers and attracts everyone using the power of empathy. When we feel with others as if they were ourselves, we cannot hold prejudice in our hearts. When every child reminds you of your own child, when every woman or man reminds you of your mother or brother, you start seeing the world differently.
We can apply The Four-Way Test through the lens of empathy. Are we building goodwill and friendship with everyone in our area, including women? Are things fair and beneficial to people of all ages? Who has to make choices that you don't have to make?
I made a heartbreaking choice between Rotary and my religion when a Rotary convention was held during Ramadan. I wondered: When we ask if this is fair and beneficial to all concerned, did that not include me as a Muslim? Would the convention ever be held over Easter? Only by asking difficult questions can we begin the work of creating a more inclusive and diverse Rotary.
We already connect so many people across the world. Imagine the possibilities when we bring even more people along for the ride. That's the future of Rotary I want to see: one where we are unstoppable in our service, relentless in our kindness, and intentional in the change we want to see.
Rotary has a big enough heart. If we open our door wider, we might find a lot of interesting people with new voices and new perspectives. We already have a variety of clubs offering different styles, cultures, and opportunities — and those who do not feel welcome in any particular club might be great candidates for new clubs created on different models. It's important that we make sure every new Rotary member is a good fit for their club. Rotary Opens Opportunities through diversity.
Faribault Youth Investment's Becky Ford (left) and volunteer Emma Mentz hand out food boxes at the annual Warm our Community event.(Andrew Deziel/ SouthernMinn.com)
This article was reprinted with permission from the Daily News
Amid unprecedented need, more than 100 area residents crowded into the Faribo West Mall Saturday for the Faribault Rotary Club’s annual Warm our Community Event. Event organizer and Faribault Rotary Club member Keith Kramer noted that just 45 minutes into the event organizers had already handed out 100 “tickets,” enabling families to get some much needed warm winter outerwear. That was well in excess of the roughly 70 families that showed up at last year’s Warm our Community Event. Thanks to generous contributions from the community and a long list of local businesses and organizations, there were more coats, mittens and hats than before.
That was a huge help for families who have struggled with low wages or job loss over the last few months. Local refugee Star Aye, a Montgomery resident who is part of the region’s growing Karen refugee community, and her husband Thein Shwe were among them. Aye has lived in Minnesota for a decade, but it was her first time at Warm our Community. She said that for her family, the opportunity to get the winter clothes her family needs without having to spend big bucks at a department store was a big help.
Boots, coats and snow pants for children were the first to go, but larger sizes were in demand too. In addition to outerwear, the Warm Our Community event expanded this year to provide food boxes and flu shots for those in need. Food boxes were provided by a coalition of local nonprofits including Faribault Youth Investment and Growing Up Healthy, which have joined together in recent months to fill the need left behind by the abrupt closure of the Faribault Area Food Shelf.
It was the first time the event has been held at the Faribo West Mall, along with the first time it was held on Halloween. While the setting provided much welcome additional space, minimizing the spread of COVID-19 was still a challenge given the large crowd. For Natalie Ginter, a local Rotarian, this was her third year helping out with the event. She said that every year, she’s seen the event grow and become more organized, and this year was no exception. “This location is really great,” she said. “There’s a lot of room to spread out.” For Ginter, the event was about ensuring that the dignity of every person. That’s also what has motivated numerous volunteers from the River Valley Church to help organize the event for the last several years, including Misty Zacharaias. Though Zacharias had previously heard about the event, it was her first time participating. She said that she was thankful to be able to help and hoped that the yearly tradition will continue well into the future. “This event is a great blessing for the community,” said Zacharias. “I just wish we had more to give to everybody.”
Rotarian Kurt Halverson also expressed disappointment that there weren’t enough winter clothes to go around. Still, he expressed gratitude for the commitment of so many area residents to helping the less fortunate. “It’s amazing to see all of the support that’s available here in Faribault,” he said. “It really warms your heart.” In addition to River Valley Church and the Rotary Club, several participants were new this year. With hunger concerns rising as the pandemic drags on into winter and federal assistance begins to run out, food boxes with a “breakfast” theme were also available.
FYI Executive Director Becky Ford was at Saturday’s event to distribute the boxes, and said that she would stay until all 150 she had brought were gone. Although demand wasn’t quite as high for food as for the winter wear, Ford said that about a third of the boxes were gone an hour into the event. Demand was notably lower for flu shots provided by Rice County Public Health. Supervisor Laura Burkhartzmeyer stressed the importance of getting a flu shot amid the COVID-19 pandemic, but expressed disappointment at the lack of interest. “A lot of people have already gotten it or they just don’t believe in it,” she said.
Please turn in your Rose sale collections in full at a Wednesday meeting or drop them off at Reliance Bank. Thank you everyone for another successful year selling roses to raise money for our youth programs and scholarships.
Warm Our community was a great success this year as we were able to collaborate with Faribault Youth Investment who gave away over 100 boxes of food. Rice County public health gave away information and provided flu shots. Over 20 volunteers from River Valley Church helped to provide a cheerful event. The Faribo West Mall graciously provided free space/tables and the Diversity Coalition gave $1,000 worth of gloves/mittens along with the many people and local organizations that gave generous cash donations to purchase outerwear. A group of us arrived at the mall at 7:00 am Saturday morning and in the next few hours over 100 families came through the event. The need was great and similar to past years as we ran out of children’s coats/snow pants before being able to serve everyone.
Lastly, I am humbled by the great people that we have in Rotary. A LOT of work went into this event by Rotarians and other like minded volunteers. I could not be more proud of our team for their attitude of service above self and their willingness to step up and lead.
The club was invited to the 5th anniversary of the American Legion.
A work detail was organized for spring clean-up and to stain the building at the Youth Camp on May 3rd.
On June 11th, the last meeting was held at the Faribault Hotel because they no longer had food service.
Ex- Minnesota Governor Karl Rolvaag and Ambassador to Iceland presented a program on Iceland.
On October 1st, the decision was made to make the Evergreen Knoll the regular meeting place.
The program on October 15th was watching game 4 of the 1969 World Series between the Baltimore Orioles (who beat the Twins) and the amazing New York Mets on a color TV furnished by Rod Mahler.
The 30th annual Christmas concert was presented by the Faribault High School Choir.
Our club’s 49th president in 1968-69 was Rev. Lawrence K. Gallman.
A quote from Rev. Gallman that year was, “I’m inclined to believe that occasionally when the Lord looks us over, he is sorry he took that Sunday off.”
1970
There was a program on Faribault’s newest industry, The Faribault Cable Television Company. The advantages in local reception and broadcasting versus conventional TV was explained.
There was a program on the importance of expanding the Faribault airport by extending and adding runways to make possible continued industrial growth and prosperity.
The annual club picnic was held at Gus Hoffman’s home on Cannon Lake.
Rod and Jean Mahler were hosts to Rotary exchange student Juan Jose Vazgues Avila from Lapaz, Bolivia.
Our 49th president Rev. Lawrence Gallman received the WCCO Good Neighbor Award.
There was a planning meeting to discuss the future of the Rotary Youth Camp including repairing the springtime washouts around the lodge.
The club’s 50th Anniversary banquet was held at the Eagle’s Club on May 8th. Al Burkhartzmeyer was banquet chairman and Dan Moline was emcee.
Our club’s 50th president for our Golden Anniversary year was Dr. Burton Orr.
On Wednesday October 28th Rotary club of Faribault held its annual meeting for Rotary Youth Services Inc. A separate entity from the club that holds a 501C3 nonprofit status. Faribault Rotarians are automatically a member of Rotary Youth Services as well as the general club. A $50.00 due is required annually and the billing will be sent next week. The youth services fiscal year ends August 31 each year.
The meeting was called to order by Jake Cook a motion was made and seconded. Jake covered the updates at the camp including the septic system, driveway project, roof, new dock and gaga ball pit. The kitchen has been remodeled and the bathrooms are next on the agenda. Jake Cook, Keith Kramer, and Eric Craig are all up for board re-election (3-year term) and they accepted the nominations and were unanimously voted in again by the club.
Dave Beranek took over the meeting at that point to discuss the finances of youth services. There are basically two accounts, one is the camp account, and it is holding funds to finish the driveway next year, and do the bathroom remodel yet this year. This is where rental fees for the camp are deposited. The second account holds the clubs fundraising from the cash raffle and the rose sale and the Rotary concert ticket sales held every fall (postponed in 2020 due to Covid-19). This fund is used for the STRIVE, Music and Arts scholarships and to cover the banquette for the students and families in the spring. The Bahl funds are held in a third account, and the continuation of those funds are uncertain.
A motion was made to accept the financial report and the meeting was adjourned.
Any Rotarians who have not visited Faribault Rotary Camp out on West Cedar Lake should make the short trip out and see the camp, it is 18-acres of beautiful land with lake shore, and trails. A large deck, fire pit, new gaga ball pit for entertaining children, a fully remodeled kitchen with full size fridge, stove and oven and a microwave. It does have running water in season with a water heater and two bathrooms. Reunions, Weddings, other gatherings can be held there. Boy scouts and Girl Scouts clubs along with youth groups use it on a regular basis when they were able to gather in groups. If you have interest in renting the camp between May and September annually, see Jake Cook, or one of the Rotary Youth Service board members.
Gail gave her classification talk recently. I asked her seven follow up questions to help summarize her presentation for those of us who were present and for our club members who missed the meeting. If you have not had a chance to welcome her to our club, please do so.
Your Family members, occupations (including you) or school level?”
Husband Bruce Kaderlik-Dairy Manager, Fareway Foods
Gail Kaderlik -Executive Director SCC Faribault Campus Foundation
Daughter Katie Prinsen-Sr. Analyst for Optum
Son-Josh Kaderlik- Head Brewer at Montgomery Brewing
Son in law-Trevor Prinsen-Business Analyst at Carlson Wagonlit Travel
The club held the first concert of the Senior High music groups for benefit of Faribault Youth Services Inc. (This October will be the 54th year.)
A moose dinner was furnished by the Purdies.
“New Eyes for the Needy” program was sponsored by the club.
The Faribault Senior High School basketball team, state runner-up champions were entertained by the club.
The club sponsored a picnic for foreign students from Carlton and St. Olaf.
Our club’s 45th President in 1964-65 was Layton Hoysler who was also District Governor in 1974.
1966
A thousand trees were planted at the youth camp.
New song books were purchased.
Faribault Club becomes a 400% club for the Rotary Foundation.
Our 46th president in 1965-66 was Arthur C. Johannsen.
1967
More trees were planted at the Youth Camp.
The price of lunch increased to $1.50.
A program was given by Ralph Plaistad on his recent attempt to reach the North Pole by snowmobile.
Our club’s 47th president in 1966-67 was Dr. Heinz H. Bruhl.
1968
Dr. Bob Reed our 18th president in 1937-38 gave a program on his trip with the S.S. Hope hospital ship and the countries he visited. He was introduced by Rod Mahler.
The mortgage for the Youth Camp was burned.
The club visited the Area Vocational School.
The club made a trip to the Old Log Theatre.
Our Club’s 48th president in 1967-68 was Francis J. Lockwood who was George Wickstrom’s sponsor in 1974.
Quote from the Faribotarian March 20, 1968”
“Rotary membership is like a savings account. By putting into it regularly, each week a little more than you take out, you not only keep your principle intact, but earn interest in fellowship and in the opportunity to be a vital part of one of our community’s vital organizations.”
Troy Dunn recently received his Paul Harris plus three. Each time a Rotarian contributes $1000 to the International Rotary Foundation or to Polio Plus they are recognized as a Paul Harris fellow. The Foundation works to enhance the lives of people around the world.
The Faribault Rotary club has inducted David Sauer as a new member. His sponsor is Rod Mahler who himself as been a Faribault Rotarian for more than 62 years. David returns to Faribault which was the home of his youth after having a career in government service with much of his time stationed in embassies across Asia.
John Jasinski visited via zoom to update the club on the status and work of the Minnesota Legislature. John serves his hometown and the surrounding area of District 24 of the Minnesota State Senate. John is honored to have been selected by his colleagues to serve as an assistant majority leader and majority whip, where he plays an integral role in the leadership of our majority caucus.
2020 was a bonding year, due to the covid19 pandemic many of the issues across our state have been magnified in need. The bonding bill was not a bipartisan creation, but John saw many of his concerns in the bill and his colleagues knew the funding would help their constituents in this time of need.
The state coming into the pandemic was looking at a 1.6 billion surplus, and now is looking at a 4.8 billion deficit in funding. John mentioned it will be key to go line by line to get Minnesota back to a healthy state budget. John Jasinski is currently running for his 2nd term to the state senate. You can find more information about this campaign at https://www.jasinskiforsenate.com
Our most honorable President, Brenda DeMars, has proposed Mary Ellen Bondus, a Realtor with Edina Realty, for membership in the Faribault Rotary Club. If you have any questions or concerns please contact membership chair, Keith Kramer.
Our most honorable President, Brenda DeMars, has proposed Cindy Yerington, a Realtor with Edina Realty, for membership in the Faribault Rotary Club. If you have any questions or concerns please contact membership chair, Keith Kramer.
On Wednesday October 14th we heard from District Governor Ed Marek. Ed has been a member of the St. Paul Sunrise Club since 2001. His list of accomplishments in Rotary is a mile long and includes: Paul Harris Fellow, Fast for Hope, Assistant District Governor, the Ethics Committee/Team, and the list goes on and on. Ed is an Outdoor enthusiast in his free time.
His visit was a great re-cap of his goals and plans for his term as District Governor. His number one goal is that Rotary remain relevant. He gave us a Pandemic recap, some clubs in the area are meeting in person, although that is not the recommendation of Rotary at this time. Ed commented, that is one thing he loves about the organization is that each club can decide what is best for them and they have the power to make happen.
NCPETS and the Conference of Clubs will both be virtual this year, and as we are all finding out – this might make it easier for more people to attend. He gave our club praise for our 6 new members, and the start of some diversity that represents our great city. We are leading area clubs with the number of women members. We have increased our number of members who are 40 and under and that is an accomplishment as well.
Ed challenged our club to strive towards these 4 goals: 1. Create new club models, 2. Host 1 strategic meeting annually, and have a champion to keep the club looking forward, 3. Select our new members very carefully, and 4. Continue to fight to end polio.
Ed has been a regular visitor to our club events and we look forward to seeing him again in the future. Virtually is great, but in person would be even better!
Eric Craig has made the commitment to join the Paul Harris Society which recognizes Rotary members and friends of The Rotary Foundation who elect to contribute $1,000 or more each year to the Annual Fund, PolioPlus Fund, or approved global grants. Thank you, Eric for all you do for Rotary and our community.
Rotarians are invited to volunteer Friday evening Oct. 30 at 5:30 pm and Saturday morning Oct. 31 at 8:30 am at the Faribo West Mall to help with the distribution of winter clothing. An online signup was sent through email to each Rotarian. If you have any questions, please contact Keith Kramer.
The following was a guest column in the Faribault Daily News and reprinted with permission.
Keith Kramer
Rotarians love giving back to our community as we live by the motto of ‘Service Above Self.’
This is Faribault Rotary Club’s third year of hosting Warm Our Community which is an event where we give away winter outerwear to school age students in the Faribault community. We have a heart to see school age children receive warm coats, snow pants, boots and other items for our long Minnesota winters! This year we feel that there will be a great need and in past years we have always had a greater demand for outerwear than we have been able to supply. Our best estimate is that we were able to provide 100 families and hundreds of local youth with needed outerwear during the Warm Our Community event last year.
This year Warm Our Community is graciously hosted by the Faribo West Mall, east entrance at 9 a.m. Oct. 31. When guests arrive for the event they will be given a ticket as it will be first come, first served. Social distancing and mask wearing will be mandatory as guests fill out sizing information for their children and then go through and receive clothing. There will be a maximum of two people per family allowed, due to the ongoing pandemic.
We are excited that to date we are on track with where we were last year with monetary donations along with donations of new and gently used outerwear, but we are hopeful to exceed and help even more children this year.
One of the best things about this event is the opportunity to collaborate with other organizations within our community who also care deeply about each child having warm winter gear. The Faribault Y-Pro group which is now 507-Connect started the event and hosted it for two years. This year we are partnering with Faribault Youth Investment who will provide donations of food and Rice County Public Health who are donating supplies and resources. We have had many generous donors give both time and financial resources and we are deeply grateful for both. Our local community is so awesome!
Our ask is for those in more fortunate circumstances to drop off new or gently used winter outerwear at one of our collection points: HyVee, River Valley Church, Reliance Bank, Hometown Credit Union and the Faribault Area Chamber of Commerce. There are also opportunities to volunteer at the event and if you are interested please send us a message on our Rotary website, portal.clubrunner.ca/7871.
We really appreciate the community backing for this great event and we are humbled to see such generosity! I am grateful to be a Rotarian and have the opportunity to serve.
The final day for the Rose Sale 2020 is Wednesday October 21st. Please respond to the email sent after our noon meeting Wednesday with the BREAKDOWN of how many dozen RED and how many dozen GROWERS CHOICE you are ordering. It is critical that we hear from every member so we can confirm our final number to be sure we have sold enough roses to fill our order since we had to pre-order this year.
Please respond by the end of the day Wednesday with your FINAL numbers.
Also, please be sure that you set aside time to pickup your roses between 10am and noon on MONDAY NOVEMBER 9th at Bloom Floral. The Rotarians working at Bloom that day will be anxious to get out delivering the roses they sold so please be sure to be at Bloom during those two hours of pick up time.
This month the Strive Students heard from the distinguished Faribault Rotarian George Wickstrom on healthy financial habits. George did an outstanding job with his impactful presentation, and the students had a lot of great “take-aways” to share after the session! Our next Zoom meeting will be Wednesday November 11th.
During a recent Zoom meeting with Rotarians and Rotaractors, I looked at the smiling faces on my screen and realized how much our organization has changed in a short period. It is clear that there is no going back to the "old normal" in Rotary — and I see that as an exciting opportunity!
Innovation and change are happening at so many levels as we rethink and remake Rotary. Rotary's new flexibility is blending with digital culture to drive change in ways that many of us have never seen before. We can learn a lot from Rotarians like Rebecca Fry — who, at age 31, already has 15 years of Rotary experience.
I see Rotary as a phenomenal platform to change the world. I believe I can have the greatest influence by empowering others to create the change they wish to see in the world. I've gained leadership insights through my experiences in RYLA and Rotaract, and now, as charter president of the Rotary Social Impact Network, a new e-club.
Engaging Rotary program alumni is key in forming new clubs. Our club is proof that Rotaractors and other alumni want to join Rotary — but sometimes they can't find the Rotary club that's right for them. Our club has 31 members, all between the ages of 23 and 41, and almost all of them are alumni of Rotary programs.
We need to be able to integrate and align Rotary with the other personal and professional goals we're pursuing. In chartering this club, we set out to design a personalized model of Rotary that is focused on added value for our members. We have also sought to leverage connections — through Rotary Fellowships, Rotary Action Groups, and other international partnerships — in order to elevate our members' experiences beyond the club.
Our club meets and manages most of its projects online, using Microsoft Teams to engage 24/7 in topics that interest our members. This also means our club is not geographically bound to any one location: Although many of us are in Australia, we also have members in Germany, Italy, Mexico, Tanzania, and the United States.
Also key for our club is measuring the impact of our projects. For Plastic Free July this year, we created an awareness campaign promoting ways that individuals could reduce their use of plastics, and we reached more than 6,000 people. It's a project with a tangible impact that anyone can take part in wherever they are. I'm proud that, through our club, we are bringing people together for a new type of Rotary experience. I am excited for our future.
All Rotary clubs have the opportunity to be innovative clubs, just like Bec's club. Let's trust those clubs, learn from them, and lend them our support. Change in Rotary happens at the grassroots level, as clubs lead the charge, defining what this new Rotary can be.
Change is constant, and we have more work to do in many areas. It is important that we celebrate the contributions of people of all backgrounds and promote people from underrepresented groups so that they have greater opportunities to participate as members and leaders in Rotary.
The tools to make Rotary more inclusive, more relevant, and more fun for everyone are at our fingertips. Let's use them now, and we will see how Rotary Opens Opportunities for ourselves and for those yet to discover us.
Our October Strive session is on Wednesday the 14th at 9:00 a.m. Our own George Wickstrom will be chatting about personal financial management. Please join us via Zoom if it works for your schedule!
When: Oct 14, 2020 09:00 AM Central Time (US and Canada) Topic: October Strive Meeting
The honorable Rod Mahler proposes David Sauer for membership in the Faribault Rotary Club. If you have any questions or concerns, please contact membership chair Keith Kramer.
Ed was born and raised In Chicago, IL. He received a Bachelor of Arts degree in Humanities from George Williams College In Downers Grove, Illinois in 1973. He then moved to Minnesota to attend the University of Minnesota and received his MBA In 1977. Ed was a member of the Shakopee Rotary Club and the Eden Prairie Rotary Club in District 5950 from 1990 ‐ 1996.
He left Rotary due to a job change. But rejoined at the St. Paul Sunrise Club (then known as St. Paul Midway) in 2001. He served as club president there twice; in 2003 – 04 and again in 2016– 17. He has also served as International Service Chair, Rotary International Foundation Chair and Membership Co‐Chair, he is currently Co‐Chair for the St. Paul Sunrise Annual Community Forum. At the district level Ed is serving on the Fast For Hope steering committee and has made 5 trips to Nicaragua. He served three years as Assistant Governor and is currently on the District Ethics committee.
The majority of Ed's professional career was spent in Nonprofit Fundraising and Management, most notably with the American Red Cross and as Executive Director of the Minnesota Environmental Fund. During his time with the Red Cross, he served on 12 national disaster assignments traveling throughout Minnesota as well as Louisiana and Missouri. Ed has served on the boards of the Greater Minneapolis Chapter of the American Red Cross, the National Society of Fund Raising Executives, ROHMSID (Rotary Hospital Medical Supplies for International Distribution), St. Paul Vocal Forum, and the Wright County Arts Association. Volunteer activities have included being a Den Leader, Cub Scout Roundtable Chair, Assistant Scoutmaster, District Camporee Chair, and Merit Badge Counselor for the Boy Scouts of America; CPR ‐ First Aid Instructor Trainer, Disaster Training Instructor, HIV/AIDS Instructor and Disaster Action Team member for the American Red Cross. He was part of the team that received the 1992 American National Red Cross Healthy Innovations Award for producing a CPR training booklet for the hearing impaired community.
He is currently a SkyWarn Weather Spotter and a member of the Cross‐Country Ski Patrol for Dakota County Parks. Ed has been married to his best friend Sue for 38 years. A “show crush” they met in a production of Gilbert & Sullivan’s operetta The Mikado. Shortly after their marriage, they performed in the Golden Age of Radio ‐ Alive and In Color on a USO tour of East Coast VA Hospitals. They have two children ‐ Amanda and Steve. In their spare time, Ed and Sue enjoy cross‐country skiing, canoeing, kayaking, fishing, camping, hiking and reading together. Ed also enjoys fishing.
We heard the classification speech of Gail Kaderlik the lessons life gives along the way on October 6th, 2020. Gail grew up in Kenyon on the farm. Family and faith were important in her childhood, always helping in a small community. Singing and music was always a big part of Gail’s life. Gail graduated Augsburg University, while enrolled in college she found her niche in the field of optics becoming a store manager and later opening stores around the state of Minnesota for Vision World.
Opening Vision Worlds around Minnesota brought Gail to Faribault, meeting her husband Bruce (of 31 years) and starting her family of 2 children.
Now a part of Faribault Gail moved from optics to radio sales at Power 96 for Kymn Anderson and then back to optics as the office manager for Dr. Murray Hanson, then for Richie Eye Clinic and other companies. When Covid-19 hit, Gail found herself furloughed. Which opened the door to a new opportunity as the executive director at South Central College.
Gail shared points of wisdom throughout her classification she has learned along the way.
1)Be aware of what you say, how you say it.
2)Never underestimate the effect you have on somebody.
3)Sometimes you must pick up the pieces and move on.
Introducing District 5960’s STRIKE OUT POLIO Challenge!
We would like to encourage all members to donate to Polio Plus this month. As always, we encourage people to give something, regardless of the amount. It costs less than $5 to fully vaccinate a child, so any amount helps!
BASE HIT: Give at least $100 to Polio Plus during October and the donation will be matched 1:1 with Recognition Points.
HOME RUN: Give at least $365 (equivalent of $1/day) to Polio Plus during October and we will utilize Recognition Points to award a Paul Harris Fellowship!
We would like to reach out to everyone regarding the Rose Sale and the procedures to follow for our big fundraiser. The money we raise goes to support our youth programs and STRIVE scholarships. We know that many know how the Rose Sale works as we have done it the same every year, but have realized that we many new Rotarians may be confused by the information they receive. Roses are again to be sold for $20 a dozen.
Your sales information will be sent by email and you can print your own materials.
The email will include the following:
a flyer to hang up at your place of employment to entice people to buy roses.
a list to track your orders and what they choose, red or grower’s choice. Growers choice is dozens of roses in different colors that the grower chooses to send for us to give out.
Slip (to be sent later) to turn in- with your name and how many dozen roses you are ordering of Red or Grower’s Choice (you may also email this information to Amy.) You can fill in the amount paid or owed at that time. PLEASE DO NOT HAND IN THE MONEY UNTIL YOU HAVE ALL OF IT COLLECTED.
We are asking this year if every Rotarian will please work hard to sell their 12 dozen roses. We have 51 Rotarians and if everyone does their part to sell the roses that would be 612 dozen roses – WOW- that would knock it out of the park with our profit for the club being approximately $9,000 - that is huge and we definitely need this fundraiser more than ever. Many members sell many more than expected so please try to do your part.
If you struggle with selling roses or just don’t have the time, we are asking each Rotarian to then make a good will donation of $ 150.00 to the club. We are just asking everyone to participate this year.
Key dates:
Kick off of the Rose sale is October 7th and orders are due on October 21st. Please give it your best!
Delivery date is set for November 9th and ROSES can be picked up at BLOOM FLORAL AT 408 CENTRAL AVENUE, FARIBAULT MN, BEGINNING AT 10:00 AM.
Thank you everyone for your hard work and commitment to this fundraiser for the Faribault Rotary
Any questions, please do not hesitate to contact Amy at 507-409-1329.
On Wednesday September 30th Faribault Rotary had a presentation from Roger Steinkamp. Roger is running for State Senate District 24. He grew up in Renville, MN on a family farm where he participated in FFA as a youngster. He learned many skills in that program that he has applied in life over and over again. One skill he learned is how to empower someone. Give them the opportunity to be heard, and let them know their opinion has value, and you have them on the road to empowerment. This is one skill Roger plans to use if he is elected. He wants to hear from you!
Roger explained that he spent the majority of his professional career overseas applying the principles he learned in agriculture and FFA. He spent time doing volunteer work, and teaching. He has been retired for a couple of years now, and decided he would like to make a difference so he is running for Senate.
To learn more about Roger and his run for the Senate, you can visit his website at http://www.rogersenate.com.
Thank you for your visit Roger, good luck on your run, please come visit us again!
The Faribault Rotary Club endeavors to have our club more reflective of the community. The induction of three new members is the beginning of that effort. Rotary is a worldwide organization which embraces all nationalities and cultures with 1.2 million members in 220 countries.
Hanan Mohamud was born in Saudi Arabia. Her family was forced to move and lived in Somalia, Egypt and Florida before settling in Faribault when she was seven. Hanan graduated from Faribault High and received a Psychology degree from Gustavus Adolphus College. Her parents live in Faribault and she has one sister in St. Paul. Hanan is Rise Coordinator at Faribault Senior High School. Dr. Dick Huston is her sponsor.
Juanita Picazo was born in Texas and is the daughter of migrant agricultural workers. Her parents work took them from Michigan to Florida until finding their home in Faribault when she was 13. Jauanita is graduate of the Faribault School system and is one of three Rise Coordinators at the High School. Juanita is married and the mother of five children. Eric Craig is her sponsor.
Brian Coleman was born in Port Huron Michigan and attended a community college for two years before receiving a basketball scholarship to Huron College in Huron SD. He continued his education to earn a Masters degree in business administration at Colorado Technical College. Brian managed the Workforce Center before becoming the Career and Equity Coordinator at the Faribault Senior High School six years ago. Brian is married with three children supporting his efforts to make a difference. Sam Ouk is his sponsor.
On March 9th, Guerdon Allen was chosen as the next club president earlier than normal as directed by Rotary International.
There was a program on baby adoptions that stated that only one couple in ten may be lucky enough to adopt a child in this country.
Nuba Pletcher presented a program on the Japan problem after WWII requiring the US to help rebuild the country after all the destruction.
There was a program and demonstration on the “Art of pistol shooting” presented by State and National Champion- Joe Helling.
There was a combined service meeting at the Elks club. Meal charge was $1.
There was a joint meeting with the Lions Club. Minnesota House Majority leader, Roy Dunn, was the speaker.
A slide picture program was presented on Wurzburg, Germany. The people of Faribault had sent tons of clothing and supplies to aid the war-torn city.
Our club’s 33rd president in 1952-53 was Aaron Lenmark who was still a member in 1970 so Rod knew him.
1954
Our founding president, Frank W. McKellip passed away in early May. He had served our club for 34 years.
The service clubs of Faribault were entertained as guests of Nutting Trucking and Caster Co. on the occasion of opening their new office building.
Our club sponsored the Cannon Falls Club. The charter presentation was on October 27th.
NBA all-star and Minneapolis Lakers George Mikan was a speaker for one club meeting.
There was a program titled “New Telephone Horizons” the new technology that will bring more changes in our way of life.
Our club’s 34th president in 1953-54 was Guerdon Allen who was still a member in 1970 so Rod knew him.
1955
The club celebrated Rotary’s Golden Anniversary with a dinner at the Congregational Parish House and sponsored a concert by the St. Olaf Choir with 1200 in attendance at Faribault High School. The Daily News published a series of articles on the Golden Anniversary and KDHL broadcast “Rotary Golden Theatre” 9:15-9:30 am for 13 weeks.
Seven charter members of the club are still living.
Club members were guests of the Faribault Education Association at Lincoln school for regular school lunch.
Robert Bjorgum joined the club and was a member for 58 years - 1955-2013 when he passed away.
Our club’s 34th president in 1954-55 was Palmer Dragsten owner of KDHL Radio. Palmer served our club from 1947-2006 when he passed away. His 59 years of membership are second only to the honorable Rod Mahler.
A new Mental Health Program in Minnesota” was the subject of a program by E.J/
Engberg.There was a program by students from the Braille School.
There was a Rotary Ann dinner at Orcutt’s Gopher Hole.
The mayor spoke to the club on the sewage disposal plant plans.
There was a program on the Korean situation.
Our club’s 30th president in 1949-50 was Charles J. Propelka.
1951
Bob Reed was nominated for District Governor.
District assembly was held at Shattuck School July 8-9.
There was a football program with coaches and students as guests. The highlight of the program was the information that football was introduced in Faribault by a Professor Camp of Seabury who was the brother of Walter Camp, the first football coach at Yale.
Our club’s 31st President in 1950-51 was Edward E Slettom who was appointed Deputy Commissioner of Agriculture for Minnesota by the Governor in May of 1951. The last six weeks of his term saw a host of past presidents leading the meetings including our first president Frank McKellip who was one of only two remaining charter members. Harry Smith was the other.
Another meeting was led by our second president, Fred U. Davis.
1952
During this year, numerous programs were talks by Rotarian Nuba Pletcher.
There were joint meetings in March and Thanksgiving with the Faribault Lions Club. The late November meeting took place during a blizzard. The speaker was snowbound in Zumbrota so the program was provided by Rotarian Foley.
Faribault High School presented the 13th annual Christmas concert.
Our club’s 32nd president in 1951-52 was Reginald L. Kramer who was still a club member at our 50-year anniversary in 1970. (So, Rod knew him!)
*Frank McKellip our first President was also a member of the Elks Club.
John Crudele, a Rotarian from Eden Prairie, visited Wednesday, September 25th, it was his second time treating our club with his inspirations. John Crudele is a life coach, author, and fellow Rotarian from Eden Prairie. John’s speech today allowed the audience to investigate why we are Rotarians? Challenge our minds to look at what drives us to give and receive. Lastly inspired us to ask how we can be the bridge to success in our lives, community, and world.
Great presentation that deserves a listen by following the link.
The Faribault Rotary Club and Rotary International have awarded two members Paul Harris awards because they have given multiples of $1000 to the Rotary Foundation which is used to improve people's lives in one of the some 225 countries where Rotary provides SERVICE ABOVE SELF. Pictured is Dick Cook +2 ( top) and Jake Cook +3.
On Wednesday September 16th our club was treated to an update on the City of Faribault by Tim Murray, City Administrator. Tim jokingly said the theme this year is apartments! But he wasn’t kidding, Faribault recently added Hillside Apartments, a 44-unit market rate building, across the street for the community center. The upper floors of the new Redemption restaurant and the Masonic lodge renovation will provide 14 downtown units. The site of the old Evergreen Knoll will be home to 76 new affordable apartments. Construction has just begun there.
Straight River apartments will begin construction with the hopes of leasing next fall and that will be another 111 units at the old city shop site, next to the river near the American Legion building. Rick Cashin a private builder is constructing a 21-unit complex out on Cardinal Ave. There are also single-family homes and twin homes going up as well.
He touched on some efforts to keep TryStar portable power in town, and they are staying. He noted that Absolute Air and Cry Baby Craig’s will be up and running in the manufacturing sector. The city is wrapping up work on the master plan, adding a water treatment plant to improve our water. Park improvements have happened over the summer, with the addition of outdoor pickle ball courts at two parks. Construction will get underway for a new park in the North Downtown area, that will include a playground, restrooms and parking to access the bike trail where it winds along the river.
The impact of Covid-19 was felt at City Hall. Staff followed all the guidelines set forth to keep us safe. The city was given a grant of $1.8 million from the CARES act and decided to award that money out to businesses to help during the Covid-19 pandemic.
Lastly Tim encouraged us to complete the census if we haven’t, he is hearing Faribault is at about a 70% response rate. It was great to hear from Tim about what is happening around Faribault. It is always so exciting! Please join us anytime!
Rotary International and the Faribault Rotary Club has presented four Paul Harris awards. Paul Harris founded Rotary in1905 and established an endowment to provide help in multiple ways around the world. Members are recognized as Paul Harris Fellows each time they give $1000 either at one time or over a period of time.
Members may use accumulated points to honor citizens who exhibit the Rotary motto of SERVICE ABOVE SELF. George Wickstrom nominated Cindy Diessner for her ongoing service to our community. Pictured are Cindy, Brenda DeMars, Brent Peroutka (+2) and Dr. Murray Hanson (+5).
The Faribault Rotary Club has inducted Chad Koepke. After earning an MBA and two years in the banking business in Minneapolis he comes to Faribault as Assistant Financial Officer at the State Bank of Faribault. With his education and business experience he clearly understands the value of service to others and to the community. Chad's sponsor is Dr. Dick Huston
There was an intercity meeting with 100 Rotarians attending from New Prague, Northfield, Owatonna and Faribault.
The club donated 175 books to the Faribault Public Library.
The club’s book project was recognized in the Rotarian Magazine.
Our club’s 26th president in 1945-46 was A. B. Morris.
1947
There a was a program on the history of the Rice County Historical Society and plans for the restoration of the Faribault House, recently purchased by the society with a gift from Guerdon Allen.
There were programs featuring demonstrations by students of the Braille School and Deaf School.
Howard M. Quigley District Governor 1944-45 from Olathe Kansas, moves to Faribault and joins the club and was a member until 1966. (So, Rod knew him!)
Our club’s 27th president in 1946-47 was John C. Lysen who was also District Governor in 1954-55.
He was a member from 1934-65 so Rod knew him as well.
1948
Club members were guests of the Minnesota Braille and Sight Saving School for a meeting.
There was a club picnic at the Deaf School.
There was a debate on the Taft- Hartley Labor law.
A program was presented on the work of the Salvation Army.
A program was dedicated to the “Early days of Faribault.”
Our 28th club president in 1947-48 was Stuart V. Willson.
1949
There was a picnic at Schroeder cottage on Cannon Lake with 70 Rotarians, spouses and children attending.
“Socialized medicine in Great Britain” was the subject of one meeting.
Our club’s 29th president in 1948-49 was Edgar C. “Dick” Lehman.
The honorable Eric Craig proposes Juanita Picazo, Rise Coordinator for Faribault Public Schools, for membership in the Faribault Rotary Club. If you have any questions or concerns, please contact membership chair Keith Kramer.
The September Strive session was focused on stress management for teens. We heard from Alisha Kolb with Allina Clinics. She discussed the Change 2 Chill resource that was created for teens in collaboration between Allina Health and teenagers. I was the sole Rotarian present; so far we have had 11 students either attend the live session or view the recorded video, which can be seen here: https://youtu.be/YyWKfcMLSmc
The honorable Dr. Dick Huston proposes Hanan Mohamud, Rise Coordinator for Faribault Public Schools, for membership in the Faribault Rotary Club. If you have any questions or concerns, please contact membership chair Keith Kramer.
The honorable Sam Ouk proposes Brian Coleman, Career and Equity Coordinator at Faribault Public Schools, for membership in the Faribault Rotary Club. If you have any questions or concerns, please contact membership chair Keith Kramer.
Our 22nd club president in 1941-42 was Dr. Donald Chathum.
He was a member from 1921-1963 so Rod knew him.
1943
There was a program that covered reports on war experiences of Walter Rumpf, Dick Peavey, John Boosalis, and A.M. Hanson.
The club heard a report on the Canning Center at Central School.
Our 23rd club President in 1942-43 was Dr. Carl A. Hansen who was still a member in 1970 so Rod knew him also.
1944
The club had a joint meeting with Northfield and Owatonna.
Dec. 23, 1944
Our club had a necktie contest. A prize was offered for the best necktie at Harry’s store for the Rotarian wearing the loudest necktie that he received for a Christmas gift. Father Foley was to be the judge.
Dec. 30, 1944
The necktie contest was won by future president and District Governor, John Lysen despite all the heckling and Father Foley came through as always with a wonderful message.
(In an unrelated story, 7-year-old Dick Huston received his first necktie for Christmas.)
1945
The Faribault High School basketball team and coach provided an entertaining program.
Leonard Elstad, Superintendent at the Deaf School, served as District Governor.
Sons and daughters of Rotarians were guests at the Christmas meeting.
Our 25th club president in 1944-45 was Frank H. Klemer.
Amber Backhaus, Vice President of Public Affairs, MN Automobile Dealers Association spoke to us this week about clean car regulations currently being proposed in the State of Minnesota. Amber currently leads the advocacy efforts for the Minnesota Automobile Dealers Association (MADA), a trade group representing Minnesota’s 370 franchised new car and truck dealers.
In 2019 Governor Waltz proposed the idea of a clean car initiative, instead of a discussion of the regulations going to the legislative branch, the rules for are being put together by the Pollution Control Agency. Mrs. Backhaus explained there are two types of car air quality models. A standard placed by the federal government and the California standard. Governor Waltz proposal would shift Minnesota from the federal guidelines to the stricter California guidelines.
The California air quality guidelines are great at looking to solve California’s bad air quality. Mrs. Backhaus argues Minnesotans have different needs and wants than those of California drivers. First, we like to drive larger vehicles. 80% of all sales in Minnesota are trucks and SUVs. Higher regulations could limit the number of larger vehicles that are delivered and sold in MN. A Minnesota winter is hard on electric vehicles. Along with a poor supply chain of charging stations, electric vehicles make up only 1% of car sales annually in Minnesota.
Amber Backhaus believes there are many threats that this shift in regulation could cause trouble for many of our local auto dealers. If you would like to know more about what effects it could have locally, I suggest you walk into Harry Browns and ask our good friend Keith Kramer his thoughts on Amber Backhaus’s presentation.
The honorable Dick Huston has proposed Chad Koepke, Assistant Financial Officer at the State Bank of Faribault, for membership in the Faribault Rotary Club. If you have any questions or concerns please contact membership chair, Keith Kramer.
The Faribault Rotary Club's annual picnic, a tradition that goes back to our founding in 1920 will have a new venue this year due to the current Covid-19 pandemic restrictions. The picnic will be held at Alexander Park on Wednesday Sept. 9th at 5:30 pmwith food served by Uncle B's food truck next to Shelter #1 with beverages provided inside the shelter. There is a huge kids play area close by and everyone will be required to bring their masks for anytime spent in the shelter and encouraged to bring lawn chairs so we can properly social distance outside while being social.
Rotary youth exchange — one of the many programs for youths and young adults that we celebrate this month — was my path into true engagement in Rotary. My wife, Susanne, and I began hosting exchange students soon after I joined, and the experience helped me go from simply being a member of my Rotary club to being a true Rotarian. Now Rotary Youth Exchange is a family tradition, and a strong one: Over the past 24 years, we have hosted 43 students!
From the start, we loved it so much that, in addition to hosting students in our home, we became involved with the program by helping to organize student summer camps. During one such camp, I met Christine Lichtin, who was a German high school student at the time and whose father is a past president of my Rotary club. To try something new during this year of embracing change, I am turning this space, normally reserved for the president of Rotary, over to Christine so she can share her story.
My first contact with Rotaract was about 13 years ago, when I was with Susanne and Holger at a barbecue for the summer youth camp. Holger turned to me and said: "Why don't you visit a Rotaract club? You'll meet a lot of great young people who come together to have fun and to make a difference."
A few years later, when I was at Trier University, his words came back to me and I decided to give it a try. That was more than eight years ago, and I'm still at it. Once you are in Rotaract, you just don't want to get out. Rotaract has accompanied me everywhere, starting with the Trier club and then on to a club in Bologna, Italy, during the year I studied there. When I was in Kiel for my master's degree, I got involved with Rotaract there before landing at the Rotaract Club of Hamburg-Alstertal as I began my career. Each of those clubs has its own identity and focus, but all have the same intrinsic motivation.
I am now taking on a senior advisory role in my Rotaract club, which I really enjoy. I carry Rotaract in my heart, and it shapes my values, even as my interests evolve. One day, as if she had sensed this evolution, Susanne knocked on my door, wanting to introduce me to a young, modern Rotary club located between Hamburg and Mölln, my hometown. The E-Club of Hamburg-Connect, which Susanne helped charter, holds e-meetings, all of them very relaxed and personal. With members of different ages, everything just seemed to fit, so I thought, why not try it out? After all, time is precious and should be filled with fun whenever possible; the rest happens by itself.
Now I am in both worlds — a proud member of Rotaract and a Rotarian. And my small personal goal is to build a bridge between these two parallel worlds. All of us have very similar reasons for being part of the Rotary family.
It took some persistence to persuade Christine to become a member of Rotary, but it was well worth the effort. It is our duty to put in this kind of effort with youth program participants and Rotaractors so we can keep them in the family of Rotary. I hope you were inspired by her story. It's up to each of us to ensure that more young people like Christine can experience the many ways Rotary Opens Opportunities for us and for the people we serve.
Our next Strive session will be on Wednesday, September 9th at 9:00 a.m. over Zoom. Here is a link to that meeting:https://us02web.zoom.us/j/82793173564 We will be joined by Alisha Kolb of Allina Clinics on their Change to Chill program, which is a stress management program created for teens by teens and medical professionals.
Last Wednesday August 26, we had the pleasure of a zoom presentation by Jon Eisele of Enbridge Energy. In the early 1960's Enbridge ran a short pipeline from Canada to Wisconsin to carry oil to put on barges and ships and send them via the Great Lakes to the West. Pipelines were eventually added to send crude oil to the East Coast. Natural Gas lines have been added over the years as well.
Enbridge is now working with some renewable resources including hydro and wind energy. About 25% of the crude oil, 20% of the natural gas used and 1.8 GW of power used in the United States are generated from Enbridge's energy resources.
Enbridge is a company that gives back to the communities surrounding the pipeline. 315 Jobs in Minnesota and 5.2 million in investments and grants across the Country.
Jon covered the safety measures in place for the pipelines. In 2019 Enbridge safely transported 3.9 billion barrels of oil. That is their highest rate in 70 years, and the incident rate has been declining every year because of their safety measures.
Between 1979 and 1999, the planet Neptune was farther from the Sun than Pluto. This will happen again in 2227 (the year the Vikings finally win the Super Bowl!)
Todd Sesker and Tracy Corcoran debriefed our club Wednesday on the roller coaster which was the end of last school year. How the district is working to prepare for the upcoming school year still within a pandemic. Tracy Corcoran is the Director of Curriculum for Faribault Public Schools; she started July 1st and was tasked with leading a task force to tackle all the challenges the pandemic offers when bringing students back to the classroom together.
Each age group will see different models from in-class models for K-5th, hybrid 2 days in class for middle grades, to full distance learning if needed. Class sizes are being reduced to 12-15 per class instead of 24. “Covid-19 has been a disruptor, but you can choose to let disruption be a positive way of looking at old concepts in new exciting ways” Tracy expressed. Mr. Sesker admitted the district learned a lot last spring; teachers did their best with what they could in such a short, rapid switch into distance learning. With the summer to prepare and develop 3 learning models which can be pivoted from if needed due to the increase or decrease of Covid-19 this fall and winter. The Faribault School System is ready to do what they love, educate our growing youth.
The Rotarian of the Year Award provides the Faribault Rotary Club with an opportunity to publicly recognize one of its members who exemplifies the ideals of the Rotary Four-Way Test, exhibits a true spirit of volunteerism, demonstrates community leadership through participation in Rotary committees, programs, and activities. The Rotarian of the Year Award will be based on one or all of the following criteria:
> The nominee has provided outstanding contributions to one or more Rotary activities. > The nominee has demonstrated leadership to the club in general, or within one or more Rotary programs. > The nominee displays the ideals of Rotary in service to the greater community. > Holding an office or serving on the Board of Directors neither prohibits nor promotes a member for nomination.
Past award winners are as follows:
2008- Gary Peterson
2009- Dave Beranek
2010- Richard Cook
2011- Angela Storch
2012-Lisa Humfeld- Wilson
2013- Rick Ormsby
2014- Brent Peroutka
Current Selection Committee
2015- Murray Hanson- chair
2016- Kymn Anderson
2017- Dick Huston
2018- George Wickstrom
2019- Jake Cook
Please give your nomination to Murray Hanson in person or send it via email (mhanson@richieeyeclinic.com), no later than September 25, 2020.
On Wednesday August 12th our speaker was Carol Arney, member of the St. Paul Sunrise Rotary Club. Carol presented a program on Climate Change and Rotary’s commitment to combating the issue. We all know climate change is a concern.
Carol shared staggering statistics about the environment. What can we do to make a difference? There is progress in the Green Energy field, Wind Energy, Solar Energy and Solar PV Energy, along with other renewable energy sources. Carol encouraged us to read, study, be informed. VOTE. Do what you can to reduce your carbon footprint. One of the new areas of focus for Rotary is the environment. To learn more about these initiatives visit https://www.rotary.org/en/why-climate-change-issue-rotary
Carol is available to give presentations to any club or organization. Contact her for more details. Carol thank you for joining us – we look forward to seeing you again!
The Faribault High School Band presents an annual concert in January. One meeting featured a debate on organized labor.
Our 10th president in 1929-30 was Victor O. Skyberg.
(side note- future Rotarian 46-year member and historian George Wickstrom was born Feb. 2, 1930)
1931
The decision was made to invite a Daily News reporter to all meetings to write the news of the meeting first hand for the paper.
Our 11th club president in 1930-31 was Dr. James M. Murdoch.
(Future Rotarian, 50-year member, landscaper and orchestra leader Roger Koopmans was born Jan. 5, 1931)
1932
One program was devoted to “Government in Business.” There was a “Special Guest Day” in August with 30 guests present. The Faribault and Owatonna clubs were guests of the Northfield Rotary club for an evening meeting. There was a program devoted to the subject of taxes.
Our 12th club president for 1931-32 was Edward Johnson
1933
A decision was made that the cost of the noon meal must be reduced to 50 cents or the club would move from the Harvey Hotel.
Special “Ladies Night” program with tickets to be $1.00 with 25 cents to be used to furnish entertainment.
All the boys of the city were invited to attend the Minneapolis- Toledo baseball game as guests of Rotary.
The topic of discussion for one meeting was “Inflation.”
Our club’ s 13th president for 1932-33 was Mendus R. Vevle.
(Future Rotarian, 62-year member, and our 53rd President Rod Mahler was born July 15, 1933.)
The honorable Dick Huston has proposed Gail Kaderlik, the South Central Foundation Director, for membership in the Faribault Rotary Club, If you have any questions or concerns please contact membership chair, Keith Kramer.
The Faribault Rotary Club celebrated its 100-year anniversary on May 1, 2020. Each week the bulletin is published during this Rotary year 2020-21, I will include a brief historical highlight from our history of fellowship and Service above Self.
1926-27-28-29
1926
Noon meetings were to be held at the Elks Club with the cost not to exceed 60 cents.
(Is Peter willing to match that price?)
The club sponsored a float in the 4th of July parade.
The club fielded a baseball team with Leo Shandorf as captain.
Our 6th club president was Dr. Edmund K. Clements.
1927
The meeting day and time was changed to Wednesday at noon (and has stayed unchanged for 93 years.)
There was an attendance contest with the Owatonna Rotary Club.
Our 7th club president was Harold H. (Dick) Kirk.
1928
The high school band under the direction of Clarence Purdie, gave a noontime concert.
There was a program on “The Mind of Youth.”
The Christmas Party was held at the Guild House.
Our 8th club president for 1927-28 was Eugene H. Gipson.
1929
Rice County Farmers were special guests at one meeting.
First meeting was held at the Harvey Hotel.
The decision was made to erect Rotary signs on the roads leading into Faribault.
Our 9th club president in 1928-29 was C. Willard Cross, Former Superintendent of Schools- Faribault, (Todd Sesker’s predecessor.)
Jennifer E. Jones, of the Rotary Club of Windsor-Roseland, Ontario, Canada, is the selection of the Nominating Committee for President of Rotary International for 2022-23.
Jennifer E. Jones, a member of the Rotary Club of Windsor-Roseland, Ontario, Canada, has been nominated to become Rotary International’s president for 2022-23, a groundbreaking selection that will make her the first woman to hold that office in the organization’s 115-year history.
Jones will officially become president-nominee on 1 October if no other candidates challenge her.
Jones says she sees Rotary’s Action Plan as a catalyst for increasing Rotary’s impact.
“As we reflect upon our new strategic priorities, we could have never envisioned that our ability to adapt would become our North Star during what is inarguably the most profound time in recent history,” Jones said in her vision statement. “Silver linings rise out of the most challenging circumstances. Using metric-driven goals, I will harness this historic landscape to innovate, educate, and communicate opportunities that reflect today’s reality.”
As the first woman to be nominated to be president, Jones understands how important it is to follow through on Rotary’s Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) Statement. “I believe that diversity, equity, and inclusion … begins at the top and for us to realize growth in female membership and members under the age of forty — these demographics need to see their own reflection in leadership,” Jones said. “I will champion double-digit growth in both categories while never losing sight of our entire family.”
Jones is founder and president of Media Street Productions Inc., an award-winning media company in Windsor. She was chair of the board of governors of the University of Windsor and chair of the Windsor-Essex Regional Chamber of Commerce. She has been recognized for her service with the YMCA Peace Medallion, the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee Medal, and Wayne State University’s Peacemaker of the Year Award, a first for a Canadian. Jones holds a Doctor of Laws (LL.D.).
A current Rotary Foundation trustee, Jones has been a Rotary member since 1997 and has served Rotary as RI vice president, director, training leader, committee chair, moderator, and district governor. She played a lead role in Rotary’s rebranding effort by serving as chair of the Strengthening Rotary’s Advisory Group. She is the co-chair of the End Polio Now Countdown to History Campaign Committee, which aims to raise $150 million for polio eradication efforts.
Jones recently led the successful #RotaryResponds telethon, which raised critical funds for COVID-19 relief and was viewed by more than 65,000. Jones has also received Rotary International’s Service Above Self Award and The Rotary Foundation Citation for Meritorious Service. She and her husband, Nick Krayacich, are members of The Rotary Foundation’s Arch Klumph Society, Paul Harris Society, and the Bequest Society.
The members of the Nominating Committee for the 2022-23 President of Rotary International are: Robert L. Hall, Dunwoody, Metro Atlanta, Georgia, USA; Bradford R. Howard Oakland Uptown, California, USA; Per Høyen, Aarup, Gelsted, Denmark; Peter Iblher, Nürnberg-Reichswald, Zirndorf, Germany; Ashok Mahajan, Mulund, Mah., India; Sam Okudzeto, Accra, Accra, Ghana; Eduardo San Martín Carreño, Majadahonda, Madrid, Spain; Takeshi Matsumiya, Chigasaki-Shonan, Chigasaki Kanagawa, Japan; Michael K. McGovern (secretary), Cape Elizabeth, Maine, USA; José Alfredo Pretoni, São Paulo-Sul, São Paulo, Brazil; Saowalak Rattanavich, Bang Rak, Bangkok, Thailand; Hendreen Dean Rohrs, Langley Central, Surrey, British Columbia, Canada; Kenneth M. Schuppert, Jr (chair)., Decatur, Alabama, USA; Ravindra P. Sehgal, Belur, West Bengal, India; Noel Trevaskis, Merimbula, Tura Beach, Australia; Giuseppe Viale, Genova, Genova, Italy; and Chang-Gon Yim, Daegu-West, Daegu, Korea.
Arnold James from South Central College and Cassie Onsted of Faribault Public Education spoke to our club about the Pathway to Prosperity Program at South Central College and how Faribault Public Education is working in lockstep into this new program.
Pathway to Prosperity is a State funded program that aims to bridge the gap in educational opportunities for people who have had challenges getting education. Ultimately setting the participants up with a learned skill from an accredited higher educational institution.
Faribault Public Education also works with many of the same people, developing basic reading, writing and job skills. It allows their work with participants to funnel into the Pathway to Prosperity program. Leading to a better success rate for participants. Pathway to Prosperity currently has funding to serve 32 students and hopes through their success to add more funding ability, to serve more people in our community for years to come.
Dr. Dick Huston and the Faribault Rotary Club recently honored two local individuals, Dick Carlander and Suzanne Rook as Paul Harris Fellows.
Kimberly Carlander-Koepke, right, accepts the Paul Harris Fellow award for her father, Dick Carlander. (Photo courtesy of Faribault Rotary Club)
For many decades Carlander has given his time and money to the community and the world. Rook is the Regional Editor of the Faribault Daily News. Under her leadership the Daily News consistently promotes our community with uplifting photos and human interest stories that let us know our friends and neighbors and the efforts they are making to better our area. Both of these individuals have filled their role to help achieve the seven goals of the Rotary Foundation. They are true examples of Rotary’s motto of “Service above Self.”
Suzanne Rook receives the Paul Harris Fellow award from Dr. Dick Huston. (Photo courtesy of Faribault Rotary Club)
Paul Harris started the Rotary in 1905 with a small group of business men in Chicago to serve their community. Since then the organization has grown to a membership of 1.2 million women and men in some 220 countries. Early on a foundation was established to promote peace, fight disease, provide clean water, save mothers and children, support education, enhance local economies and improve the environment.
In 1957 they established a level of giving at $1,000 to honor those individuals as Paul Harris Fellows. Each time a Rotarian gives $1,000 they can honor a non-Rotarian as a Paul Harris Fellow.
Two Local Individuals Honored with Paul Harris Fellows
We will once again be hosting our monthly Strive meeting via Zoom, and this is going to be another awesome one!
Have you ever had a friend who you admired for being such an amazing person? The positive qualities we see in others and ourselves are called virtues. Things like love, kindness, honesty, and justice are just a few examples of virtues. This month we will hear from fellow Faribault Rotarian Kymn Anderson of the Faribault Virtues Project; she will be sharing with us about being mindful of our virtues and the positive impact it can have on the world around us.
The Faribault Rotary Club celebrated its 100-year anniversary on May 1, 2020. Each week the bulletin is published during this Rotary year 2020-21, I will include a brief historical highlight from our history of fellowship and Service above Self.
With social distancing and sterilization protocols in place during this Covid-19 pandemic, our masked past president (100th) Amy Amundson (left) received her plastic wrapped presidential plaque for her service to our club this past year from current masked president (101st), Brenda DeMars (right.) Amy led our club through some unusual and difficult times and she did it exceptionally well. She set a really good example of the Rotary motto “Service above Self”. Thank you Amy for your leadership during our 100-year anniversary year!
On Wednesday July 29th we had the pleasure of a presentation from Minnesota State Academy Superintendent Terry Wilding. His presentation was interpreted by Nettie Peters. Terry was born in Idaho to a family with 9 brothers and sisters all of whom are deaf. Terry and his wife Lisa have three children, also deaf. Terry stated the mission at the Academies, which include MSAD Academy for the deaf and MSAB Academy for the blind. The missions are simple - to make successful adults out of the students who attend.
MSAD starts with students as young as 18 months. Children and often parents need to be taught sign language at a young age so they are able to communicate. Classes and programs at MSAD last until age 21. The school mascot is the Trojan and students can live on campus.
MSAB starts at Kindergarten and extends to about age 21 with classes and programs. Their school mascot is the gopher. Students can live on campus and that is extremely important at both academies. According to Terry way more learning happens after 3:00 (the end of the school day) during programs than in standard school classes during the day.
The Academies do not have a school board voted on like our public schools, rather a board of “experts” appointed by the Governor. The budget is set by legislators. Covid poses all new challenges to the Academies, and Terry urged us to remember the ADA law passed 30 years ago. The Americans with Disabilities Act has challenged us to think outside the box when it comes to Covid solutions. One example is clear face masks- it is important to see faces and mouths to communicate and face masks pose a problem. That was just one example.
Terry thank you for your presentation, please join us again!!
Sam Ouk became the newest member of the the Faribault Rotary Club last week. Sam is the Equity and Multilingual Program Coordinator for the Faribault School District. The Board of Directors has recently added a Diversity Committee and Sam will chair that endeavor. Pictured with Sam is membership chair Keith Kramer, left, and his sponsor George Wickstrom.
The year 2020 has brought monumental changes that have already included a global pandemic and a renewed call for social justice. We are reminded that we live in a constantly changing world, and Rotary is a reflection of that world.
We must be ready to listen and adapt, always drawing upon our core values of service, fellowship, diversity, integrity, and leadership. If we live these values and apply The Four-Way Test to all aspects of our lives, we will be prepared to lead at all times.
I am proud of how we have proven our ability to adapt. Faced with a pandemic, Rotary has not stopped. We moved meetings online and found new ways to serve. We turned the canceled 2020 Rotary International Convention in Honolulu into our first virtual convention. Each week, we are proving that Rotary is a flexible gathering that happens anywhere — in traditional meetings, on cellphones, and on computers. Rotary offers a way to connect for everyone who wants to, at any time, and will continue to do so.
Some have even told me that they enjoy Rotary's mix of online and in-person meetings more now than before! How can we build on this momentum and seize the opportunity to embrace change so that Rotary keeps thriving?
For me, supporting new types of clubs is key. They are no longer just experiments but a real part of Rotary today. In addition to traditional clubs, we have e-clubs, Rotaract clubs, cause-based clubs, and passport clubs. These help make Rotary more inclusive, more flexible, and more attractive to new members. Visit these clubs, exchange ideas and partner with them, and promote them to one another and to our communities.
We all agree that we need to grow Rotary, but sometimes we can get caught up in the numbers game and lose sight of the bigger picture. After all, an increase in membership is meaningless if next year, those new members leave our clubs. Let's grow Rotary sustainably. Rotary's flexible options for participation will engage members and show the community how we're different from any other club. Let's celebrate that Rotary is now less about rules and more about joining together in a variety of ways besides traditional meetings.
I recommend that each club hold an annual strategy meeting to ask — and honestly answer — if we are doing all we can for our members and if our club reflects the community we serve. We are taking this approach at the international level, too. I am proud that six women are serving with me on the RI Board of Directors this year, the most we have ever had. Let's keep Rotary moving in this direction at every level. We need more perspectives, more diversity, for Rotary to thrive.
It's fascinating to imagine how we will find new ways to adapt and stay nimble this year and beyond. But I am also inspired about what hasn't changed and never will in Rotary: the friendships, the networking, the ethics, and the service. Indeed, these are the values that make Rotary attractive to all.
As Rotary's founder, Paul Harris, said, we have to be revolutionary from time to time. Now is such a time. Rotary Opens Opportunities — countless ones — for us to embrace change that will strengthen us even as we remain true to our core values.
The Faribault Rotary Club celebrated its 100-year anniversary on May 1, 2020. Each week the bulletin is published during this Rotary year 2020-21, I will include a brief historical highlight from our history of fellowship and Service above Self-starting with 1920-21.
E.B. Johnson, representing the district governor of the International Rotary Clubs, and three other members of the Minneapolis Rotary Club met with our charter members. The first President of the Faribault Rotary Club was Frank W. McKellip. Meetings were held on the first and third Monday of each month and on the evening of the fourth Monday.
1921
The first annual picnic was held at Cedar Lake. Twenty-one new members were added during the second year. A turkey raffle was held with the number 13 as the lucky number. Our 2nd club president was Fred U. Davis.
1922
The first annual banquet was held in February.
Meetings were held bi-weekly during the summer months.
A committee was formed to help the Chamber of Commerce prepare City Planning and Zoning ordinances.
We sponsored the Owatonna Rotary Club.
Our third Club President in 1922-23 was Anthony M. Bion.
David Ulrich, native Minnesotan and current Minneapolis resident, is a seasoned business executive with 40 years of leadership expertise. David originally joined Twin Metals Minnesota at its inception with his initial focus to build leadership and technical teams. He has been actively involved in workforce development initiatives to prepare educational pathways for people to become part of the mining industry, including service on the Governor's Workforce Development Board, NE MN Workforce Investment Board, UMD, MNSCU and local NE Minnesota technical college and high school advisory Boards.
David currently supports Twin Metals project as communication consultant sharing the project’s story of generations of future mining opportunities. In his presentation, David highlights the intricacies of copper-nickel mining along with the economic benefits of copper-nickel mining in Minnesota. He also touches on the environmental and human rights benefits of mining in Minnesota, as opposed to other places in the world with far worse labor and environmental regulations. The Copper-nickel mining in Minnesota can help shape our state’s education with direct allocated tax funds while innovating the world with the copper/nickel they need to produce the 21st and 22nd century.
Sara Coutler from the Department of Public Health updated our club on the status of Covid-19 in Rice County. Rice County has seen 898 positive cases as of July 15th, 2020. The positive case total is on the higher spectrum for the state of Minnesota. An outbreak at the correctional facility has much to do with a high positive rate in our county. 67% of positive cases are private residences, 23% from the prison, 9% unknown, and .5% group homes (which is lower than the state average). Testing ability is in the top 5 counties in Minnesota. Allina, Mayo, and Healthfinders are doing well at providing testing to all members of our community as needed. Our city and state departments are meeting on a weekly bases to monitor across departments on the status of our region and the status of the ever-changing landscape of the Covid-19 pandemic.
Our distinguished STRIVE chair, Kurt Halverson, has released the meeting schedule for the coming 2020-21 school year. The dates are as follows:
August 12th
September 9th
October 14th
November 11th
December 9th
January 13th
Banquet: TBD
As of right now, all sessions are being held via Zoom at 9:00 a.m. We will adjust when students start attending school in person again. The Zoom meeting link will be sent before each meeting. Please consider attending if your schedule allows.
Bisharo Farah, Community Health Worker for the Healthfinders Collaborative, has been proposed for membership by the honorable Dick Huston. If you have any questions or concerns please contact our membership chair, Keith Kramer.
Sam Ouk, the Equity and Multilingual Program Coordinator, from Faribault High School has been proposed for membership by the honorable George Wickstrom. If you have any questions or concerns, please contact membership chair, Keith Kramer.
The Annual Cash Raffle 2020 was a huge success with all 900 tickets being sold. The proceeds will be used for Faribault Rotary Club youth programs and scholarships. The prize drawing was held last Wednesday, July 15th and the winners are listed as follows:
For our meeting this week our speaker is Sara Coulter MPH, RD Clinic and Community Supervisor with Rice County Public Health. She will be talking to us about the Covid-19 pandemic. Her presentation to our club at The Inn at Shattuck will be through Zoom. We will link her to the meeting and if you would like to attend but can't be there in person please use the following link at noon on Wednesday.
On Wednesday July 8th we had the pleasure of meeting Kaylee Weins. Kaylee is a teacher at Faribault Senior High School in Family and Consumer Science, and the faculty person overseeing the Nest.
The Nest is the result of a couple of FHS students seeing a story about a store inside the Shakopee High School. A group of students involved in the Falcon Project (a service and volunteer group of students at FHS) took the idea and ran with it. Kaylee guides and supports the students.
The Nest is a room inside of the high school unattended, but with a couple of cameras for security, that students can go to get the things they need, Logo wear, and some clothing items, school supplies and toiletries. As you may have guessed some supplies are low and the current need is for NEW in the packaging toiletries, and clothing racks to get more of the clothing supply the Nest has out for the students to choose from.
To learn more about The Nest you can check out the Faribault High school Facebook page, and there are high hopes for a dedicated Nest website this fall. Donation can be dropped off at the High School office, and monetary donations are always welcome too! Funds can be left at the office as well, attention Kaylee Weins or Joe Sage.
Kaylee is the Family and Consumer Science teacher at the High School – The Best in the Nation in fact!! Last summer she won a national award for Achievements in Family and Consumer Science. Way to Go Kaylee! Faribault is Proud to have you as a teacher and leader for our young people!!
The Faribault Rotary Club this week inducted new member David Green, the president of 1st United Bank of Faribault. Pictured with Green (left) is membership chair Keith Kramer and sponsor Eric Craig. Dave was a past member of our club who looks forward to being apart of our club again.
The 2020 Faribault Rotary Cash Raffle is almost done and the drawing will be held at our weekly meeting this Wednesday July 15th at the Inn at Shattuck. Thank you to everyone who sold tickets to help raise money to support our Rotary Youth Programs and scholarships.
In 2 years the Faribault Rotary Club will celebrate its 100-year anniversary on May 1, 2020. Each week the bulletin is published until that day, I will include a brief historical highlight from a year in our history of fellowship and Service above Self-starting in 1920.
E.B. Johnson, representing the district governor of the International Rotary Clubs, and three other members of the Minneapolis Rotary Club met with our charter members. The first President of the Faribault Rotary Club was Frank W. McKellip.
Meetings were held on the first and third Monday of each month and on the evening of the fourth Monday.
Last week we heard from outgoing President Amy Amundson, as she thanked the club for a “different” year. She specifically thanked Murray Hanson and Lisa Humfeld Wilson for keeping our weekly meetings going during a pandemic, via Zoom. Amy you did a fantastic job leading Faribault Rotary in our 100th year. It was a different year for sure, but Amy, you lead us through like a champ. Thank you for your service and leadership to the club!!
Then Amy installed Brenda DeMars as Faribault Rotary Club's 101st President. The Rotary slogan for the new year is “Rotary opens doors and opportunities” Brenda is a firm believer in that statement. She shared her appreciation to our club for being active and participating. Brenda joined Rotary 10 years ago and our 100th President Amy Amundson was her sponsor.
In her year as president Brenda’s goals include working to bring back a youth exchange program to Faribault. She will be encouraging us to bring guests and expose more friends, family, neighbors, and co-workers to Rotary, hoping to light the fire in them. Brenda is looking at a wishing well project, to receive donations of loose change, and she has implemented a Polio Plus water Jug and given us one year to fill it with our loose change. The jug will stay at the Inn and will be available to guest coming and going and to us weekly at our meetings.
Brenda the club is so excited to have you as our 101st president! We know you will be great, and we stand behind you ready to serve!
This does not seem like a time for great optimism, but it has to be. Long before Rotary was founded, the world dealt with great crises that tested humankind's ability to progress and endure. In the age of Rotary, the world has faced many more catastrophes; however, we have survived, and every step of the way, Rotary has helped the world heal.
Every great challenge is an opportunity for renewal and growth. I revealed the theme of Rotary Opens Opportunities at the International Assembly in San Diego just as the COVID-19 crisis was beginning, but these are words that I have believed for many years.
Rotary is not just a club that you join; it is an invitation to endless opportunities. We believe in creating opportunities for others and for ourselves. We believe that our acts of service, large and small, generate opportunities for people who need our help, and that Rotary opens opportunities for us to live a richer, more meaningful life, with friends around the world, based on our core values.
Governments and institutions are gaining a greater appreciation for the types of public health partnerships that are critical to our work. People stuck at home, eager for greater connections and hungry to help their communities, are now embracing the values we have promoted since our beginning.
All of this is positive news, but just because there are greater opportunities than ever for Rotary to thrive does not guarantee that we will succeed. The world is changing rapidly — and was doing so even before this crisis. People were starting to move away from regular lunch meetings and toward online gatherings. Friendships were being cultivated and revived in social media relationships even before most of our meetings moved to Zoom and Skype. Younger generations have a strong desire to serve — but have questioned whether they could play a meaningful role in organizations like Rotary or whether they might make a bigger impact forming different types of connections. Now is the time to put everything on the table, test new approaches, and prepare Rotary for the future.
The COVID-19 crisis has forced all of us to adapt. This is good, and our new Action Plan specifically calls on us to improve our ability to adapt. But adaptation is not enough. We need to change, and change dramatically, if we are to face the challenges of this new age and provide the Rotary the world so desperately needs.
This is our great challenge, not just in the next year but into the foreseeable future. It is up to us to remake Rotary for these new times — to wholeheartedly embrace the ideas, energy, and commitment of young people eager to find an outlet for idealism. We must become an organization fully enmeshed in the digital age, not one that simply looks for online ways to keep doing what we have always done.
The world needs Rotary now more than ever. It is up to us to make sure that Rotary Opens Opportunities for generations to come.
The 2020 Faribault Rotary Cash Raffle is finally underway. Board members have delivered a book of 20 tickets to each member to sell at $20 for each ticket. The funds raised will be used to support our club's youth programs, music scholarships and college scholarships though the STRIVE program. You are encouraged to buy and/or sell all of these tickets. The prizes are listed on the ticket with coupons on the back and the drawing will be held on July 15th at the Inn at Shattuck. If you need more than the 20 tickets to sell, please contact the Board member who delivered them to you or Eric Craig. All proceeds and ticket stubs need to to be turned into Eric by July 13th. He prefers that you turn in the full ticket book of stubs and cash at the same time. This year we had a shorter time to sell because of the Covid-19 crisis.
Due to the Covid-19 crisis and social distancing guidelines set forth by the CDC our in person meetings have been cancelled for the last 14 weeks.
We are planning to meet again in person to start the new Rotary year on Wednesday July 1st at The Inn at Shattuck. David Connelly will oversee the details taking into account social distancing guidelines and proper safety measures. Our program will be the Installation of Brenda DeMars as our club's 101st President and swearing in of the incoming Board members. President Amy will talk about this past year and Brenda will outline her plans for the 2020-21 Rotary year.
On Wednesday June 24th we heard from Heidi Nelson, Director of the Paradise Center for the Arts. She provided us an update on what has been going on at PCA. Currently the PCA is open Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays from 12 – 5 pm. There are 4 galleries inside including the newest gallery – the gift shop has been converted to a fourth gallery. The Carlander gallery, Corey Lynn Creger memorial gallery, and the Veranish board room gallery remain.
PCA is investing in new technology. Currently there are no auditorium presentations scheduled for the foreseeable future. There will be a lot of live streaming happening once all the new technology is in place. Art classes are happening! Pottery classes, Art in the Park, and the possibility of “Art Boxes” like a subscription box to generate the imagination at home.
Heidi let us all know that the PCA was able to use a PPP loan. Some of the staff have reduced their hours, and one resigned. Everyone is doing their part to use their talents and help each other out. The facility is getting a deep cleaning and lots of improvements in their free time.
The PCA has spent a lot of time on a plan for debt reduction. With the help of board member and Rotarian Cate Grinney of Edward Jones there is a push for 100 people, business, or other to donate a one-time donation of $2500.00. This money will be set aside for a debt reduction plan. Perks of being in The 100 Club include a life time membership, a personal invitation to the “burn the mortgage” party, a second private party for The 100 Club members only, name recognition in an artistic fashion, and personal satisfaction for just doing something really, really, great for our community. To learn more about The 100 Club contact Heidi. As of June 24, there are 2 confirmed members and 8 commits. Just 90 more needed!
Keep Rockin at the PCA Heidi and keep us all updated on your progress!!
The following article was published in the District 5960 newsletter in April 2020 and now in the Pakistan National Polio Plus newsletter. I will send a separate email with this article for you to read if this print is too small.
The first volunteer opportunity of the new Rotary year is Thursday July 2nd at The Inn at Shattuck. The Faribault Rotary Club is sponsoring the community Red Cross Blood Drive. Volunteers are still needed to help with signing in donors and handing out snacks. Please contact Laura directly to volunteer. If you would like to be a blood donor, please contact the American Red Cross. If you have any questions, please contact Laura Bock.
It was just one year ago when Amy became Faribault Rotary Club's 100th President. This will certainly be a memorable year in our club's history. With the rise of a global Covid-19 pandemic, we were unable to meet in person for 3 1/2 months from the middle of March until the end of June. Through the technology of Zoom, we were able to celebrate our 100th anniversary as a club and have weekly meetings. We look forward to seeing everyone back tomorrow for the installation of Brenda DeMars as our 101st President.
The honorable Eric Craig proposes David Green, the President of 1st United Bank, for membership in the Faribault Rotary Club. Dave is a former Rotarian and past member of our club. If you have any questions or concerns please contact Keith Kramer or Brenda DeMars.
Due to the Covid-19 crisis and social distancing guidelines set forth by the CDC, Governor Walz and President Trump our weekly meetings at the Inn at Shattuck for June 17 and 24 are cancelled. However, we will have a Zoom meeting at noon on Wednesday June 24, 2020. Please use this link:
We are planning to meet again in person to start the new Rotary year on Wednesday July 1st at the outdoor pavilion at The Legacy Golf Course. David Connelly will oversee the details taking into account social distancing guidelines and proper safety measures. Our program will be the Installation of Brenda DeMars as our club's 101st President and swearing in of the incoming Board members. President Amy will talk about this past year and Brenda will outline her plans for the 2020-21 Rotary year.
Since the social distancing guideline prevents our normal fellowship, today will be our 13th "online" fellowship. So, if you would like to respond to this bulletin or next week's email with any news or acts of service you want to share, I will publish them in the bulletin each week. Please let me know by 10 am eachTuesday.
Well, the lockdown home improvement projects continued this week with the installation of new, quiet, non rusted garage doors. Kristi and I spent a couple of days tiling and grouting a backsplash in our downstairs over the weekend. Father's Day was a blessing with my kids and grandkids at our house. My guess with the picture above is that Dr. Huston is "chugging along" looking to do an updated video for Country singing star, Kenney Chesney. I hope everything is going well for each of you and your families despite all that is happening in the world. Please remember to join our Zoom meetings at noon each Wednesday.
From Dick Huston:
The way to this man’s heart is not through his stomach but his Kabota. For my wedding present I received my sprayer, on Christmas some new Dewalt tools and my birthday? A sun shade for my Kabota. Awesome!!!!
From Anne Marie Leland:
It's been a busy time with all of the community education programming starting up again within the parameters of MDH/CDC guidelines. Swimming lessons, driver education, school, facility use, etc. I would just say that the community education team has gone above and beyond to serve the community during this unique time. There are so many people that have shown true grit to remove barriers to participating in summer activities.
(Are you a doctor now?)
And yes, I am a doctor and can prescribe you an educational program anytime you want. LOL.
From Laura Bock:
There are still opportunities to volunteer at the Red Cross Blood Drive as a drive volunteer or to donate blood.
We are close to full in both categories! Please give me a call or send an email if you can help on July 2nd at The Inn at Shattuck.
Dr. Brian Bunkers from Mayo Clinic updated us on the state of COVID-19 globally and locally. As we are aware COVID-19 has reshaped our environments, economy, and our way of living. Some areas of the nation have been hit heavily by the pandemic. Others not much at all. It is clear that the threat of COVID-19 is not going away for any community in the near future.
Southern Minnesota has fared better than predicted for cases and limited in deaths from COVID-19. Dr. Bunkers expressed confidence our medical systems are able and equipped to handle population caseload and surges that might come. Our local clinics have the proper PPE and treatments such as Remdesivir to treat patients effectively and safely.
Testing is an important part of opening up our communities safely. There are many different tests that track your exposure to COVID-19. Antibody test availability is becoming more wide-spread. This test can tell you if you have had the virus before or currently by noticed COVID-19 antibodies in your system.
A vaccine is at least a year away, looking into 2021. Until the vaccine is available it is important to expect more cases and threat. Be mindful of washing your hands, wear a mask in public, and continue to social distance as things open back up. Dr. Bunkers express concern for COVID-19 fatigue for workers and those at risk. Understanding this pandemic is far from over, we need to take care of ourselves not only physically but mentally as well.
To listen and watch the Zoom presentation use the following link. As always be well and wash your hands. ;)
On Wednesday June 10, 2020 our presentation was former Faribault Rotarian Sam Ouk, presenting an open conversation he called Race Matters – Insights on Current Issues and Where Faribault stands in Relation to Racial Issues. Admittedly Sam only just put this particular presentation together Wednesday morning, but it had no less impact than something that had been planned for days or weeks. Sam lead us in some reflection of the recent events in our state, events involving George Floyd, and events following his death.
Sam encouraged us to really be open, to be honest and to really own our feelings. Rotarians were encouraged to say what was on their minds and express their feelings. Sam defined a few terms we are all hearing – Whiteness, and White Privilege. He talked to us about segregation specifically in the community of Faribault. There is segregation in our schools, neighborhoods, churches, social circles, stores, and even work place. He called for us to recognize it and as Rotarians to DO MORE!
Since the social distancing guideline prevents our normal fellowship, today will be our 12th "online" fellowship. So, if you would like to respond to this bulletin or next week's email with any news or acts of service you want to share, I will publish them in the bulletin each week. Please let me know by 10 am eachTuesday.
This past weekend started with a charity golf tournament at Southern Hills Golf Course in Farmington. The weather was perfect and it was a great day. This week I plan to get that long overdue haircut. I am not sure that people recognize me anymore. I hope everything is going well for each of you and your families despite all that is happening in the world. Please remember to join our Zoom meetings at noon each Wednesday.
No news is good news right. Sorry I have not had much to add to your weekly updates. We are pretty boring…work, kids activities are picking up a little bit and selling raffle tickets.
Heidi gave her classification talk recently. I asked her six follow up questions to help summarize her presentation for those of us who were present and for our club members who missed the meeting. If you have not had a chance to welcome her to our club, please do so when we all meet again at The Inn at Shattuck..
Your Family members, occupations (including you) or school level?”
I have two grown sons. My oldest is 31 and works in construction in the twin cities, My youngest will be 30 at the end of June, lives in Minneapolis and he is in the insurance industry.
Your Hometown/School/College
I was born in St. Paul and moved to Faribault when I was 4 yrs. old. I moved away in 1984 at the age of 17, and back again when I was 37, but consider Faribault to be my hometown.
Your Previous occupations?
My previous occupations have been many! I have: owned a decorating business, had my real estate license, worked in banking, had my insurance license, sold cars in a dealership, owned and operated a loft hotel (I still do), worked as a life coach, and led women's trips, (I can't wait to go again!). My current position as the ED of the Paradise has been easier because of all of these things.
Any Hobbies?
In my free time I like to read or listen to audible books while doing some kind of project. I absolutely LOVE to travel.
Rotary sponsor? George Wickstrom
Interesting fact about you or your life?
An interesting fact about me is: Last year from mid-July until the end of August I traveled with my best friend from Atlanta. She is a Delta flight attendant and I had her companion pass so I traveled with her and stayed with her on her lay-overs. I saw 7 different European cities, made 10 transatlantic flights, and 2 inter European flights. I traveled alone in London and Rome when I couldn't get on a flight home, I had the privilege of flying in a first class pod 6 of the 10 transatlantic flights. I met some amazing people in airports who I still stay in touch with, and I consider it to be the very best 5 weeks of my life! It was exhausting, exhilarating, liberating, and confidence building... and more than anything it showed me how similar we all are no matter where we live. It makes my heart happy just to think about it.
Since the social distancing guideline prevents our normal fellowship, today will be our second "online" fellowship. So, if you would like to respond to this bulletin or next week's email with any news or acts of service you want to share, I will publish them in the bulletin each week. Please let me know by 10 am each Wednesday.
This past weekend started with 18 holes at the Legacy on Friday and I did smoke the 11 lb brisket on Saturday starting at 4 am. Thought maybe I would see Brent coming down the street but no luck. I hope everything is going well for each of you and your families despite all that is happening in the world. Please remember to join our Zoom meetings at noon each Wednesday.
From Brian Daniels:
Things on my end are good, just returned from Florida a couple of weeks ago to see our grandson graduate, great time. Now special session on this Friday, hope we can come to an agreement on bonding bill.
Hope you are all doing well. God bless and stay healthy, wealthy and wise.
From Breanna Wheeler:
Things have been very busy at RBNC as we adapt to the new realities. We have modified summer camp https://rbnc.org/summer-camp and are developing many different options for education programs https://rbnc.org/upcoming-programs going forward. There has been a great deal of natural resource restoration work done with removing invasive species which will continue through the summer and be ongoing- interested in more RBNC updates? Visit https://www.facebook.com/RiverBendMN for all the latest.
As people look to relieve stress and enjoy an excursion during the pandemic, the trails have been busier than ever and we are so grateful to the members, donors, volunteers, and community partners that have made this resource available through their commitment to RBNC these past four decades. Your involvement makes this treasure possible now and into the future. Thank you!
From Cate Grinney:
I've had quite a few conference calls over the Rotary meeting time and haven't been able to attend. Work is quite busy due to the SECURE Act from the end of last years and the CARES Act this year--lots of tax changes that provides a lot of opportunities. We are not client-facing yet, but doing a lot of phone calls, WebEx or Zoom to communicate. Hope all is well with everyone!
Christopher Pennell PhD. represented the UofM Cancer Center and reported on the developments in cancer research. Dr. Pennell told the story of Emily Whitehead, a young girl from Pennsylvania, who at age five was diagnosed with acute lymphocytic leukemia. The rate of survival from this type of cancer in 1960 was 10%, now it is 90%.
Cancer is a wide-ranging term for more than 200 different diseases. It is caused by the code failure of our DNA when making new cells. With 300,000,000 cells made in the body per day, the odds are not in our favor for a mistake to happen, and for cancer to be present. 1:2 males and 1:3 female in Minnesota will die of cancer. Dr. Pennell, explained some new advances they are working to curve that number down through their research and development.
The Cancer Center at the UofM is a comprehensive center. From services of: preventive treatment, patient care, palliative care, research, and advocacy which drives public health legislation. The fight against cancer has moved to the smallest battleground possible, Genetics. Helping our bodies fight stronger with Immunotherapies which help create a white blood cell system that attacks cancer cells naturally.
Emily Whitehead was losing the battle to cancer with chemotherapy treatments not effective. With advances made by the Cancer Center of the UofM, Emily is now 13 years old and 7 years cancer-free! :)
For more information about the UofM cancer center, you are welcome to contact our speaker by email. Pennell001@uofm.edu To listen back to this presentation click the following link. UofM_20_0603
I am excited to be starting our first virtual Strive program for the 2020-2021 school year! We will be holding sessions the second Wednesday of the month at 9:00 a.m. June, July, and August. We will go to a 7:15 a.m. time for the meetings this fall if school is being held in person; if it is online we may look to keep the meetings at 9:00 a.m.
For our first session, we will be hearing from fellow Faribaultarian Dr. Narren Brown, Vice President of Research & Institutional Effectiveness. In addition, I will cover an overview of the strive program for the students. The meeting should last about a half an hour. Please join us if it works for your schedule!
Kurt Halverson is inviting you to a scheduled Zoom meeting.
Topic: Strive Introductory Meeting Time: Jun 10, 2020 09:00 AM Central Time (US and Canada)
Meeting ID: 831 3167 3159 Password: 454574 One tap mobile +13126266799,,83131673159#,,1#,454574# US (Chicago) +16465588656,,83131673159#,,1#,454574# US (New York)
Dial by your location +1 312 626 6799 US (Chicago) +1 646 558 8656 US (New York) +1 301 715 8592 US (Germantown) +1 346 248 7799 US (Houston) +1 669 900 9128 US (San Jose) +1 253 215 8782 US (Tacoma) Meeting ID: 831 3167 3159 Password: 454574 Find your local number: https://us02web.zoom.us/u/kcvxyoqhsT
Please let me know if you have any questions or if you would like to get more involved!
On Wednesday May 27, 2020 Faribault Rotary was treated to a virtual presentation through Zoom by our very own Dr. Richard Huston. In November of 2019 Dr. Huston visited Pakistan to see first-hand the work being done to eradicate polio. Spending his time in the capital city of Karachi, he attended multiple Rotary Club meetings, and was quickly identified as being the featured speaker at most of them! He spent 8 days in Pakistan traveling to 5 different sites to vaccinate children for polio. Dr. Huston touched on the other initiatives PolioPlus is working on and those include disease prevention, clean water, improving health care and creating jobs.
Dr. Huston has been and will continue to travel around to area organizations to present this program on his time in Pakistan, and Rotary. This week he will be making presentations to Owatonna Rotary and The Rotary Club of St. Charles with our good friend President Dan Hedge.
My Rotary journey began 40 years ago when I joined the Rotary Club of Decatur, Alabama, at the age of 25, and it has brought my family and me many unforgettable moments. But nothing could have prepared me for connecting with the world as president of Rotary International. My individual Rotary journey has become a shared Rotary journey with each of you.
All of the incredible people Gay and I met this year — Rotarians, Rotaractors, and the extended family of Rotary — will be an inspiration for the rest of our lives. We visited clubs and projects from Uruguay to Ukraine, from Nigeria to New Zealand, and beyond. We were privileged to crisscross the globe, circumnavigating it twice and moving back and forth between the Northern and Southern hemispheres. Each country and each stop held its own Rotary magic. While in Zimbabwe in March, we participated in a medical vocational training team mission with Rotarians from India, providing health, hope, and life itself to the thousands who came for treatment. We also felt the energy of more than 300 young people at a Rotary Youth Symposium in Harare. What a thrill it was to be with these young people!
This year Rotary launched our new Action Plan, and I trust each club is putting that plan to use. And I have been energized by the efforts to embrace the priorities I set for this Rotary year: engaging families, providing leadership opportunities for all ages, celebrating our history with the United Nations in its 75th year, and, most significantly, growing Rotary.
As COVID-19 reached around the globe, we found ourselves in a world transformed. We have been forced to connect in ways we could never have imagined, testing our ability to adapt. We have made tough decisions, including canceling club meetings, district conferences, presidential conferences, and, much to our regret, the 2020 Rotary International Convention in Honolulu. Together everyone is placing the public good and welfare first, despite the loss of meetings, events, and experiences that had been planned for years.
As we looked forward to the Rotary Convention in Honolulu, we learned about the aloha spirit. Our Rotary friends in Hawaii showed us that "aloha" means mutual regard and affection. It extends warmth and caring with no expectation of anything in return. The spirit of aloha applies wherever in the world we may live. As Rotarians, Rotaractors, and members of the family of Rotary, we are connected, and as aloha has been defined to me: Our connection to one another is based upon mutual respect for our differences as well as our appreciation for what we have in common. Community is the sum of individuals — individuals who have concern for one another, who care, share, and take responsibility.
As I have witnessed the members of the Rotary community act to care for humanity amid the coronavirus pandemic, I have seen the aloha of Rotary. We are indeed people of action. Every day, but particularly during this pandemic, the Rotary community has demonstrated its aloha spirit. It is a gift to be shared, and we are each a steward of this gift of Rotary. Gay and I have been amazed, inspired, and humbled by all of you within the family of Rotary.
Indeed, I would say that the last part of our shared Rotary year was transformational. We found new ways to make the lives of others better, new ways to move forward together. And, together, we will continue to grow Rotary so that we may increase our gift of Rotary to our local and global communities.
Gay and I will always remember and treasure our year with you, our shared journey, as Rotary Connects the World!
Heidi Nelson gave us a look into her life and many skill sets gained through her journey so far. Mrs. Nelson was born and raised in Faribault, her parents were very involved in the community. Heidi expressed this helped shape her compassion for community. After graduating Heidi and family moved to South Dakota, where she met her husband and started her family. Heidi’s three boys are now in the early thirties. Heidi moved back to her home town of Faribault were she has thrived helping her community in many fields from real estate, banking, hotelier and now the executive director of the Paradise Center for the Arts. Heidi feels although her current role sees many challenges, she was made for this role. With Heidi’s compassion for community fueled by here moto “Together we thrive!” the Paradise and our Faribault community are blessed by her abilities to bring people together with a smile.
Since the social distancing guideline prevents our normal fellowship, today will be our second "online" fellowship. So, if you would like to respond to this bulletin or next week's email with any news or acts of service you want to share, I will publish them in the bulletin each week. Please let me know by 10 am each Wednesday.
It is done! the last 30 pages of the 100 page instruction assembly book for the backyard play set have been conquered and my granddaughters are quite happy. This weekend starts with 18 holes at the Legacy on Friday and I will be smoking an 11 lb brisket on Saturday. So, if you happen to be driving by at 4 am when I am setting up, please say hi! I hope everything is going well for each of you and your families despite all that is happening in the world. Please remember to join our Zoom meetings at noon each Wednesday.
From Laura Bock:
We need to fill two spots for Meals on Wheels.
Wednesday June 17th and Friday June 19th. Please let me know if you can help.
From Keith Kramer:
One of our family goals the past few months has been to get our kids outside and enjoy God’s creation. We bought some inflatable kayaks and pictured is my son and his cousin having fun on the Straight river this past weekend (see picture above.)
From Dick Huston:
So I am really enjoying summer but also always looking ahead. I just purchase new snow skis and can't wait to use them.
Since the social distancing guideline prevents our normal fellowship, today will be our second "online" fellowship. So, if you would like to respond to this bulletin or next week's email with any news or acts of service you want to share, I will publish them in the bulletin each week. Please let me know by 10 am each Wednesday.
For this his week's project my son Jackson and I are 70 pages into an 100 page instruction assembly book for the play set (see picture) we are building in his backyard for my granddaughters. We should finish this weekend. It is also time to clean off the deck get out the deck furniture. Last Thursday, I was able to attend a Zoom meeting with the Rotary Club of St. Charles with Dan Hedge as President. I did learn a few things from that visit. First, they are "thrilled" that we gave them such a devoted Packer fan and second, it seems that every club has a "George." I hope all is going well for all of you. Please remember to join our Zoom meetings at noon each Wednesday.
From Anne Marie:
There have been so many acts of kindness for our child care workers. Masks and sanitizer have been donated and I've been treating staff to Caribou and donuts. We can't do enough for this team!
From Donn Johnson:
Rotary music scholars
I believe it is appropriate to continue the music scholarships, theater scholarships, and art scholarships for our high school graduates and returning musicians. Here are the names of the music scholarship winners:.
Band-- Caleb Dewberry and Sebastian Malkavage
Choir-- Delia Denis and Erik Hagre
Orchestra-- Sarah Engbrecht and Sarah McColley
All-around-- Kylie Petricka
The Senior Arts recipients have received their notifications but I can't recall their names. Will let you know when my mind kicks in. Thanks. I am also waiting for Paul Johnson to get back to me for theater. He is looking for good camps that don't cost an arm and a leg. Appreciate it.
The Faribault Rotary Club Board has decided to move forward with the annual Cash Raffle for 2020. The tentative starting date is June 10th with a drawing scheduled for Wednesday July 15th at our noon meeting. More details to come!
Since the social distancing guideline prevents our normal fellowship, today will be our second "online" fellowship. So, if you would like to respond to this bulletin or next week's email with any news or acts of service you want to share, I will publish them in the bulletin each week. Please let me know by 10 am each Wednesday.
Kristi and I are still busy with home projects. We power washed and sanded 500 sq feet of pavers, painted our pergola, deck posts and two entry doors last week. This weekend we will tackle a backslash. Kamryn is starting summer school for her Master's degree this week online at Mankato. I hope we will be able to meet at The Inn at Shattuck soon. In the meantime please join our weekly Zoom meeting at noon each Wednesday.
From Andy Bohlen:
During the time of social distancing FPD has answered the call on numerous occasions to deliver a parade of lights past birthday parties, anniversaries, and special events! (See photo above)
From Kurt Halvorson:
The Stay at Home order has provided a welcome slow down to life; I have enjoyed spending quality time with my daughter, my girlfriend Natalie and her son Keaton. In addition, I have had more time devoted to getting my model railroad up and running, and I am excited to share that just last night I was able to run a locomotive model on it for the first time in 2 years!
From Eric Craig:
I am still extremely busy with tax season as the past four to six weeks have been mostly spent assisting clients with all new Covid related tax legislation, loans, unemployment, stimulus review, etc. which has drastically slowed our tax preparation. Fortunately, the tax deadline was extended through July 15th which is bitter sweet. I’ve been working from home mostly for the last two months but hoping to get back to some semblance of normal sooner than later. We purchased a new arcade game and an outdoor basketball hoop so we’ve been having fun with those. We are hoping to get in some camping this summer and are thankful to be busy, healthy, and safe during these uncertain times.
Last week I was able to deliver some flowers to three littles in the BBBS program including our little, Anthony. I dropped off some lunch for him and some treats for his family. We are hoping to get back to spending time with him soon. I’m looking forward to catching up with everyone on the Zoom meeting tomorrow.
Anne Marie Leland spoke about her dissertation of a full-service learning program. Anne Marie expressed her work in the Faribault community and through rotary shaped her positionality in the world when it comes to “equity and social justice” which is a big reason why she chose to enroll in the educational doctoral program.
Anne Marie’s dissertation on which was a case study of Somali parents who engagement with any rule Midwestern school district and I had to choose a couple of theoretical frameworks. The full-service model looked at providing parent education on school systems, dental/health wellness (through HealthFinders), and administrative support throughout the process.
Anne Marie stated “Our district Faribault Public Schools we do a lot around the social-emotional learning piece as well and partnering with the virtues project, for example, partnering with our community-based partners that we understand the way in which to affect the most holistically is through that family system of support so well educators are known for just focusing on academics we are at the district at that focuses on the whole family and so my research really fit in nicely within my job as director of Community Education.
Participants were 8 female parents, 4 male parents. They ranged in ages of 24 to 68, they were all refugees representing 55 children. They all self-reported that they had no higher education from non-US or US colleges. They all expressed in the post-interview: The training was appreciated and the Hands-On help was very useful to their child’s education understanding.
This case study worked well in our small community, It is a bright look at the future of education in a holistic frame. Further study and understanding of other communities big and small are needed to her advancement of like work.
If you are interested in learning more please reach out to Anne Marie Leland, she will be delighted to share her experiences.
Recycling 1 ton of paper saves 17 mature trees, 7,000 gallons of water, 3 cubic yards of landfill space, and 2 barrels of oil. Every ton of paper recycled can save the energy equivalent of 165 gallons of gasoline. 17 trees can absorb a total of 250 pounds of carbon dioxide from the air each year.
Increasing our ability to adapt: That is one goal of our new Rotary Action Plan. And wow, have we seen that ability put to the test this year.
In March, Gay and I were to visit Zimbabwe, Turkey, and eight other countries over the course of 30 days. After participating in a medical mission in Zimbabwe and Commonwealth Week activities in London, on the 11th day, we were packing our suitcases for Switzerland and Liechtenstein.
While attending a dinner at the High Commission for Pakistan in London, we received word that it would be impossible to travel everywhere on our itinerary. So, instead of flying to Zurich, we returned to Evanston and One Rotary Center.
Throughout early March, the news about COVID-19 became increasingly serious throughout the world. Following the advice of local officials, we canceled UN presidential conferences in Paris and Rome. Soon, the World Health Organization declared the virus a global pandemic, and we consulted with authorities on more critical decisions. We asked all Rotary districts and clubs to curb face-to-face meetings until further notice and to hold virtual meetings instead. To the districts and clubs that have adapted so quickly, thank you.
The Rotary Board of Directors held its first-ever virtual meeting to make the most difficult decision of all, to cancel the 2020 Rotary International Convention. Like the more than 20,000 registrants who planned to attend, I am disappointed. We acted to protect the health and safety of convention attendees and their families, friends, and colleagues, as well as those who call Honolulu home, and I am confident we made the right decision.
I want to thank the 2020 Honolulu Convention Committee, the Host Organization Committee, the 2020 Honolulu Convention Promotion Committee, and Rotary staff for planning what would have been one of the best Rotary conventions yet. I appreciate their hard work.
This issue of The Rotarian was going to press as the decision about canceling the convention was made, and many other decisions across the Rotary world were still up in the air. Future issues of The Rotarian and of Rotary's regional magazines, along with Rotary's social media channels, will keep you informed.
We began this Rotary year promoting the importance of the new Action Plan for all Rotarians and Rotaractors. Today, we are putting that plan into action out of necessity. That includes the possibility of a convention-like experience with you through a virtual event. We will have more to say about this in the near future.
The world is changing rapidly, and so must Rotary. Our adaptability and strength will help us navigate this experience. The world needs our leadership today more than ever. Truly, Rotary Connects the World.
Since the social distancing guideline prevents our normal fellowship, today will be our second "online" fellowship. So, if you would like to respond to this bulletin or next week's email with any news or acts of service you want to share, I will publish them in the bulletin each week. Please let me know by 10 am each Wednesday.
I have been busy with home projects these past two months. The clinic is now open and we will add routine eye care starting next Monday. It will be interesting wearing scrubs every day. I will need George and Chuck to step it up with their necktie collection now that Dick has a chance to win. I did notice a huge smoke cloud in the western sky last Wednesday morning. (Should have known Dick was up to something.)
From Dick Huston:
Today I have a message of "SERVICE ABOVE SELF". Last Wednesday a few of my friends and I had a prairie burn of about 40 acres. Nine guys ages 11 to 81 (and me 83) volunteered their time and took the risk to control the fire. Unless you have been there you can't imagine the heat generated. It can be dangerous. Some of these men have been helping me for several years all for a pizza and something to drink. They are devoted to making our earth a better place and are just really good people.
From Keith Kramer:
Hello Rotary friends. We are at the end of our second week of puppy ownership and are having a lot of fun and learning a lot of patience at the same time. We also now have a trampoline and the kids jumped so much that they had to take a few days off because their backs hurt! I miss seeing all of you in person and hope you are doing well!
From Nort Johnson:
Some news bits from your Chamber;
COVID Resource page at faribaultmn.org is continually updated.
Chamber two awards from EXPLORE MN; 1) community branding & integrated campaign for Faribault- Making America Stories project 2) Best Special Project for our multi-community Minne-Roadrip station wagon
We’re distributing our second batch of hand sanitizer to women’s shelters, group homes, first responders and senior living homes. Thanks 10,000 Drops and ACE Hardware for the contributions to this project. We’re considering another batch to distribute to re-opening retail/restaurant businesses and are accepting donations through our Chamber Trust to accomplish that.
Many businesses that are working to reopen are having trouble getting staff to come back from unemployment because of the federal $600 per week bonus on their unemployment they make more not working.
Rick Heidick from the Stillwater Rotary Club gave an overview of The Fast for Hope campaign. The Fast for Hope Initiative is based on the belief that while project-based funding is critical to address immediate needs in developing parts of the world, a new model needs to be created in order to more effectively address the problem of systemic poverty in the world. This new model is based on a belief that the local community knows best what they need and that the community must take ownership of any solution in order for it to be successful. Instead of doing a project in multiple communities, this is intended to be a multifaceted effort simultaneously addressing the myriad of needs that are interconnected and which cause the residents of one or two particular communities to live in extreme poverty.
The goal is to create a replicable and sustainable model to address extreme poverty in the developing world. Based in part on the book” The End of Poverty,” which maintains we are the first generation with the ability to end extreme poverty in the world. The premise is that this cannot be achieved by doing projects. Rather we need to work on a community-wide basis addressing the myriad of issues that cause a community to be in extreme poverty and that once the community achieves a basic level of economic success than they can continue to grow without further assistance. The issues will vary community to community but may include lack of access to education, lack of access to transportation and markets, limited experience organizing as a community, culture of dependence on charity.
(Reprinted with permission from the Daily News Michael Gramse is the last of the six 2020 Faribault High School distinguished Alumni Award winners to be featured in the Daily News.)
A visitor’s first impression of Michael Gramse’s company, MRG Tool and Die, is formed by words printed in bold letters on a wall facing a vast factory floor: “INTEGRITY – Show it. Live it. Feel it. COLLABORATION – Together we are successful. INNOVATION – We create solutions.” These are his company’s core values, and they describe all one needs to know about Michael Gramse.
According to Mary Utpadel, Office Manager/Customer Service employee for 32 years, Gramse lives his values. When asked by a Minnesota Business Magazine interviewer to cite his strongest characteristic, Gramse answered, “I think being honest, being straightforward, not trying to whitewash things.” Utpadel agrees: “He definitely believes in honesty and forthrightness in his relationships with employees and customers. His integrity is a major reason employees and customers are devoted to the company.”
Gramse realized his talent for working with machines when he enrolled in a machine shop class as a junior at Faribault Senior High. During his senior year, he enrolled in a three-hour vocational machine course taught by Forest Knoss. After graduation, he attended the Faribault Area Vocational and Technical Institute where he completed the Tool and Die program in 1968 under the tutelage of Page Lawson.
He returned to Faribault after a stint in the Navy, newly married to Eva Froman, and began working for companies where he learned to build progressive dies and special machines. He left Master Tool, an Eagan company, several years later and formed Duo Tool and Die in 1979 with a partner he met at the company. After a friendly separation, Gramse kept the shop, its two employees, and renamed the company MRG Tool and Die. Over the years, MRG has grown to include 73 employees, a 66,000 square foot facility and a diverse customer base, including nearly all Faribault’s industries.
MRG Tool and Die enjoys a reputation among domestic and international corporations for its outstanding, high-quality workmanship, on-time delivery and customer service.
Gramse says he’s reminded of his company’s reputation when “a customer of ours retires – usually it’s an engineer we have been working with for a long time – then tells us we have been their best supplier. Several times over the years, we have had the honor of being told we are the best shop they work with, and that makes me feel we have been successful.”
Gramse takes pride in hiring local people, many of whom have been with his company for decades. Employees are loyal to the company because, as Utpadel says, “We are treated like family.”
Employees also feel appreciated. Machinist, Thad Sunsdahl, explains, “We work in teams. We’re encouraged to be collaborative and to learn from one another. Our projects are interesting, challenging, and require us to be problem-solvers and innovators.”
Gramse is a tenacious advocate for vocational education — especially manufacturing — having served as chairman of South Central College Foundation Board, as well as being a significant scholarship donor. He is a recipient of the SCC Outstanding Alumni Award (2015), Manufacturing Life Time Achievement Award (2015), and Small Manufacturer of the Year (2012). His civic activities include Peace Lutheran Church president, Faribault Rotary president, supporter of Basic Blessings Backpack Program, and a member of the Faribault Chamber of Commerce and Faribault Industrial Corporation. He is particularly devoted to philanthropy supporting children and families.
Michael Gramse’s legacy continues through his children. His oldest son, Rod, has been promoted to company president. He expresses a desire to continue the family’s value-centered approach to running a thriving business and caring for people begun by his father.
Since the social distancing guideline prevents our normal fellowship, today will be our second "online" fellowship. So, if you would like to respond to this bulletin or next week's email with any news or acts of service you want to share, I will publish them in the bulletin each week. Please let me know by 10 am each Wednesday.
Last Friday, May 1, 2020 we celebrated our club's 100-year anniversary with a Zoom meeting at noon. We had 60 people in attendance including four past exchange students from their home countries of Germany, Italy, Brazil and Ecuador. I have included the link for the program in a separate story so you may listen to the program if you choose.
From Natalie Ginter:
I attended the District Grants Management Seminar on Saturday, April 25th which makes our Club eligible to apply for a District Grant.
District Grant applications are due June 1st and applying Clubs must have a Grant Team established to apply.
There is a $3,000 per Club max match grant available dependent upon the Club’s per capita giving history with up to $12,000 match per grant. Multiple Clubs could partner on an application. If each contributed $3,000 x 4 Clubs = $12,000 then District Rotary could potentially match up to $12,000 for a total $24,000 project budget.
I had initially suggested to the Board that we consider applying for a project to conduct Human Trafficking education for businesses along the Faribault/I-35 corridor such as truck stops and hotels. If you have an interest in joining a Grant Team to work on an application or if you have another Project idea, please contact me.
From Rod Mahler:
Congratulations to all of you that put on our 100th celebration last Friday. You did a fantastic job and how great it was to see all the Rotarians from the past plus our current members. I sure miss being with you. Thank you, Thank you.
From Dick Huston:
I continue to monitor the Little Libraries at SSC and Our Saviors about every 4-5 days. Children's books continue to get used on a pretty consistent basis. I shop for groceries each time before i go to put in one of the libraries at Our Saviors and kinda learned what folks like and don't like. It has been a fun and pretty interesting exercise.
I will miss the meeting this week because of a really special event that day!!!!!!!
From past president and former member, Darlene Meillier:
Thank you everyone for being here today for the Faribault Rotary Club’s 100-year anniversary. We had only decided 9 days ago during our weekly meeting through Zoom to move this week’s meeting from Wednesday to today to coincide with the 100-Year anniversary of our club.
For me the countdown to 100 years started with the retirement of Darlene Meillier around 5 years ago. She told me that she had a number of boxes stored in the basement at the State Bank that covered our club’s history dating back to 1920. There were actually eight boxes and she had them delivered to my office. The first order of business was to get new boxes.
Since then, I have been reading through all that information along with collecting our club’s history from around town. Lisa had records in a file cabinet in her office and someone actually dropped off the original signed Constitution and Bylaws of our club from May 1, 1920. When the Mason’s sold there building, I received a huge file that highlighted everything that happened in the club in 1967, the year that Francis Lockwood was president.
This detailed file was just one of 100 examples over the last 100 years of the impact the Faribault Rotary Club has had in each of those years in our community and around the world. For today’s presentation I would like to thank Kymn Anderson and Lisa Humfeld- Wilsonfor all their work in making this possible through Zoom.
May 1, 1920- May 1, 2020
The Faribault Rotary Clubwas officially charted 100 years ago today at noon on May 1, 1920 as Rotary's 596th club with 22 charter members and by the end of the first-year membership had reached a total of 35.
E.B. Johnson, representing the district governor of the International Rotary Clubs, and three other members of the Minneapolis Rotary Club met with our charter members on Thursday April 29, 1920 to draw up the charter documents. The first President of the Faribault Rotary Club was Frank W. McKellip.
Meetings were held at noon on the first and third Monday of each month and on the evening of the fourth Monday. By 1927 the weekly meeting time was moved to noon on Wednesdays and remains there to this day. Over the years the club has held its meetings at Episcopal Guild House,the Elks Club, Harvey Hotel, Bluebird Inn, Hotel Faribault, Evergreen Knoll, Faribault Country Club, the Lavender Inn, Bernie’s Vintage Ballroom and now and currently at the Inn at Shattuck.
On this 100th anniversary, our club has had approximately 5000 weekly meetings with our longest serving 62-year member, Rod Mahler, attending over 2800 of those meetings. Rod was our 53rd president in 1972-73 and has connections back to the first year of our club when the original 35 first year members were added during 1920-21. Nuba Pletcher, our 4th president and Dr. Donald Chathum our 22nd president joined that first year and were still members after Rod joined in 1958.
Faribault Rotary has sponsored four other clubs: Owatonna in 1922, Northfield in 1925, Cannon Falls in 1954 and the new Rotaract club at South Central College in 2019.
Youth service whether local or international has been one of our objectives over the last 100 years. Some examples include:
A picnic for 290 boys at Roberds Lake in 1924.
The Youth Camp on Cedar Lake was dedicated in 1963 and has stayed an important part of our club legacy providing service and enjoyment for youth organizations, families and other groups to this day.
The club sponsored a shelter for the street children of Santarem, Brazil which provided a place for them to meet in groups and participate in life improvement activities in 1994.
We sponsored the Rotary youth soccer fields at Bahl Fields at the Faribault Soccer Complex in 2010 and continue to provide shirts every year through the “Little Feat” program.
The Faribault Club has hosted many exchange students here and sent local students abroad to increase unity and understanding.
Rotary’s focus on youth has also resulted in programs like STRIVE, STAY, Rotary Readers, the school buddy benches, youth Respect Retreats and many more programs benefiting local youth.
Over $350,000 have been given to local students by Rotary through music, arts and academic scholarships.
The Faribault Rotary Club has been part of international programs to improve farming processes in Sierra Leone, sending books to schools in Africa, and inoculating children against polio around the world, most recently in Pakistan.
In 2016 we were instrumental in the renovation of an historic clock downtown long in disrepair, and the placement of a mural honoring that clock in downtown Faribault.
We honor the motto of “Service Above Self” by sponsoring blood drives, ringing Salvation Army Bells, delivering meals on wheels, participating in clothing drives, community beautification projects and selling roses to fund youth programing.
We have established a number of traditions that are still an important part of the Faribault Rotary Club. In 1939 the Faribault High School Choir started an annual Christmas Concert. This December will be the 81st Rotary Concert.
In 1965, the Faribault Senior High Band, Choir and Orchestra performed with all proceeds used to benefit Faribault Youth Services Inc. and the Rotary Camp which continues to this day.
During Rotary luncheon programs we have had Governor’s, Senators, congressman, state and local politicians express their views. Programs over the years included topics such as:
- Does Faribault need an airport? (1941)
- A program on Direct Dialing telephones and the new Highway 35 progress. (1961)
- Over the last 10 years we have had historically informational and international adventure programs from our own Rotarians George Wickstrom and Dick Huston.
Six district governors have come from the Faribault Rotary Club. The last one, Layton Hoysler, served in 1974.
Rotary was a men’s organization until 1987 when Rotary International authorized the induction of women as Rotarians.
Janine Sahagian was the first women to join the Faribault club and served as the first female president in 1999-2000.
With the current Covid-19 pandemic crisis and the government stay at home order along with the cancellation of all group meetings and events, we were unable to hold our 100-year celebration banquet on May 2, 2020. Ironically our club’s founders started this club 100 years ago during the Spanish flu pandemic. Hopefully this will not be the case on our 200-year anniversary.
As we look to the future, we will continue to live and promote the ideals of the “Four Way Test” adopted by Rotary International in 1943:
Is it the Truth?
Is it fair to all concerned?
Will it build goodwill and better friendships?
Will it be beneficial to all concerned?
So, today after 100-years, the men and women of the Faribault Rotary Club will continue to honor the legacy of “Service Above Self” to our community and the world for the next 100 years and beyond.
Since the social distancing guideline prevents our normal fellowship, today will be our second "online" fellowship. So, if you would like to respond to this bulletin or next week's email with any news or acts of service you want to share, I will publish them in the bulletin each week. Please let me know by 10 am each Wednesday.
Rotarian Keith Kramer and his family replanted 🌳 at Jefferson school to replace some which didn’t make it from the 3rd grade project two years ago. Pictured above with Keith are his wife Amy, their children Carsten, Maddie and Allie and their new dog Cash.
I was on call for the clinic last week seeing about seven patients a day. We have all our protocols in place to expand our urgent/emergent services next week with each doctor in clinic two days with limited staff. We have also made the decision to move to wearing scrubs that will be laundered every day.......which means no more neckties. So in the spirit of John Elway who left the game after winning Super Bowls in his final two years at the height of his career, I leave the " tie game" now knowing that Dick Huston will actually have a shot at winning each week.
From Laura Bock:
Faribault Rotary will be hosting a Red Cross Blood Drive on Thursday July 2, 2020 from noon to 6 pm at Fourth Ave United Methodists Church. Volunteers will be needed to staff the drive as usual. Extra precautions are now in place and we will be updated on the blood drive protocol as it approaches.
From Dick Huston:
I just finished being the program (via Zoom)for the South Metro Minneapolis Evening Rotary Club. I did my Pakistan power point and it went pretty darn good. They called at lunch time and asked if I would do it. Kyle had given them my name. Murray you have created a monster.
In just 2 days, the Faribault Rotary Club will celebrate its 100-year anniversary on May 1, 2020. This week’s historical highlight is from 2018.
The club moved its meetings to the Inn at Shattuck when Bernie’s Vintage Ballroom closed.
The club participates in the “Who are We” segments each week that highlights each member’s personal history.
The “Little Libraries” sponsored by Faribault Rotary received publicity in the Daily News.
The Faribault Rotary Club was a sponsor of the Faribault Elks Lodge Youth Ice Fishing Contest on Roberds Lake.
The STRIVE Program awarded over $20,000 in scholarships to local students.
Rod Mahler was recognized for 60 years of membership in Rotary with a special presentation and recognition by District Governor, Scott Haugen. (See photo above)
The club held a cash raffle to support Youth Services.
Rotarian Dr. Richard Huston shared with us his experiences of his veterinarian mission trip to Samburu Kenya Africa in 2017.
Dick Huston rallied Jefferson Elementary School’s third graders, getting them to help him plant 93 trees, one for every third grader in the school.
The Club donated 2 wheelchairs to the Faribault Aquatic Center.
George Wickstrom gave the club a history lesson on the Revolutionary War.
Rotarian of the Year 2018 was awarded to George Wickstrom.
The sponsors the Warm our Community clothing Drive.
The club celebrates the holidays with a gathering for “A night to Rejoice as Rotarians” with dinner and a concert at Shattuck.
The club sponsors the new Faribault Rotaract Club at South Central College.
The club sponsors the annual Red Cross Blood Drive.
The club participates in the annual Salvation Army Bell Ringing.
The club enjoys the 79th annual Christmas Concert.
Our club’s 98th president in 2017-18 was Sheriff Troy Dunn.
Troy had the following memories of his year as president:
Donating the handicap wheelchair to the Faribault Aquatic Center, planting trees with the students at Jefferson School and a great Rotary Picnic out at the Rotary camp with horses, jump tents and great fellowship with friends.
In just 2 days, the Faribault Rotary Club will celebrate its 100-year anniversary on May 1, 2020. This week’s historical highlight is from 2018.
Several weekly meetings were cancelled due to winter storms.
The club was encouraged to add the ClubRunner Smartphone app to their phones.
We partnered with the Elks Club for the annual youth fishing contest on French Lake.
The club toured the newly expanded Buckham West Senior Center.
Over $20,000 in scholarships were awarded to STRIVE students.
61-year member, Rod Mahler, donated a new US flag and stand to replace the one he originally donated in 1971.
A small group of us volunteered at Habitat for Humanity and spent the day painting.
We had a 99th anniversary get together at the inn which was attended by past presidents, district representatives and many Rotarians & families.
The club held its third annual cash raffle to raise funds for Youth Services and scholarships.
The city gives a Lifetime Achievement Award to George Wickstrom.
Dick Huston is recognized as a Paul Harris Society member.
Todd Rost and Rotarian/Chamber President Nort Johnson in two separate programs told the story of Todd’s grandfather’s service in the 163rd infantry in WWI and his role in the liberation of Podensac France in 1918. The citizens of Podensac honored a group from Faribault on the 100th anniversary of that liberation.
Repairs at the Rotary Camp included replacing the roof, replacing the culvert under the road leading into the camp and fixing the deck after tornadoes swept through Rice County in the fall of 2018. As a result, the club was able to have the annual picnic.
The Rotarian of the Year 2019 was awarded to Jake Cook.
Jake Langslag from Goat Dispatch told the club about how goats are an alternative solution to eliminating buckthorn, raspberries, and other pesky vegetation.
The club held the second annual warm our community event providing outerwear for many local youths. (See photo of volunteers above)
Our club’s 99th president in 2018-19 was Keith Kramer.
Since the social distancing guideline prevents our normal fellowship, today will be our second "online" fellowship. So, if you would like to respond to this bulletin or next week's email with any news or acts of service you want to share, I will publish them in the bulletin each week. Please let me know by 10 am each Wednesday.
The picture above was taken from the Daily News and shows Troy Dunn cooking a meal with his "Little," Grayson, from BBBS as he finds another way to adapt to this lockdown.
As the Richie Eye clinic takes steps to ensure our patients safety during the crisis we remain open for urgent/emergent care. This is my week for for being on call 24/7. Seeing patients without anyone else in the clinic reminds me how much I appreciate our great staff. It also reminds of the days when I first started in this profession and when it was just me and only one other staff. On the home front, we have the files organized, passwords updated, recipes organized, started the yard work, doing a little binge watching and we are working on a 1000 piece Minnesota puzzle. I am looking forward to seeing everyone on Zoom at noon today!
From Dick Huston:
A lesson from nature. Over the past year I watched the muskrats cut down the cat tails in my wetland to build their houses. This has cleared the wetland to produce a more favorable habitat for the ducks. Now the geese are building nests on the muskrat houses. They all get along, they all help each other and they all win. What an awesome example for humans.
From Troy Dunn:
BBBS with our Little – We cooked shrimp for lunch and then played a game of Farkle over Zoom. It was a great time.
From Heidi Nelson:
Thank you, Murray. I hope that you are doing well.
I would only like to report that the PCA could really use extra financial support at this time and if anyone would like to become a member or donate they can do that on our website atparadisecenterforthearts.org
In exactly 9 days, the Faribault Rotary Club will celebrate its 100-year anniversary on May 1, 2020. This week’s historical highlight is from 2016.
Rotarians Police Chief Andy Bohlen and Rice County Sheriff Troy Dunn gave a great presentation about our local K9 police dogs.
The weekly Faribaultarian newsletter began publishing new member profiles.
The club awarded over $20,000 in STRIVE scholarships.
Former Rotarian and past president (1973-74) Dr. Roy Anderson returned in full costume and historical knowledge as our city’s founder, Alexander Faribault.
The club held a Beer, BBQ and Bacon spring fundraiser at the F-Town Brewery for the new Rotary mural.
The club held its first cash raffle to raise funds for youth services.
The club sponsored the Courage Retreat for Faribault 7th graders.
The tradition of inviting retired past presidents to installation ceremonies for the new president was started.
A dedication ceremony for Faribault's newest mural was spear headed by Dick Huston, who made a short presentation to Rotarians and guests in the lot next to the Chavis building.
2016 Rotarian of the year was Kymn Anderson.
The Club partnered with the United Way and Unity Students to build the first of six Little Libraries in Faribault.
There was a great presentation from Shoreview Rotarian, John Suzukida, who spoke of his parent’s internment in Japanese- American relocation camps during WWII.
The club enjoyed the 77th annual Christmas Concert.
Our club’s 96th president in 2015-16 was Dr. Richard Huston.
Dr. Huston had the following memories:
-Hosting exchange student Maggie in the spring and enjoying all the events and friends she had.
-Planning for, procuring financing and seeing the mural project completed to let the people of Faribault know the value of Rotary
-Presidents Event at F-Town planned by our very own Dan Hedge
-Working with Dan Hedge to develop promotional brochure, Exchange brochure and "Ways to Serve".
-Displaying the flags on banners.
-Doing orientation with a meal to really get to know the incoming members and letting them know Rotary is Service above Self
-Murray had the best ties that year and frankly every year since.
In exactly 9 days, the Faribault Rotary Club will celebrate its 100-year anniversary on May 1, 2020. This week’s historical highlight is from 2017.
The club awarded over $20,000 in STRIVE, Ethics Essays and Music scholarships.
Rotarian Dr. Lisa Humfeld gave a talk on the “Toxic Effects of Sugar.” No one ate desert that day.
The club had a raffle to raise money for Youth Services.
The President’s Fundraising Event set a goal to raise $10,000 held at the F-Town Brewery for the Buddy Bench Project. The area elementary schools and Nerstrand received benches.
The Rotary Foundation honored Marv Schraderas a Major Donor with his Paul Harris +10 award.
The club assists the Northfield Rotary Club with their annual Jesse James Bike Tour.
Pony rides for the kids were the highlight at the annual picnic at the Rotary Camp.
The District held “One Rotary Summit” at Buckham Library.
The club held the 52nd Annual Rotary Band/Choir/Orchestra concert. The event had great attendance and everyone enjoyed the performance!
Dr. Richard Huston received the Rotarian of the Year 2017.
The club dedicated the Rotary Mural in downtown Faribault on October 8.
Rotarian Kurt Halvorson gave an energetic presentation on “Model Railroads.”
The Annual Faribault Rotary Red Cross blood drive was a success.
The club enjoyed the 78th annual Christmas Concert.
Our club’s 97th president in 2016-17 was Jake Cook.
Since the social distancing guideline prevents our normal fellowship, today will be our second "online" fellowship. So, if you would like to respond to this bulletin or next week's email with any news or acts of service you want to share, I will publish them in the bulletin each week. Please let me know by 10 am each Wednesday.
The picture above comes from Dick Huston with the following:
Sorry Murray! I don’t know what tie you have on but clearly you lose. ☹️ Thanks to the daughter of fellow Rotarian Rick Miller. 🤠
(I am impressed. You finally have a winner!)
From Daisey Sanchez:
I hope you and your loved ones are well in this terrible time. If you could help folks get to our website for the latest COVD19 info for patients. This resource comes in three languages and is very easy to access. The site also talks about our clinic availability and other resources. Our social media page also has constant updates that are going out according to our community needs.
From Keith Kramer ( This was part of a Daily News article and reprinted with permission)
Parent perspectives
Amy Kramer, mother of three students in the Faribault school district, said distance learning was stressful at first but eventually became the “new normal” for her family. She and her husband, Keith still work outside the home as essential employees, so adding their children’s schooling to the equation was a challenge. “Obviously it’s not the ideal situation at all, but I feel everyone is making the best out of it,” said Amy. The Kramer’s’ three children — seventh-grader Carsen, fifth-grader Madelyn and third-grader Allison — each have different material to learn. Amy said Carsen, a student at Faribault Middle School, and Madelyn, who attends Jefferson Elementary, both complete their work on their own while Allison, also a Jaguar, sometimes needs extra assistance.
Amy appreciates that the district stresses that distance learning can be completed any time — even in the evenings or on weekends — if that works best for a family’s schedule. The Kramers found they like to start their tasks early, around 7 or 8 a.m., and finish their work by noon. The distance learning time duration varies depending on the day and the grade level, said Amy. Homework has taken Carsen as long as three to four hours while Allison completed all her assignments in 30 minutes one day.
To stay connected with their school, even from home, Jefferson Elementary invited students like. Madelyn and Allison to dress up for Spirit Week and share pictures. Teachers also host personal Face Time with their students and Google Meets for the whole classroom. Carsen even had a virtual orchestra lesson with his teacher. “The teachers are making the best out of this and still providing opportunities and giving students support when needed,” said Amy. “I can’t say enough good things about how the teachers and staff have been working through all of this.”
From Jake Cook:
We hope everyone is continuing to follow the "Stay In" rules as best they can to prevent the spread in our community, but as we all have come to realize, it's not easy! With everything going on right now and hoping it doesn't get too bad here locally we have continued to hunker down either in our offices or at home. Until this Saturday when we will be hosting a drive-thru hog roast to support the "Front Line Essential Workers" and their families. CWS has partnered with Fareway Foods (Announced today they'd donate the buns) & Ryan Lippert to provide a to go bag of pulled pork & buns for those employees to bring home sandwiches to their families on Saturday evening. (see the attached flier). We hope everyone is staying healthy and look forward to catching up soon!
Also, please keep Dana and her family in your prayers as she lost her Grandpa on her Fathers side of the family 5 weeks ago while we were on Spring Break and yesterday her Grandmother on her Mother's side was brought home and placed in Hospice Care as she is day by day. During these times of Quarantine it makes it much harder on the families that have sick, dying or deceased loved ones as it is supposed to be a time to cope, grieve, visit, share stories & say your goodbye's with that sick family member as well as do the same with our other family and friends, but as we all know unfortunately this is not the case as we stand now. Damn Covid-19!!
In exactly 16 days, the Faribault Rotary Club will celebrate its 100-year anniversary on May 1, 2020. This week’s historical highlight is from 2015.
There was an annual Strive Awards banquet at the Elks Club. The Club honored students from Faribault High School and Bethlehem Academy with college scholarships totaling $21,000. To honor the late Al Burkhartzmeyer’s dedication as a Rotarian with 55 years of perfect attendance, who served in many capacities in his years as a Rotarian and always honored the message of integrity and service espoused by Rotary, the club raised $27,000 to restore the Security Bank Clock on Central Ave. The club held a spring social fundraising event for the clock project. The club hosted exchange students from India and Taiwan. Outbound Exchange Student, Theresa Wilder, sent monthly reports to the club from Poland. The annual picnic was held at the Rotary Camp. The 2015 Rotarian of the Year was Dr. Murray Hanson. The club welcomed a GSE group from Brazil. The club enjoyed the 76th annual FHS Christmas Concert at Our Savior’s Lutheran Church.
Our club’s 95th president in 2014-15 was Tony Langerud. He has been a member since November 2006.
In exactly 16 days, the Faribault Rotary Club will celebrate its 100-year anniversary on May 1, 2020. This week’s historical highlight is from 2014.
The global grant application for funding for GG14-11947 "UDDAO Cassava Processing Plant," submitted by host sponsor Rotary Club of Faribault (part of District 5960) and international sponsor Rotary Club Makeni (part of District 9101), was approved by The Rotary Foundation. The award is $54,000.
Janel Klein, NBC News Correspondent/Kare 11 and an FHS graduate and spoke to the club about her career in the TV industry.
Tami Schluter talked to the club about a project with Rick's Restoration (Cable TV show) and the Tilt-A-Whirl restoration for display on Central Ave.
There was a Rotary Honors banquet at the KC Hall.
The 2014 Rotarian of the Year was Brent Peroutka.
There was a President’s Event that included wine tasting and Rotary social in the ballroom above the new Alexander's Supper Club.
The club conducted its second car raffle to raise funds for Youth Services.
2013-14 Rotary District Governor Gary Campbell awarded the Faribault Rotary Club with three awards.
2013-14 Rotary Club Central Award- for setting strategic goals to Engage Rotary and Change Lives.
2013-14 Presidential Citation- for actively working to Engage Rotary and Change Lives.
2013-2014 Zone Literacy and Education Award- for promoting literacy and education that strengthens individual dignity and self-worth of people, thereby strengthening the foundation of international goodwill, understanding and peace.
Our club’s 94th president in 2013-14 was Brent Peroutka. He has been a member since January 2004.
Brent has the following memories from his year:
Since I value history, I had Murray Hanson provide a brief “history minute” during each Rotary meeting.
We recognized members each week that performed service above self with a “Service Above Self” trophy. This was a great way to recognize members in our club for their work in Rotary as well as in the community.
We continued the fundraising efforts for the Rotary Clock Project that originally started with the Al Burkhartzmeyer memorial. We raised over $7,000 towards the project and started working on the proper legal documents with the city and building owner. The project finished the following year with a beautiful memorial and clock downtown Faribault.
We held several meetings at the Rotary Camp as I wanted to highlight this great asset, and we made several improvements to the camp during the year.
We held a “President’s Event” in order to raise funds for other projects, build relationships outside of Rotary, as well as recruit new members. This year we hosed a wine tasting and social. Rotarian George Wickstrom had donated some of the wine.
Our club completed its first international project in several years, a cassava processing plant in Sierra Leone Africa. This process started prior to my term as Rotary president, and I was so grateful for everyone hard work putting this together and raising the necessary funds to make this project a success. We had a contingent of Rotarians travel to Sierra Leone Africa to work on the project first hand. Jake Cook, Richard Cook, Richard Ormsby, Dr. Richard Huston, Pat Gustafson (and I believe her granddaughter) all traveled to Africa to help with the project. This helped to build a sustainable cassava processing plat where local residents could produce, store and sell this local produce.
Our club received the Presidential Citation Award as well as a Literacy Award from the district with awards at the District 5960 Conference.
As club president, I had 100% attendance and led every meeting during the year!
In exactly 23 days, the Faribault Rotary Club will celebrate its 100-year anniversary on May 1, 2020. This week’s historical highlight is from 2013.
Outbound Exchange student, Sydney Beumaster, kept the club informed with her weekly blog covering her adventures in Indonesia.
Exchange student from Norway, Line Berg Almestrand, kept the club informed with her weekly blog covering her experiences in Faribault and her US travels.
Dr. Dick Huston became a Paul Harris Society member.
Robert Jirik, a member for 51 years (1961-2013) passed away.
STRIVE students were awarded $22,000 in scholarships.
The club participates in “Bowl for Kid’s Sake” to support Big Brothers Big Sisters.
President- Elect Rev. Steve Delzer is named Bishop of the Southeast Minnesota Synod of the ELCA in June which elevated Brent Peroutka to President-Elect a year ahead of schedule and 3 weeks before becoming president.
Annual dues were set at $352.
The Club sets goal is to raise $15,000 and our team's goal is to collect $5,000 from other local Rotary Club's (totaling $20,000 from local sources). Our District 5960 will match $12,000 and Rotary International will match $22,000 for a total of $54,000 for the International project for the Uddao Cassava Processing plant in Sierra Leone-Africa
Rotarian of the year was Pastor Rick Ormsby.
Rotarian Robert Bjorgum passed away at the age of 94. He was the longest standing member of our club at the time with 59 years and 8 months of membership since joining in 1954.
Our club’s 93rd president in 2012-13 was Kymn Anderson. She has been a member since 1999 and currently chairs our 100-year celebration.
In exactly 23 days, the Faribault Rotary Club will celebrate its 100-year anniversary on May 1, 2020. This week’s historical highlight is from 2012.
Dr Richard Huston gave a program about his mission trip to India.
The first car raffle was conducted to raise money for Youth Services and STRIVE scholarships.
Dr. Murray Hanson and Dr. Michael Richie presented a program on the advances in digital lenses and cataract lens implants.
There was another successful year with the STRIVE program and banquet! Over $20,000 in scholarships were awarded to students.
The Ethics Essay committee led by Kymn Anderson conducted a successful Ethics Essay contest with $1000 in prizes being awarded to the top 5 students who submitted excellent essays.
Our most senior member of 57 years, Bob Bjorgum. and his son, Bruce spoke to the club about Bob's distinguished military service in WWII in Norway and his recent award and the recognition he received from the King of Norway.
The Club made a $2500 donation to the Faribault Booster Club for the Fielitz Fitness Center at Faribault High School.
The club hosted a Group Exchange Team from Taiwan.
Dr. Lisa Humfeld-Wilson was named 2012 Rotarian of the Year.
The District decided that Rotarians who provide transportation for youth, or come in contact with youth outside a Rotary meeting needed to complete the training and have a current background check on file.
Our club’s 92nd president in 2011-12 was Dr. Murray Hanson who joined Rotary in 1993.
This was taken from the weekly bulletin.
The Faribault Rotary Club lost Al Burkhartzmeyer (11/1/1920- 02-29-2012) recently. He was our President 1971-72 and was a member for 54 years. Several years ago, he was recognized for 50 years of perfect attendance in Rotary. He was a WWII veteran who was the sole survivor of plane crash in which 11 of his crew members were killed. He spent a year in the hospital recovering from burns and injuries and always felt that God gave him a second chance at life. His life of service to his family, his community and to Rotary was an inspiration to everyone who knew him. We just had our first meeting in 54 years without him as a member but we all felt his presence. He will be missed.
Since the social distancing guideline prevents our normal fellowship, today will be our second "online" fellowship. So, if you would like to respond to this bulletin or next week's email with any news or acts of service you want to share, I will publish them in the bulletin each week. Please let me know by 10 am each Wednesday.
The picture above was sent by Dick Huston. Our Savior’s has converted one little library to a food source to help those in need.
I have had another "Groundhog Day" week. Each day seems like a repeat of the one before. We have been taking walks, doing home projects, reading books and enjoying great meals.
I hope you are all doing well my friends and I look forward to our time together again.
Murray
From Dick Huston:
The Minneapolis Sunday Star Tribune had a big article on the polio epidemic in Minnesota in 1946. As now theaters, pools and even the Minnesota State fair was shut down.
There were 226 deaths - mostly children. We need to keep up the effort to eradicate this disease.
From Chuck Thiele:
Thanks for doing this Murray!
At the Chamber, all of us but Nort are working from home. We are working hard to ensure our members are as well informed as they can be through this difficult time. We are updating our CoVid-19 resource page on a daily basis.https://www.faribaultmn.org/covid-19-resources/ I miss you guys and Can’t wait to see you all in person soon! One more thing for Dr. Huston and Dr. Hanson, guaranteed I won the hooded sweatshirt contest every day the last couple weeks!
This is an article from Patrick Mader. He was supposed to speak to our club today.
Good morning, Chuck. Thought it best to contact you to determine whether the Faribault Rotary Club is planning to attempt to meet through a group video call and still interested in the program about Minnesota athletes who competed in the Olympics or World Championships. I am not technically gifted, but I have had some meetings through Zoom. A person in Faribault alerted me that an article appeared in the Daily News, so interest may be whetted a bit.https://www.southernminn.com/northfield_news/sports/article_bbe4f753-da1e-5cd7-bb88-71c2506f1ee9.html
(Note: we do not have any plans at the moment for a Zoom meeting but there has been some discussion.)
From Brian Daniels:
First I have to say, I sure miss the group at Rotary!
I’ve seen some amazing things being done here in the Faribault area. Liz and I have personally received offers from our neighbors to bring us groceries or medicine so we wouldn't have to leave our house. I talked to a local business that has seen their revenue go down because of the virus, and then another business offer to give them $10,000 in advance for services.I talked to a local restaurant that has seen huge orders for pick up. One order was $200 so the customer could buy everyone lunch.Even know this covid thing is horrible I see great things!
Since the social distancing guideline prevents our normal fellowship, today will be the start an "online" fellowship. So, if you would like to respond to this email with any news or acts of service you want to share, I will publish them in the bulletin each week. Please let me know by 10 am each Wednesday.
In this crisis we all can reflect on what is important in our lives:
Our Faith
Our Families
Our Friends
Our Country
and who would have thought...toilet paper.
The picture above is in from my front window. The hearts are in reference to Amy's message above and were made by my wife, Kristi, and daughter, Kamryn. As many of you may already know, the Richie Eye Clinic is seeing only emergency patients for the next month. We are rotating doctors with minimal staff every few days to minimize exposure to us and our patients.
Since we have been together, my new granddaughter, Adelaide Frances Marie Hanson, came into the world on March 12th and was baptized last Friday before the lock down went into affect. We have been going for walks every day and continuing to work a few home projects which included detailing our vehicles (So clean and nowhere to go!) We have been doing a little binge watching of the TV series "Suits" with Megan Markle on Amazon Prime. All three of us have birthdays in the next week and unfortunately all those plans were cancelled. Kamryn is able to continue her Graduate Assistant position with online advising and the use of Zoom for meetings. School continues online for her.
I hope you are all doing well my friends and I look forward to our time together again.
Murray
From Anne Marie Leland:
I miss you and the whole Rotary crew! We have been busy creating a childcare program for emergency workers from the ground up with not much planning time. We have about 20 students attending at this point from a variety of schools throughout our community. The families are all emergency workers that are being depended on even more intensely throughout this crisis!
The FPS staff that are providing childcare are going above and beyond and are making positive connections with kids through a difficult time! I went on a Caribou run for them yesterday and got them all their favorite coffee drinks. It brightened an already sparkly mood that both the staff and students were in.
We aren't charging any families for childcare and would like to encourage Rotary members to consider donating some funding to provide snacks and bottled water for the kids and maybe something extra special for the staff.
Thank you and hope you are binging on something good on Netflix!
Best,
~AML
From Dick Huston:
Thank you to Amy for her steady, thoughtful leadership and to you, Murray for keeping on keeping on your very important work in providing service above self.
From Eric Craig:
I hope you and your family are doing well and staying safe and healthy!
I look forward to getting back to service above self hopefully sooner than later although I’m not sure that will be the case.
Take care!
Eric
From Natalie Ginter:
Allina Health is hard at work caring for the health and safety of our workforce and communities while preparing for an increase in the spread of COVID-19.
We began a #Caring4Caregivers campaign two weeks ago which includes a community donation drive for masks and other forms of personal protective equipment (PPE). Since March 22nd we have collected over 100,000 pieces of PPE across Allina Health.
Locally, we are shifting our priority for donations of masks to protective eye wear including safety goggles, glasses and face shields which are essential in protecting health care workers from respiratory droplets.
Anyone with an interest in donating PPE or making a financial contribution, can contact Natalie Ginter for follow-up – natalie.ginter@allina.com. Thank you!
In exactly 31 days, the Faribault Rotary Club will celebrate its 100-year anniversary on May 1, 2020. This week’s historical highlight is from 2011.
ClubRunner was used to establish our new website and we used its programming to help reorganize the club and use the internet for better communication between members.
The Weekly Bulletin was published through ClubRunner.
The date of the annual picnic at the Rotary camp was set on the Wednesday after Labor Day reduce summer conflicts and enhance attendance.
Rotarian of the Year 2011 was Angela Storch.
Local students were encouraged to participate in an Ethics Essay contest, which involved writing an essay regarding an understanding ethical behavior and the 4-Way Test. The four best essays received prizes totaling $1000.
Thanks to generous contributions and an inspiring story from Richard Maus a polio survivor and the author of The Lucky One, the club raised $2200 for Polio Plus and exceeded its goal of $1500 on the first day of the 2011-12 campaign.
Tim Penney addressed the club regarding the Southern Minnesota initiative.
The club participated in Salvation Army Bell Ringing at Christmas.
The club enjoyed the 72nd annual Christmas Concert at St. Luke’s Church.
Our club’s 91st president in 2010-11 was Shelli Frana.
In exactly 31days, the Faribault Rotary Club will celebrate its 100-year anniversary on May 1, 2020. This week’s historical highlight is from 2010.
Our club raised $50,000 for naming rights on one of the fields by sponsoring a couple of circus fundraisers
The second of two $25,000 checks were presented to Troy Temple of the Soccer Association by the soccer committee which included Dick Cook, Shelli Frana, Lisa Humfeld and Angela Storch.
The annual picnic was held at the Rotary Camp.
Rotarian of the Year was Richard Cook.
Our club’s 90th president in 2009-10 was Dr. Lisa Humfeld. Lisa has been a member since April 2002. She married Grant Wilson in February, four months before becoming club president.
Lisa had the following memories of her year as president:
In April 2009, we hosted the GSE Team from India. This team consisted of 1 Rotarian Krisha Sagar, and 4 non-Rotarians. I have stayed in touch with 3 out of the 5. Krisha returned to MN with wife and son in 2017.
The email newsletter was done by Kymn Anderson and sent through Constant Contact.
In August of 2009, Tim Penny from SMIF (Southern MN Initiative Foundation) joined me at an open house at Jefferson Elementary. Earlier that year, we had applied for some grant money for another book donation. Over $1700 worth of books were donated to kids in 1st-3rd grade at Jefferson Elementary as part of their Kickstart Program.
On November 3rd, 2009, Rachel’s Challenge was held at the Faribault High School. Rachel Joy Scott was the first person who died in the Columbine High School shooting in April 1999. After her death, many students that Rachel reached out to share stories with her parents about the profound impact her simple acts of kindness had on their lives; even preventing one young man for taking his own life. Her parents realized the transformational effect of Rachel’s story and started Rachel’s Challenge. This program was brought here to help prevent bullying and violence and replace it with acts of kindness.
In December 2009, we held our first ever Rotary Reindeer 5K Run. This was held at Boston’s and started on the bike path.
I ended my year with a trip to Montreal to the International Rotary Convention with my husband Grant and Matt and Shelli Frana. Shelli Frana was the new incoming President.
Rotarians Lisa Humfeld and Grant Wilson were married on Feb. 9th.
The Annual Honor’s Banquet was held for seniors from BA and Faribault High School.
The Annual Strive Banquet was held with scholarships awarded at the Elks Club.
In April 2009, we hosted the GSE Team from India.
The Club held the annual picnic at the Rotary Camp.
The club sponsored a second circus at the Rice County Fairgrounds as a fundraiser for the soccer fields.
Over $1700 worth of books were donated to kids in 1st-3rd grade at Jefferson Elementary as part of their Kickstart Program.
Rotarian of the Year was awarded to Dave Beranek.
The annual Rotary Rose Sale was held in October.
On November 3rd, 2009, Rachel’s Challenge was held at the Faribault High School. Rachel Joy Scott was the first person who died in the Columbine High School shooting in April 1999.
In December 2009, we held our first ever Rotary Reindeer 5K Run. This was held at Boston’s and started on the bike path.
The club enjoyed the 70th annual Christmas Concert.
Our club’s 89th president in 2008-09 was Pastor Rick Ormsby.
I received the following from Pastor Ormsby who now lives in Pine Island.
Murray, as per our phone conversation, nothing sticks out in my fading mind about my year as Rotary President. I know we had good programs, supported ongoing and special causes, etc. We had just completed our international project--a cassava processing plant for 8 villages near Makeni, Sierra Leone, West Africa. That was begun during Angela Storch's presidency.
Since then our Faribault Rotary Club was introduced to Rev. Judith Banya, who has spoken formally and informally about her dreams as a United Methodist Pastor in Sierra Leone. Since returning to her home country in 2013 (after spending 18 years in the US), she has founded 3 congregations in Baiwalla, center for the chiefdom, and in nearby villages (Dodo and Bomaru)--totaling 200 worshipers, 1/2 children.
She has also led a ministry which has fed 500 children a noon meal in three schools every school day. A major donor of food has been Minnesota's own Feed My Starving Children. She has organized community work projects (like road repairs), adult literacy classes, and conflict mediation.
The mission pick-up truck provided by the Pine Island United Methodist Church ($17,000) not only provides its intended purpose of moving children, adults, and bags of basic foods from a distant city, but also had the unintended use as an area ambulance. To date an estimated 12 people are alive because the truck shrinks the time needed to get to the nearest hospital from several days to four hours. The area is 95% Muslim, who have good relations with the few Christians. One of the Iman's is thankful that our ambulance "rushed" his wife to the hospital for an appendectomy.
Since 2017 the major project is construction of a secondary school (grades 7-11). I took Minnesota work teams in 2017 and 2018 and was made honorary Paramount Chief for Baiwalla. I was given a robe and cap by the Paramount Chief, along with the gift of a live goat, which I donated to the food program.
Since April, 2013, I have worked with churches and individuals in Minnesota, North Carolina, Massachusetts, and Oklahoma to see that Rev. Banya received $2000 monthly to support her work. In 2017 we raised the monthly stipend to $2500. One church in North Carolina has contributed $20,000 in support in the last 4 years. Another large North Carolina church donated 1/2 their Christmas offering--a gift of $10,000. Fourth Avenue UMC in Faribault provided $6000 from 2013-2015. While the money (over $200,000) for building the school was donated by a retired General Mills executive in Minneapolis, the Bishop in Sierra Leone called to tell me they were naming the school for me—
Richard Ormsby Methodist High School.
The school has opened with just four classes, 120 student, and 6 teachers and staff. With 11 classrooms, 2 labs, an auditorium and library, 4 offices and sets of bathrooms, the school will eventually have 500 students.
As I mentioned in our phone conversation, I believe this project is related to our Rotary project in Sierra Leone in 2006-2008. Recently I received a generous contribution for the school from Dick Cook, who along with Dick Huston worked with me on our Rotary project.
Mike Spellman spoke about the Nigeria WASH Global Grant project his Rotary club is working towards completing. There are 2.3 billion people who do not have access to clean water and sanitation. 40% of schools in the world do not have septic systems and a clear answer for water. In Nigeria, there is a gender difference of opportunity with schooling. Many young daughters are tasked with getting water for their families to drink, unable to go to school.
The Nigeria WASH Global Grant is looking to help construct, maintain five school’s water systems. The goal is to make them sustainable for the future. One aspect of the program is to train locals on how to work on the system through training. Allowing them to keep the water system running and stainable. The grant was given through PIND (Partnerships in Nigeria Delta) to bring sustainable water throughout the area in community progress. This is a Rotary project between Arden Hills and White Bear Lake clubs.
The Annual Honor’s Banquet was held for seniors from BA and Faribault High School.
The club participated in a Long-Range Rotary Planning Facilitation.
The Annual Strive Banquet was held with scholarships awarded at the Elks Club.
The Rotary Reader program was continued at Jefferson Elementary.
A video was produced for the Rotary Camp.
Honorary membership was granted to Stu Thibodeau, Layton Hoysler and Al Burkhartzmeyer.
The Club held the annual picnic at the Rotary Camp.
The club sponsored a circus at the Rice County Fairgrounds as a fundraiser for the soccer fields.
Rotarian of the Year was awarded to Gary Peterson.
The annual Rotary Rose Sale was held in October.
The club enjoyed the 69th annual Christmas Concert.
Our club’s 85th president in 2007-08 was Grant Wilson. Grant has been a member for 20 years joining the club on Jan. 6, 2000.
Grant had the following memories:
The thing I remember most was being asked. Sheriff Cook and Gary Peterson showed up and asked me to do it. A lawyer and a guy with a gun, how could I say no!
We carried on the Rotary Readers and it grew. I participated for the next 8 years. We had a great time with a chili cook off. We had the Rotary planning session, which would be interesting to review if we still had the notes. I remember the circus and what a circus that was!
The STRIVE program scheduled for Wednesday March 18th at South Central College has been postponed. More details to follow as to when this session will be rescheduled. Please contact me with any questions.
On Wednesday March 4th Faribault Rotary Club heard from our very own Dr. Narren Brown on Census 2020. Narren covered the time line of events for the Census 2020. Starting in this week, you should receive an invitation in the mail to respond. At the end of this month you will receive a reminder letter and April 1st is considered the official Census day. April 8th you will receive reminder number 3 and the 20th of April you will be your final notice. Starting in late April Census workers will be knocking on doors to visit with you if you have not reported.
Reporting is extremely important for our community and our State. Seats in the legislature are determined after the census, and funding for our community comes from the results of the census. Some residents choose to not complete the Census because they are worried about their privacy, or their legal status here in the United States. Only Census workers can see that information for the next 70 years. If community members don’t respond we may not get the funding our community needs.
Census 2020 is also still hiring for roughly 200 jobs this summer. If you are interested check out the Census site. www.census.gov
The Annual Honor’s Banquet was held for seniors from BA and Faribault High School.
The Annual Strive Banquet was held with scholarships awarded at the Elks Club.
The Rotary Reader program was started at Jefferson Elementary.
The Club held the annual picnic at the Rotary Camp but discontinued the silent auction.
Led by Rev. Rick Ormsby, the club committed $12,000 to Books for Africa.
Al Burkhartzmeyer was honored for 50 years of perfect attendance.
The annual Rotary Rose Sale was held in October.
The club enjoyed the 68th annual Christmas Concert.
Our club’s 85th president in 2006-07 was Angela Storch. She was the Director of United Way in Faribault.
Angela had the following memories:
I joined the Faribault Rotary Club in August of 1996, just a week after my wedding, and was a new college graduate. Doing so, I became the third female member of our club, joining ranks with Janine Sahagian and Jill Finstuen. My, oh my how the times do change! My sponsors Dave Balcom and Harry Algyer, encouraged me to become active. The Pastor Gordon Orde echoed that wisdom with his speech "let there be no RHINOS - Rotarians In Name Only." Following their advice, I became a long-time editor of the club's bulletin, helped to organize Jingle Bell runs, Car Raffles, Parade Floats, Clean Up projects, and brought a circus to town - twice.
Fast forward to 2006 -2007, my Presidency of the Faribault Rotary. Personally, it was a year of enormous change: I had relocated my young family to rural Waterville, and became the Alumni Director at South Central College. Our beloved Keith Shaffer's unexpected passing moved the role of Presidency up a year earlier than anticipated for both Gary Peterson and myself. In that whirlwind, I vividly remember being supported by our membership. Our leadership worked tirelessly to engage all our members in club activities. The Faribault Rotary Club had 90 students participate in STRIVE. Via Hy-Vee, we purchased and presented 15 backpacks to local school principals. We received and sent Rotary Exchange Students, delivered meals on wheels, supported the Little Feet Soccer Program, held RESPECT retreats, and awarded four Paul Harris Fellowships. We made repairs and updates to our Rotary Camp and increased efforts to market its availability to the public.
Through Rotary's call to Service Above Self, I fondly recall all the good we accomplished together, and will forever cherish the fellowship had and friendships made, both here in Faribault and around the world.
Rotary International is the world's first service club organization, with more than 1.2 million members in 33,000 clubs worldwide. Rotary club members are volunteers who work locally, regionally, and internationally to combat hunger, improve health and sanitation, provide education and job training, promote peace, and eradicate polio under the motto Service Above Self. The Faribault Rotary Club was established 100 years ago on May 1,1920 as Rotary's 596th club with 22 charter members and by the end of the first year membership had reached a total of 35. The next year 21 more members were added. The first President of the Faribault Rotary Club was Frank W. McKellip. On June 26, 2019, the Faribault Rotary Club installed its 100th President, Amy Amundson for the 2019-20 Rotary Year. Plans for a celebration were postponed due to the coronavirus pandemic. The party honoring the 100 years of service to Rotary and to Faribault will be rescheduled at a later date.
As part of its ‘Leap of Kindness’ movement, the Rotary Club of Faribault donated $635 dollars and two containers of clothing and supplies to ‘The Nest’ at Faribault High School Friday. ‘The Nest’ provides clothing and supplies to FHS students free of charge. Pictured, from left, Rotary Club President Amy Amundson, Rotarian Laura Bock, Junior Falcon Project member Arlette Lazaro, Assistant Principal Joe Sage and Rotarian and Superintendent Todd Sesker. (Photo courtesy of Matt Steichen)
The Faribault Rotary Club welcomes Heidi Nelson, the interim Director of the Paradise Theater, as a new member. Pictured here are past president and membership chair, Keith Kramer, Heidi, her sponsor, George Wickstrom and President Amy Amundson.
March is the month we celebrate Rotaract — and this has been quite a year for our young partners in service.
Last spring, the Council on Legislation elevated Rotaract in our constitution: Rotary International is now the association of both Rotary clubs and Rotaract clubs. Then in October, the Rotary Board of Directors eliminated the artificial Rotaract age limit and took other steps to break down barriers that were preventing Rotaract from growing in some parts of the world.
These steps were long overdue, because Rotaract is a vision of what Rotary must become. Not only do we need to open our doors to our young colleagues, but we also have to open our ears and minds to the Rotary experience they find most engaging. That is one of the best ways we will meaningfully grow Rotary.
When I say grow Rotary, I mean it in many ways. We need to grow our service and to grow the impact of our projects. Most importantly, however, we need to grow our membership, so that we can achieve more. Rotaractors provide this opportunity, not only because they can transition to Rotary at the time that is right for them, but also because they understand what it will take to attract others like them.
Business as usual will not work for us anymore. Bringing in more members to replace the ones we lose is not the answer. It is like pouring more water into a bucket full of holes. We need to address the root causes of member loss in many parts of the world: member engagement that is not what it should be, and our member demographic that skews steadily older.
It is time to make some fundamental changes. We already know what the barriers are to an engaged and diverse membership. It is time to act on what we know: creating new membership models, opening new paths to Rotary membership, and building new Rotary and Rotaract clubs where the existing clubs do not meet a current need.
New club models represent an opportunity to connect with a more diverse group of individuals — particularly those who are unable or unwilling to join our traditional clubs. While new club models have been emerging for some time, it is up to district governors to make them a reality. In January at the International Assembly, our incoming district governors took part in an exercise called Build Your Own Club Model. It was a wonderful experience that put them in the right frame of mind for the work ahead.
Ultimately, however, it will be up to Rotaractors and young Rotarians to create new club models that are most meaningful to the next generation. We may think we know what young people want from Rotary clubs in the future, but I am confident that what young people say will surprise us. It will be our job to support their innovation, for it will help us grow Rotary as Rotary Connects the World.
The 2020 Faribault Rotary Strive Banquet was held in conjunction with the weekly club meeting on Wednesday, February 26th at 6:00pm at the Inn at Shattuck St. Mary’s. The meeting was called to order by Club President Amy Amundson. After reciting the Four Way Test and signing a patriotic song, a virtue was read by club member Kymn Anderson. President Amundson then provided our guests with an overview of Rotary on a global and local lever. Following this, Strive Chair Kurt Halverson provided an overview of the Strive program. Strive Scholars (students who attended 6 out of 8 sessions) and scholarship winners were recognized. (All photos were taken by Natalie Ginter.)
In exactly 59 days, the Faribault Rotary Club will celebrate its 100-year anniversary on May 1, 2020. This week’s historical highlight is from 2006.
Our club’s 85th president in 2005-06 was Gary Peterson.
Gary’s memories from the year he was president started on a sad note with the unexpected and sudden death of incoming President Keith Shaffer in March 2005. He was one of the most respected and productive members of our club. He was missed greatly by everyone. As President-elect to follow Keith, I then became president a year earlier than anticipated.
Through the Rotary year we celebrated the Strive and Honors banquets recognizing the achievements of local students, the annual picnic at the Rotary Youth Camp, the 67th annual Christmas concert at St. Luke’s Church with the Faribault Senior High Choir, and all of the club’s ongoing activities.
The Club started the Rotary Readers program with the assistance of the first, second and third grade teachers at Jefferson Elementary School. Rotarians volunteered on a weekly basis to meet and read with students selected by the teachers in a one on one setting. Teachers reported positive results in student confidence and reading skills. Participating Rotarians contributed many hours of their time in this volunteer activity.
In addition, Rotarian Pastor Mark Noreen organized, and Capstone Press in Mankato provided, a gift of over 1,000 new library books organized and distributed by our Faribault Rotary members to the Faribault public elementary school libraries.
On Wednesday February 19th Faribault Rotary heard again from Rice County Soil and Water Conservation. This week we heard about soil health from Steve Pahs. Steve has been with RCSWC for 17 years. He spoke to us about soil health and the inter-seeding programs RCSWS offers. He covered the five principals of soil health and how to measure soil health. He demonstrated a Slake test showing us plugs of soil from two different fields, one that is tilled regularly, and one that is not. The soil plug from the regularly tilled field could not take on and hold water. He demonstrated how run off happens. The plug from the ground that is left alone, took on water and remained intact. The water is absorbed into the plug, and does not start to fall apart.
He spoke about ways to improve soil health, when he highlighted the RCSWC program for inter-seeding that is offered to area farmers. The RCSWC rents a tractor for a month in the spring and uses the optimal time of the year (just a couple weeks) to get as many cover crops inter-seeded into fields as possible. The cost is reasonable for farmers. Statewide only 2% of farmers are doing this, but in Rice County the percentage is about 5% according to Steve. There are incentives for doing inter-seeding and cover crops and anyone interested should get ahold of RCSWC as they are already booking acres for this spring. They are looking to do about 2000 acres in Rice county and currently have about 1200 booked.
Thank you for joining us Steve, we understand you are considering Rotary, and we would love to have you!
In exactly 72 days, the Faribault Rotary Club will celebrate its 100-year anniversary on May 1, 2020. This week’s historical highlight is from 2005.
The club moved its meetings from the Elks to Bernie’s Vintage Ballroom.
With the Rotary International Theme, “Celebrate Rotary” the club celebrated the 100-year anniversary of Rotary with a special program.
The Annual Honor’s Banquet was held for BA and FHS seniors.
The Annual Strive Banquet was held with scholarships awarded at the Elks Club.
The club’s 3-year pledge drive for Polio Plus ended with collections exceeding the $7500 goal.
The Club held the annual picnic and silent auction at the Rotary Camp.
The club enjoyed the 66th annual Christmas Concert.
Our club’s 85th president in 2004-05 was Richard Cook. He joined our club in 1997 and has been a member for 23 years.
This was probably Dick’s fondest yet bittersweet memory:
"That has Rotary written all over it", a comment made observing kids playing soccer on our way to a 2004 training session at the Hasting High School. With me that day were Keith Shaffer, president-elect and Angela Storch. Keith wouldn't be president dying prematurely of a heart attack in 2005. Keith was one of those guys to get things done. That comment, that day inspired me. So, we signed a resolution on October 4, 2004 to take a leadership role in creating soccer fields in Faribault by assembling a group of key stakeholders to explore and lead this initiative.
The money piece, as past president Darlene Meillier noted 2 weeks ago, actually took place after her presidency. It was a big deal at the time and she is right the camp did come into play as a revenue source. It was subsequently dropped when Rotarian Wes Bahl talked to his son, Tracy. Wes had cancer at that time and an unknown future. When the Bahl Foundation committed a million dollars other stakeholders, like Faribault Rotary stepped up. Our club raised $50,000 for naming rights on one of the fields by sponsoring a couple of circus fundraisers. The fields and our commitment came to fruition in 2010 with the dedication of Faribault Soccer Complex and Bahl Field. Neither Keith Shaffer or Wes Bahl, both friends and Rotarians, never lived to see this come to pass yet were key inspirations.
Side note:
The 100-year Rotary convention was in Chicago the birth place during my year and I was planning to go. I booked a room way in advance at the upscale Loews House of Blues downtown Chicago. This all changed when one of our sons picked that weekend to get married. The brighter side is that son, Jake, joined Faribault Rotary shortly thereafter.
In exactly 72 days, the Faribault Rotary Club will celebrate its 100-year anniversary on May 1, 2020. This week’s historical highlight is from 2004.
The Annual Honor’s Banquet was held for seniors from BA and Faribault High School.
The Annual Strive Banquet was held with scholarships awarded at the Elks Club.
The club was in the second year of the 3-year $7500 pledge drive for Polio Plus. $5626 had been collected to date.
The Club held the annual picnic and silent auction at the Rotary Camp.
The club enjoyed the 65th annual Christmas Concert.
Our club’s 84th president in 2003-04 was James Wolf. He was the CEO of District One Hospital.
James had the following memories from his year as president:
- I recall the hallmark of my year as President was the participation in the Beautification project. I believe the Chamber had engaged the U of MN extension service and efforts to undertake beautification projects was an outcome of that survey.
Specifically, I remember doing plantings near El Tequila and near the west side Kwik Trip. We tried to make the triangle park just east of Buckham into a manicured landscape. We painted a building on Central Avenue that the owner was allowing to be a real eyesore. And the final project I remember was working on the area in front of the Chamber, which I believe is called Crocker’s Creek (??).
One other action of my term was we printed attendance on a quarterly basis.
I had some excellent pictures of the Rotary crew working on these projects but the process of decluttering for the move probably claimed them.
On February 12th Maggie Kiley, Principal of Nerstrand Public Charter Elementary School gave insight to their program features and understanding of what makes it a unique learning environment within our area.
Nerstrand is budgeted currently for 151 students’ grades K-5 with class sizes of 25 students. Starting in 2nd grade, Nerstrand Elementary uses a mixed-age class platform. Grouping 2nd/3rd and 4th/5th graders in one classroom for all courses other than Math. This concept promotes student mentorship and longer/stronger relationships with teachers. Nerstrand Elementary uses a mixed homeroom of 1st-5th graders which meet 3 times a week.
With the concept that children learn best from each other and help promote social connection and community, Nerstrand Elementary has several activities that continue this format of community fellowship. Including Service learning, student active committees, and student spotlights of every student every year. Students get to look back through their years at Nerstrand Elementary with a video collection of their spotlights after Elementary graduation.
Nerstrand Elementary supports teachers with the support of teaching as with their strengths, what they love and champions taking risks to boost creativity and student engagement.
To listen back to the whole program, click on the link below.
On Wednesday February 5, 2020, Faribault Rotary hear from Teresa De Mars from Rice Soil and Water Conservation District. The history of this organization dates back to August of 1942 when Rice SWCD was formed, organized conservation efforts date back to the 1930’s and the “Dust Bowl” days. Teresa is on of 6 staffers at Rice SWCD and works with the board of supervisors, a group of 6 area farmers and conservationists to promote and educate landowners on conservation methods.
Teresa had Rotarians up and moving around the room playing her version of Conservation Jeopardy. Answers included topics around drainage, cover crops, tree varieties, and monarch butterflies. The ideas and processes in place for conservation in our county are to vast to cover in a 20 minute presentation. Wet lands, rain gardens, previously mentioned tile drainage, cover crops, invasive species, native plants. There is just so much to talk about when it comes to the environment we love.
For a list of services and programs please visit www.riceswcd.org
Upcoming programs and events are listed there and now is the time to order trees or native plants for planting in the spring.
spent Wednesday engaged with their peers in a day-long Youth Frontiers Respect Retreat, sponsored by the Faribault Rotary Club.
Youth Frontiers’ mission is to provide schools with experiences that inspire character, civility, and community. The Faribault Rotary Club-sponsored ninth-grade retreat focused on respect, with Youth Frontiers leaders Genevieve Kalland and Preston Gunderson leading students in activities and serious discussions designed to empower students to respect themselves and others more and engage bystanders to stand up for respect.
Aided by Bethlehem Academy student leaders, including seniors Grace Ashley, Ben Cohen and Jack Jandro along with juniors Ella Haaland, Kade Robb, Ashley Rost, and Jason Shuda, Kalland and Gunderson led students in ice breaker games, fun contests, singing and dancing. The games, designed to get students comfortable enough with each other enough to step out of what might be their comfort zone, included screaming and burping competitions, a scavenger hunt, and a giant human chair.
Kalland and Gunderson incorporated life talks into the retreat, using personal stories to help students learn to respect themselves and others as they develop their own identities. The goal was to challenge students to take a look at how they view themselves and others and how to show more respect and love to both.
Students wrapped up the day by turning to more serious discussion. Through a Respect Card activity, they were challenged to commit to choosing one of three choices for the remainder of the year: Respect yourself, Respect others, Stand up (for others). Students were encouraged to share their choices; several did, including:
• “Others. I sometimes forget to forgive and not think of others,” Bethlehem Academy student.
“I choose to stand up. Seeing others doing things you know aren’t right and staying silent is just as bad as doing it yourself,” Bethlehem Academy junior student leader.
• “Self. I sometimes need courage. Thank you for helping me with that,” freshmen girl.
Reprinted with permission from The Faribault Daily News.
In exactly 86 days, the Faribault Rotary Club will celebrate its 100-year anniversary on May 1, 2020. This week’s historical highlight is from 2003.
Minnesota House Representative Lynda Boudreau gave a presentation on “The Minnesota Personal Protection Act of 2003.”
The Annual Honor’s Banquet was held for seniors from BA and Faribault High School.
The Annual Strive Banquet was held with scholarships awarded at the Lavender Inn.
The Lavender Inn closed and the club moved its meetings to the Trucker’s Inn for a short time and then eventually to the Elks Club.
There was serious discussion about the future of the Rotary Camp at Cedar Lake. The club considered selling the land to fund the new soccer fields. The Bahl Foundation stepped in so the club discussion ended.
The club started a 3-year $7500 pledge drive for Polio Plus. This amount ensured that 90,000 children will receive the vaccination.
The Club held the annual picnic and silent auction at the Rotary Camp.
The club enjoyed the 64th annual Christmas Concert.
Our club’s 83rd president in 2002-03 was Darlene Meillier.
Darlene had the following memory from his year as president:
She greatly enjoyed attending the Rotary International Meeting in Barcelona Spain.
The honorable Brenda DeMars has proposed Mary Ellen Bonhus, A Realtor from Edina Realty, for membership in the Faribault Rotary Club. If you have any questions or concerns please contact President Amy Amundson or Membership Chair/ Past President Keith Kramer.
On January 28th we heard from Pat McMorrow from Caring Bridge and Kevin Amundson about How We Heal.
Caring Bridge has grown: Since 1997, more than 740,000 CaringBridge websites have been created. One in thirteen people in the U.S. have used CaringBridge to rally support for a loved one during a health journey, and our reach extends to 235 countries and territories around the world.
Kevin told his story, with a couple of points to echo.
an alarming statistic which was also true in Kevin’s case. For males 16-25 the make the choice to take their own life is within one hour within doing so.
Make those you care about know you want them here. That you care for their presence.
Switch up the phrase “I Love You” with statements of meaning. “I glad you are with me”, “I enjoy having you here with me”. These phases shake-up the norm and make us think about our value to others.
It was a deep night of conversations in questions, a community discussion of sorts. All Rotarians in attendance walked away with a better sense of how to communicate the care they have for others and those they love.
The honorable almost 90 George Wickstrom has proposed Heidi Nelson, the Interim Director of the Paradise Theater for membership in the Faribault Rotary Club. If you have any questions or concerns please contact President Amy Amundson or Membership Chair/ Past President Keith Kramer.
Happy 115th birthday, fellow Rotarians and members of the family of Rotary!
Much has changed in the world since 1905. Then, the global population was roughly 1.7 billion. Today, it is 7.7 billion. There were 5 telephones per 100 people in the United States 115 years ago. In 2020, it is estimated that 96 percent of the U.S. population has a cellphone — and both China and India have more than a billion cellphones in use.
In the 115 years since Rotary was founded, seemingly everything has changed except Rotary values. We began, and remain, committed to fellowship, integrity, diversity, service, and leadership. While our Service Above Self motto dates to 1911, the ethos behind those words had already been ingrained by Rotary's founders.
As the pace of change worldwide continues to accelerate, the need for Rotary service is greater than ever. It's one thing to read about service projects, quite another to see them in action and to see the grateful faces of people who have benefited from them. Rotary projects change lives and connect the world. And over the past year, I have seen some amazing Rotary projects in action.
Gay and I visited Japan's Fukushima prefecture last year. Few places in the world have had to deal with the kind of devastation that visited Fukushima in March 2011, when a tsunami touched off by an earthquake led to disaster at a nuclear power plant. But the story of Fukushima today is not one of destruction; it is one of hope and renewal. Rotary grants have helped improve access to medical and mental health care for victims of the disaster and reduced the isolation of these communities by sharing the experiences of people from other parts of the world who have also recovered from disasters. Our grants have also helped to foster self-motivation and encourage sustainable long-term community recovery across the region.
In Shanghai, I learned about the Careers in Care program. This helps migrant workers fill the need for skilled professionals in elder care facilities. After taking a course, trainees receive certification to boost their employment prospects, while the care industry benefits from an expanded talent pool. Rotary projects like this are successful because they address a local need, and they have the potential to attract local government funding to sustain their impact.
And in Guatemala, Gay and I went to Sumpango. Global grants there provide mechanical cows to produce soy milk; an improved water distribution system; water filters; clean compost latrines; family gardens; support for income generation; and training in WASH and literacy programs. The food items sold there not only provide nutrition to women and children, but also create a source of income for local women.
In every area of focus, and in every part of the world, Rotary projects are improving lives and helping communities adapt in a time of rapid change. As we celebrate another great year for Rotary, let us rededicate ourselves to strengthening the connections that make our service so impactful. We will make lives better as Rotary Connects the World.
Faribault Rotary is joining the Leap of Kindness movement with a show of support for The Nest at Faribault High School.
The biggest need is cash. Donated clothes need to be laundered. This is a big expense for the free store. Next is toiletries of all kinds for boys and girls, and Falcon gear: shirts, sweatshirts, water bottles etc.
Our Goal: $600.00 Cash
PLUS, a basket overflowing with toothpaste, shampoo, deodorant, and other necessities AND some NEW Falcon Gear or gently used (and freshly laundered) from your closet or your kid’s closets!
Collection Day at Rotary: February 12
Final donations turned in by February 26 for deliver to the school.
The Nest
The Nest is a student store that offers free clothing, supplies and other essential items for Faribault students. The Nest is run by The Falcon Project, a student club that participates in and hosts monthly service projects.
The Falcon Project Mission: Together we work, by providing helping hands, to make a positive impact in our school and community.
Why “The Nest?” We want to be able to provide the basic necessities for students that are in need. We want to contribute to our already strong community by giving back. We want to make an impact on our students and community by providing basic necessities, increasing school spirit by providing more Falcon gear to our students, making students feel safe and welcome, and increasing student achievement.
On March, 27, 2002 Shelly Bauer (Frana) was inducted into our club. She is pictured her with George Wickstrom to the left and Club President Mike Gramse and her sponsor Angela Storch to the right.
In exactly 86 days, the Faribault Rotary Club will celebrate its 100-year anniversary on May 1, 2020. This week’s historical highlight is from 2001.
Chamber President, Kymn Anderson addressed the club regarding the Blandin Foundation and other Chamber initiatives.
Medical Specialist Kristin Auge gave a program about her tour with Minnesota National Guard.
Our club sponsored and attended a special program for all middle school and high school students. Mr. Henry Oertelt, a Jewish holocaust survivor, detailed his life in Germany and surviving both the Theresienstadt and Auschwitz concentration camps.
The Annual Honor’s Banquet was held for 58 seniors from BA and Faribault High School.
The Annual Strive Banquet was held with scholarships awarded at the Lavender Inn with 110 in attendance.
The Club held the annual picnic and silent auction at the Rotary Camp.
The club enjoyed the 63 annual Christmas Concert.
Our club’s 82nd president in 2001-02 was Mike Gramse. He joined our club in 1985 and has been a member for 35 years.
Mike had the following memory from his year as president:
“One thing that I did that year was I would ask a member of the club to get up at the beginning of the meeting a give a 60 second story about themselves and then as they rambled on, I would cut them off at 60 seconds. I thought it was pretty interesting to hear them talk about themselves and then fun to cut them off. We learned a lot about each other that year. We had a very prestigious membership, very interesting people.”
All members are invited to the Open House 1:00-3:00 pm this Saturday at the Heartland Animal Hospital honoring the retirement of Dr. Steve Elwood. Congratulations, Steve!
The Faribault Rotary Club's distinguished member of 45 years, George Wickstrom, has invited all of us and our spouses to his 90th birthday party on Feb. 8, 2020 4-8pm at The Inn at Shattuck. Dinner will be provided along with one drink ticket per person. A cash bar will also be available.
George has spent half of his life as a Rotarian but all of his life in service to others. Please RSVP your decision to attend by contacting Amy.
On Wednesday January 22nd, our club had a presentation from Cory Caron, General Manager of Mercury Minnesota. Cory is a Faribault native, and has worked his way up the ranks at Mercury Minnesota from an entry level job as a grinder, a welder, a designer with CAD, various management roles and now to his current position as General Manager. Cory and his lovely wife Sarah have three boys. He is involved with Boy Scouts, and is a marriage preparation counselor at his church for couples getting ready to wed. He enjoys skiing, hunting, fishing and playing a good game of cards, especially the game of 500.
Mercury Minnesota has a long, strong history. Mercury Air Craft was started in New York. In 1957 Mercury Minnesota was started in Faribault on 11 acres of land that was to be an industrial park, with one old building that was demolished. In 1999 a new facility was opened in Mexico and the three plants are all still open and running today. Mercury Minnesota is a contract sheet metal fabrication company that does all contract work for other companies to build what they need for their products. Lots of automation today, where 60 years ago everything was done by hand. Currently there is 53 employees in the facility in Faribault, and they run on one shift. Monday - Thursday 5 am to 2:30 and Friday's 5 am to 9 am.
Thank you for coming to share with us Cory, your dedication to Mercury Minnesota is evident in your speaking about the company. We welcome you anytime you can join us!
In exactly 93 days, the Faribault Rotary Club will celebrate its 100-year anniversary on May 1, 2020. This week’s historical highlight is from 2001.
The Annual Honor’s Banquet was held for seniors from BA and Faribault High School.
The Annual Strive Banquet was held with scholarships awarded. The program was doing well in its third year with Marv Schrader as chair.
The Club held the annual picnic and silent auction at the Rotary Camp.
The club enjoyed the 62 annual Christmas Concert.
Our club’s 81st president in 2000-01 was David Balcom. He was the managing editor of The Faribault Daily News.
Rod Mahler noted the following:
“I remember Dave was a big Michigan fan (graduate there) and we always got on each other when the football, hockey, and basketball games were played. I sold his house when he moved out west.”
Both distinguished Rotarians Keith Kramer (left) and Eric Craig (center) received their Paul Harris +1 awards last week. They are pictured here with Club Foundation chair, Brent Peroutka. Thank you for your continued support of the Rotary Foundation.
Dr. Peter Larsen of the U of M educated us on the facts and misconceptions about Chronic Wasting Disease (CWD) in the American deer population. What it is, how it is transmitted and what is being done to control this disease.
CWD is a prion mutation much like Mad Cow and Scrapie causing the animal to waste away, losing weight, cognitive function, and awareness. Caused by a genetic malfunction, it is easily spread through bodily fluids such as semen, saliva, and feces. It can take up to two years for a deer with CWD to perish from the disease while still spreading it. The Prions have been known to be contracted from the soil where deceased deer or feces have laid.
CWD is currently spread to 26 states and at least 4 countries. The U of M has set-up an outreach group MNPRO to help educate, treat and research a solution to this disease. More information can be found at vetmed.umn.edu.
In just 15 weeks, the Faribault Rotary Club will celebrate its 100-year anniversary on May 1, 2020. This week’s historical highlight is from 2000.
The end of the millennium/century/decade/year was acknowledged by reflections from Rod Mahler, Tom Gagnon (Gawn-yun) and Harley Pettipiece during the first program of the year.
State Senator Tom Neuville outlined the big issues facing the 2000 legislative season.
Major General Eugene Andreotti of the Minnesota Air and Army National Guard addressed the club before leaving for Kosovo that week.
Faribault Futures leadership Program for 2000 told the club about their organization.
The annual STRIVE Banquet was held at the Lavender Inn.
The annual club picnic and silent auction were held at the Rotary Camp.
The annual Youth benefit concert was held at Faribault High School.
The club enjoyed the 61st annual Christmas concert.
Our club’s 80th president in 1999-2000 was Janine Sahagian. She was the first woman to join our club and the first woman president.
On Wednesday January 8th we hear from Pat Heydon of Honoring Choices MN. This is a grant funded program operating out of Allina Health Faribault and Owatonna. Honoring Choices is a program designed to get people talking about their health care directive, and help all clients complete a new and accurate health care directive at no cost. Pat will meet with you individually, or in a group, over a meal, or at your home, anywhere you like, and with as many people you want to get together, to start the conversation and assist you with completed your own Honoring Choices document.
For more information on Honoring Choices please contact Pat at honoringchoices@allina.com or by calling 507-977-2330. She is urging everyone to have this conversation with loved ones, and to complete the process themselves.
Thank you, Pat, for making a very heavy topic light and a little funny. We look forward to seeing you around town!
In just 17 weeks, the Faribault Rotary Club will celebrate its 100-year anniversary on May 1, 2020. This week’s historical highlight is from 1998.
Donn Johnson led a program entitled “A Look into the Crystal Ball at Faribault’s Future.”
In the first year of the STRIVE Program, the club awarded $3000 In scholarships to students.
Dr. Michael Richie presented a program on the advances in Refractive surgery.
The Annual Honors Banquet was held at South Central College and Brent Peroutka was one of the seniors being honored.
Club dues were set at $150 for the year.
There were programs discussing the economic importance of the Faribault Airport and the festivities involving the Hot Air Balloon Rally and the Tree Frog Music Festival.
Sheriff’s Deputy Dan Silkey presented a talk on Rice County Gang Suppression.
Rotarian Harley Pettipiece gave a program on his family’s past and how his family farm is now the site of Perkins Restaurant.
The 59th Annual Rotary Christmas Concert was held at Shattuck-St. Mary’s.
Our club’s 78th president in 1997-98 was Wade Karli.
Did you know that the Rotary Club of Reno, NV is farther west than the Rotary Club of Los Angeles, CA?
People from all over the world have multiple reasons for joining Rotary. Many new Rotarians each year join for the same reason I did — because Rotary is a great way to benefit your career. When I was a new attorney starting out in Alabama, Gay and I became partners in her father's firm. He instilled in us the value of joining Rotary as a way to build relationships and demonstrate to potential clients that we were serious professionals who held firm to values even more robust than what our profession required.
Rotary's commitment to vocational service is built on the highest ethical standards in business and professions, the recognition of the worthiness of all useful work, and the dignifying of each Rotarian's occupation as an opportunity to serve society. That last point is so important. No matter our profession, we all contribute mightily to the world when we conduct our work with integrity and always adhere to The Four-Way Test.
I have made balancing the demands of Rotary with professional and family commitments one of my priorities as president. No Rotarian should feel pressured to put in more time than a volunteer position should ever demand. This is true for several reasons, one of them being that the work we do in our day jobs is just as important to Rotary as the work we do in the organization. We carry our Rotary values everywhere, and our professional success helps build a case for Rotary every day we go into the office.
This is particularly important in our efforts to reach younger new members. We want to see a Rotary where no one is ever asked to choose between being a good Rotarian and being a good parent, business owner, manager, or employee. When we ask busy young people to join us, we should not be asking them to give up their time and freedom. We should be rewarding them with an experience that makes everything they already do even more inspiring.
Providing greater balance within Rotary will have another benefit as well: It will create opportunities for other Rotarians, including Rotaractors, to step up and take a leadership role on projects and committees. This will ensure that they remain engaged in our clubs and inspired to be Rotarians for life.
Throughout the world, Rotary is admired for its vocational service and for the time-honored values we instill in all business relationships. As we continue our work to grow Rotary, let us remember that vocational service remains a crucial selling point to potential members.
Rotary Connects the World, and by making Rotary's vocational service work known to people in more professions and at different stages of their careers, we will help grow our organization and make it stronger and more diverse.
In just 20 weeks, the Faribault Rotary Club will celebrate its 100-year anniversary on May 1, 2020. This week’s historical highlight is from 1997.
Rotarian Dr. Roy Anderson gave a presentation on his book called “The not so Straight River.”
Jerry Bell, President of the Minnesota Twins, gave a presentation to the club about what makes a successful sports franchise and the proposal for the new Twins stadium.
Palmer Dragsten was honored for 50 years of service and Al Burkhartzmeyer was honored for 40 years of service in Rotary.
The annual Honors Banquet was cancelled due to school construction.
Rotarian Marv Schrader presented the goals for Vocational Services which included the plans for the STRIVE program.
Nate Gagnon, son of Rotarian Tom and Linda Gagnon returned from being a Rotary Exchange and presented a very interesting program to the club.
Rotarian past president Kevin Mahoney spoke to the club about his trip to Israel organized by the American-Israel Chamber of Commerce.
The 58th Annual Christmas Concert was held at Trinity Lutheran Church.
Our club’s 77th president in 1996-97 was Don Olson.
Olivia Sage the Early Learning coordinator at McKinley Early Childhood Center updated the club on what's new for our public preschool program. McKinley Early Childhood Center serves children and families from birth to age 5 through a variety of programs for families with young children. Their mission is to partner with families to provide support, encouragement, and education.
McKinley provides Preschool for ages 3 and 4 in a wide range of day options, from 1 or 2 days up to 4 or 5 days. In ½ day and whole day options. Their Early Child Family Education programs are designed to insight learning and family connection through play activity and education. ECFE has a wide range of age-specific classes along with mixed-age classes during both day and evening.
Children are required to be screened on learning development before Kindergarten, it is recommended at age 3. McKinley offers several special education programs to keep kids on track before they fall behind in Kindergarten and into grade school. Programs such as Help Me Grow, a personal intake national program designed to help each child’s unique educational needs.
Past Governor Mark Dayton our state legislature created avenues for Pre-K funding to increase. Improving the range of services that McKinley Early Learning Center can provide and to more families. All programs are either free or are available on an inclusive sliding income scale. You can check out more information at the Faribault Public Schools website or in the Community Education quarterly catalog.
Our speaker on December 4th was Laurie Baer. Laurie is from HIS Haven Ranch a faith-based non-profit that provides one on one mentoring through the aid of horses. With horses, words are optional for healing whatever someone is going through. HIS stands for Healing in the Savior. Laurie spoke to us about the ranch and how their seven horses can help those dealing with some of life’s challenges thru taking care of the horses and learning how to work with the horses. 73% of the riders they work with are under the age of twenty-five and many are dealing with family changes and unhealthy family environments. The second highest rate of suicides is nine to fifteen-year old ages and the highest is in veterans. His Haven Ranch is working to create change in lives to empower and transform each person.
A majority of the ranch has seen improvements through service projects by eagle scouts. In 2006 they had 6 riders, and now in 2019 they had over 230 registered riders. Along with working with youth, they are also developing programs for veterans. Next year will feature a program spearheaded by veterans that have previously participated in summer sessions. The 2020 and beyond goals are to continue to meet operational costs, build an indoor arena so that riders are in the saddle year-round, to build an eight-stall horse barn closer to the arena site, and to increase community outreach to veterans.
Their services are made possible by caring and dedicated volunteers and financial support. To donate online visit www.hishavenranch.org or mail donations to 3245 Lake Ave New Prague, MN 56071.
Congratulations David Mesta on your Rotary Scholarship Award at South Central College! David is pictured here with Faribault Rotary Club President Amy Amundson.
There is no experience quite like attending the Rotary International Convention. Discover the true spirit of aloha and Rotary with your family, friends, and fellow Rotarians from 6 to 10 June in Honolulu. It is the perfect setting for the entire family of Rotary to celebrate, collaborate, and connect.
There are two types of people who enjoy visits to Hawaii — those who have never been to the islands and are about to have unique and wonderful experiences, and those who have had those Hawaiian moments etched into their memories already and cannot wait to create some new ones.
The convention is the best place to find and share your aloha, which you will soon discover is much more than a greeting. Just as Rotary is a way of life for Rotarians, aloha is a way of life for Hawaiians — one that focuses on living in harmony, being patient, treating everyone with respect, and sharing joy with your family, or 'ohana.
Our host committee has arranged some fabulous events for you and your family. This includes a Hawaiian Culture and Lunch Boat Cruise, a two-hour tour that will feature spectacular views of Diamond Head, Waikiki, and the Kahala Gold Coast. On board, you can learn to play the ukulele, take part in hula dancing, and create your own Hawaiian flower lei.
You will also have the opportunity to enjoy a full range of island hospitality events, from small backyard picnics to multicourse family meals. There will be fantastic service projects to see, including two ancient Hawaiian fishponds. And a sunrise Walk for Peace will take place at the beautiful Ala Moana Beach Park, a 3-mile stroll in the shadow of the iconic Diamond Head crater.
Inside and outside the convention halls, we are going to hold the most family-friendly convention in Rotary history, including a family-centered opening ceremony and family-focused events in the House of Friendship. The opening session will, of course, include our traditional flag ceremony.
Our 2020 convention will also be a time to celebrate Rotary's historical ties to the United Nations. As I mentioned in my November message, June 2020 will mark the 75th anniversary of the signing of the United Nations charter. On the day before the start of the convention, Rotary and the UN will host our fifth joint event of 2019-20, one focused on environmental sustainability.
In addition, we are planning the greenest convention in Rotary history — and I will share more details about this in the months ahead. But now, go to riconvention.org and click the REGISTER button right below the Honolulu Hawaii 2020 logo. Early registration discount pricing ends 15 December, so do not delay.
Rotary Connects the World in no better way than at the Rotary Convention. Bring your family to meet our family. See you in Honolulu!
(reprinted with permission from the Faribault Daily News)
Faribault Rotarian Richard “Dick” Huston has traveled around the globe, but he called his most recent trip to Pakistan the most challenging of his life — both physically and emotionally.
After spending the week of Nov. 11-17 in Karachi, Pakistan, which has a population twice the size of New York City, Huston returned to Faribault eager to share his experience. In fact, Pakistani campaigners declared spreading awareness one of Huston’s primary roles for their cause.
“I hadn’t been there, and I just think we need to help people,” said Huston on his reasons for taking the trip. “I want to tell their story and encourage others to help them, also.”
As part of Rotary PolioPlus services, Huston expected representatives of other Rotary clubs to join his effort to learn about the endemic in Pakistan. He previously took a trip to Sierra Leone with a group of six Rotarians, but much to his surprise, Huston was the lone American to join the Karachi, Pakistan, polio campaign.
Huston admitted being the only American “felt a little weird” at first, but after a while he joked that being the only guest “felt pretty darn good.”
“Everywhere we went, people were so nice and gracious,” said Huston.
Eradicating polio
PolioPlus is a four-pronged worldwide effort to eliminate polio with vaccinations. Huston explained the four purposes of the cause include preventing the disease, providing clean water, creating jobs and improving healthcare.
Polio once impacted 125 countries, according to Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, but the vaccination of millions of children since the 1980s has reduced the number of impacted countries down to three: Pakistan, Afghanistan and Nigeria. In the 1988, there were 350,000 cases of polio reported worldwide.
Houston said eradicating polio in Pakistan and Afghanistan is more difficult because people travel back and forth across the bordering countries often. According to UNICEF, polio cases in Pakistan have decreased from 20,000 per year in the early 1990s to just eight in 2018 since Pakistan’s Polio Eradication Programme launched in 1994.
Primarily a disease of children, Huston explained the symptoms of leg and/or arm paralysis indicate the first symptoms of polio. If the lungs experience paralysis, the disease can be fatal.
While overseas, Huston visited five sites where nurses vaccinated children for polio. The process, he said, was a matter of putting two drops of liquid vaccine on the tongue. But in the city of Karachi, which has approximately 15.4 million people, identifying all children under 5 who need vaccinations is a tremendous undertaking for nurses and aid workers.
Huston explained that a lot of negative propaganda makes mothers wary about exposing their children to vaccines. But nurses trained in psychology assure mothers their babies and children will be healthier with the vaccine. Huston witnessed mothers looking “like a deer in the headlights” at first, but he saw their eyes soften as they listened to the nurses.
“There’s no bullying at all,” he said.
Nurses also go to railway stations and go through the trains at their stops to identify children under 5 who need to be vaccinated. At a bus stop located along Karachi’s main highway, near the southern border of Pakistan, Huston said nurses vaccinate around 3,000 children per day. He shadowed a couple nurses on the job and marveled at their effort.
While visiting Pakistan, Huston saw nurses being trained to give vaccine injections for a new project. In certain past cases, Huston explained the virus sampling, used in vaccines to create an immunity to polio, backfired by mutating into a disease. Viruses used in the injection, however, are first killed so they can’t mutate into disease-causing organisms. Children between 5 and 13 may receive the injection, said Huston.
Other efforts have been made to prevent polio from spreading. Since polio is spread by water and food, Huston said 17 water filtration camps were installed in the area he visited. Open two hours a day, residents can come fill their jugs with clean water.
Making connections
More was expected of Huston on his trip, being the only guest, but after his return he said he experienced “a good feeling of being worn out.”
While his trip was taxing in the sense that he was constantly busy, Huston was pleased with the hospitality of his host family and impressed with the Pakistani Rotarians’ generosity. Although residents of Karachi had all levels of income in an area with some of the worst slums Huston has seen, he said people with money share it.
“It was really an eye-opening trip,” said Huston. “The effort the ‘haves’ are making to help the ‘have-nots’ is truly remarkable in my mind.”
The appreciation was mutual. In the November issue of the Pakistan National PolioPlus Newsletter, Chief Editor Alina A. Visram wrote about Huston’s participation in the Karachi polio campaign.
“This was his first visit to Karachi, Pakistan, and he was a keen visitor,” wrote Visram. “… It was certainly a privilege and honour to have Dr. Richard Huston with us in Karachi and we thank him for making this trip.”
Rotarian returns from Pakistan eager to spread polio vaccine awareness
(Laura received the following email regarding the Blood Drive last Monday 11/25/19)
Thank you very much Laura and the Faribault Rotary for hosting the blood drive yesterday! Here are some of the numbers from the day:
34 people made appointments
13 walk-ins
8 no-shows
39 people registered at the blood drive
4 deferrals
1 quantity not sufficient
6 power red donors (that’s great!)
40 units of blood collected
That is amazing! 40 units is by far the most we’ve collected at a Faribault Rotary blood drive. That was 15 units over our goal. The blood you collected yesterday has the potential to save up to 120 lives. A lot of families are going to be thankful for that this Thanksgiving.
Thank you to the following Rotarians for volunteering your time to make this a success!
Nort Johnson ,Jake Cook, Brian Daniels, Mary Reese, Greg Cielsuk, David Connelly, Todd Sesker, Franz Boelter, Brenda Demars, Rod Mahler, Kurt Halverson and Laura Bock.
Twas a week before Christmas, when all through downtown,
Not a Rotarian was stirring, no one to be found;
The invites were made by Donn Johnson with care,
In hopes that everyone would soon be there;
The Rotarians were nestled all snug in their beds;
While visions of Christmas concerts danced in their heads;
They knew in a moment the time had drawn near,
To sign-up with Donn and tell him no fear;
For we will be coming, even bringing a guest;
Looking forward to lunch and the choir's singing best;
More rapid than eagles the Faribault Rotarians came,
And Donn whistled and shouted and called them by name:
Now, Ciesluk! Now, Kenney! Now, Sanchez and Kramer!
On, Daniels! On, Wheeler! On, Elwood and Ginter!
To the seat of your cars! To the end of the street!
Now dash away! Dash away! And soon we will meet!
Then we heard Donn exclaim, as he walked out of sight;
"Happy Christmas to all, and to all a good night!"
All Rotarians, Rotaract members, their families, and guests are invited to the 80th annual Faribault Rotary Christmas Concert to be held on Wednesday December 18th (11:45 am- 1:15 pm) at Our Savior's Lutheran Church. The joyful sounds of the holiday season will be brought to us by the Faribault High School Choir. Our host for over 30 years, Donn Johnson asks that you use the online sign up via email if you will be coming and bringing one or more guests. The cost of the meal is $11 unless you are on the meal plan.
On Wednesday November 13 we were treated to a presentation by Jake Langslag, Faribault native and owner of two businesses, Aqua Eden, an installation company specializing in ponds, waterfalls and streams, and Goat Dispatch LLC, a unique business of deploying goats to munch on troublesome vegetation. The goats are an alternative solution to eliminating buckthorn, raspberries, and other pesky vegetation. Jake is becoming an expert in this field. There are not many goat herders around but they do get together on occasion and problem solve and share what's working and what isn't. Goat Dispatch estimates how many goats it will take to tackle the number of acres that need to be cleaned up. It can take the goats 1-3 weeks or longer to munch, and typically the goats will need to visit the site 2 to 3 times to really clear out the invasive species and allow new grasses and plants to grow.
Goat Dispatch has around 800 goats and an app to track them all. Jake is about to start his biggest project yet by dispatching goats on about 200 acres near Cannon Falls MN. If you are looking for a fun and exciting side job, Jake needs goat wranglers, you can enjoy nature and the goats and some public events were families get to " meet the goats".
U of M students study Jake's herd and the plants they eat, and a local vet keeps an eye on the herd by doing regular walk throughs. To learn more about Goat Dispatch check them out at www.goatdispatch.com
Rotary Day at the United Nations, which we celebrate each November, is an important reminder of the historic relationship between our organizations. But this year’s event is even more important than usual, because we are building up to the 75th anniversary of the signing of the UN Charter in June 2020.
You might ask, why celebrate this anniversary? For Rotary, it is entirely appropriate, because we played such a critical leadership role in the San Francisco Conference that formed the United Nations in 1945. Throughout World War II, Rotary published materials about the importance of forming such an organization to preserve world peace.
Not only did Rotary help influence the formation of the UN, but this magazine also played a leading part in communicating its ideals. Rotary educated members about plans to create the UN through numerous articles in The Rotarian and through a booklet titled From Here On! When the time came to write the UN charter, Rotary was one of 42 organizations the United States invited to serve as consultants to its delegation at the San Francisco Conference.
Each organization had seats for three representatives, so Rotary International’s 11 representatives served in rotation. The people officially representing Rotary included the general secretary, the current and several past presidents, and the editor of The Rotarian. In addition, Rotarians from Africa, Asia, Australia, Europe, and North and South America served as members of or consultants to their own nations’ delegations.
We have a deep and lasting relationship with the UN that deserves to be celebrated and appreciated. To recognize this relationship, Rotary will host five special events between now and June: Rotary Day at the UN in New York on the 9th of this month; three presidential conferences next year in Santiago, Chile, in Paris, and in Rome; and a final celebration just before the Rotary International Convention in Honolulu.
The focus on the UN in the year ahead is not only about the past; it also lights a path to our future. There are so many parallels between the work we do through our areas of focus and the work of the UN Sustainable Development Goals. While those goals are indeed incredibly ambitious, they provide inspiration and direction — and are similar to many Rotary goals, which have proven to create lasting, positive change in our world. The goals can be achieved, but only if undertaken with the same long-term commitment and tenacity that Rotary understands so well. Alone, we cannot provide clean water for all, we cannot eliminate hunger, we cannot eradicate polio. But together with partners like the United Nations, of course we can.
Please consider attending one of our five UN celebrations. I look forward to sharing news of these special events with you throughout the year.
We had nice turnout with students, Rotaractors, and Rotarians creating a good mix of people. The food was delicious! At present we are planning to host another event, but most likely in the spring. Thank you to everyone who was able to make it and we can't wait to see you all again!
With the recent sale of the Mason's Building there was a discovery of folder with some letters, pictures and Daily News clippings. The folder had the name Francis Lockwood- Northwestern Mutual Life Insurance Company. Mr. Lockwood was a longtime member and our 47th president in 1967-68. His most notable club legacy was sponsoring membership for a young upstart life insurance salesman by the name of George Wickstrom who has now been a member for 45 years. (Yes, George this is a fleeceable event!)
Pictured here are our two longest serving Rotarians, (at left)Rod Mahler 61+ years and the late Bob Bjorgum 59 years! Rod will have to tell us who got the pie in the face!
Hawaii is the only state never to report a temperature of zero. (The current official coldest temperature recorded in Hawaii is 12 degrees, which makes Hawaii the only state that has not seen subzero temperatures. This was recorded at the Mauna Kea Observatory (elevation of 13,796 feet) on May 17, 1979.)
In just 24 weeks, the Faribault Rotary Club will celebrate its 100-year anniversary on May 1, 2020. This week’s historical highlight is from 1994.
The club toured the new facilities at District One Hospital after the $5.2 million expansion and remodeling.
Dr. Richard Rush, President of Mankato State talked to the club about the school’s mission and its role in southern Minnesota.
Julius Wadekamper, Gus Hoffman and Janine Sahagian presented three separate programs summarizing their trip to the Amazon rain forest and the city of Santarem to visit Ron Hein who works with the children’s program the club supports.
The club raised $4,200 for the Rotary Foundation at the Annual Picnic and auction.
The club toured the newly remodeled Buckham Library.
The club listened to a program about the new proposed ice arena to be built next to Bruce Smith Field.
George Wickstrom played 78 holes of golf on the Annual Longest Day of Golf to support cancer prevention.
The IRS decided that Rotary dues are deductible on member’s federal returns.
The club sold 759 dozen roses.
The 55th annual Christmas concert was held at Shattuck-St.Mary’s.
Our club’s 74th president in 1993-94 was Ken Smith.
On Wednesday November 6 our presentation was the annual meeting for Rotary Youth Services. Dave Beranek and Jake Cook talked about the history of the camp for new comers to Rotary. They also reviewed financials, and conducted elections for Rotary Youth Services Board. Laura Bock and Marv Schrader were re-elected for three-year terms. We were brought up to date with the current repairs to the camp including the new culvert, the newly shingled roof for the main building and upcoming projects at the camp which include repaving the road over the culvert. The Rotary Camp has been apart of our club since 1961.
The Faribault Rotaract Club will be hosting its first event at South Central College Faribault this Thursday November 14th in room A105 from 5:30-6:30 pm. We would like to invite all Faribault Rotary members to our Friendsgiving as a means to show that we are thankful for your support and friendship. We hope you will all be able to join us, but if not, don't worry we will be hosting another get-together!
We are asking everyone to bring a dish to share. Please be sure to label ingredients so we can have a safe and inclusive Friendsgiving! Please click on the following link to sign up.
There are many deserving candidates for the Rotarian of the Year every year. However, the committee and club would like to congratulate, and honor Jake Cook as the 2019 Rotarian of the Year.
Jake joined the Faribault Rotary club in March of 2007 and lives the Rotary motto of service above self on a daily basis. Jake currently serves on the board of directors, as well as serves as the Rotary Youth Services President. He has held a variety of leadership roles and positions throughout his years in Rotary, and here are a few highlights as mentioned in his nominations:
Jake chaired the community services committee and led our efforts with the Rotary Blood Drive, meals-on-wheels, Salvation Army Bell Ringing, Basic Blessings Backpack Program events., and more. You could also find Jake and his family volunteering during these events.
Jake volunteered and served on the International Services committee traveling with the team to Sierra Leone in our club’s effort to establish a sustainable cassava farming and processing project in remote areas of Africa. He was also involved with the district and international grant process and helped raise the necessary funds for the project.
As a believer in service above self, Jake became our Club President in 2016-2017. He really stepped up to the plate and filled this role a year earlier than planned, as our Badger/Packer friend Dan Hedge moved to his new home in Illinois the year he was supposed to fill this role.
During his year as Club President Jake had many accomplishments. Most notable was the “Buddy Bench” project. Again, he helped raise the necessary funds and partner with other agencies within the community to make this project a success. Jake also led the efforts to partner with the Elks Ice Fishing contest and help get kids exposed to the great outdoors!!!
As president of the Rotary Youth Services board, Jake has done an outstanding job with all areas of this great nonprofit entity. His office manages the camp schedule and Jake has spent countless hours helping preserve this great asset. Most notably this year with helping roof the camp, as well as getting the camp back into working order after the tornado last fall. Jake has also led or helped on the Picnic committee for several years…an event many look forward to every year.
Jake has served on the raffle committee and is usually one of the top salespersons with this raffle, as well as our annual Rotary Rose Sale. The CWS offices look amazing this week as he typically delivers 75-100 roses each year.
Jakes leadership abilities crossover to other community and family activities as well, with involvement in numerous board and other activities. He has been a chamber ambassador, served on the Ducks Unlimited Board, served on the Football Association Board and is the current president and a coach with the Faribault Fastpitch Association. You will also find him helping with the March of Dimes and Cancer Stroll fundraising efforts. I’m sure we have missed a few as well…but we thank Jake for his “Service Above Self” in the Faribault Community.
Jake, thank you for everything you have done for our club and will continue to do in the future. IF you want a project done and completed in a successful manner, Jake Cook will be there to lead or help in any way possible. The saying goes “the only thing that is equal in life is that we all get 24 hours each day, or 86,400 seconds to make a difference”. Although this will cost you a dollar, you are able to balance your work and clients at Comprehensive Wealth Solutions/Faribo Insurance, family time and community activities. Please help me congratulate Jake Cook, 2019 Rotarian of the Year.
Local clubs share the warmth with neighbors in need
Hundreds of local residents received needed winter apparel on Saturday during the Faribault Rotary Club’s annual distribution.
Coats, boots, hats, mittens, gloves and scarves and other winter clothing were available to the hundreds who came to the Washington Rec Center. The event was a partnership between the Elks, Rotary Club and Allina Club.
“It feels not only good to help people, but it feels good to collaborate with organizations, too, who see the need,” said Keith Kramer, past president of the Faribault Rotary Club. “It’s right when it’s starting to get below freezing.”
Kramer estimated 70 families attended, most with at least five children. He noted organizers had selection sites and advertised, receiving $3,500 in donations that enabled them to purchase clothing. He estimated they had 30 volunteers Saturday, including people who spoke Spanish and Somali.
“It’s good to see people of all backgrounds coming to help people in need,” Kramer said.
“Especially in Faribault, there is a big need in our community for kids to have warm clothing, and this is a good time of the year to do it.”
Abdinisr Ahmed volunteered at the event. He said he enjoys helping people and the cold weather motivated him to help those in need.
“It’s so good today to be here and help the community,” he said.
This Wednesday the "Rotarian of The Year 2019" will be announced before the annual Youth Services meeting. We look forward to honoring this very deserving Rotarian!
In just 6 months, the Faribault Rotary Club will celebrate its 100-year anniversary on May 1, 2020. This week’s historical highlight is from 1992.
The club supported the Fast for Hope project.
The club toured Mercury Minnesota.
The club listened to a presentation on the upcoming School construction bond referendum from Rotarian Tom Gagnon.
Rotarian Julius Wadekamper made it known to the club that the people of Santarem, Brazil were in desperate need of $5,000 to maximize efforts at saving children there. (Please read the “The Street Children of Santarem” belowin this section of the bulletin)
Navy Commander Raymond Lee Marshal discussed the Navy’s role in our National defense and in Operation Desert Storm.
The club plus spouses took a trip to the Old Log Theatre for the production “ It Runs in the Family”.
The 28th Annual Youth Benefit Concert was held at the High School.
The club sold 488 dozen roses during the annual sale.
State Auditor Mark Dayton spoke to the club about the role of his office in state government.
Hollywood actress Angie Dickinson presented a program on water conservation programs in California and an update on her movie and TV pursuits. Her daughter was a client at the Wilson Center.
Curt Sommers was honored for 50 years of service in Rotary (1942-92).
Our club’s 72nd president in 1991-92 was Donn Johnson.
last Saturday morning and throughout the entire day Eric, Jake, Keith, Dave, Brenda, Laura, Dick Cook and their band of FHS juniors- Jake Bauer, Collin Paquette, Jon Cap, Brady Ohlman and Charlie Douville completed the shingle removal, repair and re-shingling of the Faribault Rotary Camp building. The club extends its heartfelt thanks and appreciation for your efforts and the continuation of the Rotary Camps service to our community since 1962.
Last Wednesday October 23rd, Faribault Rotary listened to a presentation by FHS principal Jamie Bente and FHS Assistant Principal Joe Sage. This leadership team presentation focused on the 9th Grade Academy with some time at the end devoted to the seven-period school day for Faribault High School students. The 9th Grade Academy is a program designed to assist students with the soft skills needed for high school and to help them excel at being good students. Statistics have shown that students without support were flunking at an alarming rate. The 9th Grade Academy program adds the additional Academic Seminar which is a mixed set of classes that include Social Studies, English and Science.
Students are receiving support towards skill building on areas such as note taking and studying. Students surveyed said this was helpful and felt they had at least one teacher they could talk to and trust. The "F" grades were reduced by 70% over the course of the first year. This is the 3rd year of the 9th Grade Academy and the staff continues to follow the progress of past students. While not all of them continue to improve their grades, there was still an improvement in the majority of the letter grades compared to their past grade scores.
Jamie Bente spent the last few minutes discussing the seven-period day. He explained further in depth how this will offer more credits to High School students by showing us the required credits in a year for each grade and using a very common example problem of students who want to participate in music and learn a language in high school. In 10th Grade for example the option for two electives doesn't exist. Students must take summer school in most cases summer after summer after summer to make room in their schedule for things they want to learn. The seven-period day would alleviate much of the need for summer school and then students would have the opportunity to gain eight more credits in their high school career with a seven-period day. This will help get them ready for the path of their choice after high school.
In just 27 weeks, the Faribault Rotary Club will celebrate its 100-year anniversary on May 1, 2020. This week’s historical highlight is from 1991.
Dr. Richard Huston, local veterinarian and now in private consulting, showed the club slides of his trip to Bolivia through the Ministry of Christian Veterinarians.
The club recognized Layton Hoysler for 31 years of perfect attendance, Al Burkhartzmeyer for 24 years and Olaus Moe for 18 years.
Cate Grinney was a student guest from Faribault High School.
The Annual Honors Banquet was held at the high school.
A Group Study Exchange from Argentina visited the club.
Club dues were $125.
State Senator, Tom Neville addressed the club to discuss the recent legislative session.
Every member was to sell 5 dozen roses at $12 each. $400 dozen were sold.
The 27th annual Youth Benefit concert was held at the high school.
Our club’s 71st president in 1990-91 was Dr. Richard Skewes.
The following was taken from the Jan. 23, 1991 weekly bulletin:
“I finally figured out how government works. The Senate gets the bill from the House. The President gets the bill from the Senate….and we get the bill for everything!
seven Faribault High School students spent part of their summers growing as vocalists and musicians, whether that meant attending camps or enrolling in vocal lessons.
The Faribault Rotary Club offers scholarships to students involved in music electives each spring, using the proceeds collected from the Rotary scholarship concert held at FHS the fall prior. This year’s 54th annual concert is 7 p.m. Monday, Oct. 28 in the FHS auditorium.
Kayla Kenow, a junior euphonium player in the FHS band, used her $400 scholarship to help pay for the Minnesota All-State camp over the summer. Kenow was the only student in the FHS band to receive the All-State honor last school year as well as the Rotary Club scholarship.
“I definitely learned how to be a better musician [at All-State camp],” said Kenow. “I made a lot of good friends I still have today.”
Joe Timmer, band director at FHS, said it always takes a couple weeks to decide who to nominate for the honor because so many students deserve the recognition. In most cases, all three FHS directors select students who already received All-State honors so they can use the scholarship money to attend the All-State camps offered over the summer.
Two violinists in the FHS Philharmonic Orchestra, Maddie Klecker and Avery Rein, received $200 Rotary Scholarships each.
Klecker began playing the violin 11 years ago and was named a Minnesota All-State alternate for 2018-19.
“When I was younger, I just liked [the violin] for the sound, but now I realize it’s a lot more than that,” said Klecker. “It can be used for a lot of different things — I play at church and at weddings. It’s nice to see what joy an instrument can bring.”
Said Michael Sloane, director of the FHS Philharmonic Orchestra: “Maddie Klecker is very diligent on making sure things are done right, and she’s not afraid to speak up when things aren’t right.”
While most Rotary scholarship winners had previously earned All-State honors, violinist Avery Rein is the exception. She used her scholarship to attend an orchestra camp in Northfield, which challenged each instrumentalist according to their skill level. At the end of the camp, the orchestra performed in a concert.
When Sloane began teaching orchestra at Faribault Middle School, he said Rein was one of his first students. He’s pleased to see her continue playing violin with the FHS Philharmonic Orchestra and lead her peers in the schools’ orchestra council.
“Avery is a very bright girl who knows what she wants,” said Sloane. “She’s a very artistic person … a very good violinist.”
Four FHS choir students each received $200 Rotary scholarships as well — senior alto Nya Anter, senior soprano Abby Engbrecht, junior bass Tanner Longshore and junior soprano Lizzie Cooper. Anter, Engbrecht and Longshore, all Minnesota All-State students named in May, used their scholarships to attend the weeklong All-State choir camp at St. Olaf College. Their All-State group reunites in February, 2020 at the Orchestra Hall in Minneapolis for its All-State concert.
“It’s been really good,” said Longshore of his choir experience. “Obviously there are ups and downs, but it’s helping me express myself more.”
Added Anter, who has taken choir for 11 years with elementary school included: “I’ve always loved singing and performing.”
Cooper, an All-State alternate, took voice lessons with her scholarship money. She’s been in choir since fourth grade.
“It’s made me have more of a reason to be in school,” said Cooper. “It’s given me a passion I can enjoy.”
Published with permission from the Faribault Daily News
In just 28 weeks, the Faribault Rotary Club will celebrate its 100-year anniversary on May 1, 2020. This week’s historical highlight is from 1990.
The club volunteered for Meals on Wheels for 2 weeks in January.
Betty Piper, Director of Community Relations for the Minnesota Twins, presented a promotional video on “Twins Bloopers.” The community relations program was instituted by Twins players to help them be active and serve as role models in the community.
The Annual High School Honors Banquet was held at Bethlehem Academy.
A program on how to eat Minnesotan and be healthy was presented to the club.
Dick Skewes attended the Rotary International Convention in Portland, Oregon.
The annual picnic was held at Gus Hoffman’s home on Cannon Lake.
Mike Monge, Deputy Director of Public Safety spoke to the club about fire safety.
Elizabeth Strofus, a member of the elite Women Airforce Service Program (WASP) presented a program to the club about her service in WWII.
Our club’s 70th president in 1989-90 was Jim Nielson.
In just 29 weeks, the Faribault Rotary Club will celebrate its 100-year anniversary on May 1, 2020. This week’s historical highlight is from 1989.
The club had 82 members.
Deb Asp, an instructor at the Wilson Center, gave a presentation on the building and sailing of the Viking ship, Hjemkomst. Deb, her three brothers and eight others sailed from Duluth to Norway.
The club toured the Faribault Regional Center. (Deb was a friend and classmate of mine at Concordia-Moorhead)
Finally, after nine years the Faribault Rotary Club took home the 1st place trophy in the Service Club Olympics.
Representative Pete Rodosovich presented a program about his trip to the Soviet Union and Minnesota property taxes.
The 25th Annual Youth Benefit Concert was held at the Senior High. (This year will be the 55th annual concert.)
Nick Coleman, columnist for the St. Paul Pioneer Press gave a talk on his career as a newspaper columnist.
The Faribault Senior High Choir presented the 50th annual Christmas concert.
Our club’s 69th president in 1988-89 was Bob Trench.
On Wednesday October 16 our club had the honor of hosting District Governor Paul Perez. Paul touched on sustainability in world projects, and our international work, including Exchange programs and Global Grants.
High lighting the goals for the year include Goal 1 growing Rotary - through membership, growing the giving that we do, and growing the service projects we tackle. Goal 2 is involving families - in service projects, social events, and by being intentional on family focus. Goal 3 is working on building pathways to Rotary leadership, and Goal 4 is Strengthening Rotary relationship with the United Nations.
Paul is a member of the Prior Lake Club and is a familiar face in our group. He attends our events as he is able, and offers his guidance and support as we need him. Thank you, Paul, for joining us!
Please bring your order sheet with your totals of red roses and growers choice to the meeting tomorrow and give them to Brenda! You may also send her an email at (BrendaDeMars@reliancebankmn.com)
On Wednesday October 9th we had a presentation from Rotarian and Superintendent of ISD 656, Todd Sesker, and two supporters of the Vote Yes initiative, Kari Tuma and Matt Steichen both ISD 656 employees who also happen to have a strong passion for “Vote Yes!”
On November 5th our community will have the opportunity to vote for two questions that will impact the youth of our community. Question one is: “Should we move our high school to a 7-periodday?” Saying yes to this will allow for our high school students to earn 8 more elective credits before graduation, it will cut down on the need for summer school for some students. Faribault is the last school in our conference to make this change to the class day.
Question 2 is “Should the radius the transportation system (bus) picks up students be alteredfrom 2 miles from the high school to only 1 mile.” Saying yes to this means that students in the second mile out from the High School will now have the ability to ride the bus. There are students walking from the East side of the Via Duct to get to the Highschool for classes. A yes vote means it just got a lot easier to get to school for these kids.
The cost for saying "yes" to these two questions is for a average property value of $150,000, this will cost you roughly $8 a month or $99 a year. Todd, Kari, and Matt clearly have a passion for this campaign. Thank you for taking the time to give us the facts.
Paul Perez is a member of the Rotary Club of Prior Lake. He joined in April of 2003 and was Club President in the 2013‐2014 Rotary year. Paul ascended into leadership roles through Prior Lake Rotary’s Lakefront Music Fest, the Club’s largest fundraiser for their 501c3 foundation. After successfully heading up the Transportation committee, Paul went on to be one of the event co-chairs. The event went through numerous changes and had great success including a net profit of just shy of a quarter million dollars in 2013. Paul continued to be involved in the event as a member of the steering committee and the talent committee.
As President, the Club had unparalleled success under Paul’s watch. The Club achieved top honors within its District in per capita giving to the The Rotary Foundation and giving to PolioPlus and Fast for Hope. Further, the Club added 16 members that year, and ended up at a net 11‐member gain. Through Paul’s urging, the Club added the Youth Service committee and reintroduced the idea of starting an Interact Club at the high school, which was accomplished the following year.
Paul’s additional involvement at the Club level has included Community Service co‐director, Youth Exchange counselor, and Public Image co‐director. On a District level, Paul served on the Board of Directors as the large club representative for three years. He helped on the District Public Image committee in 2014‐2015 and presented at the Public Image breakout sessions at the District Conference. Paul has been a member of the District PolioPlus committee, and created the District PolioPlus Facebook page to increase the awareness of the eradication efforts.
He was part of the planning committee for the 2016 joint District Conference, and the 2017 District Conference planning committee as one of the chairs. Paul attended the Rotary International conferences in Lisbon, Portugal in 2013, and Atlanta, Georgia in 2017, and attended the Zone 28 and 29 Emerging Leaders training in Cleveland in 2016. Not the only person passionate about Rotary in his household, Paul’s wife Susan joined the Club in 2013. Her involvement has grown to include Prior Lake High School Interact Club mentor, and Youth Exchange Country Officer in‐training. She has also been heavily involved in the Youth Service and Foundation committees.
Paul and Susan have two children, Anthony and Anna. Both have been around Rotary all their lives, including being charter members of the Prior Lake High School Interact Club. Anthony was an outbound exchange student to Germany during his gap year. The rest of the family took the opportunity to host their first Exchange Student that year, an experience that was more than they had ever hoped for.
Paul has worked for the Shakopee Mdewakanton Sioux Community for the last 23 years, where he is currently the Property Services Director with a staff of over 100 employees. His responsibilities include maintaining the grounds, parking garages, and parking lots at both Mystic Lake Casino Hotel and Little Six Casino, and overseeing both fleet maintenance for the entire property and the 7‐day onsite laundry and dry-cleaning operations.
Paul grew up in St. Paul and graduated from Mankato State University in 1990 with a Bachelor of Science in Management and Marketing. He also wrestled for the Mavericks during his 5 years at MSU. Paul’s other volunteer experience includes over 10 years on the Prior Lake Wrestling Club Board, and an appointment as a Planning Commissioner for the City of Prior Lake for 10 years. Paul enjoys trips to the family’s cabin in Northern Minnesota, pheasant hunting trips to South Dakota, fishing anytime, watching amateur wrestling, and listening to music.
On Wednesday October 2 Faribault Rotary had a field trip for our weekly meeting. We visited the Faribault Education Center. We were treated to a tour, lunch, and a presentation by Cassie Ohnstad, Director of FEC. The Faribault Education Center offers free programs for area adults to get an education, and is tailored to the level the adult needs to move to the next level in their education journey. Learners include adults seeking their GED's, college and career readiness to move to South Central to start in Nursing or a Trade programs, or just needing to start at the beginning, FEC offers ESL, and Math, Science, Social Studies, and English. Cassie outlined for us the class schedules and let us know about the need for volunteers are needed to assist teachers at FEC in their classrooms.
If you are interested in learning more about volunteering please contact Cassie at FEC 507-333-6473
Rotary's long-term, sustained battle against polio has defined our organization for decades. We have a right to be proud of all that we have accomplished through the years.
Our progress is real and noteworthy. In 1988, polio was endemic in 125 countries, with more than 350,000 new cases a year worldwide. Since then, Rotary and our Global Polio Eradication Initiative partners have reduced the incidence of polio by more than 99.9 percent, vaccinated more than 2.5 billion children against the virus, and prevented 18 million cases of paralysis. Over the years, Rotary has helped country after country move into the polio-free column. This includes India, which some considered impossible not long ago. Of the three types of polio virus, type 2 has been eradicated and type 3 could soon be certified as eradicated. Nigeria has not reported a case of wild polio virus in nearly three years. If this trend holds, we will be down to just one type of wild polio virus in only one section of the world, Afghanistan and Pakistan.
There are major challenges in that region. But it is crucial that we remain optimistic. Look at all that we have accomplished so far. This is no time to get discouraged or to think that the task is impossible. We will end polio forever, but only if we remain steadfast and vigilant. World Polio Day is a time for Rotarians from all over the globe to come together, recognize the progress we have made in our fight against polio, and plan the action we must take to end polio forever. The key word is action, because we still have important work to do.
This year, we want to see as many Rotary clubs as possible holding World Polio Day events around the world. Need some ideas? How about organizing a viewing party for friends and club members to watch Rotary's Online Global Update? You could also dedicate a club meeting to World Polio Day or create a fundraising event. Remember, every dollar raised is matched 2-to-1 by the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation.
Mark your calendar to tune in to Rotary's World Polio Day Online Global Update on 24 October. This year we will stream our program on Facebook in multiple time zones around the world. Visit the Rotary International Facebook page to RSVP to your region's program. And do not forget to follow the event on social media and share it with your network.
When we reach our goal, polio will become only the second human disease eradicated on the planet, and Rotary will receive international acclaim. But what matters most is the children who will never again have to face this terrible, disabling virus. Rotary must continue to connect the world in the effort toward polio eradication. It is up to us. Let us finish the job.
In just 30 weeks, the Faribault Rotary Club will celebrate its 100-year anniversary on May 1, 2020. This week’s historical highlight is from 1988.
Club dues were set at $90 for the year.
On Feb. 10, 1988 Janine Sahagian (Sa hay gee an) was the first women inducted into membership in our club.
The club and spouses enjoyed a leisurely summer evening with a dinner cruise on the Jonathan Paddleford on the Mississippi River.
A program was presented on the future of Ethanol.
The club toured the Faribault Woolen Mills and its new retail store.
The Annual Student Honors Banquet was held at BA.
The club toured MRG Tool & Die.
The club toured Faribault Foods.
There was a program on the progress of the new Viratech construction project.
Dave Beranek gave the annual financial report of Faribault Youth Services Inc.
Our club’s 68th president in 1987-88 was Dave Peterson.
A note from the Feb. 24, 1988 Faribaultarian:
“Roger Koopmans, accompanied by Donn Johnson, led the singing last week. Donn played well, but Roger’s tie would never be found in Gentleman’s Quarterly. Roger says it was a gift from Steve Springmeyer! Wherever it came from….. I am sure there are no others in captivity.”
We would like to reach out to everyone regarding the Rose Sale and the procedures to follow for our big fundraiser. We know that many know how the Rose Sale works as we have done it the same every year, but have realized that we many new Rotarians that very likely are confused by the packet they received if they were not at the meeting when we handed them out. Roses are again to be sold for $20 a dozen.
In your packet was:
a flyer to hang up at your place of employment to entice people to buy roses.
a list to track your orders and what they choose, red or grower’s choice. Growers choice is dozens of roses in different colors that the grower chooses to send for us to give out.
thank you receipts to cut a part as some people will ask for one if they pay in cash.
Slip to turn in- with your name, how many dozen roses and broken down into how many of Red and how many grower’s choice - you can fill in the amount paid or owes at that time. PLEASE DO NOT HAND IN THE MONEY UNTIL YOU HAVE ALL OF IT COLLECTED.
We are asking this year if every Rotarian will please work hard to sell their 12 dozen roses. We have 55 Rotarians and if everyone does their part to sell the roses that would be 660 dozen roses – WOW- that would knock it out of the park with our profit for the club being approximately $9,000 - that is huge and we definitely need this fundraiser more than ever. Many sell many more than expected so please try to do your fair share as a club member.
If you struggle with selling roses or just don’t have the time, we are asking each Rotarian to then make a good will donation of $ 150.00 to the club. We are just asking everyone to participate this year.
Key dates:
Kick off of the Rose sale was September 25th and orders are due on October 16th. Please give it your best!
Delivery date is set for OCTOBER 28th and ROSES can be picked up at BLOOM FLORAL AT 408 CENTRAL AVENUE, FARIBAULT MN, BEGINNING AT 10:00 AM.
Thank you everyone for your hard work and commitment to this fundraiser for the Faribault Rotary
Any questions, please do not hesitate to contact Brenda at 507-409-1344 or Amy at 507-409-1329.
In just 31 weeks, the Faribault Rotary Club will celebrate its 100-year anniversary on May 1, 2020. This week’s historical highlight is from 1986.
Larry Neumann, assistant trainer for the Minnesota Vikings presented a program on the prevention & Care of Athletic injuries. He showed slides of the new training facilities at Winter Park in Eden Prairie and was optimistic about the Vikings Super Bowl chances.
Once again Captain Donn Johnson led a noble band of 22 Rotarians in the 8th annual Service Club Olympics.
The 66th annual picnic was held at the Rotary Youth Camp at Cedar Lake. The first club picnic was in 1921.
Donn Johnson spoke to the club about the background of “Life Unlimited,” an interdenominational singing group boys and girls ages 16-22 led by him. They performed at 21 different events including the State Fair.
The club held several “fireside” meetings for new members.
Mike Gramse, founder, owner, and president of MRG Tool and Dye tells the story of his business during his classification talk.
The club’s Polio Plus Foundation fund drive surpassed $20,000 in pledges.
Our club’s 67th president in 1986-87 was Stu Thibodeau.
We were joined by Faribault Robotics head coach, Jason Engbrecht and two students Hunter and Abby. They were able to give the group an understanding of what the Falcons Robotic team works towards each season. Of course, we had a little information from Brent in that robotics can make an impact for a student. It helps give them leadership skills, improved confidence, and creates community involvement and teamwork skills.
This is the 6th year that the Falcon’s Robotic team has been in part of the Faribault High school. Their season starts in November and they will initially meet 3 times a week. The build for the robot does not however start until January. Before the build starts, they must find out what type of robot is needed for this year’s competitions. Each year there are different specifications that the students build their robot to for competing. Once the build starts the students meet every day of the week to work on the robot. Students are part of every step of building including design, wiring, metal bending, and soldering.
At competitions, students work with other teams to form alliances for each round. In the qualification rounds, it is a random draw and then the farther you go the more you need to form alliances with teams that can create strength within the team. There is a select group of students that are considered the scout team, who watch every match to see what robots and teams would be a good fit.
The Faribault Robotics has been to state twice and was able to go to nationals two years ago. Nationals is a 7-day trip and there were 400 of the best of the best teams involved. On a space a little smaller than a basketball court, the robots performed tasks to certain specifics. There is both a joystick driven segment where the students run the robot and an autonomous segment, where the students program the robot to complete the tasks.
Each year the robot is taking apart at the end of the year so that parts can be reused when possible. Many of the parts are expensive and easily reused. Controllers for example can cost up to $5,000.
The students are one of the most important parts of the team. Hunter is one of the lead designers and uses computer software to help create and design the different parts of the robot. He enjoys that he gets to use technology that can be used in real life and has designs to be an engineer.
Abby is part of the build team. She helps bend it, drill it, and put it all together. She stated that the fairy work is her favorite part of being part of the team. Going in voluntarily after hours to work on the robot with a select group has been a great way to bond and grow with her teammates.
The robotics team has generally been around 25 to 30 students with all sorts of different backgrounds. It is not always the academic students that are part of the team and the Faribault team has a diverse group of kids that are great at working together for the build. Nothing happens without the whole team and they embody why the Falcon Robotics Team is a team and not a club.
Our speaker last Wednesday was Honorina Honorati and Kerrie Holschbach. They are with Food for His Children Farm from Tanzania. They are helping create a Farm and Innovation Center for the families of Tanzania. Their group is working towards a sustainability for the families with the Christ centered community that starts with a goat. In the country of Tanzania goats can provide many different things including soap, milk, cheese, and fertilizer.
Thru the work of Food for his children, there are over 370 families that they are working with to help train in agriculture and animal husbandry. A goat is more than an animal for the families that they are working with including income that can help pay for medical attention, schooling, and housing.
The Farm and Innovation center is being built to help create a self-sustaining community for the families that are in the area. The goals for the center include Tourism programs, Training in agriculture and animal husbandry, funding and providing space for youth programs and leader skill building that includes practical training, and real-life demonstrations. The farm will have buildings for the volunteers and employees. Right now, there is a simple goat shelter, fencing, and shed on the farm location. Simple farming is a continuing source of food and income as they work to increase the center.
Your help is needed. To find out more and to donate today visit foodforhischildren.org
In just 31 weeks, the Faribault Rotary Club will celebrate its 100-year anniversary on May 1, 2020. This week’s historical highlight is from 1986.
State Senator Clarence Purfeerst spoke to the club about pending legislation.
Ken Gorg, Faribault Country Club Pro, addressed the club about the beginning of golf in Faribault and hopefully helped improve a few golf scores.
Led by team captain Donn Johnson, the club finished fourth (out of seven) in the 7th annual Service Club Olympics.
The 22nd annual High School Honors banquet honoring 43 seniors from BA and FHS was held at Bethlehem Academy.
The club had 78 members plus one honorary member. Of this group Ardolf, Beranek, Gerbig, Johnson, Koopmans, Mahler, and Wickstrom are still members today.
Football coaches from Faribault High School and Bethlehem Academy spoke about the upcoming season.
Our clubs 66th president in 1985-86 was Dr. Steve Springmeyer.
Did you know that on June 8, 1960, the Faribault Rotary Club voted unanimously to create a separate corporation to provide an overnight camping area on the shore of Cedar Lake. The name FARIBAULT ROTARY YOUTH CAMP was chosen for the project. All members of the Faribault Rotary Club are members of the Faribault Youth Services, Inc. The Faribault Girl Scouts had been planing to build a Girl Scout Camp. When they learned that the Rotary club was also interested, they offered to join the project with a contribution of $9,000. This covered the cost of the 18 acre site.
Rotarians have spent many hours working on the grounds and many dollars over the years to provide a well, the shelter, dock facilities, the septic system and insurance.
Do you have an interest in mentoring a new member. The obligation is simple, just connect! Check-in, answer questions, and (most importantly) let them know why you are in Rotary. This form will just take simple contact information for pairing mentors.
Mentoring is a 6 month commitment to the new member. If you can greet them at meeting, have lunch with them from time to time great! Your contact information will be submitted to all new members under your mentor-ship. I recommend some contact outside of Rotary meetings, yet it is not required. I will check in with you from time to time to see how it is going.
In just 32 weeks, the Faribault Rotary Club will celebrate its 100-year anniversary on May 1, 2020. This week’s historical highlight is from 1985.
The club completes four successful weeks in January with meals on wheels.
Local resident, Bill Korf, was elected President of the State Fair Board. He gave a program highlighting the history of the Minnesota State Fair from 1859 to present.
A group study exchange team from Brazil visited the club.
The club participated in the 6th annual Service Club Olympics.
The Annual Honors Banquet was held at the Senior High.
The annual picnic was held at the Rotary Camp.
There was a program on Haley’s comet which was visible in late 1985.
The club was given a tour of the new Junior High School Building.
Our club’s 65th president in 1984-85 was Donelly Martinson.
Our old friend Stephen Pribyl with Charles Mandile came to share the direction and purpose of HealthFinders Collaborative. HealthFinders has been filling the gap in healthcare since 2002, Ensuring health care access for everyone in our community.
Charles expressed health is much more than health care. The appointments and doctor visits we make are only a sliver of what makes up one's health. HealthFinders mission is to provide equal health care to all. Advocate for equality in health care system.
HealthFinders supports Rice county with locations in Northfield and Faribault. Their services range from medical check-ups, health education to assistance with medical insurance applications with MNsure, etc. 30% of their services are made outside the offices, providing screening on-sight at local elementary schools and other locations.
Key partners Allina, Mayo, Sterling, Delta Dental to name a few, HealthPartners is looking to advance their reach of service to our community. HealthFinders holds a monthly summit, bringing many of these competitors together to talk about how they can work together, better community health and bring down the cost of health care.
Two thirds of the services are from the Faribault area. There seems to be a growing need in the community for the services. HealthFinders, with the support of their partners are embarking on the construction of a new health center in Faribault.
HealthFinders looks to continue their community improvement of health in many ways for many years to come. Their benefit to the community in worth, cannot be measured by their complete effect upon the community. Although HealthFinders did run a study which figured for every dollar spent, the return is $16.50 to the health care system’s cost. To contribute to their cause, connect at https://healthfindersmn.org/donate/.
In just 33 weeks, the Faribault Rotary Club will celebrate its 100-year anniversary on May 1, 2020. This week’s historical highlight is from 1984.
The club took the annual Rotary Ann party on the road with a bus to the Old Log Theatre.
Rotary District 596 Mid-Term Evaluation was held in January at Shattuck.
There was a club program on the formation of the new Faribault Area Hospice.
Gayle Mahler (Rod and Jean’s daughter) presented a talk about her recent mission trip to the Philippines.
Northwest Airlines President Steve Rothmeier talked to the club about the Airline industry.
The club was given an update on the U.S. Postal system and to get use to the new extra 4 numbers given to each zip code.
The highly anticipated classification talk from Donn Johnson was well received.
Judy Fruehbrodt, our Rotary exchange student to Sweden gave a lively presentation to the club about life on the farm, learning Swedish, their school system and other social activities. Today, Dr. Judy Fruehbrodt- Glenzinzki is a physician here in Faribault.
Minnesota Governor Al Quie gave a non-political talk to the club about his perceptions of power bases in America.
State Auditor and future Minnesota Governor Arne Carlson spoke to the club.
Our club’s 64th president in 1983-84 was Tom Gagnon.
From: Kenny Klooster, 2021-22 District Governor and Lisa Cownie, 2021-22 District Trainer, Greater Mankato Rotary Club
“Joining Rotary was one of the best decisions I ever made!” People around the world express this opinion every day. Explore the “Stories” of Rotary in a conversation at (one of) this year’s District 5960 One Rotary Summit(s). Sessions will be held Saturday, Sept 21 at, United Methodist Church, Northfield and Saturday, October, 26 at, FamilyMeans Center, Stillwater. This session is designed for new and experienced Rotarians and Rotaractors to come together and share in the discussion about, Rotary’s Public Image, Membership, and Foundation opportunities.
COST: FREE EVENT
WHAT: DISTRICT 5960 ONE ROTARY SUMMIT
Connected by Our Rotary Stories
WHEN: September 21, 2019
TIME: 8:30 a.m. to 1 p.m.
WHERE: United Methodist Church,Northfield, MN Directions/Map
During World War II, the U.S. military designed a grenade to be the size and weight of a baseball, since "any young American man should be able to properly throw it."
Our speaker and visitor last week were Gary Amoroso who is the Executive Director for Minnesota School Superintendents. He was invited to come speak by our very own Todd Sesker. Gary is in his 43rd year of being a part of the education system. He started as a social studies teacher in Wisconsin and followed the path to administration after being tapped on the shoulder as a candidate to the positions. Gary was the school superintendent for Lakeville Schools for 10 years before starting as the Executive Director in 2011. He truly believes that all jobs and positions are not possible without the education from all our teachers, in school and at home.
Minnesota School Superintendents are focused on giving resources and support to their members throughout Minnesota. The superintendent position can be a lonely spot because their peers are spread out through the state. This group provides the tools to the superintendents that they need to be successful and a support team that is behind them all the way. There are 600 plus active members and they are working with the most important part of our society, the children.
Another big part of the Minnesota School Superintendents is the work that they do with the state legislature to help represent our school systems and help get important bills passed including the snow days bill. Gary stated that they do not want something to go into congress and yet have nothing get done, so there is a good part of their focus that works with the legislature on the school bills.
Gary will be retiring in 2020 and is looking forward to the change but is still passionate on how education can change the country.
Here in the United States, another summer is winding down. And for the Maloney family, every summer ends with a return to my hometown of Ridgway, Illinois, for the annual Popcorn Day festival, where I am honored to serve as the “Popcorn King,” the master of ceremonies for the day’s events.
Regardless of the season, every family has its own traditions. I would like to suggest a new one for yours: Find an opportunity to introduce your family to Rotary. One of my family’s traditions is to take our daughters and grandsons to the Rotary International Convention. The 2020 convention in Honolulu will be a wonderful way to introduce your children and grandchildren to the internationality of Rotary. We are planning many family-oriented events for everyone to enjoy.
Any time is a fabulous time to bring family members on a Rotary service project or to a fundraising event. But perhaps you have not seen many family-friendly events at your club. That is precisely why one of my top priorities this year is to make most Rotary events welcoming to family members.
We must foster a culture where Rotary does not compete with family, but complements it. We should never expect our members to choose between the two. That means being realistic in our expectations, considerate in our scheduling, and welcoming of children at Rotary events on every level.
Often, the young professionals that Rotary needs to attract in order to remain a dynamic 21st-century service organization are the very people who have the greatest family responsibilities. We must not keep these prospective young members away from their families by holding events on evenings and weekends at which their children are not welcome.
For too long, we have closed the doors of many Rotary events to children and sometimes even spouses. What wasted opportunities these are! Every chance we have to pass on the gift of Rotary to young people is one we must take if we are going to grow Rotary and ensure that the next generation is fully engaged in our mission.
So let us open our doors and do it in a fun way, with opportunities that make our children and grandchildren want to learn more about Interact, Rotaract, and Rotary membership. Start small if you must — perhaps by holding some of your meetings at more family-friendly times — but think about how you can continue these kinds of events for years to come.
Bringing children to Rotary events is not just fun; it also exposes them to the world! Make this a memorable year for your family — and an unforgettable year for the ever-expanding family of Rotary as Rotary Connects the World.
In just 34 weeks, the Faribault Rotary Club will celebrate its 100-year anniversary on May 1, 2020. This week’s historical highlight is from 1983.
There was a program titled “Information Ala Carte” telling the club about new telephone communication possibilities and technologies such as the personal computer.
The club took second to Sertoma as they won the 4th annual Service Club Olympics. Dale Hamilton won the pie eating contest.
Superintendent of Schools, Dr. Richard Berge gave the club an update on Faribault Schools.
The 20th Annual Honors Banquet was held at Faribault Senior High.
Music Scholarships were awarded to four Faribault Senior High Students.
George Wickstrom organizes a bus trip to the Minnesota-Purdue Big Ten Football game at the brand new Metrodome.
The annual club picnic was held at the Rotary Camp.
Janine Sahagian, Clinical Vice President, Constance Bultman Wilson Center spoke to the club on adolescence and the Center programs.
New member, Donn Johnson, was inducted into the club on Dec. 14, 1983. His sponsor was Dick Skewes.
Our club’s 63rd president in 1982-83 was Bill Wise.
All Rotarians and their guests are invited to the club's annual picnic on Wednesday Sept. 4th at 5:30 pm at the Rotary Camp on Cedar Lake. Directions are available on the website. Students, children and Rotary exchange students and host families are free and all other guests and members are $15. There will be activities for the kids and fun for everyone.
On Wednesday August 21 we heard from our good friend, former Rotarian Sam Ouk. Sam is spearheading a program in the Faribault Public School District that will strive to give all students the opportunities they personally need to graduate and reach for their dreams. Sam's program is called “Closing the Gap -Equitable Opportunities for All Students.”
Sam spoke to us about equality vs. equity and what that means to students in our community. Everyone may not need the same tools to reach the same end result. We all start out in different places. So, Sam and a group of professionals at the School District are working to identify with students to see what they need to get to the end goal - achieving their dreams. Some students may not even have a dream, or even realize that they can have one!
Part of supporting students and one another is through open minded conversations. Understanding and accepting that we all have different backgrounds; our culture may be quite different from our neighbor. Sam gave the example of Christmas, Hanukkah, Chinese New Year, Las Posadas.... all different celebrations in December, but what are we all doing? No matter what you are celebrating you are joining with family and you are thankful.
He said when his family moved to the United States, wives or adult women were treated very different here than he had known before, they didn't go to higher education, they didn't work outside the home. They were the head of the household. His family learned the culture of the United States, and discovered it was great to have two people working to bring in funds for the household.
Sam is at the early stages of implementing this program into the class rooms in Faribault. Our teachers are professionals, they can handle their class rooms in an equality vs. equity climate. We will surely want to hear more from Sam as this program moves forward. A 20-minute presentation is sometimes just not quite long enough. Bravo!! - Sam, on your initiative and we miss you at Rotary!
The Rotarian of the Year Award provides the Faribault Rotary Club with an opportunity to publicly recognize one of its members who exemplifies the ideals of the Rotary Four-Way Test, exhibits a true spirit of volunteerism, demonstrates community leadership through participation in Rotary committees, programs, and activities. The Rotarian of the Year Award will be based on one or all of the following criteria:
> The nominee has provided outstanding contributions to one or more Rotary activities. > The nominee has demonstrated leadership to the club in general, or within one or more Rotary programs. > The nominee displays the ideals of Rotary in service to the greater community. > Holding an office or serving on the Board of Directors neither prohibits nor promotes a member for nomination.
Past award winners are as follows:
2008- Gary Peterson
2009- Dave Beranek
2010- Richard Cook
2011- Angela Storch
2012-Lisa Humfeld- Wilson
2013- Rick Ormsby
2014- Brent Peroutka
2015- Murray Hanson
2016- Kymn Anderson
2017- Dick Huston
2018- George Wickstrom
Please give your nomination to Brent Peroutka in person or send it via email (brent@cwsfbo.com), no later than September 27, 2019.
In just 35 weeks, the Faribault Rotary Club will celebrate its 100-year anniversary on May 1, 2020. This week’s historical highlight is from 1982.
The club participated in the 3rd annual Service Club Olympics with Sertoma winning for the third year in a row but this year we were second place.
Attendance was at 83.5% this year down from 89.24% in 1981.
Faribault mayor Gary Kindseth spoke to the club about the city’s sound financial position and future plans.
The club held the annual honors banquet for 50 BA and FHS seniors at Bethlehem Academy.
Future Rotarian of the year (2009) Dave Beranek joined the club on June 16, 1982. Wes Bahl was his sponsor. During his classification talk he mentioned that he was single and played fastpitch softball.
New improved songbooks were provided by a number of Rotarians. These are our current songbooks and replaced the ones purchased in 1966.
The club awarded four music scholarships to Faribault High School seniors.
Our club’s 62nd president in 1981-82 was Dale Hamilton.
In just 36 weeks, the Faribault Rotary Club will celebrate its 100-year anniversary on May 1, 2020. This week’s historical highlight is from 1981.
The Club participated in the second annual Service Club Olympics
Minnesota Governor Al Quie addressed a joint meeting of all the Faribault service clubs.
The annual Honors Banquet was held at Faribault High School.
There was a program on the future of public and cable television.
The club had a presentation by local Naturalist Orwin Rustad and a walking tour of the Nature Center followed by a picnic lunch in the parking lot.
Club dues for the year was $60.
The Club held the 17th Annual Youth Benefit Concert with 582 people attending.
Attendance Chairman George Wickstrom informed the club that each member is responsible for marking the attendance log at lunch or you will be marked absent.
The 42nd annual Christmas Concert was held at Shattuck.
Our club’s 61st president in 1980-81 was Oskar Teisberg.
Ryan Krominga Director of Teaching and Learning for Faribault Public Schools shared his experiences setting up the Djibouti teacher exchange program. A partnership to help understand what Somali refugees come with when they arrive in our local school program. Placing teachers in their home settings, to better their understanding of environment and learning concepts from their home.
Ryan was accompanied in collaboration with Dr Jill Wilson of Northfield Public Schools and Dr. Martha Bigelo of the U of MN. The choice of the region/state of Djibouti was made on many factors including access of major port, diversity of languages and most importantly safety level from civil conflict.
Djibouti was settled as a French colony, including French 4 other languages are commonly spoken in this region. The school system had many similarities to our own. The school year was divided into semesters or quarters. The school buildings themselves mirror the look of an open California school campuses. There were notable differences as well. The school day was split in two shifts, morning and night. Technology was very limited, although most students had their own cell phone.
They also visited the refugee camp Ali Adpeh which was miles away from structured roads in the dessert. This camp, home to 17,000 refugees was built from what they could find and use. Although, in hardship education was given to every child in Ali Adpeh. There has been a focus to teach in English to students to allow better access to great opportunities globally.
There are many misconceptions of the refugees we see in our community that Ryan was able to understand are not true. These kids come from a diverse area, know many languages. They are well exposed to English, they come from a structured system of education.
The Djibouti teacher exchange program will continue with a St. Olaf sending a group in 2021, along with the U of MN sending graduate students soon after. If you would like to learn more about this program, please feel free to reach out to Ryan Krominga at his public-school office.
Rotary Club of St. Charles President, Dan Hedge is pictured here seated in the GovMobile. District Governor Suzanne Gibson (left) was their special guest at the Aug. 8th meeting. We look forward to seeing (and fleecing) Dan here again this fall. Also, pictured are other club members.
In just 37 weeks, the Faribault Rotary Club will celebrate its 100-year anniversary on May 1, 2020. This week’s historical highlight is from 1980.
Roger Koopmans was inducted with great ceremony after 10 years in the Rochester Club and the last four years of perfect attendance. On January 1, 2020, he will have 50 years in Rotary.
Bernie Ardolf joined the club on Jan 8,1980. He also will have 50 years in Rotary this January.
The club celebrated Rotary’s 75th anniversary.
Arthur Johannsen’s 29 years of perfect, attendance was acknowledged by Al Burkhartzmeyer was honored.
The club took 4th place in the first annual Faribault Service Club Olympics. Sertoma won 1st place. The Olympics included 15 different events including a Liar’s contest, checkers, cribbage, darts, a football throw, golf putting and many more.
The annual club picnic was held at Gus Hoffman’s home on Cannon Lake.
Improvements were made to the Youth Camp which included a new large deck, an upgraded bathroom, a remote shelter, and steps to the waterfront.
The club held the 16th annual Youth benefit concert.
Our clubs 60th president in 1979-80 was Robert Nichols.
Our own Andy Bohlen and his wife, Lisa toured Eastern Europe with a group of Rotarians on FreedomQuest Tours 2019 last May. They visited Finland, Estonia, Luthuania, Poland, Czech Republic, Slovakia, Austria, and Hungary. These Rotarians from the south metro joined in on two trips. One going south and one going back north ending in time to attend the Rotary International Conference in Germany.
The group was led by Prior Lake Rotarian, Rick Olson, and any extra funds were gifted to a college in Lithuania. Rick's goal was to educate Americans about Eastern Europe. Rotarians were expected to walk 5-6 miles a day and bring good shoes for cobblestones. The food and beverages were outstanding. The people were friendly and the cities were clean. The group never felt unsafe.
The people of the Baltic States are particularly proud of how their independence from the Soviet Union was won. These countries were some of the earliest in their resistance to Soviet occupation. Significant events included:
-The Baltic chain of Freedom was a peaceful demonstration on Aug. 23, 1989 in which over 2 million people joined hands forming a 419.7-mile human chain through Estonia, Latvia, and Lithuania.
-Between 1986 and 1991, the people of Estonia protested with large peaceful demonstrations which used the weapon of “Song” which rattled the Soviets and became known as the “Singing Revolution.”
Andy had many more stories and said the experience was phenomenal!
Keith Kniefel (second from left) an accountant from Reese, Winter & Associates has joined the Faribault Rotary Club. He was sponsored by Dave Beranek (far left.) They are pictured here with membership chair and past president, Keith Kramer and current president Amy Amundson.
On July 31st, President Amy Amundson gave Club Assembly. Staying away from looking at budget reports the assembly was a collective talk about what we can do to strengthen our club. Following the districts goal of 3000 members, our club’s main goal is to add membership. President Amundson asked all Rotarians to seek out their colleagues with like passions/interests and invite them to lunch, allowing them to see the great things we do in this community.
An update of the Rotary camp was discussed with the camp getting back into operating order. With the repairs to the culvert, deck and roof completed, the camp’s budget has seen a large blow. It is estimated that about $35,000 will need to be raised to get back on track at the camp. This highlighted the request by President Amundson for full participation in our annual fundraisers: Rose Sale and Cash raffle to keep our programs strong.
Within this new year President Amundson outlined some amazing goals to connect ourselves, community and highlight the impact we make around us. With a call for 100 acts of service from all club Rotarians to be shared and listed together. A club journal of the impact we have day in day out. Also, every 5th Wednesday of any month this year, we will meet in the evening at the INN, spouses are welcome to join. This allows those members who have trouble making meetings at noon a chance to connect regularly.
The message was simple and clear of the club assembly, notice all the little things we do and understand that they can grow into big impacts to others and our Faribault community.
During 2019-2020, I am encouraging Rotarians and Rotaractors to grow Rotary. We must grow our service, we must grow the impact of our projects, but, most importantly, we must grow our membership so that we can achieve more.
Let us try a new approach to membership, one that is more organized and strategic. I am asking every club to form an active membership committee consisting of people of different backgrounds who will look methodically at the leadership of the community.
Your club's membership committee will then apply Rotary's classification system — designed to ensure that the range of professions in your community is well represented — to identify potential leaders with the skill, the talent, and the character that will strengthen your club. If your club's membership committee is unsure how to proceed, look to the club membership committee checklist on Rotary.org for clearly defined steps to organizing its work.
How else will we connect to grow Rotary? We will also form new types of clubs — either independent clubs or satellite clubs — with different meeting experiences and engaging service opportunities, not just where there is no Rotary, but also where Rotary is already thriving. No Rotary club in the world can possibly serve all segments of its community. Therefore, we must organize new clubs to engage the community leaders who cannot connect with our existing clubs.
Growing Rotary is all about taking the connections that make our organization unique in the world and strengthening and multiplying them. Let us commit ourselves to growing Rotary and to welcoming the next diverse generation of women and men as Rotary Connects the World.
In just 38 weeks, the Faribault Rotary Club will celebrate its 100-year anniversary on May 1, 2020. This week’s historical highlight is from 1979.
Donn Johnson gave an interesting program about the Faribault Senior High Choir trip to Mexico.
The annual rotary Ann Banquet was held at the Faribault Country Club with George Wickstrom as chairman. (Rotary Ann and eventually Rotary Andy were the nicknames of spouses of Rotarians)
The annual Faribault Rotary honors banquet was held for seniors at Faribault high School.
A program by new Rotarian Chip Harris, the plant manager at the Faribault Treasure Cave Blue Cheese operation told the story of how Faribault Rotarian Felix Frederiksen while fighting in France during WWI watched how Roquefort cheese was made and took a fancy to it. Felix then started the operation in Faribault in 1936.
The annual picnic was at the Rotary youth camp.
Rotarian Rod Mahler was on WCCO Tuesday July 17 doing an energy conservation interview and the following Wednesday morning on national TV and then on the CBS evening news with Walter Cronkite.
15th Annual Youth Benefit Concert was held with Dr. Richard Skewes as senior high orchestra director and Donn Johnson as choir director. George Wickstrom sold the most tickets- 47.
Our club’s 59th president in 1978-79 was Gilmore Lundquist.
Our speaker on July 24th was Dr Mark Thomas. Dr Thomas who spoke on how when exposed to altering chemicals such as drugs and alcohol, the brains behavioral response alters.
There are circuits in the brain that connect sensory information to appropriate behavior, and figuring out what part of the brain deals with stimulation is part of the research that is being done to curb the demand for opioids. Opioids are the drug of choice for Americans in our society right now.
Some of the Critical Research Topics include addiction brain patterns, discovering the where and how to intervene and disrupt cravings and relapse, finding non-addictive pain relief, and developing addiction targeting vaccines which would disrupt the ability of addictive substances to react the brain.
The brain’s circuits are intricate and the research must be done to find out how brain function and response can be returned after prolonged drug use and addiction. The University of Minnesota has a top team currently in place to be able to continue the research and maybe even find a path that leads to fewer addictions within our society.
In just 39 weeks, the Faribault Rotary Club will celebrate its 100-year anniversary on May 1, 2020. This week’s historical highlight is from 1978.
The club overwhelmingly supported the proposed amending of the Rotary constitution which would allow women to become Rotarians.” This change was adopted at the Rotary International Convention.
There was a program informing the club of plans for the state amateur baseball tournament to be played in Faribault in late August.
The club toured the yard and gardens of Roger Koopmans.
The Youth Camp was used by 3562 campers.
The 14th annual Youth service Benefit Concert was held in the Junior High Auditorium. The Senior High Choir was directed by Donn Johnson and the Orchestra by Dr. Richard Skewes.
Congressman Al Quie spoke about the race for Minnesota Governor and was accompanied by U.S. Senate Candidate Dave Durenberger. TV cameras were present at the meeting.
Pastor Lowell Lundstrom spoke to the club about his evangelical ministry.
Our club’s 58th president in 1977-78 was Dean Purdie.
Markgave his classification talk recently. I asked him seven follow up questions to help summarize his presentation for those of us who were present and for our club members who missed the meeting. If you have not had a chance to welcome him to our club, please do so.
Family…?
Mark Kenney…Campus Pastor, River Valley Church, Faribault Campus
Jami Kenney…Executive Assistant to Superintendent, District 191 (Burnsville, Eagan, Savage)
Benjamin Kenney…Graduated FHS 2018…employed at NAPA Auto…enrolled at Dakota County Technical College fall 2019
Marissa Kenney…Senior at FHS class of 2020…employed at Reliance Bank and Fareway Grocery Store
Samuel Kenney…Sophomore at FHS class of 2022…employed at Fareway Grocery Store
Hometown/School/College…?
…Born and raised in Grand Rapids, Michigan
…attended Kentwood Public Schools and graduated from East Kentwood High School in 1989.
…Attended Grand Rapids Community College (1990-1991)
…Attended North Central University (1994-1998) Graduated with a B.A Degree in Pastoral Studies.
Previous Occupations…?
…Served as Pastor of Music and Worship at Emmanuel Christian Center, Spring Lake Park, MN (1998-2010)
…currently serving at Campus Pastor at River Valley Church, Faribault MN
Hobbies…?
Hunting, fishing, watching sports, listening to music, reading, putzing around in my garage working on one of many unfinished projects
Rotary Sponsor…?
…Invited by Keith Kramer
Interesting facts about your life…?
…I met my wife at my best friend’s wedding…she is his wife’s identical twin. I was the best man and she was the maid of honor and now we’ve been married for 22 years.
…I have had the privilege at River Valley of leading Missions teams to many countries…Peru, England, Haiti, Cuba, Cambodia, Zanzibar, South Africa and will soon be going to Israel, the Philippines, and back to Peru for the third time.
Past President Keith Kramer was all smiles when he accepted his plaque for recognition of his excellent year of service as the Faribault Rotary Club's 99th president. He is pictured here with current president, Amy Amundson.
On Wednesday July 17th we heard a classification speech from Mark Kenney, pastor of River Valley Church, Faribault campus. Mark was born in Michigan, and calls himself Minnesotan by choice. He moved here in 1994 to attend college and never left. Mark described to us his childhood as the best possible scenario a kid could have with a stable, loving, solid home life with his folks (who have been married 54 years) a sister two years older than him and a brother just 11 months younger.
Mark graduated high school in 1989, in his words the greatest class of the 80’s! He spent his summers camping and visiting grandparents which he loved to do! His first job was selling sea food. He loves sea food, but doesn’t love selling sea food. On a youth group trip the summer before his senior year in high school to Cedar Point to visit the best amusement park for roller coaster rides, the youth groups plans took a different turn. After a bus break down and then some very severe weather, the group did not attend the amusement park but spent some time in prayer and reflecting. In the church where they were staying for the night, Mark describes that experience as the moment he was changed. He offers coffee and a conversation to any who wants to hear more about that. He was beaming when he recalled the story to our group.
Fast forward to 1994, Mark’s best friend Nate was getting married. Mark was the best man, and Nate’s fiancé was a twin and her twin sister Jami was the maid of honor. Mark and Jami ended up falling in love and dating for 3 years. In August of 1997 they were married. They have 3 great kids, Ben, Marissa, and Sam. In his free time Mark enjoys driving, or riding his motorcycle, travel, and has a hunting shack near international Falls, with no amenities by the sounds of it. He loves it!
In 2010 Mark and Jami moved to Faribault to serve the congregation at River Valley Church. The church serves an average of 400-500 people every weekend, and will add more services as needed! Mark has been fortunate to travel all over with groups from the church, and is looking forward to a couple of upcoming trips that include the Philippines and Israel.
Mark is excited to become a Rotarian as the service he provides to the members of River Valley Church align with that of Rotary. Welcome Mark! We are so glad to have you!!
In just 40 weeks, the Faribault Rotary Club will celebrate its 100-year anniversary on May 1, 2020. This week’s historical highlight is from 1977.
Rotary exchange student Satsuki Tanaka from Japan gave an informative program on her country and her impressions of America.
The club enjoyed a school lunch with the students in the cafeteria and a tour of Faribault Senior High School led by Principal Boettcher, Mr. James Warren and student Heidi Mahler.
The Annual Honors Banquet recognizing the accomplishments of 43 Seniors from BA and Faribault Senior High was held at the High School.
Repairs were made at the Rotary Camp after vandals had broken seven windows.
Superintendent Joh Messerli updated the club on plans to address overcrowding and the educational needs for the future of the Faribault School System.
State Senator Clarence Purfeerst gave the club a legislative update.
This was taken from the Feb. 9, 1977 Faribotarian:
The trouble with being a leader is that you can’t be sure whether people are following you or chasing you.
Our club’s 57th president in 1976-77 was Ralph Palan.
Mark Thomas, PhD - University of Minnesota, Department of Neuroscience
Dr. Mark Thomas is a professor of neuroscience and scientific director of the Medical Discovery Team on Addiction, a new research program funded by the Minnesota State Legislature to fuel cross-disciplinary collaborations and discover new treatment options. His research examines how addictive drugs alter the brain and how these changes can lead to compulsive drug use. His lab is now focusing on ways to disrupt addiction relapse.
His ultimate aim is to curb addiction where it starts - in the brain. He will discuss the unique research being conducted in our own backyard state the University of Minnesota, along with the potential implications of addiction treatments for our society. He will also discuss the reasons why Minnesota is the perfect place for this research to occur, as yet another example that the University of Minnesota brings tremendous value and pride to our community.
Dick Huston returned from a Rotary Exchange trip to Germany last month. He was able to exchange flags with 7 other Rotary clubs. He was able to sew the flags onto one of our banners and they are now on display at each meeting. If you get a chance to visit with him about the trip, please do so. Thank you Dick for representing our club!
Welcome to our South Central College Rotaract Club. All members have been added to our bulletin subscriber list and will receive the Faribault Rotary Club's "Faribotarian" newsletter every week. They are also encouraged to send pictures and notes about any projects they are undertaking and we will include them in our newsletter. This will serve to enhance communication between the two clubs. Thank you for your service to our community!
In just 41 weeks, the Faribault Rotary Club will celebrate its 100-year anniversary on May 1, 2020. This week’s historical highlight is from 1976.
Theprice of lunch increased to $3.00.
A dozen Rotarians attended the District Conference in Arden Hills.
Earl Bonde presented a slide story about his 3-week trip to China visiting communal farms and other agricultural interests.
A slide presentation narrated by WCCO’s Dave Moore titled “Trip through the Valley Fair” was presented to the club promoting the new Valley Fair theme park in Shakopee.
The club hosted six visitors from India as part of a study exchange group coordinated by past District Governor, Layton Hoysler.
The club visited Harley’s Auto Salvage and witnessed the crushing of automobiles.
There was a program on the future of wind power.
Each Rotarian bought $15.00 worth of tickets to the annual Rotary Youth Concert.
Wade Karli returned from a year in England and presented a program about his Rotary Fellowship at Oxford University and Lady Spencer Churchill College.
Our club’s 56th president in 1975-76 was Gustav Hoffman.
Allina Health President of Faribault/Owatonna, David Albrecht, gave the annual report of local health care Wednesday July 10th. Mr. Albrecht in his first year as president touched on the tough items facing healthcare today. Along with some great new additions to the clinic and hospital.
Mr. Albrecht express while health care continues to advance with 95% of processors now outpatient (within 24 hours), hospitals are having to adapt their business structure. More specialized competitors are coming into the market along with high competitiveness with larger markets for employees continues to grow as a challenge.
Through these challenges Mr. Albrecht has seen a good year with business growth (27% net rev) and upgrades to our local hospital. Many of the improvements were in tele-care, which is commonly seen in bigger markets. These call-in care systems allow for less “on-call” staffing needs, which in turn has helped boost staffing retainment and cut down on overtime costs. Distinct One was CAP accredited this past year, which it has not received prior. It is clear that David Albrecht has had a challenging yet successful year her at Allina.
Mr. Albrecht has visions of what our hospital can look like in the near future. Ideas of renovating the out-patient first floor in the old District One building, to maybe changing the name of the hospital away from “District One”. With the political focus on the state of healthcare and considering ideas of universal care for all. The field of health care in our community will be in a state of continuous change. It seems from Mr. Albrecht report our local hospital is up to the challenge, always raising above the curve.
The most honorable recently retired past Rotarian of the Year, Dave Beranek has proposed Keith Kniefel who is an accountant with Reese, Winter & Associates for membership in the Faribault Rotary Club. If you have any questions or concerns regarding this proposal please contact Amy Amundson.
In just 42 weeks, the Faribault Rotary Club will celebrate its 100-year anniversary on May 1, 2020. This week’s historical highlight is from 1975.
On Jan. 8th, George Wickstrom presented a very interesting classification talk which included how to present life insurance to a prospect.
Rod Mahler presented a program on his “Big Game Hunting” expedition in Alaska complete with slides and movies of trophy bags of brown bear, moose and caribou.
Roger Koopmans made his first visit to the club as a visiting Rotarian from Rochester.
Layton Hoysler reviewed a successful year as District Governor.
The club has a three-year pledge drive to help defray expenses at the Youth camp related to a new bath house and other remodeling.
Wade Karli was the first club member to participate in the Rotary Foundation Program titled “Awards to Teachers.” He will be studying at Oxford in England in the fall.
The club teamed up with the Lion’s, Exchange, and Sertoma for the Faribault Service Club’s Golf Tournament and dinner.
Our club’s 55th president in 1974-75 was Dan Moline.
I love to travel! I even enjoy the mundane process of getting from here to there. But last year, my wife, Gay, and I had one of those experiences that would strain the optimism of even the most cheerful traveler. We found ourselves with six hours to wait, at an airport where we were not scheduled to be, on a day we had not planned still to be traveling, having woken up that morning at a hotel unknown to us the night before. It was one of those days.
As we waited at John F. Kennedy International Airport in New York City, Gay and I took a walk to people watch. We went from one end of the terminal to the other and back, looking at every gate, every destination, every group of people waiting for their flights.
Each gate was its own island of humanity. When we walked down the center of the concourse, we were in New York, moving along with everyone in one river. But when you veered off into those seats, you left that current and landed on an island. You were already in Delhi or Paris or Tel Aviv.
As we started our walk, I thought: "All these different people, all these different countries, all in one place. This is like Rotary!" But as we walked past gate after gate, I realized something. It was not like Rotary at all. Because everyone in that river was heading for an island. And every island stayed an island. The people heading to Taipei might be talking to one another, but they were not talking to the people heading to Cairo or Lagos.
Contrast that with Rotary. Rotary allows us to connect with one another, in deep and meaningful ways, across our differences. It connects us with people we would never otherwise have met, who are more like us than we ever could have known. It connects us with our communities, to professional opportunities, and to the people who need our help.
Connection is what makes the experience of Rotary so very different from walking along that concourse at JFK Airport. In Rotary, none of us is an island. All of us are in Rotary together, whoever we are, wherever we are from, whatever language we speak or traditions we follow. We are all connected to one another — part of our communities and members not only of our clubs, but also of the global community to which we all belong.
This connection is what lies at the heart of the Rotary experience. It is what brings us to Rotary. It is why we stay. Please join your fellow Rotarians on this journey as Rotary Connects the World.
The first volunteer opportunity of the new Rotary year is next Monday July 8th at 4th Avenue United Methodist Church. The Faribault Rotary Club is sponsoring the community Red Cross Blood Drive from 1-6 pm. Volunteers are needed to help with signing in donors and handing out snacks. Please use the electronic sign up sheet in your email today. If you would like to be a blood donor, please click on the Red Cross link in the same email. If you have any questions, please contact Laura Bock.
The annual Faribault Rotary Cash Raffle winners were announced at our final meeting of the Rotary year on June 26th. Congratulations to the following prize winners:
Today marks a significant point in the history of the Faribault Rotary Club with the installation of Amy Amundson as our 100th Club President. As we continue the countdown to our 100th anniversary as a club on May 1, 2020 we are reminded of a rich tradition of community leaders who have stepped into this role.
The Faribault Rotary Club was established just over 99 years ago on May 1, 1920 as Rotary's 596th club with 22 charter members and by the end of the first-year membership had reached a total of 35.
E.B. Johnson, representing the district governor of the International Rotary Clubs, and three other members of the Minneapolis Rotary Club met with our charter members. The first President of the Faribault Rotary Club was Frank W. McKellip. Our 53rd president Rod Mahler, had connections back to the first year of our club when the original 35 first year members were added during 1920-21. Nuba Pletcher, our 4th president and Dr. Donald Chathum our 22nd president joined that first year were still members for 5-7 years after Rod joined in 1958.
To symbolize our tradition of service above self we ask all past presidents to come to the front of the room and line up starting with Rod at the far left and Amy at the far right.
1972-73 Rod Mahler 53rd
1973-74 Dr. Roy Anderson 54th
1989-90 Jim Nielson 70th
1991-92 Donn Johnson 72nd
1996-97 Don Olson 77th
1997-98 Wade Karli 78th
1998-99 Pastor Gordon Orde 79th
2002-03 Darlene Meillier 83rd
2004-05 Richard Cook 85th
2007-08 Grant Wilson 88th
2009-10 Dr. Lisa Humfeld-Wilson 90th
2011-12 Dr. Murray Hanson 92nd
2012-13 Kymn Anderson 93rd
2013-14 Brent Peroutka 94th
2014-15 Tony Langerud 95th
2015-16 Dr. Richard Huston 96th
2016-17 Jake Cook 97th
2017-18 Troy Dunn 98th
2018-19 Keith Kramer 99th
2019-20 Amy Amundson (100th President)
At this time, we present the gavel to Rod Mahler who represents our connection to the founders of our club. As he passes the gavel to his left, each of the past presidents here today along with those who have passed away or are unable to be with us has played a significant role in bringing our club through its first 100 years and to where it is today. As our 100th president, Amy has the full support of our past presidents and our club membership as we prepare to continue the Rotary tradition of “Service above self.” Congratulations Amy!
Passing the gavel: Faribault Rotary inducts its 100th president
Reprinted with permission from the Faribault Daily News
Hand to hand, a gavel passed through 31 past presidents of the Faribault Rotary Club until it reached Amy Amundson — the 100th president.
The passing of the gavel signifies the effort and dedication of each president, those in attendance and those unable to attend, to bring the club through its first 100 years, practicing the Rotary tradition of “Service above Self” and showing full support for Amundson and her year of service focused projects.
Amundson was sworn in as president Wednesday by her predecessor, Keith Kramer.
Each year, Rotary Presidents help oversee and administer service-oriented projects to benefit the community as well as expand the reach of the club.
In Kramer’s year, the Faribault Rotary Club ran the Warm Our Community event for the first year and added a Habitat for Humanity workday where volunteers helped paint a house on the north side of town.
Warm Our Community is a clothing drive in November to collective gently used outerwear — gloves, coats, boots — so area kids can keep warm during the notoriously frigid Minnesota winters. After the drive, people in the community are invited to stop by and pick out as many items as they need.
Kramer also continued the sponsorship of the Faribault Rotaract Club — a service minded organization in which South Central College students organize themselves and complete projects in the community.
One of the Rotaract Club projects this year was volunteering at Believet Canine Service Partners, which trains dogs and provides them to veterans free of charge.
“Veterans who suffer from PTSD or a visible disability who can’t get around as easily anymore without interruptions tend to confine themselves to their homes,” Rotaract President Piper Nelson said. “It’s debilitating, but with the help of these service dogs, veterans can get back to enjoying life and completing basic everyday activities.”
Though the students were not qualified to help with the training, they did care for the dogs and took them on walks. They also had the opportunity to learn from watching a veteran work with a service dog.
“For us, this is a huge deal,” Nelson said. “It’s not just picking up garbage in a park, which also makes an impact, but this is something that directly impacts not only each of us Rotaractors, but also the dogs and the vets. It’s more than doing something to gain something in return; it’s doing something hoping to help another in the best way possible.”
“This year has been a big success,” Kramer said. “We do things once and learn what we can do better next time… It’s an opportunity to get involved in one or more areas you’re passionate about. It’s awesome people, doing awesome things.”
Volunteering since 1920, Rotary members are continuing to better the community into their 100th year as well.
Rotary clubs can be found throughout the world. Just last week, Rotary member Richard Huston added 10 flags from three different continents — Australia, Germany and the United States — to the 80 flags representing locations where Faribault Rotarians have visited other Rotary Clubs.
This year’s universal mission of Rotary Clubs is to connect the world.
“We want to bring about world peace by connecting people around the world,” Amundson said. “When you have friends in a different place, you care more about that place.”
The mission of connecting people also impacts people on a local level.
“The vast majority of the club is youth focused,” Amundson said. “Youth are important because they are our future in the community.”
Amundson said club members are involved, volunteering to read one-on-one with students as Rotary Readers; inspire kids and teach them about virtues at Respect and Courage Retreats; and help them increase their GPA as part of Faribault Schools’ STRIVE program. And that’s only a partial list, she said.
Faribault’s 59 Rotary members are always ready to lend a hand. For the 100th year, Amundson asked the members to keep track of every bit of service they provide in the hopes of achieving 5,900 acts of service i— 100 hours per person — n the community by next year.
“It’s surprising how many are doing this already,” Amundson said. “We’re always looking for more members to expand our impact. The more members we have the more good we can do in our community.”
Reporter Renata Erickson can be reached at 507-333-3129. Follow her on Twitter @FDNrenata.
The Faribault Rotary Club's annual cash raffle drawing is this Wednesday June 26th at our noon meeting. Thank you to everyone who has sod tickets and a special thank you to Eric Craig for his efforts keeping track of all the proceeds which are used to match the Bahl Foundation pledge and support our youth programs and college scholarships.
In just 44 weeks, the Faribault Rotary Club will celebrate its 100-year anniversary on May 1, 2020. This week’s historical highlight is from 1974.
The club had a program titled, “Morality in Politics.”
Dr. Roy Anderson presented a highly educational program and film titled “Eyes on the Road.” Which was produced by the esteemed American Optometric Association for driver’s training and educational purposes.
Eight Faribault Rotarians and their wives opened their homes to visits from Rotarians from around the world during the International Convention in Minneapolis. Amongst those were Rod and Jean Mahler who entertained a couple from Saskatchewan and Roy and Bobbi Anderson who entertained a couple from Ontario, Canada.
Thirty-five seniors from Bethlehem Academy and Faribault High School were honored at the annual Honors Banquet at the Senior High.
Layton Hoysler becomes District Governor for Rotary District 595 and made his official visit on July 3rd.
The annual picnic was a huge success at Gus Hoffman’s “resort.”
Rod Mahler inducted George Wickstrom into the club on July 19, 1974.
This was taken from the Jan. 30, 1974 Faribotarian:
Here is a bit of legend: England’s King Charles the second, who ruled from 1660 to 1685, likes loin roast so well he decided he would “knight” the meat. Touching his sword to a piece of roast, he declared, “I hereby dub thee Sir Loin.” Today we find sirloin steak on most restaurant menus.
Our club’s 54th president in 1973-74 was Dr. Roy Anderson.
The Faribault Rotary Club has presented two Paul Harris Fellow awards.. This is a recognition that a donor has given $1000 over a period of time or in one payment to the International Rotary Foundation. The Foundation is part of a world wide organization found in some 220 countries. Foundation funds are used to enhance peace, prevent disease, provide clean water, care for maternal and child health, education or economic development in areas of need. Pictured in the first photo is Eric Craig (center) with Rotary president Keith Kramer and Brent Peroutka Foundation chair. The second photo is Bart Jackson receiving his plus two award.
Todd Rost was our speaker and had a story to tell. Todd was part of the group from Faribault that visited France last year, which was something we heard about from Nort in the spring. Todd’s grandfather was George Asial Morris. George was a solider from Faribault that served during WW1.
On the one side of an Indiana War Memorial there is a statement that rang true when understanding George Morris, “The true patriot best supports his government by creating friendliness through kindness and generosity wherever fate may carry him”
You can find a record of soldiers in World War I from Rice County, Minnesota, through the Rice County Historical Society. The pages include details on family history, enlistment and service, and other miscellaneous records. George‘s entry only tells part of the story. George traveled with the 136th Regimental Infantry which was made up of men and boys from Faribault and surrounding Midwest. George was actually part of the Minnesota Guard and had to been discharged when he was drafted for service. After leaving Faribault, in September 1917 with a grand farewell by the city and community, they traveled to Camp Cody, New Mexico for training.
George’s family was able to stay in touch with him because during this time the postal service made it a priority to get the letters thru for the soldiers. George wrote plenty of letters and there are also plenty of pictures because at the camps there were professional photographers taking stock of what was going on.
After completing their training at Camp Cody, the 136th Infantry was shipped overseas. There they suffered the frustration of having members dispersed to other units. Many saw combat, but much of it was as replacements for other regiments.
On July 10th 1918, George and the 136th landed in Europe and by July 15th, they were in France. July 18th marks when they were first in the battlefield. George wrote in a diary during his time overseas. It was a line or two about where they were at or what they were doing. Todd was giving the diary as a present and it took his sister and him over twenty hours to decipher his grandfather’s handwriting.
On July 26th George was moved to the 163rd division where he spent much of his time hiking, as it was with most soldiers during this time frame. Battles took place in and out of the woods and were a frequent part of their daily routines. November 8th 1918, they were relieved on the front line by the French. In the months to come many of the men were shipped home. George spent the end part of his service in the hospital for illnesses including dysentery and rheumatoid arthritis. In his letters and diary, he speaks of everyone being able to leave but those that were still healing.
April 11th, 1919 saw George leaving for the United States on the ship, Mauritania. Back in the states George was discharged at Fort Dodge located in Iowa. George’s time in World War 1 was brief but important none the less. Todd has much more information on his grandfather and is far from done on researching his grandfather’s time during the war. If you want to know more, Todd would enjoy sharing more of the story.
If you’ve attended a funeral honoring a veteran who served our country, perhaps you witnessed the folding of the flag that once covered the casket of a loved one. Each of the 13 folds of the flag holds great significance.
At the ceremony of retreat, a daily observance at bases during which all personnel pay respect to the flag, “the flag is lowered, folded in a triangle fold and kept under watch throughout the night as a tribute to our nation’s honored dead. The next morning, it is brought out and, at the ceremony of reveille, run aloft as a symbol of our belief in the resurrection of the body.”
The first fold of our flag is a symbol of life.
The second fold signifies our belief in eternal life.
The third fold is made in honor and tribute of the veteran departing our ranks, and who gave a portion of his or her life for the defense of our country to attain peace.
The fourth fold exemplifies our weaker nature as citizens trusting in God; it is to Him we turn for His divine guidance.
The fifth fold is an acknowledgment to our country, for in the words of Stephen Decatur, “Our country, in dealing with other countries, may she always be right, but it is still our country, right or wrong.”
The sixth fold is for where our hearts lie. It is with our heart that we pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of America, and to the republic for which it stands, one nation under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all.
The seventh fold is a tribute to our armed forces, for it is through the armed forces that we protect our country and our flag against all enemies.
The eighth fold is a tribute to the one who entered into the valley of the shadow of death, that we might see the light of day, and to honor our mother, for whom it flies on Mother’s Day.
The ninth fold is an honor to womanhood, for it has been through their faith, love, loyalty, and devotion that the character of the men and women who have made this country great have been molded.
The 10th fold is a tribute to father, for he, too, has given his sons and daughters for the defense of our country since he or she was first-born.
The 11th fold, in the eyes of Hebrew citizens, represents the lower portion of the seal of King David and King Solomon and glorifies, in their eyes, the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob.
The 12th fold, in the eyes of a Christian citizen, represents an emblem of eternity and glorifies, in their eyes, God the Father, the Son, and Holy Ghost.
The last fold, when the flag is completely folded, the stars are uppermost, reminding us of our national motto, “In God We Trust.”
On Wednesday June 12th we heard from Blandin Community Leadership Program recruiter Senja Morque. The Blandin Leadership program is the result of the Blandin Foundation, started in early 40’s by Charles Blandin, an employer in rural Northern Minnesota. The foundation has funded many worthy causes over the years, including Blandin beach, school band uniforms, and mostly educational grants. In the Mid 80’s it was decided to offer a leadership program for rural Minnesotans to give them the tools needed to become leaders in the rural communities where they live and work. Only 8 communities get to participate per year. Faribault has been in the que to participate for a couple of years. Now is our time, applications are due July 22nd.
Senja covered who should apply, and how. Each class is made up of 24 students. 12 men and 12 women 6 over 40 and 6 under 40 of each. The leadership training last over 6 months, and there is a one-week period when participants head to Sugar Lake Lodge in Grand Rapids Minnesota for the start of the program, following are three local workshops that last a day at a time. Participants should expect to dive into community leadership training, learning a new set of skills to make an impact in their community. Interpersonal communications, conflict management, building social capital, and working in small groups to name a few.
Everyone is encouraged to apply, whatever reason is holding you back from applying, set it aside and apply, if you are accepted to the program, you can have the hard conversation with yourself, or family or boss before you make the decision to participate or not. Assistance is available in many forms, so ask questions before you make a final decision on attending.
In just 45 weeks, the Faribault Rotary Club will celebrate its 100-year anniversary on May 1, 2020. This week’s historical highlight is from 1972.
Dr. Roy Anderson took over registration duties for the Youth camp from Dean Purdie.
Roger Strom, manager of the Red Owl Store gave a program about a new program in our community titled “Big Brothers.”
The club’s annual presentation of scholarship awards was held at Faribault Senior High.
The club paid a visit to the Alexander Faribault House which was built in 1853.
The club sponsored the eighth Annual Youth Concert for the Youth Camp.
The club began meeting at the Lavender Inn on Nov. 1st.
Al Burkhartzmeyer
Our club’s 52nd president in 1971-72 was Alvin Burkhartzmeyer who later honored in 2010 for 50 consecutive years of perfect attendance.
As many of you know, following high school, Al joined the Navy. However, this ended in tragedy when the overloaded bomber on which he was the radioman crashed on a Pacific Island an Al was the sole survivor of the 12-man crew and was badly burned and injured. After a long recovery and an official visit to each of the families of the 11 crash victims, he returned to Faribault to join his father and two brothers in the very successful operation of Burkhartzmeyer Shoes Inc.
As I look back on all the things I have seen and the people I have met since becoming president of Rotary International last July, I am certain of this: Rotary’s capacity to transform lives for the better is unparalleled. Our impact is far beyond anything I could have imagined when I first became a Rotarian.
I think about the Rotarians I met in Pakistan, who partnered with Coca-Cola to improve sanitation in Karachi’s neighborhoods while supporting polio eradication efforts. I think about the Puerto Rican Rotarians who are helping entire communities rebuild their lives after Hurricane Maria. I think about the German Rotaractors who are working to save bees — whose role as pollinators is so important to our planet — from extinction. I think about the six Rotarians and Rotaractors who were honored as People of Action: Young Innovators at Rotary Day at the United Nations in Nairobi, Kenya, in November for their work to create novel solutions to tough challenges.
It seems like only yesterday that I stood on a stage in San Diego and asked you to Be the Inspiration in your clubs, in your communities, and in the world. Your response was an inspiration to me. You are paving the way for Rotaractors to become our future leaders, helping start new Rotaract clubs and working to include Rotaractors in Rotary events and projects in your communities. You are working hard to eradicate polio, participating in 4,200 events in more than 100 countries for World Polio Day. And you are carrying out transformative projects that will create lasting change in your communities and in the world.
This year, I also saw how Rotary’s work to build peace is bearing fruit. The 98 Rotary Peace Fellows who are studying at our peace centers will soon graduate, joining more than 1,200 others in applying their conflict resolution skills to problems that need solutions. And this month, Esther and I will travel to Hamburg, Germany, for a convention where people of all races, nationalities, religions, and political backgrounds will unite because they want to make the lives of all people better.
Seeing what Rotary means to people — to the communities we serve and to Rotarians themselves — has deepened my affection and admiration for all that Rotary is and does.
Soon it will be time for Esther and me to return home to Nassau. When we get there, I will look out on the vast sea that surrounds our island, and it will remind me of Rotary’s limitless possibilities, and of the amazing future that awaits us beyond the horizon. I look forward to sailing there with you.
Rod Mahler led a large group of Rotarians on a bus trip to a North Stars Hockey game.
The club visited Shattuck for lunch and was treated to a demonstration by the famous Crack Drill Team.
There was a program on the proposed ultra-modern Zoo to be located on a choice 470-acre tract in Apple Valley.
The club’s annual Rotary Scholarship Awards Banquet was held at Bethlehem Academy.
A brand-new American flag was donated to the club by Rod Mahler and replaced by him again in 2017. ( See photo!)
The fellowship tradition of introducing guests by stating their name and having everyone shout out their name by saying “hi “was brought back after many years and is still in practice today.
Our club’s 51st president in 1970-71 was Erwin Sorenson.
Captain Randall Knots shared his experience in the Civil Air Patrol. Capt. Knots is a retired Air Force Veteran serving from 1969 for 8 years, including a one active year in Vietnam. Earned a master’s degree in System Management from Southern California. Worked 32 years in data engineer and computer/data consultant for several fortune 500 companies. Upon retirement in August 2017 became involved with the Stanton Civil Air Patrol squadron (at the birth of the Stanton unit). Currently Capt. Knots is the Public Affairs Officer of the MN Wing of the Civil Air Patrol.
The Civil Air patrol was created the week prior to the bombing in Pearl Harbor, December 1st 1941. It is an auxiliary program of the Air Force, yet is not a part of the military. It first comprised of pilots which would not be used in active duty going into WWII. The Civil Air Patrol is 100% volunteer basis organization, comprised of over 60,000 members. The Values of the Civil Air Patrol Integrity, volunteer service, excellence and respect. Their mission is to provide service over land of: Search & Rescue, Severe weather & emergency efforts, along with educating youth.
The Midwest divisions are more focused on education and training of young cadets more than emergency relief missions. Cadets focus of training of science, mathematics, physical fitness and aviation. Capt. Knots spoke highly of the value of the young cadets’ ability of performance high as in their youth. Averaging well over a B average (82%). Along with staying fit through the Civil Air Patrol. Each cadet must meet a certain physical standard to move up in rank. 71% of Americans would not pass basic Military standards as of today. The value of character, education and service makes this a great program for any child looking to better themselves with excellence.
In just 47 weeks, the Faribault Rotary Club will celebrate its 100-year anniversary on May 1, 2020. This week’s historical highlight is from 1970.
There was a program on Faribault’s newest industry, The Faribault Cable Television Company. The advantages in local reception and broadcasting versus conventional TV was explained.
There was a program on the importance of expanding the Faribault airport by extending and adding runways to make possible continued industrial growth and prosperity.
The annual club picnic was held at Gus Hoffman’s home on Cannon Lake.
Rod and Jean Mahler were hosts to Rotary exchange student Juan Jose Vazgues Avila from Lapaz, Bolivia.
Our 49th president Rev. Lawrence Gallman received the WCCO Good Neighbor Award.
There was a planning meeting to discuss the future of the Rotary Youth Camp including repairing the springtime washouts around the lodge.
The club’s 50th Anniversary banquet was held at the Eagle’s Club on May 8th. Al Burkhartzmeyer was banquet chairman and Dan Moline was emcee.
Our club’s 50th president for our Golden Anniversary year was Dr. Burton Orr.
Congratulations to Rotary Strive Scholarship Award Winners!
Pictured here are STRIVE Chair Kurt Halvorson (far left) and Faribault Rotary Club President Keith Kramer (far right) with the Faribault High School STRIVE scholarship winners for 2019. Thank you to the STRIVE committee for another great year.
Todd Thompson was our speaker on May 29th 2019. Todd is a fellow Rotarian from the Northfield club, has been a science teacher, and has a PhD in Chemistry. Todd is the chair for the International Committee for the Northfield Rotary and the current project is focused on water and sanitation in the Guatemalan Highlands.
Todd shared with us a Tao Te Ching poem that started with “The best, like water, benefit all and do not compete”
Guatemala is the first country south of Mexico and is undeveloped compared to its northern neighbor. In the Guatemalan Highlands, there is a lake where 70% of the population is indigenous. There are over 20 different Mayan dialects. Water is a main concern and while Todd spent time in Guatemala with the Lutheran Church, he learned never share your water bottle or you will be sick, maybe even up to 6 times.
As a group, Todd led us in singing several different songs including La Bamba which was a song that he sang with the villagers and Rotarians of San Lucas Toliman. Rotary members are not like we are, as they are almost full time project workers determined to help others.
Todd learned an important lesson when he met the Ladies of Chuitzan, who are the members and director of the water committee. With a slip of the tongue, he was reminded that the women are the ones who haul the water, so why shouldn’t they be in charge of the water project.
Phase 1 was a water and sanitation system for a school system along with a plan for sustainability. For there is no point to helping, if there is not a way for the people to sustain the projects that are put forth. The phase 2 part of the water project is slated to start in November, but there is still much to do to raise the 250,000 needed to help complete the project. There are global grants that are helping with this but help is still needed.
Marina spoke about her time here in Faribault and Minnesota. Marina is from São Paulo, Brazil with her family of 2 older brothers and a happy dog. Her father is an active member of Rotary in his community, with leadership as President several times since 1994. Marina is on her 2nd Exchange trip. Her first was to Germany at the age of 15.
Marina’s described her home São Paulo, Brazil as vibrant financial center, is among the world's most populous cities, with a rich architectural tradition. Yet São Paulo is poor and is troubled with much thief.
While in Faribault Maranda worked with David J. Medin at DJ Medin Architects, improving her professional skills during her internship. Marina said that when she gets back home her first priority is to get a job in her field of architecture.
The people who know me best — my family — know that my passion for Rotary is boundless. They also know that I don't expect them to get involved in Rotary the way I have. It's a choice that's up to them. But I must admit, I can't help smiling when I see them making the right choice.
At the end of the Toronto convention last year, my 12-year-old granddaughter turned to me and said, "I'm inspired to do something. What can I do?" Naturally, I did what any other Rotarian grandfather worth his salt would do: I asked her if there was an Interact club in her school. When she discovered there wasn't, she attempted to set one up. Unfortunately, her principal had other ideas, but we should not be deterred from helping Rotary youth programs whenever we can, because their value is beyond question.
Take Rotary Youth Leadership Awards as one example. It transforms young people into more confident, focused individuals with a better understanding of the world around them — changes I was pleased to see in my 16-year-old grandson after he participated.
My family is just the beginning. Everywhere I go, I meet people of all ages whose lives have been changed by our youth programs. They tell me how, five or 15 or 25 years ago, Rotary Youth Exchange taught them a new language or introduced them to a new culture. Their eyes light up when they talk about how New Generations Service Exchange helped them advance in their career, or about how membership in Rotaract first ignited their passion for giving back to the community.
Rotary's programs for young leaders extend our ideals of service, friendship, and leadership development beyond the doors of our clubs to hundreds of thousands of young people each year. And when we serve with and for those young people — as sponsors, project partners, and mentors — it brings out the best in us, and it brings out the best in Rotary.
May is Youth Service Month, and there are many ways your Rotary club can celebrate. Sponsor an Interact club or Rotaract club, and your Rotary club will give young people in your community the tools they need to take action, become leaders, and gain a global perspective. Team up with your local Rotaract club for a service project. Get to know the participants in Rotary's programs for young leaders and share their stories with your community. You'll find more ideas in this year's Rotary Citation brochure, located under the Awards section of the Member Center at my.rotary.org.
This month, let's Be the Inspiration to the young leaders in our communities by mentoring them, engaging them, and working side by side with them on meaningful projects. It's an investment in their future and in the world they will live in after we're gone. And it's work that will forever enrich their lives, and our own.
In just 48 weeks, the Faribault Rotary Club will celebrate its 100-year anniversary on May 1, 2020. This week’s historical highlight is from 50 years ago in 1969.
The club was invited to the 5th anniversary of the American Legion.
A work detail was organized for spring clean-up and to stain the building at the Youth Camp on May 3rd.
On June 11th, the last meeting was held at the Faribault Hotel because they no longer had food service.
Ex- Minnesota Governor Karl Rolvaag and Ambassador to Iceland presented a program on Iceland.
On October 1st, the decision was made to make the Evergreen Knoll the regular meeting place.
The program on October 15th was watching game 4 of the 1969 World Series between the Baltimore Orioles (who beat the Twins) and the amazing New York Mets who swept the series on a color TV furnished byRod Mahler.
The 30th annual Christmas concert was presented by the Faribault High School Choir.
Our club’s 49th president in 1968-69 was Rev. Lawrence K. Gallman.
A quote from Rev. Gallman that year was, “I’m inclined to believe that occasionally when the Lord looks us over, he is sorry he took that Sunday off.”
On Wednesday May 15, we had the opportunity to hear from Pedro Gomez Naciento, Pedro is an exchange student from Belo Horizante, Brazil. Faribault Rotary sponsored his exchange; however, he was placed in the Northfield school district. Pedro's recap of his exchange year included all the fun things a student in Minnesota would love! His first meal in the United States was pizza, he experienced snow, and snow skiing. He participated in football, wrestling, and track. Pedro visited a zoo in St. Paul, spent Christmas in Faribault, got to see the ice sculptures in Minneapolis. He was able to attend a Minnesota Timberwolves game, and a Minnesota Twins game. He was able to travel to Duluth, Chicago and St. Louis. He turned 18 while he was here, and celebrated his birthday American style, attended the prom, and played pond hockey, and did some sledding.
He enjoyed his American school year; he took German and really liked that. He spent time with other exchange students in Northfield and at a couple of exchange retreats with students from all over the world. Pedro enjoyed his time with all three of his host families. He thanked Faribault Rotary for making this opportunity a possibility for him.
President Keith exchanges flags with Marina who represents the Rotary Club of Marillia Brazil in Rotary District 4510. Her father has been a Rotary member since 1994.
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Dick Huston and his wife, Nancie Huston, not pictured, were recognized last week as Rotary Foundation major donors by Rotary District Governor Mike Becker and next year's district governor, Paul Perez. Major donor honors are given when an individual(s) gives a total of $10,000 to the Rotary Foundation. Huston, second from right, is also a member of the Paul Harris Society, a recognition given to those who donate $1,000 in a year to the foundation. Only one other member of the Faribault Rotary Club — Marv Schrader — has been given this honor. The Rotary Foundation has six areas of focus: basic education & literacy, maternal & child health, water & sanitation, disease prevention & treatment, peace & conflict resolution, and economic & community development. Also pictured is Faribault Rotary Club President Keith Kramer, left.
Patty Hall was our speaker May 8th 2019. She is the founder of H2O for Life, a former teacher, and a member of Rotary.
Patty Hall told us of how her mom loved watching Tarzan and always knew when it was time to come in for dinner because of the jungle call coming from her house. Her mom’s love of Tarzan led to a visit to Kenya, because she really wanted to see how people lived in Africa.
What they were able to experience was that everyone walked everywhere. Most times the nearest water source was 10 miles away. Females missed school because they were busy carrying water for them to survive because there were also kids dying from the lack of water.
As a teacher in New Brighton, Patty knew that she had to do something. She presented a project to her school kids after coming back from her trip to see if they could raise the funds needed to help with the water crisis. In the end students raised over 13,000 and helped name the project H20, Help to Others. Students were able to see pictures of the completed projects and realized what they really do to help others.
H2O for Life provides a service-learning opportunity for schools in the United States that helps teachers and students raise awareness about the global water crisis while taking action to provide funds for a water, sanitation, and hygiene education project for a partner school in the developing world.
Since 2007, nearly 1 million students (and thousands of teachers) from H2O for Life schools have supported water, sanitation, and hygiene education projects for partner schools in the developing world.
In just 50 weeks, the Faribault Rotary Club will celebrate its 100-year anniversary on May 1, 2020. This week’s historical highlight is from 1968.
Dr. Bob Reed our 18th president in 1937-38 gave a program on his trip with the S.S. Hope hospital ship and the countries he visited. He was introduced by Rod Mahler.
The mortgage for the Youth Camp was burned.
The club visited the Area Vocational School.
The club made a trip to the Old Log Theatre.
Our Club’s 48th president in 1967-68 was Francis J. Lockwood who was George Wickstrom’s sponsor in 1974.
Quote from the Faribotarian March 20, 1968”
“Rotary membership is like a savings account. By putting into it regularly, each week a little more than you take out, you not only keep your principle intact, but earn interest in fellowship and in the opportunity to be a vital part of one of our community’s vital organizations.”
Thank you to Keith, Laura and Natalie for painting and George & Brenda for providing food. There was some soreness reported by our distinguished president in the days after. They are hopeful that we can do another project for Habitat next year as it was a very rewarding experience.
On Wednesday May 1st our club heard from a group of students who attend Bethlehem Academy in Faribault. 5 students and gave testimony about the 9th Grade Respect Retreat. Faribault Rotary sponsors this event each year for students at BA. A company called Youth Frontiers comes to the school for a one-day retreat. They meet with student leaders first thing in the morning, cover some games, songs, and topics of discussion to lead the 9th graders through a successful Respect Retreat. Add in the 9th graders about 9:30 and the end result is a day of activities, games, singing, laughing and conversation around the roll of respect in the school.
The student testimony was powerful. All 5 students, 3 - 9th graders and 2 Seniors told us how it makes their class come closer together. Clique and groups sort of dissolve and you see kids interacting with each other more in the halls and in just in general. The consensus of the students was this is a valuable program and they are thankful for our support.
Youth Frontiers was founded in 1987 with programs focused on middle school, high school, and retreats for educators.
Please join us as we celebrate our community's Hidden Gems as well as 2019 Citizen of the Year Sam Temple and Lifetime Achievement Award winner George Wickstrom. The recognition event begins with social time at 5:30 p.m. Wednesday, May 15 at the Elks Lodge, 131 Lyndale Ave., N., and is sponsored by which is sponsored by the Faribault Daily News, the Faribault Area Chamber of Commerce, HomeTown Credit Union, Mill City Senior Living and The Virtues Project-Faribault. A buffet dinner will be served; program begins at 6 p.m. Tickets are $5 each and help support the the Hidden Gems program, which is sponsored by the Faribault Daily News and The Virtues Project-Faribault. You can access tickets though the first link below:
Last Wednesday, we celebrated our 99th anniversary to kickoff the countdown to 100 years on May 1, 2020. Over 60 people attended including Rotarians past and present, the next two district governors, family and friends. Thank you to everyone who helped make this a success. The following speech was given by President Keith:
May 1, 1920- May 1 2019
The Faribault Rotary Club was established 99 years ago today on May 1, 1920 as Rotary's 596th club with 22 charter members and by the end of the first-year membership had reached a total of 35.
E.B. Johnson, representing the district governor of the International Rotary Clubs, and three other members of the Minneapolis Rotary Club met with our charter members. The first President of the Faribault Rotary Club was Frank W. McKellip.
Meetings were held on the first and third Monday of each month and on the evening of the fourth Monday. By 1927 the weekly meeting time was moved to noon on Wednesdays and remained there to this day. Over the years the club has held its meetings at the Elks Club, Harvey Hotel, Bluebird Inn, Hotel Faribault, Evergreen Knoll, Faribault Country Club, the Elks Club (again,) Bernie’s Vintage Ballroom and now and possibly for the next 99 years ------The Inn at Shattuck.
By next year at our 100th anniversary, our club will have had approximately 5000 weekly meetings with our 61-year member, Rod Mahler attending over 2800 of those meetings.
Our club has sponsored four other clubs: 1) Owatonna- 1922 2) Northfield- 1925 3) Cannon Falls- 1954 and 4) The new Rotaract club at South Central College this year.
Youth service whether local or international has been one of our objectives over the last 99 years. Some examples include the following:
In 1924 the club held a picnic for 290 boys at Roberds Lake.
The Youth Camp on Cedar Lake was dedicated in 1963 and is stayed an important part of our club to this day.
In 1994, our club sponsored a shelter for the street children of Santarem, Brazil which provided a place for them to meet in groups and participate in life improvement activities.
In 2010, we sponsored the Rotary youth soccer fields area at Bahl fields in the Faribault Soccer Complex and provide shirts every year through the “Little Feat” program.
In 2017, we were involved with the Buddy Benches that were installed at local elementary schools.
We have established a number of traditions that are still an important part of the Faribault Rotary Club. In 1939 the Faribault High School Choir started a Christmas Concert tradition which will celebrate 80 years this December.
In 1965, the Faribault Senior High Band, Choir and Orchestra performed with the proceeds used for the benefit of the Faribault Youth Services Inc. This October will be the 54th year.
Rotary luncheon programs are varied and interesting. We have had Senators, congressman, state and local politicians come to report their views. Programs over the years included topics such as:
-The question in 1941 was “Does Faribault need an airport?
- “A program on Direct Dialing telephones and the new Highway 35 progress were highlights in 1961.
- In the last 10 years we had historically informational and international adventure programs from our own Rotarians George Wickstrom and Dick Huston.
Our program chairmen and members over the years have provided excellent programs
Our club has had six district governors and the last one, Layton Hoysler, was in 1974. We look forward to the next club member who fills that role in the future.
Women were able to join Rotary starting in 1988 with Janine Sahagian as the first to join our club and was president in 1999-00. This year we celebrate the installation of Amy Amundson as our 100th president for the 2019-2020 Rotary year on June 26th. On May 1, 2020, one year from today, the Faribault Rotary club will celebrate its 100th anniversary with a pledge to continue service above self for the next 100 years and beyond!
The Rev. Mark Kenny has been inducted as a member of the Faribault Rotary Club. Kenny is pastor of River Valley Church. As pastor he has led several groups on mission trips throughout the world. Pictured with Kenny is his sponsor, Keith Kramer, president of the Faribault club.
The Faribault Rotary Club was established 99 years ago today on May 1, 1920 as Rotary's 596th club with 22 charter members and by the end of the first-year membership had reached a total of 35. Please come to our celebration of 99 years at 5pm tomorrow and President Kramer will tell us the "Rest of the Story!"
One year from tomorrow the Faribault Rotary Club will celebrate its 100-year anniversary on May 1, 2020. This week’s historical highlight is from 1965.
The club held the first concert of the Senior High music groups for benefit of Faribault Youth Services Inc. (This October will be the 54th year.)
A moose dinner was furnished by the Purdies.
“New Eyes for the Needy” program was sponsored by the club.
The Faribault Senior High School basketball team, state runner-up champions were entertained by the club.
The club sponsored a picnic for foreign students from Carlton and St. Olaf.
Our club’s 45th President in 1964-65 was Layton Hoysler who was also District Governor in 1974.
Rotaract clubs will now be considered a part of Rotary International (RI), as opposed to a program of RI, following a vote by the Council.
On the morning of its last day, the Council approved 381-134 a measure that acknowledges Rotaract clubs in the RI Constitution and Bylaws and elevates them as an important member of the Rotary family. Rotaract clubs will continue to have their own standard constitution but will receive greater support from RI.
"We need to be an inspiration to our young partners, so they will continue doing the great service that they do," said RI President Barry Rassin, who presented the measure. "This sends a strong message that they are truly our partners in service."
Rassin stressed that many of the other aspects of Rotaract clubs will remain the same. Rotary clubs will still sponsor Rotaract clubs, and will still support them. Rotaractors will also not be considered Rotarians, and will retain their own unique club experience. The measure simply broadens the definition of membership in RI to include Rotaract clubs.
The benefit to Rotary is the ability to learn more about Rotaractors and improve the support and resources it offers to help Rotaract grow. As Rotaractors become our partners in service, we will be able to better track their impact and expand our reach, supporters said.
(As an aside, individuals are technically not members of RI. Clubs are members of RI. This distinction helps explain why Rotaract clubs will now become members of RI, while the club's members remain Rotaractors and not Rotarians.)
Historical footnote: This is also the first time a sitting RI President has ever proposed an item to the Council.
Every two minutes, somewhere in the world, a woman dies from preventable causes related to pregnancy and childbirth. And babies whose mothers die within the first six weeks of their lives are far more likely to die themselves than babies whose mothers survive. As I've traveled around the world as president of Rotary, I've met families for whom these aren't simply tragic statistics. But I've also met people who are devoting themselves to helping mothers and children — and because of them, I'm hopeful. And because many of those people are Rotarians, I'm also proud. April is Maternal and Child Health Month in Rotary, so it's a perfect time to tell you about some things Rotarians are doing that will make you proud too.
Last fall, I paid a visit to a hospital in the town of Jekabpils, in Latvia. It's a modern hospital, and the doctors and nurses there are caring, dedicated, and skilled. But despite all their hard work, the maternal mortality rate at the hospital had remained stubbornly high, due to a factor that was beyond their control: a lack of vital diagnostic equipment and even basic items like incubators.
And that's where Rotary came in. Twenty-one clubs from around the world joined forces for a global grant that provided what the hospital required. And in September, when I walked into the maternity ward there, I saw state-of-the-art equipment, and I met patients who were getting the care that they needed — and that every mother and child in the world deserves to have.
In Brazil, club members worked with fellow Rotarians in Japan on a global grant project that dramatically increased the capacity of an overstretched neonatal intensive care unit. New incubators, monitors, and other equipment have enabled the local hospital to save many more babies' lives each year.
And in Mongolia, a vocational training team from New Zealand organized instruction in emergency response techniques for doctors and midwives, set up a program that taught midwives modern best practices, and researched and wrote a culturally relevant childbirth education manual. Between 2013, when the team first went to Mongolia, and 2017, the neonatal mortality rate in the country fell from 11.2 to 9.1 per 1,000 births, and the maternal mortality rate has decreased as well.
That's what I mean when I talk about transformational service, and it's what Rotarians do best. Because of our networks, which span the globe; our community presence, which allows us to see what's most needed; and our expertise, which encompasses countless skills and professions, we're able to serve in a manner that has no equal. And we're able to Be the Inspiration as we help those who need us most.
Nort Johnson spoke to the group about his amazing ambassador trip to France and the town of Podensac. Faribault was invited in 2017 to the small town in celebration of the 100th year anniversary of Armistice Day. Troops from Faribault were one of the first groups from America that arrived in Podensac to help with war efforts.
A small group from Faribault traveled to France and was honored to help celebrate with the town of Podensac, include the Mayor and a descendant of one of regimental soldiers of WWI. They arrived to American and French flags lining the streets. The group traveled to see relics of the American station, including aqua ducts and railways with rails that still said USA on the sides. One of their days included a parade that the town thought that they would maybe have 90 people which actually saw over 500 in attendance. Wreaths were presented and laid on a monument celebrating the end of WWI by both the Faribault mayor and the mayor of Podensac, and letters that soldiers wrote at the frontlines and sent back to their families were read.
A proclamation was read at the Podensac city hall declaring the Faribault day and the Faribault delegation were honored to read the declaration from the city of Faribault declaring the Podensac day in Faribault.
They presented 5 American flag Woolen mill blankets which were significant because the American soldiers took blankets from the Woolen Mill to Europe in WWI.
A statement that stuck with Nort was one man’s words “I wouldn’t be a Frenchman if the Americans wouldn’t have come”
Join us Wednesday May 1st for a celebration of our 99th year anniversary (May 1, 1920- May 1, 2019)as a Rotary Club from 5:00 pm to 7:00 pm at The Inn at Shattuck and enjoy a build your own taco bar and some anniversary treats! Family and Friends Welcome! If you are on the meal plan there is no charge otherwise it will be $13.00 per person and kids 10 and under are free! We will have a fun presentation as we kick off our 99th year! Hope to see you there!
Please RSVP with the online sign up in your email.
The Faribault Rotary Club received the District 5960 award as runner up in medium size club category for youth service. Pictured her receiving the award from District Governor, Mike Becker, at the Conference of Clubs last weekend in Rochester was our President-Elect 2019-20, Amy Amundson.
Saturday May 4th the Faribault Rotary Club will be doing flooring at the Habitat for Humanity homes located on 30th Street NW. We are looking for about 15 volunteers, 12 for flooring help and 3 for a lunch team. Please indicate your volunteering choice in the online sign up you receive in your email. Flooring crew is from 7:45 to 3:00 and Lunch crew needs to prep food and arrive at the site by 11:45 for a lunch break at 12 noon. Questions contact Laura Bock 507-384-2280 or laura.bock@thrivent.com.
Waiver of Liability and a short safety video can be found at www.habitatricecounty.org click on the volunteer and build schedule, and then click on each link, safety video and release and waiver of liability form.
David Swan talk to us on the ‘The Gold in Your Soul’ regarding the hidden aspects to youth sports. Mr. Swan played youth sports and went on to play basketball in college while receiving a masters degree in statistics. He spent 6 years coaching basketball in Norway. Mr. Swan asked us to identify some of the reasons to play youth sports. Ideals like: sportsmanship, teamwork, leadership and self-confidence. Mr. Swan uncovered the darker side of youth sports and what seems to matter more to programs than the ideals that we listed as a group.
Mr. Swan expressed that many programs focus much of their time on their best talents, leaving the majority to be left less developed, ultimately leaving the pool of youth talent shallower than other counties. Mr. Swan applied research which express more of a handicap for at least ½ of our youth. Sighting that 32% of all NCAA top 500 tier athletes are born within the first two months of educational year. With only 6% coming from the last two months. With these athletes being identified at the ages of 8,9 or 10, the difference of one year is a very large scope.
While the youth athletic systems in this country are looking for the best talent for their profits, Mr. Swann states we are leaving behind many kids who then lose interest in sports. Mr. Swan expressed a key attribute which sports can teach our youth. What is takes to be a winner, the drive to succeed. This trait is 100% transferable in to the real world of business and successful careers. You can find out more information on this interest subject at Champions Circle website. www.championscircle.com
In less than 14 months, the Faribault Rotary Club will celebrate its 100-year anniversary on May 1, 2020. This week’s historical highlight is from 1964.
Slides and a tape program were exchanged with the Rotary Club of Wallsend, England.
The slides were later revised for use by the Chamber of Commerce.
The club voted favorable consideration of the Area Vocational School.
Transportation was provided by club members for students from rural areas participating in sports programs.
There was 100% attendance at one meeting.
Our 44th club President in 1963-64 was Clarence E. Purdie.
Last Wednesday, we handed out 4 STRIVE (Student Taking Renewed Interest in the Value of Education) scholarships totaling $9000. Lauren Steinberg & Kevin Tovar each received a $2500 scholarship for the most improved GPA. Brook Flicek & Evelyn Nigon each received a $2000 for illustrating Rotarian values.
The 2019 Cash Raffle has only a few weeks to go! The tickets have been redesigned with six different coupons on the backside to use at local businesses. This year we have increased the number of prizes to 9 total with $4500 for the winners.The tickets will sell for $20 each with each Rotarian asked to sell one book of 15 tickets. If you choose not to sell the tickets for this Youth Services fundraiser, we ask that you make a cash donation.
The funds raised help the club match donations from the Bahl Foundation to support the Youth College scholarships and local Music scholarships the club awards every year as part of our commitment to the youth of our community. The turn in date will be June 12th and the prize drawings will be at our meeting on June 26th. Cash Raffle Committee members include- Brenda DeMars, Mary Reese, Sarah Rojas, Ann Marie Leland Eric Craig, Chuck Thiele, Keith Kramer and Murray Hanson.
In less than 14 months, the Faribault Rotary Club will celebrate its 100-year anniversary on May 1, 2020. This week’s historical highlight is from 1963. Please read the Faribault Rotary Youth Camp- Early History story by Layton Hoysler in the next column.
Faribault defeats Owatonna in attendance contest.
There was a presentation by Mayor Duncan about the Downtown Mall Plan.
The Youth Camp was dedicated on June 28, 1963. (SEE STORY)
Our club’s 43rd president in 1962-63 was Arnold A. Madow.
Tom Hubler was the guest speaker April 3rd 2019. Tom wrote the book The Soul of the Family Business and runs a Twin Cities based company called Hubler for Business Families which is directed to helping family owned business create focus and reenergize their businesses.
The Soul of Family Business covers topics such as the development of a shared vision for the family and for the business, creating individual and organizational strategies to ensure a personally and financially rewarding business, and preparation planning to ensure that family values continue to emphasize a positive family culture.
Tom spoke of the soul and how that translates to the family that works together. He outlined the Ten Characteristics of a soulful Family business and why they are important. They are creating and utilize a common family vision, develop and maintain positive communication and conflict management skills, practice forgiveness, embrace change, regular family meetings, love, create legacy plan, have an active board of directors, have a current family participation plan, practice gratitude, service, and philanthropy. Tom has over 35 years as a family business consultant.
In less than 14 months, the Faribault Rotary Club will celebrate its 100-year anniversary on May 1, 2020. This week’s historical highlight is from 1962.
The annual Dues were increased to $40 per year.
There were small group discussions on financing the Youth Camp.
The club toured the new Faribault Senior High School.
The club had the first scholarship Luncheon for honor students.
There was a tour of the St. Lucas Convalescent Home.
A meeting was held at the new shelter at the Youth Camp.
Our club’s 42nd president in 1961-62 was Dr. Donald J. Studer.
On Wednesday March 27th Faribault Rotary Club hosted our weekly meeting at Buckham West A/K/A the Faribault Senior Center. We were treated to a fabulous lunch from their cafeteria and our presentation was Buckham West Director Mona Kaiser. Mona has been the director since 2003. Buckham West staff include Mona, Brenda Johnson, RN, and Deb Kaufman, Business office manager.
We have a state-of-the-art conference room, at our finger tips through a partnership with the City of Faribault. Buckham West also offers a studio space for different types of activities including barre class, not "bar class" President Kramer!
The cafeteria provides lunch Monday through Friday for a few hundred people. at 11:30 Monday -Friday seniors gather to have lunch together serving 40-50 people. Meals on wheels is prepared and picked up from Buckham West serving about 70 currently. There are 120-130 Headstart children who get a meal, and there at 10-20 meals that go to an assisted living facility in town.
The expansion that is Buckham West was first discussed around 2008, fundraising for a 1.9-million-dollar capital campaign started in 2015. Currently 1.6 million has been raised for local companies, citizens, and grants. There is currently a 5 year note on the remaining funds, and the hope is those funds will be paid off before 5 years.
If you are interested in a membership to Buckham West, see Mona. You have to be age 50 or older and membership will be $35.00 if you are single and $60.00 for a couple. If you have not toured this beautiful facility, do so soon, it is a treasure in our community. The physical space is amazing and the staff and members at Buckham West could not be more friendly and welcoming!
The distinguished Dr. Dick Huston has proposed Travis LaChance, a (soon-to-be) lawyer with the law firm Patton, Hoversten and Berg, for membership in the Faribault Rotary Club. If you have any questions or concerns please contact Keith or Dick .
Our most honorable President Keith Kramer has proposed Mark Kenney, Pastor at the River Valley Church, for membership in the Faribault Rotary Club. If you have any questions or concerns please contact Keith or Dick Huston.
Narrengave his classification talk recently. I asked him six follow up questions to help summarize his presentation for those of us who were present and for our club members who missed the meeting. If you have not had a chance to welcome him to our club, please do so.
Your Family members, occupations (including you) or school level?”
I have three children (one girl and two boys). I am the Vice President of Research and Institutional Effectiveness & Dean of the Faribault Campus of South Central College.
Your Hometown/School/College
I am from Oakland, CA. I am a Luther College alum (class of 03). Graduate work at Iowa State University, PhD class of 13
Your previous occupations?
I have worked in higher education, in Institutional Research/Effectiveness field since 2010—while a graduate student. Prior to graduate school, I managed restaurants and hotels.
One of the things I appreciate most about serving as president of Rotary International is the people I get to meet. Much of my time is spent traveling and visiting Rotary clubs around the world. A Rotarian welcome is something quite special. But let me tell you, there's nothing so warm as the welcomes that have been rolled out for me by Rotaractors. These are young people who are committed to Rotary ideals, who are pouring their hearts into service, and who, in the process, don't forget to have fun.
One of the highlights of my recent travels was a trip to Ghana, where I visited a district that boasts some 60 Rotaract clubs. They aren't satisfied with that number, though — in fact, they're excited about a plan to double it. They'll do it, too.
Rotaractors are vaccinating children against polio. They're donating blood where the supply is dangerously low. They're providing handwashing facilities to schools where children previously had no way to get clean. In short, they're all about transformational service: carrying out projects that make a real difference in their communities.
In Nakivale, Uganda, one special Rotaract club is making a difference in its community — which happens to be a refugee settlement. These young leaders are turning what others might see as disadvantages into opportunities for service, building community and opening up new possibilities to those who are most in need of them.
In Turkey, Rotaractors are visiting children in the hospital every Wednesday to lift their spirits by playing games with them. They also are mentoring new students at their university and teaching them leadership skills.
Rotaractors are blazing the path for Rotary to be more relevant in this new century of service. And World Rotaract Week, which we're celebrating 11-17 March, is the perfect opportunity to get to know your local Rotaractors and talk to them about how your clubs can work together. If your Rotary club doesn't already sponsor a Rotaract club, know that you don't need to be near a college or university to do it: Community-based Rotaract clubs are a great option. And remember that Rotaractors are part of the Rotary family.
When Rotaractors are ready to leave their Rotaract club, we don't want them to leave that Rotary family behind. I'm asking all Rotarians to help them make the transition into a Rotary club or to start a new one: I'm happy to charter as many new clubs as we need to give everyone a place where they feel at home while making the world a little better. Service should be fun, it should be inspirational, and it should be open to all.
If there's one thing Rotary has always excelled at, it's diversity. In the past, that often meant diversity of profession, nationality, and outlook. We've made great strides when it comes to diversity of age and gender, and as we welcome more Rotaractors into our organization, we'll become even stronger.
Rotary is powerful. Together with Rotaract, it is unstoppable. Working side by side, we have the potential to Be the Inspiration in every part of society, to every person we meet.
I am delighted to share with all of you that our Strive Banquet was an overall success! We did have a few hiccups, but when you consider what a large event this is, that is to be expected. We planned for about 50 people in attendance and I think we met that total. Due to the banquet falling on the last day of spring break (which I take full responsibility for; I failed to look at the school calendar when rescheduling), we were a little light on student turn-out. The Inn at Shattuck provided us with an amazing venue, delicious food (with exquisite dessert trays) and incredibly helpful staff.
Thank you to Troy Dunn for taking attendance. Pastor Greg and his wife Diane made excellent hosts; in addition Greg led us in prayer and song. Thank you. Carmen was amazing in taking care of a lot of the behind the scenes preparation, including sending out invites, tallying RSVPs, and taking care of the programs. I really appreciate that Carmen! Keith Kluzak did a wonderful job, as always, with taking care of the scholarship portion of the program. I know you put a lot of time into that, Keith, and I am so grateful! Finally, President Keith Kramer did an outstanding job in providing our guests with an overview of Rotary and leading us in the customs that we follow at the beginning of every meeting.
Thank you all for your support of Strive in whatever role you play. This program would not be successful if it were not for you!
In less than 15 months, the Faribault Rotary Club will celebrate its 100-year anniversary on May 1, 2020. This week’s historical highlight is from 1961.
This was the year of the first “Million Dollar Meal” for the Rotary Foundation.
There was a program on Direct Dialing for the new telephones.
There was a progress report on the Interstate Highway 35.
Our club’s 41st president in 1960-61 was Melville E. Krafve.
On March 20th we heard about a rising program beginning in our Third Judicial District from the Honorable Ross Leuning. Introduced by his project counterpart our very own John Fossum, Judge Leuning express their vision of a Veterans Treatment Court.
The Veterans Treatment Court goal is to reduce incarnations of veterans through: probation, treatment and mentorship. Mr. Leuning explained that veterans by design through basic military training (boot camp) are adaptable to treatments/training. The program is federally funded and capitalizes on the VA’s benefits of support. All of these factors contribute to high rates of success. Treatment Courts have been shown to be far less costly than incarnation as well.
Mr. Leuning was the perfect candidate for heading up the veteran’s treatment court, with 37 years in the NAVY. Ross understands the troubles veterans face back home. Along with the strong bond veterans have with one another in support. Ross was on an active tour of duty in Iraq when he volunteered to lead the veteran’s treatment court installment for the 3rd judicial district.
The Honorable Ross Leuning presided before us, to ask for our help. If you are a veteran or know of a veteran that would be willing to share their time as a mentor, please reach out to them and ask.
For further information please contact one of the following: Ross Leuning (507)377-5166, Chris Hinton (507)-835-0680
In less than 15 months, the Faribault Rotary Club will celebrate its 100-year anniversary on May 1, 2020. This week’s historical highlight is from 1960.
The “Glasses for India” project was sponsored by the club.
Our club’s Fortieth anniversary was celebrated at the Guild House.
Minnesota Governor Orville Freeman was a speaker at a weekly program.
Faribault wins the attendance contest with Owatonna.
Miss Minnesota, Jean Elverum, spoke to the club.
The Project committee makes its first report on the Youth camp at Cedar Lake.
Our club’s 40th president in 1959-60 was Dr. C. Arthur Bell.
Janet Stevens has been a Rotarian for 25 years and is a part of the Northfield Rotary club
Firm believer in the Rotaract and Rotary youth exchange program, Janet has a 4th daughter from Senegal because of the exchange program.
Janet spoke to the group about the journey that her family took thru history. After taking a DNA ancestry test due to health reasons, a spark started for researching where her family has been since they came to America.
We learned a term “Melungeon,” which is a “tri-racial isolate” group from the early stages of the Southern United states. The United States Census is a great place to find information about where people were and how they moved around the country.
She recommends two books for reading, American nations: A History of the Eleven RivalRegional Culturesof North America by Colin Woodard and Albion Seed: Four British Folkways inAmerica by David Hackett Fischer.
Janet urged us to be proud of the history of Faribault and use the great resources we have including the Rice County Historical Society.
The Faribault Rotaract Club recently received their charter at a Faribault Rotary Club meeting. The club is comprised of 28 students from South Central College and is open to all young adults who wish to provide service to the community. One of the group's service projects is to volunteer at Believet Canine Service Partners, which trains service dogs for veterans.
The Rotaracts will host dogs in their homes on weekends, as well as feed, groom, walk and perform other care tasks. In addition, the group is working on creating a volunteer program at St. Lucas Care Center. For more information about the club, visit rotary5960.org/clubInfo/scc-rotaract.
On Wednesday March 6th we heard a great classification speech from Dr. Narren Brown of South-Central College. Narren shared what it was like to grow up on the East side of Oakland California. It was a rough neighborhood. He played football in a triangle piece of grass that was basically a median for traffic on all sides! He was always fortunate enough to attend great schools. His parents made sure he has the best education possible.
After high school Narren repaired slot machines and that job brought him through what he calls his travel years. He spent time on a cruise ship in San Juan, time is Las Vegas, and then Iowa, where he started his higher education at age 23. Dr. Brown is the Associate Vice President of Research & Institutional Effectiveness at South Central College. His passion is Data and Analytics. He uses numbers for daily information decision making.
With his employment at SCC, he was chosen to participate in Faribault Futures class of 2018, and because of what he learned in the class he grew to love Faribault so much that SCC Faribault campus is his main office and he now resides here. He still has a home in Iowa where two of boys attend school and live, so he visits on a very regular basis. His daughter and son in law are going to be welcoming a baby boy this year and Dr. Narren Brown will then be known as Pop-Pop. A title he is excitedly waiting for!
In less than 15 months, the Faribault Rotary Club will celebrate its 100-year anniversary on May 1, 2020. This week’s historical highlight is from 1959.
The club assisted in a survey of the aged in our community.
The display of flags for the table was purchased. (They are 60 years old this year.)
Senator Eugene McCarthy was a speaker at one program.
The decision to distribute the FARIBOTARIAN at meetings instead of mailing was made.
Our club’s 39th president in 1958-59 was Archie P. Tischler.
Reprinted with permission from the Faribault Daily News
To some, he's a dedicated veterinarian. To some, a world traveler. To some, a proud Rotarian.
To all, he's Richard "Dick" Huston. There's no one way to define a man who's traveled to all seven continents, who's helped settle lawsuits dealing with cattle or who's been on the Minnesota Timberwolves' private plane.
Somehow the 1,000-piece puzzle comes together to create a mosaic of a man who won't let life come to him. Click on the "Read More" link below for the rest of the article.
Chadgave his classification talk recently. I asked him six follow up questions to help summarize his presentation for those of us who were present and for our club members who missed the meeting. If you have not had a chance to welcome him to our club, please do so.
Your Family members, occupations (including you) or school level?”
Chad Hjellming, Regional Publisher of APG of Southern Minnesota
Stephanie Hjellming, Special Education teacher at Cannon Falls Schools
Hannah Hjellming, freshman in high school
Ryan Hjellming, 5th grade student
Your Hometown/School/College
Hometown: Caledonia
College: Viterbo College and Winona State University
We are saddened to hear that Dick Huston's brother, Randy, passed away last night due to complications from exposure to Agent Orange. As a club, our thoughts and prayers go out to Dick and his family at this time.
The annual Strive Banquet to honor the 2018-19 Strive students was rescheduled to 6 pm March 24th at the Inn at Shattuck. The cost of the meal for everyone is $13 and will be collected at the door. A separate email invitation has been sent to each Rotarian. If you registered for the original banquet, you will now have to register again. Please click on the link provided to register yourself and any guests. If you have any questions, please contact Kurt Halverson.
On Wednesday February 27th we had the pleasure of hearing a classification speech by new member Chad Hjellming. The first Chad explained to us all how to pronounce his last name, and after he did, we all breathe a sigh of relief! Hjellming is pronounced “Yell-Ming.” The Hj combination make a Y sound. Chad is from Caledonia Minnesota, the Wild Turkey Capitol of Minnesota. He describes his childhood as very similar to the movie "The Sandlot" playing baseball most days, hanging out with your team, maybe go to the pool, and Mom would call you for dinner just by yelling at the top of her lungs when it was time to come home. Chad's parents were hard workers. His dad owned and operated Bob's Shoe and Repair for 30 years, and when he would get home at the end of his work day, Mom would go waitress at the bowling alley. Chad has two older sisters.
Chad explained to us that he loves baseball, and it became very clear, he was not joking. He started playing as a child, and even went to Viterbo College in La Cross Wisconsin on a scholarship. He loves baseball, but realized he wasn't going to make it his career, so he decided to get a job. He started writing the sports column for his local newspaper. His major for 3.5 years of college had been education, but he quickly learned to be a good writer, and changed his major to writing. He took a job at the Winona Daily News covering sports, and eventually started to cover stories other than sports to make his work schedule include more day time hours so he could be home with his family at night.
He lives with his wife Stephanie in Cannon Falls, MN. She is a special education teacher in Cannon Falls High School for 17 years. They have two children Hannah (15) and Ryan (11). Chad's other passion is coaching his children in the sports they love as much as their dad. These include softball, baseball and basketball. You can see how proud Chad is of Hannah and Ryan when he talks about them!
In December Chad became the regional publisher of APG and over sees the employees. As long as he has lived in Cannon Falls, he has always worked in some capacity in the newspaper business. Various newspapers within about a 30 -45-minute drive of home.
He brings tons of experience to our local paper in Faribault and we are so excited to have him as a Rotarian!!
In less than 15 months, the Faribault Rotary Club will celebrate its 100-year anniversary on May 1, 2020. This week’s historical highlight is from 1958.
The club celebrated Minnesota’s Centennial 1858-1958.
The German consul gave a talk on the “Federal Republic of Germany.”
There was a program on “Juvenile Delinquency.”
Students representatives report on Winnipeg Model United Nations session.
Notable program speakers in 1958 were
U of M Hockey coach, John Mariucci
Congressman and future Governor Al Quie
Captain EM Morgan US Navy Pacific Fleet Naval Defenses
Mayor P. Kenneth Peterson- about the new Freeway coming
Just 61 years ago yesterday on March 5, 1958, Rod Mahler joined the Faribault Rotary Club at the age of 24.
Since then it is estimated that he has attended over 2800 meetings with over 90% attendance and over 3000 total Rotary events.
Congratulations Rod!
Our club’s 38th president in 1957-58 was Clarence W. Schmaus.
Thank you to the Faribault Elks and all Rotarians who volunteered and/or participated in the annual Youth Fishing Contest on French Lake last Saturday.
The Strive Banquet was rescheduled for Sunday evening March 24th 6 pm- 8 pm at The Inn at Shattuck. If you have already registered, you will have to register again. A separate email invitation will be sent.
Marygave her classification talk recently. I asked her six follow up questions to help summarize her presentation for those of us who were present and for our club members who missed the meeting. If you have not had a chance to welcome her to our club, please do so.
Your Family members, occupations (including you) or school level?”
Mary Reese Account executive KOWZ/KRUE RADIO, Dustin Reese Logistics Coordinator Wenger Inc, Harrison Reese Kindergarten St Mary’s elementary, Alexander Reese Daycare
Your Hometown/School/College
Riceville, IA
Riceville Community High school
University of Northern Iowa, Cedar Falls IA
Southeast Minnesota State Technical College, Red Wing MN
Your Previous occupations?
Store Sales Manager Famous Footwear
Any Hobbies?
Running, Reading, Curling, and BBQ competitions
Rotary sponsor?
Dr. Dick Huston
Interesting fact about you or your life?
Met my husband while learning to curl
While in 4-H, I put together a service project which allowed us to repair stones at a cemetery where a good number of stones had been broken over time.
Both of my sons were born a week after they were due
On Wednesday February 6th we hear a classification speech from new member Mary Reese.
Mary is an Account Executive at Kowz & Krue Radio in Owatonna. Mary was born and raised in Riceville, IA. She is a wife to Dustin Reese, an Owatonna native, and mom to 2 adorable boys, Harrison age 5.5 and Alex, almost 3!
Mary participated in lots of high school activities including 4-H, Marching band, Color guard, and Speech. Marching band continued all the way through college. She was also part of the Model United Nations in college. She started her college years at UNI, looking at Elementary education, but realized that wasn't for her. She came to Red Wing Minnesota to attend Minnesota State Collage SE and get her degree in management. Mary has held a few jobs over the years from working at Menards, and Milroy Tuxedo to the well-known Iowa gas station chain Kum & Go. Mary managed Famous Footwear for 11 of the last 13 and a half years she was with the company. Mary is a hard worker, you can tell, when she talks about her life.
Mary shared her hobbies with us, and this is where her classification speech went from "a very nice speech" to "oh my goodness - you are so cool!" Mary and Dustin have two hobbies, Curling and BBQ. Owatonna has a curling club, yes - curling, with the stones and the brooms and the really fast sweepers! Mary shared with us the rules, and the terms used, and even showed us some of her gear. She also shared stories and awards about her and Dustin's professional barbequing. Their team is call Hogline BBQ (the Hog Line is also a curling term), and they compete and win competitions around the country!
Look for Hogline BBQ and like them on Facebook!
Welcome to Faribault Rotary Mary! We are so glad to have you - and looking forward to a BBQ sometime!
In less than 16 months, the Faribault Rotary Club will celebrate its 100-year anniversary on May 1, 2020. This week’s historical highlight is from 1957.
Programs were given by Mr. and Mrs. Lawrence Thompson about their year as exchange teachers in Slough, England.
There was a presentation of a gift painting from the Wurtzburg Germany Rotary Club.
Club members visited the new activity building at the Braille School.
There was a tour of the newly restored Faribault House.
On December 11th there was 100% attendance for the weekly meeting.
Our club’s 37th president in 1956-57 was Dr. Edward J. Engberg.
On Wednesday February 6th Faribault Rotary had the pleasure of hearing from Jason Hunt. author of "The Other Side". A book about moving from being a worker or employee to being a leader. Jason shared with us his story of how this book came about. He was a principal at the Owatonna Jr. High. This was his dream job, or so he thought. After about a year of things seeming pretty great, he realized (hiding in a portable class room alone one day) that he had not been a good leader, and the effects were starting to show. He took a good hard look at what he needed to change, and what he could have done differently.
He discussed with us these ideas for leaders: 1. Character Counts, 2. Build the confidence of others, 3. Connect before you lead, 4. Collaborate to be great, and 5. Increase capacity to increase influence.
Jason was able to take a severance from the school district which allowed him to care for his family, a wife and 4 children, and allowed him to focus on his training course, and get his business off the ground. There are a two ways Jason is working to make a difference. He is speaking to organizations, and he offers a Mastermind program, where he develops curriculum for companies and meets over the course of 6-8 90-minute meetings with management to teach and train leadership.
A dozen or so Rotarians purchased his book. Critics review to follow! Thank you, Jason, to speaking to us - I am sure he inspired the room to be better leaders, and take the step to the other side if we are not there already. We hope to see you again soon!
In less than 16 months, the Faribault Rotary Club will celebrate its 100-year anniversary on May 1, 2020. This week’s historical highlight is from 1956.
Club dues were set at $30.
There was a program titled “The Prospects of Atomic Electric Plants in Minnesota.
The club was the guest of Shattuck School for lunch and the Crack Drill Squad.
John Lysen becomes District Governor.
The Club toured the new sewage disposal plant.
Our club’s 36th president in 1955-56 was Melvin H. Shreyer. He was still a member when Rod joined the club.
A mile on the ocean and a mile on land are not the same distance. The familiar land mile is 5,280 feet, is called a statute mile, and it's based on paces. On the other hand, the nautical mile is used for distances on the ocean and doesn't have a tangible equivalent like paces. It's a mathematical calculation based on degrees of latitude around the equator.
We are now in our 7th year with The Faribault Rotary Club using ClubRunner services for our website, organization and communication. One of the benefits includes a Club Runner Mobile app for your smart phone or tablet.
This app is available free for download through your Apple App Store and Google Play by typing in "ClubRunner" in the search bar. Password protected just like our website, the ClubRunner Mobile app allows you to view our member directory, contact your members, read the latest articles posted to our website, learn more about our upcoming events and speakers, view our meeting details and track your attendance statistics, right from your smartphone or tablet! With this Mobile App you will be able to call, text, or send another member an email within the app with a tap of your finger. You will be required to login with your ClubRunner username and password only to set up. After that the app is open for use whenever you need it.
The mobile app is compatible with all versions of the iPhone, iPad and iPod Touch sets that have iOS 8.0 or later and with versions of Anrdoids that are 4.0.3 or better.
If you have any questions or forgot your username and/or password, please let me know!
Announcing a new fun contest for Rotary 5960. It was found that we are finally running out of pins and banners for the district and this is an opportunity to make a change! If you are creative and ingenious, then this is for you.
The goal of the contest is to see if the current pin and banner artwork can be updated to fit with our Strategic Goals. (Remember….FUN!)
Details
Three finalists will be chosen on March 15th by the Public Image Team.
The winning design chosen by the Public Image Team and will receive a $250 VISA card and the winner will be announced at the Conference of Clubs on April 12th in Rochester.
The decision to use the new design will be voted upon by the District Board of Directors.
In less than 16 months, the Faribault Rotary Club will celebrate its 100-year anniversary on May 1, 2020. This week’s historical highlight is from 1955.
The club celebrated Rotary’s Golden Anniversary with a dinner at the Congregational Parish House and sponsored a concert by the St. Olaf Choir with 1200 in attendance at Faribault High School. The Daily News published a series of articles on the Golden Anniversary and KDHL broadcast “Rotary Golden Theatre” 9:15-9:30 am for 13 weeks.
Seven charter members of the club were still living.
Club members were guests of the Faribault Education Association at Lincoln school for regular school lunch.
Robert Bjorgum joined the club and was a member for 58 years - 1955-2013 when he passed away.
Our club’s 34th president in 1954-55 was Palmer Dragsten owner of KDHL Radio. Palmer served our club from 1947-2006 when he passed away. His 59 years of membership are second only to the honorable Rod Mahler.
On Wednesday January 23rd we had the pleasure of hearing from Katie Anderson from Rice County foster care. Katie explained the process people go through to be able to foster a child in Rice County. There are a couple of different types of foster care positions you can apply for. There is respite care - this is short term, maybe you are taking a child or children for a weekend so another set of foster parents could take a break, or for some other short-term situation. The second is long term care - you have the child or children for a longer period of time. The end result in this scenario is usually reunification or adoption. who can be a foster parent? Almost anyone. It takes a clean back ground study, age 21 or older and space in your home. Licensing takes 3-4 months and starts with a perspective foster parent asking questions and being informed.
There is a background study done on anyone 13 or older in your home, and finger prints taken for anyone 16 years of age or older. There are 3-4 home visits conducted, one typically from the fire marshal, these visits are to get to know the foster family better. There are forms, and training you must attend, not too many Katie says, just a couple. And last is the home study conducted by the court. They court will sign off on you.
After all that you wonder "when?" Katie tells us it could be tomorrow or a year and a half down the road. You never really know. Rice county tries very hard to keep siblings together and there is a large need for teens to have a home with foster care.
After Katie wrapped up her part of the presentation we heard from our good friend, fellow Rotarian Pastor Jared Mathews. Jared and his wife Emily are foster parents for Rice County.
Pastor Jared gave his own presentation from the foster parent point of view. He covered 4 lesson every foster parent should know. 1. it’s not about you. 2. A parent is a parent is a parent, this is a role or function, not a blood relation. 3. Life stories are important everyone has one, but they are not a foster parent’s story to share. 4. There is always trauma, a child being removed from their home is traumatic to them regardless of what people outside of the situation think.
He also covered two misconceptions about foster parenting. 1. I have to be a "super parent" and 2. I have to know everything there is to know about parenting. Neither of these ideas are true, anyone who is a "parent" is learning on the fly. One final topic Pastor Jared covered with us, Stereo types of foster children. "bad kids" -they are not bad kids, they are processing a very difficult situation. "Defiant" - they are not defiant, they have a different set of life skills, or they don't have them at all yet. "Ungrateful" - they are not ungrateful; their experience of love is different or difficult. Pastor Jared finished with this "Foster care is not for the faint of heart, it is for the full of heart."
Thank you, Katie and Pastor Jared, for the information and powerful message you both provided.
Our fearless leader, President Kramer has cancelled our weekly meeting on Wednesday because of the extremely cold weather. Please stay safe and stay warm. We will see you next week!
Vocational service can be hard to define, but it is easy to describe: It is simply the point where our Rotary lives and our professional lives intersect. When we put our Rotary ideals to work through our work, that is vocational service.
When I returned to the Bahamas after many years working in health care administration abroad, I realized that my country badly needed a modern health care facility. The resources we had at the time were out of date and inadequate, and people who were unable to travel abroad for care often did not receive the care they needed. Without the experience I had gained in the United States, I could have done nothing to change the status quo. But since I did have that experience, I was in a unique position to have an impact. I knew I could turn my professional path to good and make a career out of improving Bahamian health care.
As Rotary became part of my journey, I discovered that the words of Paul Harris that became the basis of Rotary — that shared effort knows no limitations — were also true for my vocation. I could not bring modern health care to the Bahamas alone. But through partnership, both with the doctors who eventually became my partners in Doctors Hospital and with all the dedicated staff members who worked in the hospital over the years, we could change everything. My goal became a shared goal — and then it became reality.
Rotary emphasizes the dignity of every vocation and the worth of every calling. Remember that the four founding members included no doctors or peacemakers — just an attorney, a mining engineer, a coal dealer, and a printer. From the beginning, the diversity of those vocations gave Rotary a special strength. And that diversity is reflected in our classification system, which aims to ensure that each club represents the full range of businesses and professions that serve each community.
Paul Harris put it this way: "Each Rotarian is the connecting link between the idealism of Rotary and his trade or profession." It was true when he said it and should be equally true now. We only spend an hour or two a week at our Rotary meetings, but most of us spend most of our waking time at work. Through Rotary, those hours are also an opportunity for service: a chance to Be the Inspiration to those we work with, those who work for us, and the communities we serve.
In less than 17 months, the Faribault Rotary Club will celebrate its 100-year anniversary on May 1, 2020. This week’s historical highlight is from 1954.
Our founding president, Frank W. McKellip passed away in early May. He had served our club for 34 years.
The service clubs of Faribault were entertained as guests of Nutting Trucking and Caster Co. on the occasion of opening their new office building.
Our club sponsored the Cannon Falls Club. The charter presentation was on October 27th.
NBA all-star and Minneapolis Lakers George Mikan was a speaker for one club meeting.
There was a program titled “New Telephone Horizons” the new technology that will bring more changes in our way of life.
Our club’s 34th president in 1953-54 was Guerdon Allen who was still a member in 1970 so Rod knew him.
In less than 17 months, the Faribault Rotary Club will celebrate its 100-year anniversary on May 1, 2020. This week’s historical highlight is from 1953.
On March 9th, Guerdon Allen was chosen as the next club president earlier than normal as directed by Rotary International.
There was a program on baby adoptions that stated that only one couple in ten may be lucky enough to adopt a child in this country.
Nuba Pletcher presented a program on the Japan problem after WWII requiring the US to help rebuild the country after all the destruction.
There was a program and demonstration on the “Art of pistol shooting” presented by State and National Champion- Joe Helling.
There was a combined service meeting at the Elks club. Meal charge was $1.
There was a joint meeting with the Lions Club. Minnesota House Majority leader, Roy Dunn, was the speaker.
A slide picture program was presented on Wurzburg, Germany. The people of Faribault had sent tons of clothing and supplies to aid the war-torn city.
Our club’s 33rd president in 1952-53 was Aaron Lenmark who was still a member in 1970 so Rod knew him.
On Wednesday January 16 we had the pleasure of hearing from Sam Daly, owner Northfield Kennels and founder of Believet.
Believet is an organization that trains service dogs for veterans. Sam has been a trainer for 30 years and in his career has been a military contractor to train bomb dogs. During his time with the military he did two (2) seven-month tours in Afghanistan to be with the dogs to continue their training. Sam could see the need for support and service for our veterans. Service men and women returning home with PTSD, invisible wounds, that need to tended to. Believet trains highly skilled dogs to do many, many different tasks for their owners. Dogs do not cure PTSD, they reduce the symptoms for their owners and the dogs effects allow veterans to feel like they can get their lives back.
Training a service dog is a 2-year commitment, and Sam and his volunteers can place 6 or 7 dogs a year. It costs approximately $28,000.00 for a service dog trained by Believet.org, and there is a wait list, and dogs are free of charge to our Veterans. Currently a study is being conducted by Perdue University, service dogs are not a covered therapy for PTSD at this time.
Believet is accredited by Assistance Dogs International and has been through the three-year accreditation process. To learn more about Believet or to support them go to believet.org
Sam is a Rotarian in Northfield and longtime friend our Faribault Rotarian John Fossum. Thank you for joining us Sam - and thank you for what you do for our Veterans.
Astronauts avoid burping in space because it may cause them to throw up, and it's all thanks to gravity. ... The lack of gravity in space means the air in astronauts' stomachs doesn't separate from ingested food, so burping could expel more than just gas.
David Metta and Piper Nelson, students at South Central College, attend the Rotary District 5960 mid-term meeting along with other Faribault Rotarians. Metta and Nelson recently started a Rotaract Club for young adults to serve the community. (Photo courtesy of Richard Huston)
In less than 17 months, the Faribault Rotary Club will celebrate its 100-year anniversary on May 1, 2020. This week’s historical highlight is from 1952.
During this year, numerous programs were talks by Rotarian Nuba Pletcher.
There were joint meetings in March and Thanksgiving with the Faribault Lions Club. The late November meeting took place during a blizzard. The speaker was snowbound in Zumbrota so the program was provided by Rotarian Foley.
Faribault High School presented the 13th annual Christmas concert.
Our club’s 32nd president in 1951-52 was Reginald L. Kramer who was still a club member at our 50-year anniversary in 1970. (So, Rod knew him!)
*Frank McKellip our first President was also a member of the Elk’s Club. (Peter)
In less than 17 months, the Faribault Rotary Club will celebrate its 100-year anniversary on May 1, 2020. This week’s historical highlight is from 1950.
Bob Reed was nominated for District Governor.
District assembly was held at Shattuck School July 8-9.
There was a football program with coaches and students as guests. The highlight of the program was the information that football was introduced in Faribault by a Professor Camp of Seabury who was the brother of Walter Camp, the first football coach at Yale.
Our club’s 31st President in 1950-51 was Edward E Slettom who was appointed Deputy Commissioner of Agriculture for Minnesota by the Governor in May of 1951. The last six weeks of his term saw a host of past presidents leading the meetings including our first president Frank McKellip who was one of only two remaining charter members. Harry Smith was the other. Another meeting was led by our second president, Fred U. Davis.
On Wednesday January 2nd our club heard from Northfield Rotarian Bruce Morlan on the Challenge of Climate Change. Bruce first explained to us why he is qualified to explain the climate crisis to us, and boy oh boy is he qualified. Bruce is a Retired United States Air Force Officer, a mathematician, a chief scientist, and an Instructor at the Air Force Institute of Technology, where he covered mathematics, analysis, war gaming, and statistics. He is a retired mathematician/statistician where he worked for Mayo on cancer clinical trials and data mining. In his free time now he is a Planning Commissioner (x2), Republican, and an activist. He is more than qualified to tell us about the global warming crisis, and what we can do to make a difference. Rotarians can't do what they do around the world if we don't change climate control. Bruce encourages anyone with questions to reach out to him, and Rotary District 5960 is calling for Rotarians to join in the efforts.
In 1974, the Mummy of Pharaoh Ramesses II Was Issued a Valid Egyptian Passport So That He Could Fly to Paris. ... So the Egyptian government issued a passport to King Ramesses II, labeling him as “King (deceased)”.
The tallest man in medical history for whom there is irrefutable evidence is Robert Pershing Wadlow (USA) (born 6:30 a.m. at Alton, Illinois, USA on 22 February 1918), who when last measured on 27 June 1940, was found to be 2.72 m (8 ft 11.1 in) tall.
In less than 17 months, the Faribault Rotary Club will celebrate its 100-year anniversary on May 1, 2020. This week’s historical highlight is from 1950.
“A new Mental Health Program in Minnesota” was the subject of a program by E.J/ Engberg.
There was a program by students from the Braille School.
There was a Rotary Ann dinner at Orcutt’s Gopher Hole.
The mayor spoke to the club on the sewage disposal plant plans.
There was a program on the Korean situation.
Our club’s 30th president in 1949-50 was Charles J. Propelka.
Ericagave her classification talk recently. I asked her six follow up questions to help summarize her presentation for those of us who were present and for our club members who missed the meeting. If you have not had a chance to welcome her to our club, please do so.
Your Family members, occupations (including you) or school level?”
Husband- Matt Absher
Kalea and Marina Absher – 3 year old and 9 month old
Bachelors Degree in Social Work and Spanish with a minor in Women’s Studies
Massage School
2 Year Certification in Spiritual Direction
20 years of working in the field to end violence against women at the local, state and national level- the past 10 years as the Director of HOPE Center
Your Hometown/School/College
Faribault Proud- Jefferson Elementary, Middle School and Faribault Senior High School
University of Wisconsin- River Falls
Your Previous occupations?
Massage Therapist at Studio 14
SCCADVASA – South Carolina Coalition Against Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault
Any Hobbies?
Reading, Writing, Photography, crafts and jewelry making, outdoor activities, spending time with family and friends
It's traditional that the first Rotarian magazine of the Rotary year carries a profile of the incoming RI president and his or her family. I've always read those profiles with interest, never giving much thought to the possibility that one day, I might be the one bringing a writer from the magazine to my Rotary club meeting! I have never liked a lot of attention, and the idea of having my picture on the magazine cover made me a bit uncomfortable. But when I saw the photo the editors chose, I smiled. Because the star of that picture definitely isn't me, or even my wife, Esther. It's the flock of flamingos, none of which could care less about Rotary, all strutting past us in the same direction. All of them — except one.
I couldn't think of a more appropriate image to reflect the message I want to convey to Rotarians. That one flamingo, going the other way, represents so much of what we need to do in Rotary. That flamingo knows everyone's going one way. She sees it. But she also sees that maybe the path they're on isn't the best path. Maybe, just maybe, there's a better path over there, and she wants to get a good look before she goes marching on with her friends. And if, when she does stop and look, that new path does seem better, she'll call the rest of the crew to come over and check it out with her. And maybe, just maybe, they'll all choose that better path together.
Change is hard. And the longer we've been going one way, the more friends we have with us, the harder it is to be the one who turns around and does it differently. But change — not change for its own sake, but careful, considered, goal-directed change — is essential for any organization that wants to evolve, stay relevant, and move forward in the right direction.
So take a look at that picture, but don't look at me. I'm not the one that cover's about. That cover is about the flamingo. It's about having the curiosity, the courage, and the conviction to look at different paths that might be better — whether you're out for a stroll on a beautiful Bahamas morning, or helping chart the course for our organization.
Volunteers are the difference between an empty kettle and one that raises about $30 per hour – enough to provide a family with two bags of groceries, or shelter an individual for a night. Every volunteer makes a difference!
On Wednesday December 12th we heard from one of our newest members - Erica Staab- Absher. Erica grew up in Faribault on a great street, next door to fellow Rotarian Brent Peroutka, and a great group of kids. They spend a great deal of time playing in outside in the neighborhood. Every game you can imagine. Erica attributes her love of sports and her competitive streak to the group of kids that kept her on her toes playing all sorts of games. She loves football, and was on the fast pitch team, and when they played "war" she was the nurse, taking care of people is also in her wheelhouse. She grew up with her parents and a brother, and her grandparents all being very involved in her life. In high school Erica was introduced to Youth in Government, and it opened her eyes to a whole new way of being. She learned to give speeches, and to debate, and disagree with respect. Some of her lifelong friends to this day are people she met as a participant in Youth in Government.
Erica attended the University of River Falls where she studied Social Work, Spanish and women Studies. River Falls has an exchange program, so Erica was able to study in Scotland where she lived in a castle! After her backpacking adventure "across the pond" she returned to Wisconsin, but had such a great time in Scotland she did another exchange in South Carolina to Winthrop University. Erica moved around the Carolina's a little and attended The Center for Massage and Natural Health in Ashville, North Carolina where she became a massage therapist. Because she loves to learn (and will never stop learning) she also has a 2-year degree in Spiritual Directing.
Eleven years ago, Erica's brother passed away and she knew it was time to come home to spend time with her close-knit family. Fast forward to present day, Erica is married to her amazing husband Matt, and they have two little girls, Kalea and Marina. (Cutie Pies if you have not ever seen them) Erica is the Executive Director at the Hope Center. While the Hope Center has an extremely important mission, and this is typically the main topic in Erica's presentations, we really enjoyed learning more about Erica and her family. Thank you, Erica, for sharing this side of you with us we look forward to everything you will accomplish in Rotary!
Daiseygave her classification talk recently. I asked her six follow up questions to help summarize her presentation for those of us who were present and for our club members who missed the meeting. If you have not had a chance to welcome her to our club, please do so.
Your Family members, occupations (including you) or school level?”
Come from a family of 7, married for 18 years, currently the Director of Operations for HealthFinders Collaborative, Inc.
Your Hometown/School/College
Born in Texas but raised in Faribault MN.
Your Previous occupations?
Manager for adult foster care group homes, Spanish interpreter for Rice County Social services and retail management.
Any Hobbies?
Very involved with our local church and ministry (NuevVida en Cristo International). A volunteer coordinator for our church and volunteer several days a week.
Rotary sponsor? Dick Huston
Interesting fact about you or your life? I have 2 English bulldogs.
This Daily News photo was published on Dec. 22, 1966 showing the Faribault High School Choir singing to Rotarians during the 27th annual Christmas Concert in the Lobby of the Hotel Faribault under the direction Loyld Hansen with Dr. Heinz Bruhl, club president, presiding at the luncheon and concert.
Tim gave his classification talk recently. I asked him seven follow up questions to help summarize his presentation for those of us who were present and for our club members who missed the meeting. If you have not had a chance to welcome him to our club, please do so.
Your Family members, occupations (including you) or school level?”
- Tim Murray, City Administrator for City of Faribault, graduated from University of Minnesota in 1990 with a degree in Civil Engineering
- Sue Ceplecha-Novak (Fiancé), Program Technician at Farm Service Agency in Faribault
- Nick Murray (age 26), attended University of St. Thomas for Electrical Engineering, married in October 2018 to Jennifer Wettschreck, US Air Force (Active Duty), stationed in Omaha, NE
- Kyle Novak (age 23), St. Johns graduate with a degree in Environmental Sciences in May 2018, works at Faribault Foods
- Jake Murray (age 22), UM-Duluth graduate with a degree in Civil Engineering in December 2018, Air Force ROTC, will be commissioned as a 2nd Lieutenant and enter active duty, stationed at Misawa Air Base, Japan in January 2019
- Kelsey Novak (age 20), currently a sophomore at Creighton University in Omaha, pre-med track
Your Hometown/School/College
- Hometown is Black River Falls, Wisconsin, graduated from B.R. Falls High School in 1980
- Graduated from University of Minnesota – Twin Cities in 1990 (the 10-year plan—break in the middle for 5 years in the Army)
Your Previous occupations?
- City Engineer for Faribault
- Consulting Engineer for Bonestroo (now Stantec) and Bolton & Menk
- US Army (active duty), Intelligence Analyst, stationed for a year in Monterey, CA and three years in southern Germany (just about as nice of assignments as you can get in the military)
Any Hobbies?
- Fishing- Golfing- Reading- Traveling
- Yard work- Watching the Green Bay Packers, the Minnesota Wild, and old Western Movies
Rotary sponsor?
- Andy Bohlen
Interesting fact about you or your life?
- Working for Bonestroo (now Stantec), my first full time engineering job out of college, I worked on swimming pool, ice arena, and parks design
Anything else you can think of?
- I’m guessing this is the question for some words of wisdom—best I can offer is work hard, play harder, and don’t take yourself too seriously.
In less than 17 months, the Faribault Rotary Club will celebrate its 100-year anniversary on May 1, 2020. This week’s historical highlight is from 1949.
There was a picnic at Schroeder cottage on Cannon Lake with 70 Rotarians, spouses and children attending.
“Socialized medicine in Great Britain” was the subject of one meeting.
Our club’s 29th president in 1948-49 was Edgar C. “Dick” Lehman.
All Rotarians, their families, and guests are invited to the 79th annual Faribault Rotary Christmas Concert to be held on Wednesday December 19th (11:45 am- 1:15 pm) at Our Savior's Lutheran Church. The joyful sounds of the holiday season will be brought to us by the Faribault High School Choir. Our host for over 30 years, Donn Johnson asks that you use the online sign up via emailor callhim at 334-1733 if you will be coming and bringing one or more guests. The cost of the meal is $11 unless you are on the meal plan.
It is possible to record 4 outs in one half inning of baseball. As a result: The force out, according to the rules of baseball, means that the batter is credited with a fielder's choice and not a base hit. Since no run may score on a play on which the final out of a half-inning is a force out, the inning is over and no run counts.
Our own city councilman-elect, Peter van Sluis presented last week's program about the history of St. Nicholas. The following is a summary of his presentation combined with some additional research.
Sinterklaas arrives every November to the Netherlands by steamboat from Madrid, Spain.
Sinterklaas or Sint-Nicolaas is a legendary figure based on Saint Nicholas, patron saint of children.
The feast of Sinterklaas celebrates the birthday of St. Nicholas on December 6th every year. The feast is celebrated annually with the giving of gifts on St. Nicholas' Eve ( December 5th) in the Netherlands. The tradition is also celebrated in territories of the former Dutch Empire.
Sinterklaas is the primary source of the popular our Christmas - Santa Claus.
Sinterklaas is based on the historical figure of Saint Nicholas (270–343), a Greek bishop of Myra in present-day Turkey. He is depicted as an elderly, stately and serious man with white hair and a long, full beard. He wears a long red cape over a traditional white bishop's alb and sometimes red stola, dons a red cape and ruby ring, and holds a gold-colored long ceremonial shepherd's staff with a fancy curled top. He traditionally rides a white horse. In the Netherlands, the horse is called Amerigo. Sinterklaas carries a big, red book in which is written whether each child has been good or naughty in the past year.
Zwarte Piet
Two Dutch women in costume as Zwarte Piet.
Sinterklaas is assisted by many Zwart Piete; helpers with black faces in colorful Moorish dress. Zwarte Piet first appeared in print as the nameless servant of Saint Nicholas in published in 1850 by Amsterdam schoolteacher Jan Schenkman; however, the tradition appears to date back at least as far as the early 19th Century.
Zwarte Piet's colorful dress is based on 16th-century noble attire, with a lace collar and a feathered cap. He is typically depicted carrying a bag which contains candy for the children, which they toss around, a tradition supposedly originating in the story of Saint Nicholas saving three young girls from slavery by tossing golden coins through their window at night to pay their dowries.
Traditionally, he would also carry a birch rod, a chimney sweep's broom made of willow branches, used to spank children who had been naughty. Some of the older Sinterklaas songs make mention of naughty children being put in Zwarte Piet's bag and being taken back to Spain. This part of the legend refers to the times that the Moors raided the European coast, and as far as Iceland, to abduct the local people into slavery. In modern versions of the Sinterklaas feast, however, Zwarte Piet no longer carries the rodand children are no longer told that they will be taken back to Spain in Zwarte Piet's bag if they have been naughty.
Over the years many stories have been added, and Zwarte Piet has developed from a rather unintelligent helper into a valuable assistant to the absent-minded saint. In modern adaptations for television, Sinterklaas has developed a Zwarte Piet for every function, such as a head Piet , a navigation Piet to navigate the steamboat from Spain to the Netherlands, a gift-wrapping Piet to wrap all the gifts, and an acrobatic Piet to climb roofs and chimneys.
Traditionally Zwarte Piet's face is said to be black because he is a Moor from Spain. Today, some prefer to say that his face is blackened with soot because he has to climb through chimneys to deliver gifts for Sinterklaas.
Both Zwarte Piet and the holiday remain popular in the Netherlands.
Twas a few weeks before Christmas, when all through downtown,
Not a Rotarian was stirring, no one to be found;
The invites were made by Donn Johnson with care,
In hopes that everyone would soon be there;
The Rotarians were nestled all snug in their beds;
While visions of Christmas concerts danced in their heads;
They knew in a moment the time had drawn near,
To sign-up with Donn and tell him no fear;
For we will be coming, even bringing a guest;
Looking forward to lunch and the choir's singing best;
More rapid than eagles the Faribault Rotarians came,
And Donn whistled and shouted and called them by name:
Now, Twitchell! Now, Rojas! Now, Leland and Sanchez!
On, Secraw! On, Jackson! On, Hjellming and Wilson!
To the seat of your cars! To the end of the street!
Now dash away! Dash away! And soon we will meet!
Then we heard Donn exclaim, as he walked out of sight;
"Happy Christmas to all, and to all a good night!"
All Rotarians, their families, and guests are invited to the 79th annual Faribault Rotary Christmas Concert to be held on Wednesday December 19th (11:45 am- 1:15 pm) at Our Savior's Lutheran Church. The joyful sounds of the holiday season will be brought to us by the Faribault High School Choir. Our host for over 30 years, Donn Johnson asks that you use the online sign up via email if you will be coming and bringing one or more guests. The cost of the meal is $11 unless you are on the meal plan.
On Wednesday November 28th we heard a classification from new Rotary member Daisey Sanchez. Daisey is the Director of Operations for Health Finders. Health Finders is a nonprofit community health center offering services that include medical, dental and eye care for non-insured or under insured patients in the Faribault and Northfield area. There are 22 staff currently that include hygienists, dentist, nurses, nurse practitioner, physicians, support staff and 2 community health workers.
The community health workers are Latino and Somali and they assist in their language and culture. This is a huge benefit to the patients who are able us have their assistance. Health Finders is a count-based program and is also supported by Allina and Mayo locally and Daisey described the local medical community support as AMAZING! Daisy says there will be an open house soon to show the community a recently completed lab. She also told us Health Finders is outgrowing its space and is currently searching for property in Faribault that will offer them more space. More to come on that in 2019!
Daisey shared with us that she moved to Minnesota in the mid 1990's from Texas. She enjoyed her life very much as she moved back and forth from Minnesota to Texas to be with her family as they worked in groves, orchards, and fields. She describes herself as a proud Texan with a Christian heart. Her siblings include 5 sisters and one brother, the seventh child to come along! Lucky boy!!
For 23 years now, she has called Faribault her home and has been married for 18 years this week (December 4th) to her husband. She says it has been a lot of work but worth it, they were married very young. Because of her hard work ethic, she has had many opportunities offered to her, but has only ever had four jobs. Director of Operations for Heath Finders allows her to be involved in the school district which she loves, and involved with law enforcement and to reach community members in need.
Daisey told us she did not prefer to do public speaking and she doesn't like her picture taken. Daisey you are a great speaker, your passion for Health Finders and helping other is crystal clear. You did a great job, and you are beautiful inside and out, so I am certain you photograph well too!
We are so glad you have joined us, you will do great as a Rotarian, as it seems this is a natural fit for you!
The Faribault Rotary Club has placed a second "Little Free Library" at Our Savior's Lutheran Church to provide greater variety and meet a growing usage. The "Little Free Library" program was begun by Rotarian Todd Bol of Hudson, WI in 2009. He made the first one out of an old door in the shape of a school house to honor his mother who had been a school teacher. He put it in his front yard with his mother's books. Since then 75,000 Little Libraries have been placed in all 50 states and 88 countries. Improving basic education and literacy is one of Rotary International's area of focus. Todd Bol died on October 18th from cancer at the age of 62.
In less than 17 months, the Faribault Rotary Club will celebrate its 100-year anniversary on May 1, 2020. This week’s historical highlight is from 1948.
Club members were guests of the Minnesota Braille and Sight Saving School for a meeting.
There was a club picnic at the Deaf School.
There was a debate on the Taft- Hartley Labor law.
A program was presented on the work of the Salvation Army.
A program was dedicated to the “Early days of Faribault.”
Our 28th club president in 1947-48 was Stuart V. Willson.
Faribault Rotary Club President Keith Kramer, left, welcomed new members Mary Reese and Dr. Narren Brown. They are pictured here with sponsor Dick Huston, right. Reese is an account executive for KOWZ radio in the Faribault and Owatonna area, and Brown is associate vice president of research and institutional effectiveness at South Central College.
George Wickstrom attended the Faribault Rotary Club’s monthly meeting Nov. 14, not knowing he’d walk away with Rotarian of the Year honors.
“I didn’t realize it was going to happen,” said Wickstrom. “I didn’t think it would ever happen.”
Fellow Rotarians nominated Wickstrom for the award, then the past five Rotarians of the Year and Faribault Rotary President Keith Kramer selected Wickstrom as the winner among other nominees.
In his acceptance speech, Wickstrom read two poems he can recite by memory — “The Man in the Glass” by Peter Dale Wimbrow Sr. and “The Touch of the Master’s Hand” by Myra Brooks Welch.
Five of Wickstrom’s adult children, one daughter-in-law, and several friends surprised Wickstrom with their presence at the meeting.
Wickstrom became a Faribault Rotarian July 19, 1974. At the time, he didn’t know much about the club. But in his 44 years of membership, Wickstrom has come to consider Rotary “an outstanding organization.”
Through Rotary, Wickstrom reads to fourth-graders at Jefferson Elementary through the Rotary Readers program. He also helps with Meals on Wheels and helps tidy Cedar Lake for the Rotary Camp held there. When Rotary exchange students come to town, he enjoys taking them to different places. During Rotary meetings, he collects hospitality and often delivers speeches on topics of interest. Wickstrom is particularly passionate about improving the economy and protecting the environment.
In addition to being an active Rotarian, Wickstrom serves on the HOPE Center Board, exercises daily, reads, and volunteers at the Salvation Army.
“I like to be busy, said Wickstrom, 88. “I don’t like to waste time.”
Wickstrom also devotes much of his time to The Virtues Project-Faribault. When he worked in a financial practice with Cindy Diessner, who he calls the nucleus of the project, Wickstrom latched on to the program that recognizes the best in others. He carries with him a pack of Virtues Reflection Cards and retrieves two in particular that relate to his life code — unity and detachment.
“Without unity, nothing gets done,” said Wickstrom.
According to a description on the Virtues Reflection card, through unity “we see our commonality without evaluating our differences.” Detachment, he reads, is “experiencing our feelings without allowing them to control us.”
“In this society, we’ve got to find ways to get along with people,” said Wickstrom.
If there’s one thing Wickstrom has learned, it’s that asking questions creates more unity than making statements. Where statements present opportunities to disagree, he said, “you can’t argue with a question.”
Faribault Rotarian Dick Houston, who’s known Wickstrom for at least three decades, describes his friend as extremely bright and quick-witted.
“He’s got a memory for history that’s incredible,” said Houston. “He knows it all by heart.”
Whether it’s American history or his own family history, when Wickstrom remembers stories if the message sticks with him. In particular, he recalls the profound impact a teacher made on his aunt, who in turn inspired her students when she became a teacher herself.
“You never know what’s going to happen as a result of being kind to someone,” said Wickstrom.
Reporter Misty Schwab can be reached at 507-744-2551. Follow her on Twitter @APGmisty.
One early June, more than 30 years ago, I had a business trip scheduled to Las Vegas. I had been a Rotarian for about six years, and I thought of myself as an active member: I attended every meeting, I’d served as club secretary, I knew everyone in my club. But for me, Rotary was very much a community organization. It connected me to Nassau and perhaps even to the Bahamas — but no farther.
I had never given much thought to Rotary beyond the Bahamas, and it had never crossed my mind to travel to a Rotary convention. But that spring, I realized that my trip to Las Vegas would coincide with the Rotary International Convention and thought, why not? I sent in my registration and paid my fees, never suspecting that the experience would change my life.
When I walked through the doors of that convention, I was stunned. It was one thing to know that I was part of a global organization with over a million members around the world. It was something else altogether to stand there in the middle of it. I went to every general session, looked in at every booth at the House of Friendship, and learned about projects that I hadn’t even known you could do in Rotary. That convention didn’t just open my eyes. It opened my mind. It inspired me to completely change the way I saw Rotary, what Rotary could do for me, and what I could do through Rotary. That inspiration has stayed with me ever since — and is renewed every year, at every Rotary convention.
In June 2019, Rotarians from all over the world will converge in Hamburg to Capture the Moment at the 110th Rotary International Convention. Many, like me, will have been coming to conventions for years; many others will be coming for the first time. Whether they’re looking to connect with old friends, to find inspiration for a new Rotary year, or simply to see what Rotary is all about, each of them will find their own moment in Hamburg.
Hamburg is a port city that connects Germany to the world and that has been an economic and cultural hub for centuries. It’s a wonderful place to visit — to stroll the shores of the city’s lake, take a boat trip on the Elbe River, dine out, hear great music, and explore fascinating museums. It’s also the ideal place to kick off a European vacation.
If you’re a regular convention goer, you absolutely won’t want to miss out on the friendship and inspiration you’ll find in Hamburg. And if you’ve never been to a convention, please consider this my personal invitation. Register at riconvention.org by 15 December for the best rate — and let this convention Be the Inspiration for your Rotary journey.
In less than 18 months, the Faribault Rotary Club will celebrate its 100-year anniversary on May 1, 2020. This week’s historical highlight is from 1947.
There a was a program on the history of the Rice County Historical Society and plans for the restoration of the Faribault House, recently purchased by the society with a gift from Guerdon Allen.
There were programs featuring demonstrations by students of the Braille School and Deaf School.
Howard M. Quigley District Governor 1944-45 from Olathe Kansas, moves to Faribault and joins the club and was a member until 1966. (So, Rod knew him!)
Our club’s 27th president in 1946-47 was John C. Lysen who was also District Governor in 1954-55.
He was a member from 1934-65 so Rod knew him as well.
to "Rejoice as Rotarians" Thursday Dec. 6th at 5:30 pm for dinner at The Inn at Shattuck followed by an inspiring and unique Christmas Concert at 7:30 pm in Newhall Auditorium. We will be treated to the sounds of Christmas by the Simple Gifts Christmastide Tour with Billy McLaughlin. There will be an additional $20 charge per person. A separate invitation was sent for you to sign up.
The following is a review from a previous appearance at Shattuck- St. Mary's
What they are saying…
“The performance by SimpleGifts with Billy McLaughlin at Shattuck-St. Mary’s School was simply sublime! The angelic vocals and wonderful musical accompaniment are a breathtaking combination. Experiencing this concert makes one pause and reflect on what the season is all about. This is the real music of Christmas.” Richard Kettering, Acoustic Roots Music Series Shattuck-St. Mary’s School, Faribault, MN
You won't want to miss this night!
A Night to Rejoice as Rotarians with Billy Mclaughlin's Simple Gifts Tour
There are still a couple of spots to fill for the annual Rotary Red Cross Blood Drive at 4th Avenue United Methodist Church. Volunteers are needed on Monday November 26th - 2 spots at 4:45 pm and one spot from 5:45 -7 pm? Contact Laura Bock 507-384-2280 if you can help.
On Wednesday November 14th we were treated to a visit from The Faribault Police department and Sergeant Adam Marvin and police K-9 officer Cannon.
Cannon is a 2-year-old Belgian Malinois. Sgt. Marvin and Cannon have recently completed their training and certifications from St. Paul PD. Sgt. Marvin explained to us that Cannon does everything for the reward of his chew toy. Which we could tell he really loves! Sgt. Marvin and Cannon have ongoing training with another officer and k-9 from the city of Faribault alongside the Rice County Sherriff's department and their K-9. Cannon has to be certified in his narcotics training ever year to be able to work the road with Sgt. Marvin. He rides along, and with the push of a button (remote) can be released from his squad. He watches the action from inside the squad until he needed. When the door flies open - watch out, he is working and you don't want to be the person he is after!
Cannon is considered a tool used by the officers for their own safety. He is a dual-purpose dog which means he is trained in narcotics and tracking. He can track drugs or people. Dogs are extremely effective in crowd control as well. Cannon gets to go to the police station and knows the officers, they are like family.
Cannon goes home with Sgt. Marvin and has a kennel and gets to stay in the garage. Sometimes he gets to come in their home. Cannon is trained to be social not aggressive, currently Cannon does better with adults, he can be around kids, but adults are Sgt. Marvin's preference. Sgt. Marvin has a vest for Cannon, and he wears a harness and a tracking collar, as well as a shock collar for his own protection.
Cannon is high energy, and it was a pleasure to hear Sgt. Marvin speak about him and their work together.
Thank you for joining us! we look forward to another visit from you and Cannon to hear more stories of your working together!
These past few weeks/ last month have been very busy as I have been trying to get more involved with things and become a part of the German community as well as spend a significant amount of time doing things with my host family, friends, school, sports, and the list goes on.
Things have been really exciting in these parts!
I have been here in Paderborn for almost 3 months now, and things have been pretty much nonstop. Language learning has taken a lot of my time and I recently began a language course at a local language school which I hope will help me speed up the complicated learning process. Attending the local high school has also brought about a whole new set of adventures. Making friends is still an evolving process, but I like to remember that all good things take time. I have also made numerous friends through Rotary and it's really incredible to get to meet so many new people with such different life experiences and stories.
Rotary took the exchange students on an amazing tour of Germany, stopping in cities such as Hamburg, Dresden, Munich, Berlin, and numerous others. This was a great opportunity to not only see Germany but also to get closer with the other exchange students. We visited the Berlin Wall, the Hamburg Fish Market, the Sempar Opera in Dresden, and even went to Oktoberfest in Munich. I have attached some photos (click on the link below) of this trip including a photo of the sunrise over the port in Hamburg as we walked back from the fish market at 6am, a castle in Potsdam, and a photo of the view off the balcony at Schloss Neuschwanstein.
Overall things are very good. At the end of November, I will travel to Iserlohn to another Rotary weekend with the inbounds/exchange students. We will go ice skating, visit the Weinachtsmarkt (Christmas Market), and do other local "wintery" activities.
The honorable Jake Cook proposes Clayton Nicholson, Health Fitness Coach from Revolution Fitness LLC, for membership in the Faribault Rotary Club. If you have any questions, concerns or are just out of shape and need help, please contact Dick Huston or President Keith Kramer.
George joined the Faribault Rotary Club on Friday July 19, 1974. His sponsor was Francis Lockwood who was a “senior active” in the classification of “insurance, life” which meant he was allowed to bring into the club a junior member with the same classification. He was inducted by the distinguished membership chair, past president Rod Mahler at the annual Rotary Picnic.
His first meeting make-up was in Milwaukee a few months later. Since then he has tried to maintain near perfect attendance for most of his 44 years as a member and is almost 100 percent the last 2 years.
His first program for our club was his classification talk, Jan. 8, 1975 in which he discussed the importance of life insurance and how he approaches the subject with prospective clients. Since that time, he has provided us with programs on a multitude of topics ranging from the economy and American history to ostrich farming. He recently gave a program on the Revolutionary War and the founding of our country. He is a walking encyclopedia of American history, politics and economics.
George has been willing to provide service above self at Rotary camp work days, planting trees with local school children and also being involved at the district level attending conferences and most recently accepting a Polio Plus award on behalf of our club last weekend.
George is a devoted supporter of the Rotary Foundation as he has contributed at the Paul Harris plus 8 level
Has served on multiple committees over the years and still signs up for fellowship duties every June
Thank you George for your lifetime of Service Above Self!
On Wednesday November 7th we heard a classification speech from new Rotarian Tim Murray. Tim is the City Administrator for the City of Faribault. Tim was born and raised in Wisconsin. His hometown is Black River Falls. He warned us he is a Packers fan. Tim is engaged to Sue Seplecha- Novak and between Tim and Sue they have 4 great kids! Tim's boys are Nick and Jake, both graduates of Bethlehem Academy. Nick was recently married to a lovely girl named Jen, and he is serving in the United States Air Force. Jake serves with the ROTC and is about to graduate from U of M Duluth with a degree in Civil Engineering. Sue's children Kyle and Kelsey both also graduated from BA. Kyle recently landed a job at Faribault Foods, and Kelsey is attending Creighton in Omaha Nebraska and she is pre-med.
Tim's parents, both brothers and a sister all still live in Wisconsin, all within about 10 minutes of each other. Tim also included his pets Oakley, Brandy and Tyson in his slide show, super cute!!
Tim graduated high school in 1980. From 1983 to 1987 her served in the United States Army, with the majority of his tour served in West Germany. In 1990 he graduated from the U of M with a Bachelors of Civil Engineering. From 1990 to 1994 he worked for a company called Bonestroo (now Stantec), before becoming the City of Faribault's Assistant City Engineer in 1994. In 2003 Tim made the move to Boton & Menk, but found himself back in Faribault by 2008 as the City Engineer.
Tim became our city Administrator about a year ago. He has worked on many of our city’s great projects, The Ice Arena, the Aquatic Center, the Public Works and Park Building, and the Waste Water Treatment Plant project. Tim has been involved in the emergency plans for the city as we have faced floods and more recently tornados. Tim says what he enjoys most about his job is the various jobs that he has going on around the city at any time, and if he could change one thing about his job it would be the number of emails he receives in a day! He said it’s nothing to have over 100! In his free time, he enjoys fishing, a little golf, he is a hockey fan, and he loves old western movies and travel.
Tim we are so excited to have you as one of our newest Rotarians! We look forward to all the great things you will do in Rotary, and I am sure Keith and Murray will be glad to have someone else to talk football with - or poke fun at! At any rate, Welcome!!
In less than 18 months, the Faribault Rotary Club will celebrate its 100-year anniversary on May 1, 2020. This week’s historical highlight is from 1946.
There was an intercity meeting with 100 Rotarians attending from New Prague, Northfield, Owatonna and Faribault.
The club donated 175 books to the Faribault Public Library.
The club’s book project was recognized in the Rotarian Magazine.
Our club’s 26th president in 1945-46 was A.B.Morris.
The most honorable and distinguished membership chair, Dr. Dick Huston proposes Dr. Narren Brown, Vice President of South Central College, and Mary Reese, Marketing Director ay KOWZ Radio for membership in the Faribault Rotary Club. If you have any questions or concerns, please contact Dick Huston or President Keith Kramer.
Reprinted with permission from the Faribault Daily News
A Rotaract club sponsored and advised by the Faribault Rotary is taking shape. Pictured from left: SCC Assistant Coordinator Nicole Hamilton, Rotaract Treasurer David Mesta, Rotaract President Piper Nelson, Rotaract Cabinet member Cammi Nordmeyer and Faribault Rotarian Kenneth Johnson. (Misty Schwab/Faribault Daily News)
Positive experiences with Rotary clubs have inspired three South Central College students to start their own campus subgroup — a Rotaract.
The program invites individuals between 18 and 30 to develop ways to solve pressing local and global issues. In so doing, members cultivate leadership skills and foster relationships both within and outside the club.
Faribault Rotarian Kenneth Johnson looked for a liaison to start a Rotaract at South Central College when SCC student Piper Nelson stepped up. Johnson visited with Nicole Hamilton, SCC assistant coordinator, and the club fell into place from there.
Nelson studied abroad in Germany through Rotary Youth Exchange— another rotary subgroup. Her ears perked when she heard the word “rotaract,” associating it with the program that made a strong impression on her.
“Before, I had no idea what Rotary was,” said Nelson. “But I talked to someone who had gone [to Germany] the year before and learned more about [Rotary Exchange]. It’s helped me grow as a person.”
Nelson spread the word about Rotaract to SCC students David Mesta and Cammi Nordmeyer, who both expressed interest in joining the club. Mesta serves as treasurer of the group while Nordmeyer is a cabinet member.
Mesta is already a member of STRIVE (Students Taking Renewed Interest in the Value of Education), another Rotary subgroup, and listened to speakers from the Faribault Rotary as part of that program.
When Nordmeyer was in high school, Rotary sponsored a concert and gave scholarships to students. She also attended a camp through Rotary. Recognizing the club’s strong community involvement, Nordmeyer said she likes the idea of Rotaract having “youth cater to youth.”
The Faribault Rotary sponsors and advises the local Rotaract, an otherwise independent group. Rotaract clubs dictate their own projects, manage their own funds, and find their own ways to tackle pressing issues in their communities and the greater world. Compared to Rotary clubs, Johnson said Rotaracts “plan less and implement more” and “work on what they want to without the red tape.”
“They have their finger on the pulse of things we’re oblivious to,” said Johnson of the young adult age group. “We [Rotarians] always have a renewed commitment after meeting with students.”
Hamilton said Rotaract already fulfills the SCC’s requirement for all student organizations to conduct community service projects at least once per year. Once the Rotaract officially starts meeting, Hamilton’s duties include making sure students do everything necessary for funding and handle activities fees properly.
As the next steps in the process, Rotaract members will develop a constitution, recruit more members and reach out to the community to gather ideas for potential service projects.
Nelson said a handful of students already plan to join Rotaract, and she plans to get the word out further by word of mouth and on social media.
SCC student organizations typically hold meetings twice a month, and Rotaract is likely to follow the same trend. Young professionals in the community are welcome to attend these meetings on the SCC campus, but only SCC students can vote and make decisions. If young professionals in the community outside SCC want to form their own Rotaract club, Johnson advises those interested to call Dick Huston at 507-384-2482.
On Wednesday October 31, 2018 We all attended the Faribault Rotary Youth Services Annual Meeting. David Barenek and Jake Cook covered year end financial information. We talked about camp usage, maintenance issues including some projects that were on the horizon before the storm hit this fall, and now projects that must be completed due to the damage from the storm. David Barenek and Carmen Dorr where unanimously voted back to the board for another 3 year term. Any questions regarding Rotary Youth Services or "Camp" can be directed to David, Jake or other Rotary Youth Services board members.
The Warm Our Community event was well received. At the beginning everyone came in to a waiting area from the cold forming lines to wait for personal shoppers to help in the orderly distribution of the outerwear. Thank you to all the Rotarians and other volunteers who made this a successful event!
A ceremony will be held on Veterans Day to remember the 100th anniversary of the Armistice at 11 am at the Rice County Veterans Memorial in front of the Courthouse. This year, the Rice County Vets are saluting members of the Sept. 30, 2018 honor flight to Washington D.C. as honored veterans. this includes Rotarian Roger Koopmans (Army) S2 (intelligence) and former Rotarian and past president Dr. Roy Anderson (Army) chief ambulance driver in the 3rd Medical Battalion of the 3rd Infantry Division.
We are thank you both for your service to our country and to Rotary.
In less than 18 months, the Faribault Rotary Club will celebrate its 100-year anniversary on May 1, 2020. This week’s historical highlight is from 1945.
The Faribault High School basketball team and coach provided an entertaining program.
Leonard Elstad, Superintendent at the Deaf School, served as District Governor.
Sons and daughters of Rotarians were guests at the Christmas meeting.
Our 25th club president in 1944-45 was Frank H. Klemer.
The Faribault Rotary Club's program last week was presented by Rotary Exchange student, Annika Dornbusch. She spent the last school year in Queensland Australia with The Rotary Club of Jimbooma. She is pictured here presenting her host club's flag to Faribault Rotary Club president, Keith Kramer.
Annika shared a couple of You Tube video blogs about her time in Australia. She attended Hills International College to start her Junior year, and continued on to start her Senior year of high school there. In her senior year she was elected to House Captain of Jade House, and after only about 6 months attending school there she was honored with an award of diligence.
During her exchange she traveled around Australia on a three-week tour with 50 exchange students on a bus. They were able to see may sites in Australia, there were some long days on the bus sometimes, but worth it. She was able to scuba dive in the great barrier reef.
Her future plans are to graduate from Northfield high school and attend Montana State University where there is a program that allows students to study abroad. Now that she has been able to experience another culture she is hooked. Annika tells us she knows she will never stop learning about different cultures.
She thanked us for enabling her to participate in her first exchange. Thank you, Annika, for returning to tell us about your trip.
The Faribault Rotary club will be sponsoring a new Rotaract club at South Central College. Rotaract brings together adults ages 18-30 to take action in their communities, develop their leadership and professional skills, and have fun. Our club will work closely with this new club and the members of both clubs will work side by side to take action through service but the difference being that The Faribault Rotary Club will be the sponsor and the new Rotaract members will manage and fund their club independently.
Thank you to Kenneth Johnson for your leadership in making this possible at South Central College!
Pictured here from left to right are the new Rotaract charter members- Luis Ramus, Cammi Nordmeyer, Vicky Coronado, David Mefta, and Piper Nelson.
The Faribault Rotary Club has welcomed Chad Hjellming as a member. Chad is the Publisher of the Faribault Daily News. Pictured is Rotary President Keith Kramer (left), Chad and his sponsor Dr. Dick Huston.
Every Thursday morning, I receive an email from the World Health Organization with an update on the status of polio eradication. It contains a wealth of information, country by country: where and how immunization campaigns are being conducted, how many millions of children are being vaccinated, and where environmental surveillance has found evidence of circulating virus. But every week, when that email appears in my inbox, my heart seems to stop for just a moment until I read the first few lines – and learn whether a child was paralyzed by wild poliovirus that week.
That, my friends, is where we are today in the work of polio eradication. The question on my mind as I open that message isn't how many thousands of cases we might see in a year, as we did not too long ago, or even how many hundreds. Instead, when that WHO email arrives every Thursday, the single, binary question it answers is: Was there a new case this week, or wasn't there?
Thirty years ago, 1,000 children were paralyzed by polio every single day. Since then, we've marked our progress, year by year, week by week. We've celebrated as country after country, region after region has been declared polio-free. As we've come closer and closer to our goal, and the number of cases has dropped further and further, the children those numbers reflect have become less and less of an abstraction. When I open that Thursday email, I don't wonder what number I'll see. I wonder, was a child paralyzed this week or not?
We are so close to eradication – but there is so much work left to do.
This month, I ask every Rotary club to help End Polio Now by marking World Polio Day on 24 October. Last year, thousands of Rotary clubs around the world held events to raise awareness and funds for polio eradication. This year, we want to see more World Polio Day events registered than ever. If you have an event planned, be sure to register and promote it at endpolio.org so that more people can take part. If you haven't planned one yet, it's not too late – visit endpolio.org to find ideas, information on this year's livestream, and resources to help your club organize a successful event.
World Polio Day is a tremendous opportunity for clubs to highlight Rotary, and our historic work to eradicate polio, in their own communities. It is also a great way to take advantage of the challenge from the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation: For every dollar that Rotary raises for polio eradication, the Gates Foundation will give two more. Join me, and Rotarians everywhere, on 24 October for World Polio Day – and Be the Inspiration for a polio-free world.
In less than 19 months, the Faribault Rotary Club will celebrate its 100-year anniversary on May 1, 2020. This week’s historical highlight is from 1944.
The club had a joint meeting with Northfield and Owatonna.
Dec. 23, 1944
Our club had a necktie contest. A prize was offered for the best necktie at Harry’s store for the Rotarian wearing the loudest necktie that he received for a Christmas gift. Father Foley was to be the judge.
Dec. 30, 1944
The necktie contest was won by future president and District Governor, John Lysen despite all the heckling and Father Foley came through as always with a wonderful message.
(In an unrelated story, 7-year-old Dick Huston received his first necktie for Christmas.)
Our 24th club president in 1943-44 was Edward A. Guss. He was still a member in 1970 so Rod knew him.
A reminder to all Rotarians to turn in your Rose Sale money to Amy or Brenda this Wednesday at our noon meeting. Please only turn in your money once you have collected for your entire order.
On Wednesday October 17th we heard from Rice County Habitat for Humanity Executive Director Dayna Norvold. Dayna gave us some back ground on Habitat with some worldwide stats, and filled us in on what is happening locally in Rice County.
Founded in 1976 by Millard and Linda Fuller, on the idea that families that were given a hand up could make a better life for themselves. Habitat for Humanity is in 70 countries worldwide, and contrary to popular belief, they don't give away homes. (again, offering a hand up, not a hand out). 100% of Habitat for Humanity home owners are employed. The program is funded by some State and Federal assistance, but primarily by donations.
There are about 30 affiliates in the state of Minnesota, with Rice County being one, the Twin Cities affiliate being the largest in our state. Affiliates build 1-7 homes a year, and the Twin Cities affiliate builds between 40 and 50.
Since 1976 13.2 million people have been helped. Annually 2.1 million volunteers participate in helping to build a habitat home. It takes 2500 volunteer hours to build one house.
Rice County's affiliate with Habitat started in 1991, and our first home was completed in 1993. Since then 46 new construction homes have been built. Of those 46, 3 have been foreclosed on, and 1 has been sold because the person moved on to better circumstances. Rice County Habitat for Humanity serves Northfield, Faribault, Dundas, and many other communities in the county. Looking forward Habitat has been fortunate to find land for a good price on the North side of the city of Faribault and will start construction on a number of new homes in the near future.
Dayna is a fellow Rotarian and a member of the Northfield Rotary. Thank you for joining us Dayna! We hope to see you again soon - hopefully on a build site!
Rotarians are invited to volunteer Saturday morning Nov. 3rd at 8:30 am to help with the distribution of winter clothing. An online sign up has been sent through email to each Rotarian. If you have any questions, please contact our distinguished president, Keith.
Just a reminder to all Rotarians to pick up your roses at Bloom Floral next Monday Oct. 22nd between 10 am and 2 pm. If this time does not work for you, please contact Amy or Brenda.
On Wednesday October 10th we heard from our good friend Becky Ford, director or Faribault Youth Investment (FYI). We hear from Becky about a year ago, and a lot has changed for FYI. The 40 assets campaign for youth was just launching. Members of our community have been recognized as Asset Champions Faribault Rotarian Kurt Halvorson is one of them. Training continues in the community to help adults support kids.
A board of Champions has been established to work on strategic planning. They will help with oversight and accountability, direction focus, and sustainability for the future of FYI. Becky filled us in on the goals coming up for the organization: Peruse systems changes, Increase Community Capacity, focusing on out of school support, Youth development best practices, youth services and support, transportation, graduation rates, food security and youth leadership. FYI is an umbrella organization, so this allows them to be a part of all of these different initiatives supporting the youth of our community.
How can we act to support this cause? Becky recommends nominating an asset champion, consider joining the board (it's not too late), donate, and the idea she is most excited about, help FYI and Rotary form some sort of club partnership.
Thank you for joining us Becky, we love to see your smiling face and hear about everything you and FYI are doing to support the youth of Faribault. We are blessed to have you and the organization.
In less than 20 months, the Faribault Rotary Club will celebrate its 100-year anniversary on May 1, 2020. This week’s historical highlight is from 1942-1943.
1942
There were no records available.
Our 22nd club president in 1941-42 was Dr. Donald Chathum.
He was a member from 1921-1963 so Rod knew him.
1943
There was a program that covered reports on war experiences of Walter Rumpf, Dick Peavey, John Boosalis, and A.M. Hanson.
The club heard a report on the Canning Center at Central School.
Our 23rd club President in 1942-43 was Dr. Carl A. Hansen who was still a member in 1970 so Rod knew him also.
Erica Staab-Absher has joined the Faribault Rotary Club. Erica is Executive Director of the HOPE Center which advocates against domestic violence. Pictured with Erica is Rotary president Keith Kramer (left) and Dr. Dick Huston her sponsor.
The following news story from reporter Misty Schwab appeared in the Faribault Daily News today and is reprinted here with permission.
Faribault High School performing arts students started their academic year preparing for the 53th annual Rotary Scholarship Concert — an event that supports their music endeavors while entertaining an audience.
This year’s Rotary Scholarship Concert is 7 p.m. Saturday in Nomeland Gym.
The funds received for ticket sales go into the Rotary Youth Services Program, which is a large pool of money the Faribault Rotary Club donates to youth service clubs they sponsor. The funds benefit children in elementary school as well as students entering college, whether the activity is related to music, athletics, art or general scholarships.
The Faribault Rotary Club began awarding scholarships to performing art students at FHS over 50 years ago. Last spring, the Faribault Rotary Club gave six $200 scholarships and one $400 scholarship to selected students.
“The directors at the high school decide who the recipients are,” said Jonah Heinen, FHS choir director. “They pay for private lessons, attend summer camps, and also pay for new and personal instruments. The main objective is to contribute to their art-making. We’ve given [scholarships] to students in our programs who might need a little financial assistance to get started on lessons, and we’ve also given them to younger students like sophomores and juniors as they grow.”
Music directors must approve of the way their students intend to use their scholarship money before a Rotarian writes the check.
Choir students Samuel Temple and Naya Anter received the scholarship in last spring, as did band students Hunter Williamette and Abby Stroup. Madison Klecker and Crystal Martinez, violinists in the FHS Philharmonic Orchestra, also received scholarships. Ishmael Macias, the one Faribault High School representative at the All-State Choir Camp this year, earned the only $400 scholarship for his involvement in more than one music elective.
“I already used [my scholarship],” said Williamette, holding up a new trumpet.
Williamette, a junior, said band has connected him with other people. Whether he’s playing in the high school band or the community band, he values the social aspect of music.
Stroup, who plays the clarinet in the FHS wind ensemble as well as the community band, used her scholarship to pay for private lessons.
“Band is my favorite class, and Timmer is my favorite teacher,” said Stroup, a senior. “I want to teach in general and hopefully continue with music after high school.”
Joe Timmer, FHS band director, began preparing the wind ensemble in September for the concert. All three pieces are dances of European origin –“Consuelo Ciscar,” “Albanian Dance,” and “Courtly Airs and Dances.”
Michael Sloane, who began directing the FHS Philharmonic Orchestra this fall, also follows the dance theme with a Mozart opera called “Lucio Silla” and a Halloween selection titled “Waltz of the Wicked.”
While none of the scholarship students perform as individuals during the Rotary Scholarship Concert, whatever skills they’ve acquired with their award money is expected to benefit their performance in a group.
“Anytime you can improve one way or another how you perform and then bring that back to the group you are a part of, it has to be a positive,” said Faribault Rotarian Donn Johnson. “That’s what we’re trying to provide with these scholarships.”
Reporter Misty Schwab can be reached at 507-744-2551. Follow her on Twitter @APGmisty.
On Wednesday October 3, 2018 we heard from Dr. Barry Schaffer, specifically, about his time with the Alabama Desegregation Center.
Dr. Schaffer is the husband of Faribault Rotarian Anne Marie Leland. His hobbies include coaching and playing softball, visiting the Boundary Waters, Bass Fishing Archery Hunting and Pickle ball. Dr. Schaffer is a Vietnam Vet (thank you for your service) and holds many degrees, a BS in Environmental Science, and MA in Science, an Education Doctorate in Educational Administration. We had a brief civil rights history lesson, then we learned more about desegregation.
Dr. Shaffer’s first professional job was with the Alabama Desegregation Assistance Center in 1972 to 1975. He was employed by the University South Alabama. When he began his career, there were 8 staff.
The process worked something like this: After black parents in a school district won a civil suit, Judges would order for school board members in the district to resign, or face a $1000.00 a day fine. Dr. Schaffer and company would be sent to the district to basically take over an extended stay motel and go to work, starting first with the reappointment of a new school board, and superintendent.
The teams focus as on transportation, curriculum, professional development, community relations, school finances, academics and student activities. Barry's roll was in athletics, student government, social events, year books, graduations, etc... Barry conducted a lot of sensitivity and leadership training. He had the opportunity to interview the students an appoint emerging leaders to student government and other leadership rolls.
Thank you for presenting and explaining to us in detail how this all worked. We look forward to seeing your smiling face again soon!
After the recent storms swept through the area, our Rotary Camp on Cedar Lake had several large trees and branches fall over the entry road, on the building and the path leading to the lake. This Saturday, we need volunteers to help with the clean-up. A sign-up sheet will be passed around at our meeting tomorrow. We need chainsaws, handsaws, branch snips, rakes, and possibly a small tractor. Please contact Dave Beranek with any questions.
It is time to make your last push to sell Roses for our annual fundraiser. Please bring your totals to the meeting tomorrow to turn in to Amy and Brenda. You may turn in your money once you have collected for all your orders.
The honorable world traveler, Dr. Dick Huston proposes Chad Hjellming, Faribault Daily News Publisher, for membership in the Faribault Rotary Club. If you have any questions or concerns, please contact membership chair Dick Huston or President Keith Kramer.
In less than 20 months, the Faribault Rotary Club will celebrate its 100-year anniversary on May 1, 2020. This week’s historical highlight is from 1939.
There was a program and discussion on “Faribault’s Recreation System.”
The decision was made to publish each member’s attendance record for a period of six months.
There was a program on the topic “Should Faribault have an airport?”
Our 21st club president in 1940-41 was J. Arthur Peterson.
We would like to reach out to everyone regarding the Rose Sale and the procedures to follow for our big fundraiser. We know that many know how the Rose Sale works as we have done it the same every year, but have realized that we many new Rotarians that very likely are confused by the packet they received if they were not at the meeting when we handed them out. Roses are again to be sold for $20 a dozen.
In your packet was:
a flyer to hang up at your place of employment to entice people to buy roses.
a list to track your orders and what they choose, red or grower’s choice. Growers choice is dozens of roses in different colors that the grower chooses to send for us to give out.
thank you receipts to cut a part as some people will ask for one if they pay in cash.
Slip to turn in- with your name, how many dozen roses and broken down into how many of Red and how many grower’s choice - you can fill in the amount paid or owes at that time. PLEASE DO NOT HAND IN THE MONEY UNTIL YOU HAVE ALL OF IT COLLECTED.
We are asking this year if every Rotarian will please work hard to sell their 12 dozen roses. We have 60 Rotarians and if everyone does their part to sell the roses that would be 720 dozen roses – WOW- that would knock it out of the park with our profit for the club being approximately $9,000 - that is huge and we definitely need this fundraiser more than ever. Many sell many more than expected so please try to do your fair share as a club member.
If you struggle with selling roses or just don’t have the time, we are asking each Rotarian to then make a good will donation of $ 150.00 to the club. We are just asking everyone to participate this year.
Key dates:
Kick off of the Rose sale was September 19th and orders are due on October 10th. Please give it your best!
Delivery date is set for OCTOBER 22ND and ROSES can be picked up at BLOOM FLORAL AT 408 CENTRAL AVENUE, FARIBAULT MN, BEGINNING AT 10:00 AM.
Thank you everyone for your hard work and commitment to this fundraiser for the Faribault Rotary
Any questions, please do not hesitate to contact Brenda at 507-409-1344 or Amy at 507-409-1329.
On Wednesday September 26th we had the pleasure of hearing from Pingping Yu, volunteer spokeswomen for the show Shen Yun. Shen Yun 5000 years of civilization reborn is in its 12th year of performances and is selling out nationwide! Shen Yun is a production that features the Shen Yun Symphony Orchestra and tells the stories depicted by classical Chinese dance of Chinese history that connect heaven and earth. Shun Yun has a mission - they are working to revive the true Chinese Culture.
Shen Yun has toured over 150 cities around the world and has been attended by over 1 million people. The show will be in St. Paul Minnesota at the Ordway from February 14-17th with only 5 show times available. For more details you can contact shenyun@mnfalundafa.org or for tickets you can visit ShenYun.com/MN or Ordway.org/event/shen-yun
In less than 19 months, the Faribault Rotary Club will celebrate its 100-year anniversary on May 1, 2020. This week’s historical highlight is from 1940.
The club started the “Student of the Month” program from local high schools.
Farmer Recognition Day
Rotary Observance week with radio hook-up between Faribault, Owatonna, and Rochester Clubs.
Our 20th club president in 1939-40 was Charles N. Sayles who was a member from 1931-62 which means that Rod knew him!
On Wednesday September 19th we had the pleasure of hearing from Rotary District Governor, Mike Becker - "Mr. Rotary" as he jokingly called himself. Mike has been a member of Rotary since 2002. Over the years he has served in many positions with Rotary and has been part of NorthStar youth exchange. He has been married to his wife Nancy for 43 years and his day job is at 1st American Staff Appraisals.
Mike visited us to give us an update on Rotary and check in our club. He sat in on our Faribault Rotary Board meeting and said we are doing a great job. During his address to the entire club he noted at the district level they are getting away from words like committee and chair, a team approach is being put in place "because let’s face it who wants to be part of a team? EVERYBODY!"
He stressed the importance of getting members involved and doing so right off the bat. This action helps tremendously with retention. Members feel welcomed and they stay. He touched on a few things that are happening at the district level, they include a new harassment policy that is in place, the Better Angels seminar - politics in a civilized manner, and a Human Trafficking work shop that will be presented this winter.
He wants us to remember the District is here to serve us, not the other way around. He asks us to be loud and be proud!
Thank you, Mike, for joining us. It was a pleasure having you. Your energy is contagious! We hope to see you again soon.
In less than 20 months, the Faribault Rotary Club will celebrate its 100-year anniversary on May 1, 2020. This week’s historical highlight is from 1939.
A special program was presented on Faribault High School’s new addition.
Origination of the “Brown Jug” golf trophy between Northfield, Owatonna, and Faribault Rotary Clubs.
The 1st annual Christmas concert was presented by the Faribault High School chorus. (This Christmas will be the 79th year)
Our club’s 19th president in 1938-39 was Ralph W. Farrar.
The Faribault Rotary club honored three members as Paul Harris Fellows. This recognition is given when a member has donated $1000 to the Paul Harris Foundation. The monies are used in multiple ways around the world to improve peoples lives. The International Rotary organization took on the challenge of eliminating polio world wide by vaccinating all children under five. In 1988 there were 350,000 cases of polio in over 200 countries. Last year there were 22 cases in two countries. Pictured left to right are president Keith Kramer, Paul Harris recipients Todd Sesker, Troy Dunn and Dick Huston, Foundation co-chair Brent Peroutka and Rotary District Governor Mike Becker.
The annual Rotary Rose Sale to raise money for our youth programs and scholarships is underway. This year the sale will run from September 19th to October 10th. Each Rotarian is asked to sell a baker's dozen which will increase our fundraising goal to help offset the reduction in the annual contribution from the Bahl Foundation to our Youth Services. If you chose not to sell Roses, we ask for a $150 tax deductible donation to Rotary Youth Services Inc. Rotary Roses, red or grower's choice will be $20 again this year. Sales packets are being distributed. If you have any questions, please contact Amy or Brenda.
Mike was born in Rochester, Minnesota and attended from John Marshall High School and Rochester Community College.
Mike joined Greater Rochester Rotary in 2002. He has served the club on every board position with the exception of Secretary/Treasurer and was club president 2010-2011. Currently he is the District Governor elect, past Tech Team Chairperson for District 5960, STRIVE Co-Chair for the Rochester clubs, Board member of NCPETS, Vocational co-chair of Greater Rochester, member of the District 5960 Visioning Training Team, Technical Chair for NCPETS.
Mike and Nancy have been foster parents for over twenty years and have been “foster parents” to 82 children. In 2005 they were awarded the honor of Foster Parents of the Year by Olmsted County. Mike and Nancy have served on the Parents board for the Foster Care Association and have been invited speakers to the International Shaken Baby Conference. Mike has served on his church’s Board of Directors for seven years and is a past Chairperson of that committee.
Currently he is with First American Staff Appraisals as a Senior Appraiser and trainer, was the past owner of Becker Appraisals, a real estate appraisal firm since 2005. Has owned another appraisal firm and has been in the same business since 1991. He is an affiliated member of the Appraisal Institute and is a classroom instructor in the field. He currently serves as a board member of the Southeast Minnesota Association of Realtors MLS board and is Treasurer of the First Homes board of the Rochester Area Foundation. Mike is an ongoing student of the profession and has logged over 1,000 hours of education time and credits.
Mike has been married to his lovely wife Nancy for 42 years and has always resided in Rochester. They have five children, Beth, Robin, Marc, Brian and Nykkole. They have ten grandchildren all under the age of nine.
On Wednesday September 12th we heard from Savil Lord, Spambassador for the Spam Museum in Austin, Minnesota.
27 years ago, when Hormel Foods was celebrating their 100-year anniversary, they were looking for a way to celebrate their history. A museum was opened in a in Austin Minnesota, where you could tour and learn all about Hormel foods. The museum was a hit! Visitors could pull off the freeway, visit the museum and get right back on their way. After two years, it was decided to move the museum to a downtown location to draw the visitors into the community of Austin to help support local restaurants and shops. Currently the museum is approaching 300,000 guests who have come to discover Hormel and one of its iconic products SPAM! Savil gave us the history of SPAM - In 1937 at a New Year's Eve party SPAM was named. A combination of the words Spiced and Ham SPAM is made up of 6 simple ingredients. Ham or pork shoulder, water, sugar, salt, potato starch, and sodium nitrate. SPAM is cooked in the can it comes in and is shelf stable for 3 years.
Hormel itself has 5 locations around the world, Austin MN and Dubuque, IA, China, South Korea and Denmark. The plants produce 395 cans of SPAM a minute!! Savil is the wife of Faribault Rotarian Kenneth Johnson and she was an absolute treat to listen to! Her energy and passion for all things Hormel and community are present in her presentation.
Thank you for joining us, please come back anytime!!
I arrived at the tiniest local airport to two amazing host parents, Holger and Doris, who were waiting with a big sign and eagerly welcomed me to the place that I would call home for the next year.
My host mom Doris had taken off of work for the first week I was here so that she could show me around and help me get accustomed to the surroundings. We visited numerous surrounding villages including her childhood hometown of Lüdge, which is known for its renovated historical looking homes and well-maintained old city wall. We also took a trip to the inner city of Paderborn on the bus line that I would be riding every day for school. It takes almost an hour to get there by bus! Overall the first week was a blur of new experiences and some intense culture shock.
School began just one week after I arrived. I have to wake up at 5:30 every morning to make it to school on time... so different than what I'm used to. On the first day one of my host sisters’ friends (my host sister is now in Finland on exchange) came to pick me up so she could make sure I got to school okay. We rode the bus together, and I can honestly say that I've never seen a bus so full of students in my entire life.
It's the fourth week of school now and every day brings new challenges. I have to focus every single second to understand even partially what is going on, and it uses a lot of brain power to constantly think about everything that is being said. Hopefully school will get easier as I start understanding more German. I think I will start a German course soon as it is very difficult to not be able to participate in school and communicate thoroughly with my peers.
I am so excited to see what the rest of this year will bring and I can’t wait to share it with everyone!
In less than 20 months, the Faribault Rotary Club will celebrate its 100-year anniversary on May 1, 2020. This week’s historical highlight is from 1937.
A report from Congressman August Andresen in which he stressed the need to curb government spending.
A decision was made to mail copies of the FARIBAULTARIAN to other clubs in the district.
Sons of Rotarians presented a program.
Our 18th club president in 1937-38 was Dr. Robert M. Reed.
The honorable tie enthusiast Dr. Dick Huston proposes Erica Staab-Absher, Executive Director of the Hope Center, for membership in the Faribault Rotary Club. If you have any questions or concerns, please contact membership chair Dick Huston or President Keith Kramer.
Imagine if we could take a snapshot capturing all of the work Rotary does on a given day. No one – except Rotarians – would believe that a single organization was capable of accomplishing so much. In that snapshot you would see dedicated volunteers working to eradicate polio, setting up microloans, providing clean water, mentoring youth, and countless other actions.
We can do all this thanks both to our geographic reach and to the fact that our clubs are made up of people who are engaged in their communities. As a part of the community that you serve, you know the needs, you have the connections, and you're able to take immediate action. That's why every Rotary club's membership should reflect the diversity of its community.
We've made great strides in this. In Egypt, Indonesia, and Kenya, Rotary is approaching 50 percent female membership. We're also expanding the age diversity of our clubs. In each of our communities, young professionals are eager to contribute their talents, give back, and learn from mentors. Let's share with them what Rotary is all about. The Engaging Younger Professionals Toolkit at Rotary.org has an action plan to help you reach young leaders and Rotary alumni in your area.
Another resource that can help us better reflect our communities – one that is global like us, is a quarter-million members strong, and already shares our values of service and leadership – is Rotaract. Rotaractors are our partners: Team up with them on projects, ask them to speak at your events, and invite them to join your club. Dedicated Rotaractors worldwide are becoming members of Rotary and even starting new Rotary clubs while still serving as members of Rotaract.
The world needs Rotary, and Rotary needs strong clubs and engaged members in order to do more good. It is our responsibility – yours and mine – to make sure everyone who shows an interest in joining Rotary gets an invitation. Make use of the Membership Leads tool at Rotary.org, which helps people who are interested in joining Rotary connect with a club that's right for them. And let's ensure that every member has a reason to stay. By building strong clubs that engage in meaningful projects and have fun along the way, we provide value to our club members that they cannot find anywhere else.
Let's not keep Rotary's story – the story captured in those snapshots of service – to ourselves. I challenge you to invite leaders of all ages, men and women, who are looking for a way to give back. By doing so, you will Be the Inspiration in your community and help Rotary continue to do good in the world.
The Faribault Rotary club inducted two new members. Daisy Sanchez is the director of operations of Healthfinders Collaborative and Tim Murray is the administer for the city of Faribault.
Pictured are president Keith Kramer, Andy Bohlen (sponsor of) Tim Murray, Daisy Sanchez and her sponsor Dr. Dick Huston.
On Wednesday August 29th we had the pleasure of hearing for fellow Rotarian Emma Nazainia. Emma is currently a member in Rochester area. She is a nurse and spoke with Faribault Rotary on the issue of Human Trafficking.Unfortunately, the statistics shared on this topic are staggering. This crime is the 2nd largest lack market crime behind drugs. There are an estimated 25 -42 million humans enslaved worldwide. Our home state of Minnesota is ranked the 13th largest state for youth being prostituted. The suggested reasons for this include the port in Duluth, our Bordering states and Country, Interstates 35, 94, and 90, the Mall of America and major sporting events. We were all informed about the Super Bowl that took place in Minnesota in February 2018.
So, what is being done, and what can we do to help? Rotary has declared that the next epidemic we will tackle is human trafficking. If we can eradicate Polio then why not this. Our focus will be awareness, education and prevention. Each club will be asked to identify a "Club Champion" who will work with other club champions to drive initiatives that create the focuses discussed. They will provide information to our clubs at a local level.
Emma can be reached for comments, or questions via email at ebecker102@gmail.com.
In less than 20 months, the Faribault Rotary Club will celebrate its 100-year anniversary on May 1, 2020. This week’s historical highlight is from 1937.
A fine of 10 cents to be assessed to all club members who are absent without makeup.
Owatonna hosted inter-city meeting with participation from Austin, Rochester, Albert Lea, Northfield, and Faribault.
Rotary Octette makes first public appearance.
Our 17th club president in 1936-37 was Leonard M. Elstad.
Future Rotarian Dick Huston was born Feb. 27, 1937.
Future Rotarian Marv Schrader was born Dec. 28, 1937.
On Wednesday August 22nd we had the pleasure of hearing from Sam Temple. One half of the dynamic duo that produces "1855 - A Faribault History Series". Sam's partner is Logan Ledman, and Logan was unfortunately unable to be with us at Rotary.
Sam and Logan began producing a series called 1855 - A Faribault History Series as Freshmen in high school. Researching the history of our city and the people who shaped it, then writing an episode of 1855 to be filmed and aired on our local FCTV. After success with the filmed version of the show. Sam and Logan went on to pitch an idea of a small theater production to the Paradise Center for the Arts and without any hesitation the PCA board took them up on their proposal! They have found themselves, writing, and directing A Celebration of Faribault the 1855 Live Show. What started out as a small production has turned into a full-scale theater show, with plenty of actors, professional lighting, and a full-on youth orchestra - playing original music for the show! Talk about big time!!
The following is from 1855 - A Faribault History Series Facebook page and describes the upcoming live show -
Thomas S. Buckham is a young lawyer in the frontier town of Faribault, Minnesota when an unspeakably brutal war sets the young state ablaze. Tom volunteers to fight, bringing him face-to-face with Alexander Faribault–the city’s idealistic founder and a man torn between serene memories and a changing world. When the past crumbles around Alex and the compassionate Bishop Whipple, Tom will struggle to build a future for himself and his distant sweetheart, Anna Mallery, a woman with an unyielding spirit and a deep capacity for love. “A Celebration of Faribault: The 1855 Live Show” is a charming, immersive, emotionally affecting historical saga, and a heartfelt debut for directors Samuel Temple and Logan Ledman, creators of the acclaimed FCTV history series, 1855. It features a live youth orchestra performing an original score from the series’ composer Sam Dwyer.
As Sam and Logan enter their senior year in high school, they don't know what the future holds for them. Given what they have accomplished to date, no doubt they will go very far in their future endeavors. How lucky are we as the Faribault community to have them, and the stories they have produced to remind us of our history and to evoke a sense of pride in our community! Thank you, Sam, for joining us, and we look forward to the show!!
Show detail:
September 21 & 28 at 7:30pm September 23 & 30 at 2:00pm
Paradise Center for the Arts Member: $14 | Non-Member: $16 | Student: $10 Special Armed Forces/Veterans and Current/Retired Educators discounted shows: September 21 & 23: $10 each
It is the time of year that we need to select our 2018 Rotarian of the Year. The nomination form has been sent to all Rotarians in a separate email and is available on our website and at our weekly meetings. Nominations are due back to me in person or at (info@humfeldchiropractic.com) by September 28, 2018.
The Rotarian of the Year Award provides the Faribault Rotary Club with an opportunity to publicly recognize one of its members who exemplifies the ideals of the Rotary Four-Way Test, exhibits a true spirit of volunteerism, demonstrates community leadership through participation in Rotary committees, programs, and activities.
The Rotarian of the Year Award will be based on one or all of the following criteria:
> The nominee has provided outstanding contributions to one or more Rotary activities. > The nominee has demonstrated leadership to the club in general, or within one or more Rotary programs. > The nominee displays the ideals of Rotary in service to the greater community. > Holding an office or serving on the Board of Directors neither prohibits nor promotes a member for nomination.
The selection committee consists of: Lisa Humfeld-Wilson, chair Brent Peroutka, Murray Hanson,
Kymn Anderson,
Dick Huston Keith Kramer, president.
PAST FARIBAULT ROTARIAN OF THE YEAR AWARDS YEAR
2008 Gary Peterson 2009 David Beranek 2010 Richard Cook 2011 Angela Storch 2012 Lisa Humfeld-Wilson 2013 Richard Ormsby 2014 Brent Peroutka 2015 Murray Hanson
A well-known saying goes, "If you want to change the world, go home and love your family." That doesn't mean people should ignore the needs outside their own homes; instead, they should pay attention to the needs within.
It can be tempting, when our priority is service, to focus only on the things that look like service: the projects, the planning, the work that yields a visible benefit to those who need it. But to do that work effectively, we need to keep our own house in order. In Rotary, that means conducting ourselves in accordance with the principles of Rotary, treating others with respect, and following The Four-Way Test. It means maximizing our impact by planning carefully and stewarding our resources wisely. And it means looking after the long-term health of our organization by ensuring that our membership is strong, engaged, and healthy.
Our membership has hovered around the same 1.2 million mark for 20 years. We aren't growing, and our membership is getting older. We have too many clubs that don't have the knowledge or motivation to have an impact: clubs that don't know what we're doing on a global level, clubs that don't know about our programs or our Foundation, that don't even know how to get involved. And with a membership that is still mostly male, we clearly aren't doing enough to become the organization of choice for women who are seeking to serve.
We are a membership organization first. If we want to achieve the goals we've set for ourselves, we need to put membership first. All of us have a responsibility to take membership seriously, not only by inviting prospective members, but also by making sure new members are welcomed into clubs that offer them something of value. If you see someone walk into a meeting and hesitate, be sure that person has a place to sit and is part of the conversation. If you're enthusiastic about a Rotary program, make sure your club knows about it and knows how to get involved. If you see a need in your community, talk about it at this week's meeting. If we want to be part of an organization that's strong, that's active, that's having an impact – start at home, and Be the Inspirationin Rotary.
In less than 21 months, the Faribault Rotary Club will celebrate its 100-year anniversary on May 1, 2020. This week’s historical highlight is from 1936.
A breakfast meeting was held in conjunction with the Faribault Chamber of Commerce.
A decision was made to contribute $100 to the Rotary Foundation.
An inter-city meeting was held here for the clubs from Mankato, Owatonna, Northfield, and Faribault.
Our 16th club president in 1935-36 was the Reverend Jesse F. Perrin.
On Wednesday August 15th we heard from Brenda DeMars, Fundraising extraordinaire, Rotarian, President Elect 2020-21, and most important at this moment - organizer of the Rotary Readers program for Faribault Rotary.
With School starting in just a couple of weeks there is going to be a need for more Rotary Readers. Last year Brenda had 8 Rotarians volunteer and could have used about 8 more. She had teachers asking and waiting for a volunteer.
The program is designed to give one on one or very small group attention to students while they read, comprehend and then test on the books they are completing. Your part is to show up on a regular basis, and listen to the children read. The time commitment is an hour a week, and teachers are so excited to have a Rotary Reader they are extremely flexible with scheduling you in to come to their class room. Not to mention the joy and accomplishment on the kids' faces when they are reading to you every week, and improving every time!
If this is something you are interested in volunteering for, please see Brenda, or get the process started by going to the Rotary web site www.rotary5960.organd completing the background study if you don't currently have one on file with Andy Bohlen, our youth protection officer. After that Brenda will pair you with a teacher and you can be assured you are getting their 2018-19 school year off on the right foot!
Thank you to the Rotarians who currently are volunteering for this project. The stories you shared on Wednesday were very touching, special thanks to Brenda for all the dedication you show for this project. You all make it a success.
In less than 21 months, the Faribault Rotary Club will celebrate its 100-year anniversary on May 1, 2020. This week’s historical highlight is from 1935.
The club endorsed the Nerstrand Woods project.
The Lido Theater was toured by the club after one meeting.
The decision was made to publish the Faribaultarian every month.
Our 15th club president in 1934-35 was Willard B. Hubbell.
The honorable Faribault Police Chief, Andy Bohlen proposes Tim Murray, Faribault City Administrator, for membership in the Faribault Rotary Club. If you have any questions or concerns, please contact membership chair Dick Huston or President Keith Kramer.
Mike Eaves is a Canadian American former NHL player and is the current head coach of the St. Olaf College men's hockey team. He is the former head coach of the Wisconsin Badgers men's ice hockey team who was fired after 14 seasons of leading the Badgers, with whom he won an NCAA title. Eaves is starting over with a Division III St. Olaf College where one of his sons is an assistant. He looks forward to the completion of the new 880 seat hockey arena at St. Olaf at the end of this year and how it will help rebuilding the program.
Mike was very energetic and emphasized the importance of the many relationships (including great neighbors, right Anne Marie?) he has developed and the support and love of his wife who he will be celebrating 40 years with next year. Much of his presentation is reflected in the following article with pictures from the New York Times.
In less than 21 months, the Faribault Rotary Club will celebrate its 100-year anniversary on May 1, 2020. This week’s historical highlight is from 1934.
The decision was made to move to the Blue Bird Inn for the regular noon meeting.
The club toured the new courthouse.
The subject for one meeting was
“Decline of Morals- Youth and Adults.”
Our 14th Faribault Rotary Club President was Joseph W. Astley.
Sage Kline pictured here with President Keith Kramer, will be our Rotary exchange student this year. She will be going to Paderborn, Germany. She plans to keep a blog to chronicle her experiences so we hope to share those with the club throughout the coming school year.
Sage Kline going to Paderborn, Germany. Teagan Burgess from Morristown, MN. Celina Lackermann from Wesel, Germany. Kasja Johnson returning from St. Petersburg, Russia.
In less than 21 months, the Faribault Rotary Club will celebrate its 100-year anniversary on May 1, 2020. This week’s historical highlight is from 1933.
A decision was made that the cost of the noon meal must be reduced to 50 cents or the club would move from the Harvey Hotel.
Special “Ladies Night” program with tickets to be $1.00 with 25 cents to be used to furnish entertainment.
All the boys of the city were invited to attend the Minneapolis- Toledo baseball game as guests of Rotary.
The topic of discussion for one meeting was “Inflation.”
Our club’ s 13th president for 1932-33 was Mendus R. Vevle.
Future Rotarian, 60 year member, and our 53rd President Rod Mahler was born July 15, 1933.
Kajsa presenting the host club flag to President Kramer
Last week, we welcomed back Kajsa Johnson our Rotary Youth Exchange student who spent the last year in St. Petersburg, Russia. The presentation started with her greeting us in Russian and beautiful pictures of St. Petersburg, a historic church, her host families, and fellow Rotary Exchange students.
Kajsa became very proficient at speaking Russian. She was able to take classes last summer before leaving but, it was the total immersion into the culture, the private school she attended, her host families, and the friends that she made that helped her with the language.
Her many memorable experiences included the following;
-Learning to skateboard which she greatly enjoyed
-Attending Cinderella and Swan Lake (in Russian) at the theatre
-Learning the history of the Czars and Peter the Great
-Enjoyed the food- Borscht, thin pancakes, and dumplings
-Made Thanksgiving dinner and explained our tradition to her host family
-Explained that New Year’s Eve celebrations were bigger than Christmas
-Visited Moscow
-Went on a Baltic Sea cruise
-Made many friends
In conclusion, we were informed that one of her host sisters will be a Rotary exchange student in Edina this year.
What’s next for Kajsa? On August 21st, she will be starting college in Washington DC at George Washington University majoring in International Affairs and Russian language studies.
Thank you Kajsa for sharing your experiences with us!
On Wednesday Rotarians were treated to classification speeches from two of our newest members. Kenneth Johnson and Sarah Rojas.
Kenneth Johnson shared with us details of his life, he is married to Savile, he enjoys wood working, the Three Stooges, a little PS4, WWE, and MMA. His passion - it is clear - is teaching. His teaching accomplishments are on a grand scale, to name a few, He received the Distinguished Teaching Award from the University of Minnesota, recognized by Faculty and Students, and worked as the Director of International Education Consulting Group in Seoul, Korea.
His time on various boards and volunteer organizations is impressive as well. He currently serves on the Owatonna Board of Education Development and has been a Rotarian in other communities. He is a Paul Harris recipient, and has organized Rotaract. He currently works for Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development, assisting people with employment and education to become employed.
Listening to Kenneth talk, you can see his life has revolved around teaching and helping others. We look forward to your membership Kenneth!
Sarah Rojas is the Community Outreach Manager for Milestone Senior Living. She tells us essentially, she has a position in sales and Marketing, but she likes to get to know and educate people. Sarah was born in Iowa and has her Bachelor’s Degree in Family Social Science.
She joined Rotary to create connections in the community and to help give back to the Faribault community.
She and her husband Jose have 6 children between them ages 6 to 11, she jokes they often get compared to the "Brady Bunch" - she follows up with "but we don't have an Alice!" Sarah and Jose will be closing on a new home soon and are excited to make it their own.
Sarah's "free" time is family time, doing what the kids like to do, and keep them busy. We welcome you Sarah and are excited to have you!
Kenneth gave his classification talk recently. I asked him seven follow up questions to help summarize his presentation for those of us who were present and for our club members who missed the meeting. If you have not had a chance to welcome him to our club, please do so.
Your Family members, occupations (including you) or school level?”
Myself: Workforce Development Representative for the Minnesota Department of Employment & Economic Development (DEED) and Adjunct Assistant Professor at St. Mary’s University of Minnesota.
Wife Savile: Manager, SPAM® Museum and Community Relations, Hormel Foods
Your Hometown/School/College
Grew up on a farm near Rollag, Minnesota and went to Barnesville schools. North Dakota State University for Bachelor’s and Masters of Business Administration.
Your Previous occupations?
10 years as a Business Instructor with the University of Minnesota Crookston. Higher education teaching at Aakers Business College, University of Mary, and Qingdao and Minjiang universities in China. Co-founded an educational consulting company in Seoul, South Korea. Various management positions.
Any Hobbies?
Just took up woodworking and am setting up a wood shop in the garage. Learning to use a router. Love to raise and train Border Collies but currently live in town so that will have to wait.
Rotary sponsor?
Dr. Huston? I don’t know if he officially is but he’s been a great mentor thus far.
Interesting fact about you or your life?
My father and I are both in Mensa and we were both teachers but he loved physics and chemistry and I loved business. I taught in higher education and he taught high school.
Anything else you can think of?
Still consider myself a newlywed. Married the love of my life January 14, 2017. I think my family had given up hope I’d ever settle down but now they are glad I waited.
One year ago, your Rotary International Board of Directors adopted a new vision statement, reflecting our aspirations for our organization and its future. It reads, “Together, we see a world where people unite and take action to create lasting change – across the globe, in our communities, and in ourselves.”
That simple sentence distills so much of what is essential about Rotary. We unite, because we know that we are far stronger together than we could ever be alone. We take action, because we are not dreamers, but doers. We work to create lasting change that will endure long after our involvement has ended – across the globeand in our communities. And perhaps most important of all, we work to create change in ourselves – not just building a better world around us, but becoming better people ourselves.
A quotation attributed to French writer Antoine de Saint-Exupéry goes: “If you want to build a boat, don’t begin by collecting wood, cutting boards, or assigning tasks. Begin by awakening in the souls of your workers a longing for the vast and boundless sea.” Each of us came to Rotary because we had a longing – to have an impact, to make a difference, to be part of something larger than ourselves. That desire, that vision for a better world and our role in building it, is what drives us in Rotary. It’s what made us become members, it’s what motivates us to serve, and it’s what led me to choose our theme for this Rotary year: Be the Inspiration.
I want to see Rotary Be the Inspiration for our communities by doing work with a transformational impact. It’s time to start moving forward, by removing the barriers that are holding us back. Let’s make it easier to make adjustments in our clubs or start new clubs that suit different needs. Let’s work to strengthen Rotaract and smooth the transition from Rotaract clubs into Rotary. Let’s give all Rotarians the flexibility to serve in the ways that work best for them, so that every Rotarian finds enduring value in Rotary membership.
Truly sustainable service, the kind of service we strive for in Rotary, means looking at everything we do as part of a larger global ecology. This year, I ask all of you to Be the Inspiration for sustainable service by addressing the impact of environmental issues on our work. The environment plays a key role in all six of our areas of focus, and that role is only becoming greater as the impact of climate change unfolds. It’s time to move past seeing the environment as somehow separate from those six areas. Clean air, water, and land are essential for healthy communities – and essential for the better, healthier future we strive for.
Be the Inspiration – and together we can, and we will, inspire the world.
In less than 21 months, the Faribault Rotary Club will celebrate its 100-year anniversary on May 1, 2020. This week’s historical highlight is from 1932.
One program was devoted to “Government in Business.”
There was a “Special Guest Day” in August with 30 guests present.
The Faribault and Owatonna clubs were guests of the Northfield Rotary club for an evening meeting.
There was a program devoted to the subject of taxes.
Our 12th club president for 1931-32 was Edward Johnson.
The Faribault Rotary Club recently hosted three exchange students. From left to right are Miriam Rubio who is from Spain and was here as a student for the 2015-16 school year, Teagan Burgess who is going to Germany this summer for an exchange experience, Celina Lackermann from Germany who is staying with the Burgess family this summer and Teagan's mother Carmen. Celina brought a Rotary flag from her home club in Germany to exchange with Keith Kramer president of the Faribault club.
In less than 22 months, the Faribault Rotary Club will celebrate its 100-year anniversary on May 1, 2020. This week’s historical highlight is from 1931.
The decision was made to invite a Daily News reporter to all meetings to write the news of the meeting first hand for the paper.
Our 11th club president in 1930-31 was Dr. James M. Murdoch.
Future Rotarian, landscaper and orchestra leader Roger Koopmans was born Jan. 5, 1931.
to the winners of the Faribault Rotary Club's 2018 Cash Raffle!
The $2500 prize went to Adam Daniels with the ticket sold to him by his proud father, Brian Daniels.
The $1000 prize went to Abudullahi Abdille with the ticket sold to him by Sharif Hared.
The $ 500 prize went to the Cook family College Fund with the ticket sold by Dick Cook.
Pictured is Rotary president Keith Kramer presenting a check Abudullahi Abdille the winner of second place prize of $1000. Already the recipient of an academic scholarship this will help Abdullahi achieve his goal of a degree in Bio Chemistry at the University of Minnesota.
Thank you to everyone who helped with the fundraising effort to support our club's youth programs and scholarships!
On Wednesday July 18 Faribault Rotary had the pleasure of hearing from Ed Marek District 5960 Governor Elect for the 2020-21 Rotary year. Ed joined us to talk more about Fast for Hope - a program that is unique to our district. Members skip their Rotary meal and donate $10.00 to the district to go toward a long running project in El Corozo, Nicaragua, a community facing extreme poverty. The program doesn't use Foundation dollars, (it is eligible to apply for Foundation grants) Fast for Hope depends solely on Rotarian contributions.
This program allows the citizens of El Corozo to be creative, try new ideas and take risks. Mistakes may be made, but the program will be here as long as it is needed. The citizens work together to determine what the community needs, a board of 9 Rotary members and teams of volunteers assists them to help meet the needs they identify. "The community is in the driver’s seat", according to Ed, "we don't just show up and say 'here is what you need', we are trying to empower them."
There are a number of different projects they are looking at next, to date they have constructed a community gathering place, taken a community census, developed an evaluation process, training for 37 Nicaraguans in community development and have a community plan in place with 4 committees with a focus on Literacy, Health, the Road, and Water. A few other accomplishments to note, a small school, new outhouses, a women's project, and there is a Doctor who visits for a half of a day, once a week.
Our district is supporting this project with funds and 26 delegates, 60 Rotarians who have been able to visit Nicaragua, and 10 Nicaraguan delegates have visited Minnesota and Wisconsin. Currently there is not a return visit to Nicaragua scheduled, however we can keep an eye on Fast for Hope District 5960 on line for announcements and regular updates on this project.
Thank you, Ed, for joining us! We look forward to learning even more.
Recently the Faribault Rotary Club completed a cash raffle to raise money for high school students scholarships. Pictured is Rotary president Keith Kramer presenting a check Abudullahi Abdille the winner of second place prize of $1000. Already the recipient of an academic scholarship this will help Abdullahi achieve his goal of a degree in Bio Chemistry at the University of Minnesota.
The honorable tie challenged Dr. Dick Huston proposes Daisy Sanchez, Director of Operations for Health Finders, for membership in the Faribault Rotary Club. If you have any questions or concerns, please contact membership chair Dick Huston or President Keith Kramer.
Tuesday was an important day for the Faribault Family Aquatic Center.
Members of the Faribault Rotary Club gathered to initiate the center’s next move in helping those in wheelchairs access the pool. The Faribault Rotary Club donated a special type of wheelchair so that disabled children can also enjoy the pool and summer fun.
“I am excited that the wheelchair will allow more people to experience the fun of the Aquatic Center who were not previously able to participate,” Faribault Rotary President Keith Kramer said in an email.
Rotarian Barton Jackson, also in an email, said that he proposed this idea at a board meeting last fall. The board approved of the idea, and a month later the funding was also approved.
As of now, there doesn’t seem to be any plans to update the pool to accommodate wheelchairs, though it doesn’t seem to be necessary. The pool has a zero-depth entry in which the water gets gradually deeper as a person walks in. Pools without this type of entry have a ramp that allows handicapped swimmers to enter in a similar way.
This new change will come as a blessing to people who live with various disabilities.
Jackson, whose son is disabled, noted the difficulty for families like his in going to places that aren’t handicap accessible, which can make it impossible for disabled youngsters to get the same experience as others. This new pool wheelchair will allow disabled children to have the same or similar experience as those who are able-bodied in enjoying a common childhood pastime.
Additionally, Jackson said that there are limited options for children with disabilities to have fun like other kids, and that having this opportunity makes life a bit easier for children and parents.
Kramer noted that the organization’s motto is Service Above Self, and that Rotary focuses on many community projects such as Red Cross Blood Drive and other charities.
“I hope people will be encouraged by our service above self-way of life and know there are people who care and want to see Faribault and surrounding communities thrive,” Kramer said.
“Rotary does a lot of service projects in the community and this is another one of those that we saw need for handicapped children to enjoy some of the amenities that other children can enjoy, so the club voted to buy a handicapped (pool) wheelchair so that those children who can’t get into the water have an opportunity to do so,” Rotarian Richard Huston said.
Rotary International began in 1905 with Paul Harris and has continued to grow in members and charity work. Much of their charity has focused on polio, which since the Rotary’s start in 1985, polio has declined by 99%.
The Rotary Club is meant for many ages. People who are 18+ are encouraged to join. If someone would like to find more about the Rotarian program, members meet every Wednesday at 12:15 at The Inn at Shattuck-St. Mary’s for a lunch. Kramer encourages people to join.
“Someone should join because we have great people, a great purpose, and we also have fun along the way!” Kramer said.
This year, the Rotary Club’s theme is “Be the Inspiration,” chosen by International President Barry Rassin. The “Be the Inspiration” theme combined with Kramer’s words of encouragement that people join if they want to make a difference in a meaningful way, all in all, sounds like the perfect head start in bringing more recognition and access to everyone.
Reprinted with permission from the Daily News.
Reach Reporter Clare Bender at 507-333-3128 or follow her on Twitter @FDNclare.
In less than 22 months, the Faribault Rotary Club will celebrate its 100-year anniversary on May 1, 2020. This week’s historical highlight is from 1930.
The Faribault High School Band presents an annual concert in January.
One meeting featured a debate on organized labor.
Our 10th president in 1929-30 was Victor O. Skyberg.
(side note- future Rotarian and historian George Wickstrom was born Feb. 2, 1930)
Eric and his wife visited the Rotary Club of Dublin Ireland two weeks ago. They celebrated their 100 year anniversary seven years ago in 2011 and were the first Rotary Club founded outside of North America. Today there are clubs in some 220 countries. Each club has their own banner. Eric (left) is pictured here presenting their club flag to Club President Keith Kramer.
As our guests for the installation of Keith, we welcomed the following former Rotary Past Presidents who were introduced by our 60 year member and past president Rod Mahler.
Pictured from left to right are:
Dr. Roy Anderson our 54th president 1973-74.
Classification- Optometry
Darlene Meillier our 83rd president 2002-03.
Classification- Mortgage Lending
Jim Nielson our 70th president 1989-90.
Classification- Director of Court Services
Rod Mahler our 53rd president 1972-73
Classification- Hardware- Retail and later- Realtor
The Faribault Rotary Club has installed Keith Kramer as it's 99th president for the 2018-19 year. Keith is the Chief Operating Officer are Harry Brown's auto dealership. Pictured here are Keith and his wife Amy and three children Carsen 11, Madelyn 9, and Allison 7.
Also in attendance were Keith's mother in law Cindy and his employer Mike Brown of Harry Brown's Family Automotive.
In the upcoming year, Keith highlighted some of his goals for our club. He is looking at some service projects that get our families involved, maybe doing some service at the Community Cathedral Café, or cleaning up a trail, and being more involved with the Elks ice fishing contest. His goal is 10 new members this year. Our meetings are going to include a short 2-3-minute video about other Rotary projects that are happening around the world, and on days when we don't have a video we will play the fun game "two truths and a lie" it will help us to continue to get to know each other better!
The Rotary theme for the year is “Be the Inspiration”, thank you Keith for leading us this year and being an inspiration - and showing us how we can make a difference through Rotary.
This program generated many questions from Rotarians and should be updated every few years with the constant evolution and ongoing change in healthcare in our country.
Thank you, Dr. Bunkers for the informative presentation.
In a little more than 22 months, the Faribault Rotary Club will celebrate its 100-year anniversary on May 1, 2020. This week’s historical highlight is from 1928.
The high school band under the direction of Clarence Purdie, gave a noontime concert.
There was a program on “The Mind of Youth.”
The Christmas Party was held at the Guild House.
Our 8th club president 90 years ago for 1928-29 was Eugene H. Gipson.
The annual cash raffle fundraiser drawing will be tomorrow, June 27th just before Keith Kramer is installed as our 99th president. Thank you to everyone who helped the club achieve our fundraising goal.
The money raised will help support our Youth Programs and college and music scholarships awarded each year. Our goal for total funds raised will be $18,000 with prizes as follows: $2500/ $1,000/ $500. Expenses will be no more than $400 with the club netting approximately $13,600 to help support our Rotary club's youth programs and scholarships. This will help us to meet our IRS obligations related to the generous donations from the Bahl Foundation.
This was Sujin's last meeting with us. She will be returning to South Korea this summer. Thank you to Bart, Lisa and all the host families for making this a memorable year.
On Wednesday June 13, 2018 we heard a classification speech from Sharif Hared. Sharif was born in Mogadishu. He shared some beautiful pictures of the city before the war started in 1991. At that time, as a 16-year-old young man he followed his mother and 15 other women with almost 40 children to Kenya. This was a 450-mile journey to a refugee camp there.
Sharif told us when they were fleeing the war and fighting was not what scarred him. It was the wild animals on the journey. Lions, elephants, and other large game. He told us someone would have to stay away all night to keep watch over the group of travelers.
When they arrived to the refugee camp in Ifo Kenya, they found a city of tents for refuge. Today some 60 thousand still live in the refugee camp.
Sharif was able to complete the process to immigrate to Canada and the United States. This process can take 3 or 4 years to complete. He first immigrated to Manitoba, Canada. Then to Rochester, Minnesota before finally settling in Faribault. We shared a good laugh when he was explaining snow. He said he sent pictures home to family and they couldn't believe what they were seeing.
Sharif has three children, ages 16, 12, and 8 months. He has been a member of Rotary for about a year and was excited to finally give his classification talk.
It was a fascinating story, and he is a great speaker! Thank you, Sharif, for sharing with us!
For 60 years, choosing a theme has been the privilege, and sometimes the challenge, of each incoming president. Looking back on those past themes opens a small window into the thinking and the vision of each leader – how they saw Rotary, the place they saw for Rotary in the world, and what they hoped Rotary would achieve.
When my turn came to choose a theme, I did not hesitate. I knew immediately that our theme in 2017-18 would be Rotary: Making a Difference. For me, that small phrase describes not only what we do now, but what we aspire to do. We want to make a difference. We strive to help, to have an impact, to make the world a bit better.
Over the past two years, I have seen so many ways that Rotary is doing just that. In California, after the devastating wildfires last year, I saw Rotarians Making a Difference to those who had lost everything. In Guatemala, I saw the difference that simple wood stoves are making in the lives of women who had been cooking on open fires: They no longer breathe smoke when they cook, they spend less time gathering firewood, and they are using their stoves to start small businesses. In Israel, I visited a Rotary-supported hyperbaric center that is helping brain injury and stroke patients return to healthy, productive lives. In communities around the world, Rotarians are Making a Difference by resettling refugees, immunizing children, ensuring a safe blood supply, and helping young people learn and thrive.
All over the world, I have been a part of Rotarians’ commitment to planting trees. As this issue of The Rotarian goes to press, we are still awaiting the final count of trees planted, but I am delighted to announce that we have already far surpassed our original goal of 1.2 million trees, one new tree per Rotarian. And, all over the world, Rotary is continuing its advocacy, fundraising, and support for polio eradication. Last year, wild polio virus caused only 22 cases of paralysis in only two countries. I am confident that soon that number will be zero, and we will begin a new phase in the timeline of eradication: counting down at least three years from the last sign of wild virus to the certification of a polio-free world.
As Juliet and I return home to Australia, we will bring warm memories of the places we have visited, the friends we have made, and the service we have seen. Thank you, all of you, for the tremendous work you are doing, through Rotary: Making a Difference.
On Wednesday June 6th we heard from Stan Alleyne on VITALS awareness services. VITALS is a brilliant idea that is taking off to help law enforcement identify children and adults who may have a disability that isn't easily identified if some sort of situation occurs.
An individual's caregiver can obtain a token for free and set up a profile for their loved one that is loaded to the cloud. Law enforcement all over the state and country are getting signed up. For $5.00 per month per officer, VITALS provide the officer with a message when they get within 80 feet of anyone who has a VITALS token on them. The profile they receive will give important information about the individual so there is no misunderstanding the individuals reaction to a possibly stressful situation.
VITALS is currently being used by individuals with Autism, Asperger's, Alzheimer's, Dementia, Epilepsy and other conditions.
Like all new startup companies VITALS is looking for financial support too. An initial investment of $10,000.00 minimum will get you in.
For information on the products and services you can text VITALS to 797979 or wwwthevitalsapp.com.
On Wednesday May 30 we had the pleasure of hearing from two of our newer Rotarians. Natalie Ginter - Secraw, and Carter Klinger.
Natalie Ginter - Secraw was born in Lubbock Texas, and shortly after moved to Colfax Wisconsin where she grew up. She loved sports, especially basketball. Her love of the game influenced much of her life. She discovered basketball in 4th grade, there was no girls’ basketball team at the time in Colfax Wisconsin so she asked some other girls from school if they would like to play at the YMCA on the weekend, and they said sure. After that a team formed, a pretty great team, playing mostly boys teams in the area, and winning.
In 2013 the Minnesota Lynx presented her with a Woman of the year award! Super exciting!!
Natalie is the Director of Community Health and Engagement for Allina in Northfield, Faribault and Owatonna. Besides her "day job" she volunteers her time with multiple organizations and is the biggest fan of her son Keaton. She is there cheering him on during whatever sport he is playing. Natalie is married to Ben Secraw, and they live in Faribault.
Carter Klinger works for KOWZ/KRUE radio as an Account Executive in marketing and advertising. He is currently our youngest Faribault Rotarian at age 21. Carter lives in Waseca and comes from a competitive sports family. He was a wrestler, but his talent and passion were for baseball.
As an adult he loves golf and gets out on the course regularly, 3-4 times a week, even when he says he is at home working on projects, he is probably on the course!! He owns a boat, so you may find him on the water during the weekends.
After graduating high school (6 months early) he thought it made sense to purchase his own home as he had already been living on his own since he was a Junior in High school. He purchased his first home at age 19. He has two dogs that he loves more than anything.
This past year he was fortunate enough to travel. He visited California, New York, and the Dominican Republic. His trip to the Dominican was a trip he earned through work. You must be doing well Carter! We are excited to have you!!
The following video of the Rotary Club tree planting at Jefferson and the Dick Huston farm was featured in the June 2018 Conservation News from the Rice Soil and Water Conservation District E-newsletter. Please click on the link below to see the You Tube video.
On Wednesday May 23, 2018 we heard from our Rotary Exchange student Sujin, on her Rotary Exchange year in review. She arrived in the US on August 12, 2017 from Korea, and promptly celebrated her 17th birthday on August 22nd. She noted that after middle school in Korea they don't celebrate birthdays the way we do, so that was fun for her. She has had the opportunity to stay with two host families while she is here. That was Beardsley's and Bothun's. Sujin shared pictures of her activities with her families that included Deer hunting, goose hunting, ice fishing, a 5K, water skiing - or trying to water ski, canoeing, and prom.
She celebrated Halloween, Christmas and Easter with her families too. She was able to take in a performance of the Grinch who stole Christmas and enjoyed that very much. She loved the Christmas lights, and hopes to do a little more decorating once she is home for the holiday.
She enjoyed the food here, and some of her favorites included Shrimp Taco's from the Depot and Enchiladas from El Tequila.
She was able to take a spring break trip to Florida to see her twin sister who is also on exchange. While there they visited Disney, where she had a fun time, but waited a lot for food that looked pretty, but didn't taste super good.
Sujin made the most of her time here, she participated in the orchestra and had may performances. She was not encouraged by her instructors in Korea to participate in an exchange program but is very glad she did. When she returns home, she will tell them what an amazing time she had in the United States. Sujin hopes to come back and visit and has chosen September as the ideal month. August was just too hot, and she said she will be out of here by the time the snow comes!
Sujin, you have been a delight to get to know over the past year. Faribault Rotary was very fortunate to have you with us, we wish you all the best in your future plans both professionally and personally. Please keep in touch!!
Congratulations on a very eventful and successful exchange year!
Rotary is a massive, and massively complex, organization. As this issue of The Rotarian goes to press, we have 1.2 million members in 35,633 clubs in nearly every country of the world. Hundreds of thousands of participants are involved in Rotary programs such as Rotaract, Interact, Youth Exchange, Rotary Youth Leadership Awards, Rotary Community Corps, Rotary Peace Centers, and a host of local and Foundation-supported projects and programs at the national, district, and local levels. The name of Rotary is attached to countless projects every year, from blood banks to food banks, school sanitation to polio eradication. One hundred thirteen years after the first Rotary club was founded, Rotary service reaches literally around the globe.
What that service looks like on a daily and weekly basis can vary enormously by region, country, and club. Each club has its own history, priorities, and identity. It follows that the identity of Rotarians, and the purpose each Rotarian sees in his or her service, similarly has a great deal of variation. There's nothing wrong with that, as Rotary is by design a decentralized organization, intended to enable each Rotarian and each Rotary club to serve in the ways that suit them best.
Yet the diversity that makes us so strong can also pose challenges to our identity as an organization. It is no surprise that many people who have heard of Rotary still have little idea of what Rotary does, how we are organized, or why we exist at all. Even within Rotary, many members have an incomplete understanding of our larger organization, our goals, or the scope and breadth of our programs. These challenges have significant implications, not only for our ability to serve most effectively, but also for the public image that is so essential to our ability to build our membership, partnerships, and service.
Several years ago, Rotary launched a serious effort across the organization to address these issues, developing tools to strengthen our visual and brand identity. Today, we are using those tools to develop our People of Action public image campaign, which showcases the ability that Rotary grants each of us to make a difference in our communities and beyond. Last June, your Rotary International Board of Directors voted to adopt a new vision statement, reflecting our identity and the single purpose that unites the diversity of our work.
Together, we see a world where people unite and take action to create lasting change – across the globe, in our communities, and in ourselves.
Wherever we live, whatever language we speak, whatever work our clubs are involved in, our vision is the same. We all see a world that could be better and that we can help to make better. We are here because Rotary gives us the opportunity to build the world we want to see – to unite and take action through Rotary: Making a Difference.
Last Tuesday students from Jefferson planted trees at Dick Huston's farm. This school field trip was a great learning experience for the kids and a nice follow up to the tree planting at Jefferson Elementary the week before. This is helping achieve the Rotary Club’s goal of supporting the International Rotary challenge of planting 1.2 million trees this year, one for every Rotary member worldwide.
There were 93 third graders, Principal Yessica Louis, four teachers, custodian Tim and Todd Sesker who were involved. Rice County Soil and Water donated the trees and tubex. Stan Boe at Faribault Garden donated the fertilizer and Mike Ford at Farm and Home gave us a deal on the stakes. In addition Teresa DeMars from Soil and Water provided a lot of help. Dick's neighbor Mike Cashin helped to pre-dig the holes for the 60 trees planted at his farm.
On Wednesday May 16th we heard from Dr. Mark Weisbrod who started off our day with a joke - What did the right eye say to the left eye? Between you and me something smells. {chuckles from the crowd}
Dr. Weisbrod hails from Rochester, Minnesota he graduated from Mayo High School and went on to attend Concordia- Moorhead, then U of M Medical School. He completed his residency in Texas and fellowship in Miami.
Dr. Weisbrod lead us through a slide show, explaining parts of the eye, he talked us through cataract removal and a Lasik procedure. He explained what diabetes and macular degeneration do to your eye sight and how they can be treated. Everyone was strongly encouraged to get a yearly eye exam.
Thank you for joining us Dr. Weisbrod, it was a pleasure having you, we hope to see you soon!
Rotary International is recommending that club members strive for 60% attendance. Attendance "Make Up" include any Rotary business meeting or gathering. This includes committee meetings, board meetings and club parties!
Please remember to turn in a "Make Up" request to me - to make sure your attendance is at 60% or higher! You can e-mail me at mhanson@richieeyeclinic.com or give me a note at a meeting.
You can check your own attendance record on CLUBRUNNER on our website. I also encourage you to download the ClubRunner app for your smart phone. This will give you a direct link to all club member contact information.
On Wednesday May 9th Faribault Rotary has the pleasure of hearing from Paul Connors Canadian Counsel General from the Canadian Embassy. Paul spoke about two main topics and then answered a few questions from Rotarians. He spoke first about Security and defense, and second about Economic relationships, specifically the NAFTA free trade agreement.
Paul had very positive things to say on all fronts, especially when it came to trade. He commended on the fact that Canada and the United States have the largest two-way trade relationship in the world. We have a very balanced trade according to him. He is confident the NAFTA negotiations are going well, the negotiators working on this meet very regularly and have the "easy stuff" figured out.
They are re-writing the agreement as they go and some of the chapters are completely finished already. It was a delight to have Paul and Mike Flaherty international business developer join us!
In 2 years the Faribault Rotary Club will celebrate its 100-year anniversary on May 1, 2020. This week's historical highlight is from 1921.
The first annual picnic was held at Cedar Lake. Twenty-one new members were added during the second year. A turkey raffle was held with the number 13 as the lucky number. Our 2nd president was Fred U. Davis.
Dick and Troy planting a tree with Jefferson student, Omar Hajii-Mohamed.
When Rotary International‘s incoming president challenged each of its members worldwide to plant a tree this year, Faribault’s Rotaryfound some eager helpers to achieve the goal.
On Monday, longtime Faribault Rotary Club member Dick Huston rallied Jefferson Elementary School’s third-graders, getting them to help him plant 93 trees, one for every third-grader in the school.
“Environmental degradation and global climate change are serious threats to everyone, said Rotary International President Ian H.S. Riseley. “They are having a disproportionate impact on those who are most vulnerable, those to whom Rotary has the greatest responsibility. Yet environmental issues rarely register on the Rotary agenda,” he said.
“It is my hope that the result of that effort will be far greater than the environmental benefit that those 1.2 million new trees will bring,” Riseley said. “I believe the greater result will be a Rotary that recognizes our responsibility not only to the people on our planet, but to the planet itself.”
Besides helping achieve the Rotary Club’s goal, Huston saw the tree planting as an educational opportunity for the students to learn more about the environment. Huston said his three pillars are “education, conservation and collaboration,” all of which were accounted for in the tree-planting exercise.
Families of some third-graders agreed to take trees home and plant them there, others opted to have their trees planted at the school. The rest of the trees will be taken to Huston’s farm, where they will be planted during a special field trip for third-graders later this school year.
“I’m really excited,” said Huston before presenting to the students Monday morning. “The kids are so enthusiastic and ready to go.”
Huston and Rice County Sheriff and Rotary Club President Troy Dunn represented the Rotary Monday, but Faribault teachers led the educational portion. In a slideshow presentation, teachers asked students “What are trees good for anyway?” showing them information from the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources website.
The students also learned about northern red oak, quaking aspen, red maple and honey locust trees, the four types that will be planted by the students this year.
“It’s so great to have the school district and the Rotary come together,” said Huston of the event. “In a nutshell, it’s just fun.”
Watching them grow
Dunn, a Jefferson Elementary alumnus, proudly talked to the kids about his own tree-planting experience.
“When I was in fourth grade, I planted six trees at my house and now they’re taller than the school,” he said, describing to the kids how their efforts Monday will pay off years down the road.
“Hopefully, next year, you can plant even more and you can watch the trees grow every year,” Dunn added.
With trees donated by the Rice County Soil and Water Conservation District, fertilizer from the Faribault Garden Club and tree stakes donated by Faribo Farm and Home, the effort is truly a local one that the students will benefit from for years.
What Huston hopes is that those students will see their efforts come to fruition when they graduate.
After each tree is planted, the students will tag their tree to take ownership of it, said Huston.
“Hopefully, they can take some graduation pictures with them when they are done,” Huston said.
Reach Reporter Gunnar Olson at 507-333-3128 or follow him on Twitter @fdnGunnar.
On Wednesday May 2, 2018, our speaker was Author Bob Showers. Bob is an avid Minnesota sports fan, his newest book The Twins at the Dome chronicles the years the Minnesota Twins baseball team played at the Metro Dome.
He previously has written The Twins at the Met, and Minnesota North Stars: history and memories with Lou Nanne.
Bob retold some of the stories from his new book. He explained his style of interviewing for the book was designed to bring up memories, and just let the players, coaches, and everyone he interviewed go back in time and simply tell their stories.
While all the stories are tied together by the love of baseball, they are stories of friendship, respect, and a little competition.
Bob is the owner of his own publishing company, Bob Showers Books LLC and resides in Bloomington Minnesota. A portion of all the proceeds from his book are donated to The Twins Community Fund - a charity supporting youth and families.
Thank you Bob for sharing such amazing stories about our Minnesota Twins!
The Faribault Rotary Club has inducted two new members. Sarah Rojas is the Community Outreach Manager at Milestone Senior Living and was sponsored by Dr. Lisa Humfiled-Wilson. Ken Johnson is a Workforce Development Representative for the MN Department of Employment and Economic Development and was sponsored by Dr. Dick Huston.
Both new Rotarians pledged to live by the four way test and put service before self. Pictured left to right are Dr. Dick Huston, Ken Johnson, Dr. Lisa Humfeld-Wilson, Sarah Rojas and club president Troy Dunn.
LearningRx, a Colorado-based one-on-one brain training center, opened in May 2017 in downtown Owatonna. Pictured from left to right: Darci Stanford, Owatonna LearningRx owner, and Sonja Harris, Owatonna LearningRx director.
On Wednesday April 25th we heard from Darci Stanford. Darci is from Learning RX of Owatonna. Learning RX specializes in cognitive skills. Basically, a work out for your brain. Like your body and muscles, the more active the better. The brain is the same way.
Darci touched on different areas of brain development. Firing, attention, processing speed, long term and short-term memory, visual processing and audio processing. She had us pair up for a couple of simple brain testers and finished up with a couple of simple at home games to test yourself. Sort cards, with a group or by yourself. Sort simply by color, then again by color and number, and again by color number and suit, etc. and try to increase you speed as you go. another fun game is to open the fridge for 20 to 30 seconds trying to take a mental inventory, then write it down, check your memory. To make it harder take your 20 -30 second peek, after 30 min, write down what you saw and then check it with the contents of the fridge.
Thank you so much for speaking to us Darci, and making our brains work too!!
In 2 years the Faribault Rotary Club will celebrate its 100 year anniversary on May 1, 2020. Each week the bulletin is published until that day, I will include a brief historical highlight from a year in our history of fellowship and Service above Self starting in 1920.
The Faribault Rotary Club was established 98 years ago today on May 1, 1920 as Rotary's 596th club with 22 charter members and by the end of the first year membership had reached a total of 35.
E.B. Johnson, representing the district governor of the International Rotary Clubs, and three other members of the Minneapolis Rotary Club met with our charter members. The first President of the Faribault Rotary Club was Frank W. McKellip.
Meetings were held on the first and third Monday of each month and on the evening of the fourth Monday.
The most honorable Dr. Lisa Humfeld-Wilson has proposed Sarah Rojas, community outreach manager for Oxford Management at Milestone Senior Living, for membership in the Faribault Rotary Club. If you have any questions, please contact Dick Huston or Troy Dunn.
At the 1990 Rotary International Convention in Portland, Oregon, then President-elect Paulo Costa told the gathered Rotarians, "The hour has come for Rotary to raise its voice, to claim its leadership, and to rouse all Rotarians to an honorable crusade to protect our natural resources." He declared a Rotary initiative to "Preserve Planet Earth," asking Rotarians to make environmental issues part of their service agenda: to plant trees, to work to keep our air and water clean, and to protect the planet for future generations.
President Costa asked that one tree be planted for each of the 1.1 million members that Rotary had at the time. We Rotarians, as is our wont, did better, planting nearly 35 million trees by the end of the Rotary year. Many of those trees are likely still flourishing today, absorbing carbon from the environment, releasing oxygen, cooling the air, improving soil quality, providing habitat and food for birds, animals, and insects, and yielding a host of other benefits. Unfortunately, while those trees have kept on doing good for the environment, Rotary as a whole has not carried its environmental commitment forward.
That is why, at the start of this year, I followed Paulo Costa's example and asked Rotary to plant at least one tree for every Rotary member. My goal was to achieve a good beyond the considerable benefits that those 1.2 million (or more!) trees would themselves bring. It is my hope that by planting trees, Rotarians will renew their interest in, and attention to, an issue that we must put back on the Rotary agenda: the state of our planet.
Environmental issues are deeply entwined in every one of our areas of focus and cannot be dismissed as not Rotary's concern. Pollution is affecting health across the globe: More than 80 percent of people in urban areas breathe unsafe air, a number that rises to 98 percent in low- and middle-income countries. If current trends continue, by 2050 the oceans are expected to contain more plastics by weight than fish. And rising temperatures are well-documented: Global annual average temperatures increased by about 2 degrees F (1.1 degrees C) from 1880 through 2015. That this change was caused by humans is not a subject of scientific debate, nor is the likelihood of vast economic and human disruption if the trend continues unchecked. The need for action is greater than ever – and so is our ability to have a real impact.
As past UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon put it, "There can be no Plan B, because there is no Planet B." Our planet belongs to all of us, and to our children, and to their children. It is for all of us to protect, and for all of us in Rotary to make a difference.
On Wednesday April 18th we had the pleasure of hearing from our very own Dr. Dick Huston. Dr. Huston shared with us his experiences of his veterinarian mission trip to Samburu Kenya Africa in 2017. Goats, Sheep & Camels were his patients and the people of the region were the recipients of his good will.
Dr. Huston along with about 15 people from Kenya, that included 3 other veterinarians and some helpers were working through Christian Veterinary mission collaboration with Veterinaries with a mission grogram. In one weeks’ time the group treated 9646 animals for internal and external parasites. Owners would hear their animals 12 to 14 miles to get them to the mission group. Mostly women, along with their smaller children would be the one bringing in the animals. The mission group set up corrals made of extremely sharp barbed bush branches, they would cut the bush and make corals out of the branches to hold the animals in while there were one by one being injected. The conditions were dry and dusty.
By the end of the week our good Dr. was known as the camel expert. Dr. Houston told us you have to be very quick and nibble on your feet because once you inject a camel, they are swing around their head and coming for you to let you know of their displeasure about their injection.
Dr. Houston had a chance to speak to the children about education and cleaning up their surroundings. Before his trip ended the village, he had been in was picking up garbage and trash to make it a cleaner environment for all. The villagers planted 6 Mango trees in his honor.
Thank you, Dick, for your service to animals and humans alike, we are honored to have you in our club. You set a great example of the 4-way test!
On Wednesday April 11, 2018 we heard from John Schonberg of Stonebridge Capital Advisors. John presented on Second Quarter Economic and Market Persecutes. John talked about Corporate Tax rates being down 15%, and noted that we are starting to see little signs of inflation and that is trending to be at 3 to 3.5% by next year.
According to John, the economy is good, and we should see another 10 to 12 months before there is a turn. His key point from this presentation is make sure when the turn happens you are prepared for that, make sure you are keeping your principal safe. See your financial advisor if this is something you want to make sure is done.
John then took some questions from Rotarians and we had a brief discussion on large company pensions and the fall out that is coming, possible very soon for some.
On Wednesday April 4th we heard from Erik Therwanger. Erik visited with us on leadership. He gave us some insight into leadership and specifically leading millennials. In 2017 Erik gave a Ted talk on this subject. Millennials are not your leadership challenge. His Military background, he became a Maurine in 1987 laid the foundation for his idea the Leadership Connection. He is helping companies and organizations find the link between leading and succeeding, managing the work, and leading the people who do the work.
Erik's presentation was only a scratch on the surface of the information he typically covers. To find out more about his training, books or to see his Ted talk, or listen to his pod casts visit his site www.thinkgreat90.com
The Faribault Rotary Club has inducted Carter Klinger to join others in putting Service above Self. Carter in an Account Executive for KRUE/KOWZ radio. Pictured are his sponsor Bart Jackson, Carter and Rotary president Troy Dunn.
David gave his classification talk recently. I asked him seven follow up questions to help summarize his presentation for those of us who were present and for our club members who missed the meeting. If you have not had a chance to welcome him to our club, please do so.
Your Family members, occupations (including you) or school level?”
David Andrew (34yrs old) Director of Events at Shattuck-Mary’s - AAS graduate from SWSU
Willow James (2yrs old) unemployed
Your Hometown/School/College
Born in Austin MN, grew-up and graduated from OHS in Owatonna, AAS - Business from SWSU (finished online)
Your Previous occupations?
Paperboy, Schwan’s route driver, bartender, f&b manager, ad developer/writer, restaurateur.
I've been hit by 3 cars while walking (never injured). All at stop signs while in crosswalk. Since I have been ticketed for jaywalking, walking outside of a crosswalk with no traffic around. To say the less, I watch were I walk and what’s around me.
Anything else you can think of?
I journal daily, I hope to put together a book of the people I've encountered and their experiences expressed to me of some sort, someday. An expression of human life and the ventures it talks on so to speak.
The honorable Dr. Richard Huston has proposed Ken Johnson from the Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development for membership in the Faribault Rotary Club. If you have any questions or concerns, please contact Dick Huston or Troy Dunn.
On Wednesday March 28th we heard from Dennis and Karen Vinar, they are a Northfield couple who recently published a book about the amazing journey to finding each other after 50 plus years, and then reaching out to a daughter they had given up for adoption as teenagers. How did you find me...? after all these years? A family memoir.
Their story tells of a party and a simple question if you only had a short amount of time to live who you would want to spend it with. Party goer’s answers where actors and Politian's, but Dennis's answer was Karen. A few days later he started a search for her and found her easily enough on LinkedIn. After some time and a rekindled relationship between the two of them. The married couple decided to look for the daughter they had given up. Jean Voxland and her husband Andrew tell their side of the story as the grown daughter now meeting her biological parents for the first time.
Get ready to laugh, cry and search your own heart according to the back of the book!
The Vinar's have had some fun success with the launch of this book. With guest spots on Kare 11 on Christmas Eve, and the Steve Harvey show just this past February. They were on the cover of a favorite local southern Minnesota magazine Girlfriends, and there is even talk of a movie!
Thank you, Dennis and Karen, for visiting with us to tell your story in person!
The following article is the completes the reprint from our 75th Anniversary booklet.
Murray Hanson
FARIBOTARIAN
By: Lyle Schreiber
Rotarians meet for more than food. Name almost any subject and Rotary has a program or speaker covering it. To name a few:
1925 School Problems
1928 The Mind of Youth
1930 Organized Labor
1933 Inflation
1930 The Decline of Morals -- Youth and Adults
1938 Congressman August Andreson stressed the need to curb government spending
1941 Should Faribault have an Airport?
1948 The Taft-Hartley Labor Law
1949 Socialized Medicine in Great Britain
1953 South African Race Problem
1956 Prospects of Atomic Electric Plants in Minnesota
Local government officials are frequent speakers to keep Rotarians advised of the problems of local government and their solutions. Owners of new and old Faribault industries are asked to tell of their products. In the last few years, club members visited Sellner Manufacturing Co., Faribault Foods, Mercury Minnesota, the remodeled library, and the Faribault correctional facility.
Soon after joining, Rotarians are asked to give a Classification Talk in which they give a short biographical sketch and a description of their occupation. These talks are some of the most interesting programs.
Beginning in 1940, selected students from local high schools were invited to be guests of the club at regular weekly meetings. This program has continued to the present. Two students from Faribault Senior High School, Bethlehem Academy or Shattuck-St. Mary's attend for two weeks. At the second meeting the students give a resume of their school activities.
Rotary has a program for sending selected local high school students to a foreign country for a year and, in exchange, serves as a host to students from other countries. The Faribault club has had guests from Australia, Brazil, South Africa, and Ethiopia, and sent students to Greenland, Norway, Spain, Japan and Germany.
From its beginning, the Faribault Rotary Club has been interested in youth programs. The club assisted in organizing Boy Scout troops and sponsored a summer picnic for boys for several years. Rotarians furnished transportation to roll students who wanted to take part in athletics. The Rotary camp was built for use by Scouts and other Youth groups.
Believing that there should be recognition of those students who are academically superior, the club, in 1962, invited those members of the senior class from the High School and Bethlehem Academy who had a grade point average of 3.5 or better to an Honors Banquet. This recognition has continued and the students parents' are invited to attend.
To provide funds for the maintenance of the youth camp and for music scholarships, the Rotary club sponsors the first combined high school orchestra, band and choir concert of the year. At Christmas time, the high school choir performs part of their Christmas concert at a regular dinner meeting. For several years the dinner has been held at Shattuck-St. Mary's refractory and Shumway auditorium. A new fundraiser has been the October Rose sale. In 1994, more than 700 dozen roses were sold.
When Rotary was organized February 23, 1905 it was a men's organization. It remained so until 1987 when, by action of the Rotary international, the membership of women was authorized. Janine Sahagian was the first woman to be a member of the Faribault Club. Today there are 1,197,308 Rotarians in 27,173 clubs in 151 countries.
With 75 years of service to the community, the Faribault Rotary Club looks forward to growth and service.
The following article is a reprinted from the 75th anniversary booklet of the Faribault Rotary Club in 1995 and covers the early years of our club starting in 1920. Part II will be in next weeks bulletin.
Murray Hanson
FARIBOTARIAN
By: Lyle Schreiber
Woodrow Wilson was president; the 18th Amendment was upheld by the Supreme Court; three Negroes were lynched in Duluth; the Faribault National Guard was sent to Duluth to control the rioting; Fourth Street west of Second Avenue was paved; lots in Southern Heights were selling for a dollar down and a dollar a week; the high school graduating class numbered 93. This was 1920.
On Thursday April 29, 1920 E.B. Johnson of Minneapolis, representing the district governor, met with 22 charter members of the Faribault Rotary Club. The charter was dated May 1, 1920. By the end of the first year, the membership had reached 35 and 21 members were added in the second year.
The first meetings were held at the episcopal Guild House. Mrs. Anna Kahn was the cook-hostess. Her lunches established a tradition of good food for the club. In 1926, the club moved its meeting place to the ELKS Club with the provision that the price of the lunch would not be more than sixty cents. In 1929, with the completion of the Harvey Hotel (Hotel Faribault) the club moves there for its meetings. Evidently the sixty cent limit still prevailed as, in 1933, the hotel was informed the cost must be reduced to fifty cents or the club would leave. The answer must have been negative, as in 1934 the meeting place was moved to the Blue Bird Inn located on Highway 3, about the present location of Larson Electric, Inc.
Mrs. C. N. Crossett and the Inn were famous for fine food. Some Rotarians made a point of arriving at the meetings early for chicken giblets and other appetizers. The club moved back to the hotel and continued to meet there until 1969 when it moved to the Evergreen Knoll. The food was good, but the space was too small, so the Country Club was tried. Again, the space arrangement was not satisfactory and it was decided to move to the Lavender Inn.
The distinguished southern gentlemen from American Family In$urance, Bart Jackson, has proposed Carter Klinger from KOWZ radio for membership in the Faribault Rotary Club. If you have any questions or concerns, please contact Dick Huston or Troy Dunn.
On Wednesday March 21, 2018 we heard from Kathy Donahue Nass of Donahue's Greenhouse. In 1972 the Donahue family purchased Lehman's Gardens and never looked back. In 1993 the family green house had grown and was land locked inside the city of Faribault so 40 acres just outside of Faribault in Morristown were purchased for mores space. The Retail store remains in Faribault and 147,000 square feet of green house space is in Morristown. The Donahue's grow about 130 varieties of plants to be sold all over the United States and Canada. Donahue's are well known for their clematis and currently have two varieties to the family name, Killian Donahue and Rosalie Donahros, both beautiful variegated varieties of clematis.
Having Kathy visit on the first full day of spring in 2018 makes any gardener's heart happy. Kathy announced the retail store would be open for their summer business starting April 12, with their Anniversary Celebration and annual "potting days" taking place on Friday the 20th - Sunday the 22nd. This year they are celebrating their 46th anniversary!
Donahue's employs 16 people full time year-round, they 25 seasonal employees. The third generation of the Donahue family are starting to enter the work force and will hopefully carry on the tradition of one of Faribault's best attractions - Donahue's Green house.
This month marks 50 years since the first Rotaract club was chartered, in 1968. In this special Rotaract issue, you'll meet some impressive Rotaractors from around the world and see some of the incredible ways they are Making a Difference.
In the half-century since Rotaract began, the world has seen profound changes, and young people have felt the greatest impact of those changes: the rise of technology and the information economy, the spread of education, and the tremendous influence of the internet. When Rotaract was founded, it would have been almost unthinkable for a teen or 20-something to have been an entrepreneur or a CEO. Today, young people have an unprecedented capacity to achieve – and Rotary needs their ideas and enthusiasm as never before.
For many years, Rotary has done Rotaract a disservice by looking at our youth and young adult programs as mere precursors to Rotary membership, and not as valuable and productive programs in their own right. But Rotaractors are truly partners in Rotary service.
Today, an estimated quarter of a million Rotaractors serve in over 10,000 clubs, in nearly every country where Rotary clubs exist. The impact of their service is particularly impressive when contrasted with their resources. Rotaractors achieve an amazing amount with far less money at their disposal than the average Rotary club. Their energy and vision bring something wonderful to our Rotary family and to our communities, and we value it very much.
Yet only 27 percent of Rotary clubs sponsor a Rotaract club, a figure that has remained fairly stable over time. And far too few Rotaractors ultimately do move on to Rotary membership. As we celebrate this anniversary with Rotaract, I encourage all Rotary clubs to consider sponsoring a Rotaract club or to strengthen their ties with the clubs they already sponsor. Schedule regular joint meetings, run joint service projects, and reach out to Rotaractors – not only to ask if you can help, but to find out how you can work together. Know your Rotaract clubs and their members – and make sure that every Rotaractor knows that a Rotary club is waiting to welcome them.
For half a century, Rotaract has given young people a way to find the same connections with their communities, and the same value in service, that Rotarians find in Rotary. Rotaractors are connecting us to the Rotary of our future, while helping us build the Rotary of today.
On Wednesday March 14 we hear a classification speech from new member David Connelly. David is the Inn Keeper at The Inn at Shattuck. David grew up in Owatonna, Minnesota and was a self-described dorky kid who started a chess club and always wore a sweater vest. In high school he was quite the baseball player and was a talented left-handed pitcher. In a small accident on the way to SW State in Marshall, Minnesota where he was going to college and playing baseball, he lost his ability to pitch a good pitch.
David had finished High school early and had volunteered his time in the elementary schools help kids with reading and math. He has decided he wanted to be a teacher.
Pondering life one day on his front porch, he notices a squirrel trying to get a nut off the busy street out in front of his house. It dawned on him this squirrel was just trying to survive and provide for his family. David adopted the moto "be like the squirrel" bringing his life into focus. He even has the saying tattooed on his hand so he can be reminded.
David has previously worked at the Holiday Inn in Owatonna, doing a variety of jobs before he made a success of the restaurant there. He moved to Torie's in Owatonna, a restaurant with a high-end feel. As he was working for Torie's and was helping develop a food and beverage program for the under-construction Inn at Shattuck, he knew he wanted to be a part of the project in a big way. David became the Innkeeper for the Inn and now over sees the day to day operations of the facility. People first, heart first, commonsense first, is the way he runs things.
David is a father to 2-year-old Willow. It is obvious from his classification speech that she is the light of his life. David says their living in Faribault has impacted Willow already at a young age. He gave one example of deciding to teach her American Sign Language (ASL) so she can communicate with members of the community who attend MSAD.
David is an avid promoter of Faribault, having grown up in Owatonna, (our next-door neighbor) he admits he didn't come to Faribault for much. Now that he is here he loves Faribault and its rich history and cultural diversity.
David we are so excited to have you as a Rotarian, we look forward to all the great things you will do!
On Wednesday March 7th we heard from our local School District 656 on the Community School Program. We heard from Charles Cooper Community School Coordinator. This program currently takes place at Jefferson Elementary and Faribault Middle School but is intended for all families in the community. The premise for these after school activities are Academic focus, Health initiatives, youth initiatives, and community engagement. The chief goal is higher attendance during the day, and physical, emotional and social benefits for the kids.
According to Charles this type of programming can benefit all families in Faribault, and he is working to get more kids and families to participate. If you have an idea for any programming please contact him at 507-333-6384.
The Community School program is providing a meal for anyone under 18 FREE of charge Monday through Thursdays at Jefferson and FMS from 4:30 to 5:30. If you would like to join in the cost for a meal is minimal if you are over 18.
This program is currently funded by a grant. If you have more questions see fellow Rotarians Anne Marie Leland, or Todd Sesker.
Club President,Troy Dunn and the honorable Rod Mahler with his award and District Governor, Kyle Haugen
The Faribault Rotary Club was established 98 years ago on May 1, 1920 as Rotary's 596th club with 22 charter members and by the end of the first-year membership had reached a total of 35. Those early founders of our club established a tradition of record keeping that has now been passed on to me in the form of 6 boxes of records dating back to the first days of our club. My research into Rod’s time in our club revealed the following:
On March 5th, Rod Mahler has been a member for 60 of the 98 years our club has existed. He joined our club on March 5, 1958 at the age of 24.
On that day Al Burkhartzmeyer did his classification talk.
Rod’s classification talk was on June 7th and his review in the bulletin the next week was as follows:
‘Rod Mahler need not take the back seat when it comes to public speaking. I wonder did the box have a ‘Green Door’ on it? You did a fine job, and we all enjoyed your classification talk very much”
Rod missed 2 weeks in August of that first year with the mumps and then had 10 years of perfect attendance. I estimate that he has attended over 2700 meetings with over 90% attendance and over 3000 total Rotary events of which he would be happy to discuss any one of them with you.
Notable program speakers his first year were
U of M Hockey coach, John Mariucci
Congressman and future Governor Al Quie
Captain EM Morgan US Navy Pacific Fleet Naval Defenses
Mayor P. Kenneth Peterson- about the new Freeway coming
Rod’s 60 years so far give him the longest membership in our club history.
Other notable long-time members
- Palmer Dragsten 1948- 2006 / 58 years
- Al Burkhartzmeyer 1957-2012 / 55 years
- Tom Gerbig 1969- present / 49 years
- George Wickstrom 1974- present / 44 years
- Nuba Pletcher 1921-1965 /44 years (2nd picture)
-Dr. Donald Chathum 1921-1963 /42 years
Rod has those connections back to the first year of our club when the original 35 first year members were added during 1920-21. Nuba Pletcher and Dr. Donald Chathum who joined that first year were still members for 5-7 years after Rod joined in 1958.
When I joined 25 years ago, Rod was one of the first Rotarians to welcome me to the club fleecing me during fellowship just to be sure that I felt welcome. He has always been welcoming and encouraging to new members over the years and is a true example of a Rotarian who puts service above self.
He has served this club and Faribault continuously during his 60-year membership even most recently with the donation of our new American flag and sponsoring the membership of our new chamber President, Nort Johnson.
Thank you, Rod for your continued inspiration and service to our club!
Please join us for this week's meeting as the Faribault Rotary Club honors Rod Mahler for his 60 years of membership and service above self. Rod joined our club March 5, 1958.
On Wednesday February 28th we heard the great tales of the travels of Cate Grinney. Cate set off on her adventure to visit her 7th continent, Antarctica! Cate traveled with her father to check this off their bucket list. Cate shared with us many images and videos from her trip.
She educated us on Antarctica and some of the surrounding land masses. Antarctica is not the Artic. Antarctica is extremely mountainous and there are no land mammals there. It is the 5th largest continent and it is 98%-99% ice. The continent is protected by the Antarctic Treaty which promotes peach and science. There is no residence of Antarctica only the scientist that come and go and study while they are there.
Cate is a lover of photography and animals. Her photos and videos she shared included penguins, seals, birds in flight and whales. She also included some amazing shots of icebergs and shorelines.
Thank you for sharing your amazing journey with us. I think most Rotarians were considering the trip of a lifetime after you shared with us! Thank you, Cate!
On Wednesday February 21, we heard from Janna Viscomi, and John Rowan, both members of city council. Janna gave a quick update on her building, Bernie's Grill and The Vintage Suites, Rotary's former meeting spot, the ball room is undergoing a remodel that will turn the ball room space into 4 more suites. 3 of which are spoken for by Shattuck families for the fall.
Janna and John took turns answering questions and weighing in on comments from Faribault Rotary group on Faribault issues. We covered topics that included parks and trails, straight river waterfront development, an expansion project at our airport, and the new city administrator. John Rowan talked about being diverse in technology, and both council members discussed the future of the city and the excitement around the 2040 comprehensive plan.
We discussed the housing shortage, and John touched on a potential connection of the city of Medford MN to Faribault's sewage treatment facility. Lots of exciting things for them to cover with us. Thank you to Janna and John for spending some time with us, join us again soon.
On Wednesday February 14 our Rotary club had a presentation by John Emery of the Islamic Resource Group.
John joked his bio is to give him some "street cred" with law enforcement organizations as that is one of his main focuses during community outreach is to work with law enforcement agencies. John Emery completed intensive study of the Arabic language in the US Army. He served as a translator and interrogator for nine years, including service in the United States, North Africa, the Persian Gulf and Guantanamo Bay, Cuba. After nine years in the US Army, John completed his B.A. in Global Studies and the University of Minnesota.
As an American convert, John is concerned with common misconceptions about Muslims and Islam in the United States. John is passionate about dispelling misunderstandings and shedding light on the values shared by believers of all faith traditions. John lives and works in Chaska, MN. When he is not busy with family, John is a beekeeper and bicyclist.
John shared with us the mission of IRG is to build bridges of understanding across our state. Islamic Resource Group is made up of American Muslims who travel the state to speak on Islamic and Muslim culture to groups large and small. John explained to use the minimum group size is 1. The typical presentation in about an hour in length, with plenty of time for questions and open dialog, so attendees can better understand the Muslim and Islamic culture. Please visit www.irgmn.org to find out more, or request a speaker for an event.
Thank you, John for answering our many questions, during your presentation. Please join us again!
One hundred thirteen years ago this month, the four members of Rotary's first club held their first meeting. Although no minutes were kept, it's unlikely anyone talked about service; the club did not begin focusing on the needs of the community for another few years.
The meeting was held not in a hotel or a restaurant, but in a member's office; there were, so far as we know, no agendas or announcements, no committee reports, speakers, or nametags. The meeting would have failed today's usual standards for a productive Rotary meeting most resoundingly. It was, of course, the most productive Rotary meeting ever held.
Today, as in 1905, many of us come to Rotary seeking what Paul Harris sought: friendship, connections, a place to feel at home. But today, Rotary gives us so much more than it could ever have given its earliest members in those earliest days. The Rotary of today, more than 1.2 million members strong, lets us feel at home not only in a small group of our peers, but also in our diverse clubs, across our communities, and indeed throughout the world. Today, Rotary connects us all in a way that Paul Harris could never have dreamed on that February evening so long ago. Not only can we go anywhere in the world there is a Rotary club and feel at home, but we can reach out to anywhere in the world there is a Rotary club and make a difference.
In the 113 years since that first meeting, Rotary has become far larger, and more diverse, than those founding members could have conceived. We have gone from an organization that was all white and all male to one that welcomes women and men of every possible background. We have become an organization whose stated purpose is service, reflected in our motto, Service Above Self. And we have become not only an organization that is capable of changing the world, but one that has already done so, through our work to eradicate polio.
None of us can know what lies ahead for Rotary. It remains for all of us to continue to build on the solid foundations that were laid for us by Paul Harris and his friends: to forge and strengthen the bonds of service and friendship through Rotary: Making a Difference.
Finally, weather cooperates for Elks Lodge Youth Ice Fishing Contest
(Reprint with permission from the Daily News)
After three long years, Mother Nature was feeling cooperative. And the fish wouldn’t stop biting.
The sun shone brightly, but not too brightly, over French Lake Saturday as local anglers brought their roads and reels to the Faribault Elks Lodge Youth Ice Fishing Contest. Warm conditions wiped out the 2016 and 2017 versions of the contest, and a blizzard shortened the 2015 event, but the 140 people in attendance had no such problems this weekend.
“That last two years were cancelled due to the weather. It was a real bummer, but safety comes first,” Exalted Ruler of the Faribault Elks Lodge, Peter Van Sluis, said. “Yesterday wasn’t that bad if you could stick in the sun, and there was no wind. Warm is not the right word, but if you had the right clothing on it wasn’t bad at all.”
The first-ever Youth Ice Fishing Contest drew in 90 people, and the contest saw as many as 300 kids participating back in 2015. Attendance was a little down this year, at 140, though Van Sluis speculated that might have been due to the last two events being cancelled.
The Elks Lodge, Faribault Rotary and Faribault Moose Lodge teamed up to host the free event. Van Sluis said grants from Minnesota Elks Association helped pay for the event as well as donations from volunteers from all three organizations and sponsors from around Faribault.
Each kid who participated received a prize, but special prizes were awarded to the top three anglers. Brooklyn White took first place, Sam Bauer was second and Tanner Milewski finished third.
“Our motto is really long, but basically (the Elks Lodge purpose) is to do things in the community for youth and veterans,” Van Sluis said. “The Elks started this but now we work together with other organizations.”
Reach Sports Reporter Alex Kerkman at akerkman@faribault.com or on Twitter @FDNalexkerkman.
Jared gave his classification talk recently. I asked him seven follow up questions to help summarize his presentation for those of us who were present and for our club members who missed the meeting. If you have not had a chance to welcome him to our club, please do so.
Your Family members, occupations (including you) or school level?”
Emily (Wife)-piano teacher; 3 foster children: 6yr boy in kindergarten and 16-month twin boys
Your Hometown/School/College
Manheim, PA; Homeschool; Northland International University—B.S. Missions; Central Baptist Theological Seminary—Master of Divinity
Your Previous occupations?
Youth Pastor; Medical Product Builder; Construction Worker;
Allina CEO David Albrecht (can you spot 2 sheriffs in the picture)
On Wednesday February 7, 2018 we heard from the District One Hospital President David Albrecht. As we all know, District One was purchased by Allina Health. Allina Health is a not for profit health system consisting of clinics and hospitals and other health services providing care throughout Minnesota and Western Wisconsin. He touched on many points, a couple of key ideas included what is a community hospital, what has happened recently, and what is coming in 2018 and beyond?
What is a Community Hospital? It’s a building, an employer, a place where physicians can provide care, and it is a community asset. Our hospital gives back, and promotes wellness.
Recently the hospital completed our brand-new Emergency Room, and now that District one is part of Allina, we have access to the best clinical experts, administration experts, new technology and insurance products.
Looking to 2018 and beyond DOH is working establish a culture of positivity, have growth in the market share, solidarity in Emergency room physician coverage and DOH is about to start the application for Joint Commission Accreditation.
Future capital needs include a first-floor major overhaul, basic infrastructure systems and new medical equipment.
How can we help? Choose a physician who chooses District One!
Thank you, Dave, for talking with us! We look forward to seeing you again soon!
Sam Ouk shared this beautiful poem at the beginning of our meeting last week:
May I become at all times, both now and forever, A protector for those without protection, A guide for those who have lost their way, A ship for those with oceans to cross, A bridge for those with rivers to cross, A sanctuary for those in danger, A lamp for those without light, A place of refuge for those who lack shelter, And a servant to all in need.
by the 14th (and current) Dalai Lama - Tenzin Gyatso
Hate is never conquered by hate but only by love. -Buddha
Stephen Pribyl was recently honored by the Faribault Rotary Club as a Paul Harris Fellow for contributing $1000 to the Foundation. The Foundation is a world wide Rotary organization doing work in underdeveloped countries with emphasis on health care, the environment and education. Pictured with Steve (left) is Foundation chair Rick Miller.
The Faribault Rotary Club presented a check to the South Central Foundation in appreciation for letting the club use their facilities to conduct the STRIVE program. The Foundation will use the funds for scholarships. STRIVE is a before school program to help students achieve academically and learn life skills. Each spring a banquet is held to honor students and present $20,000 in scholarships. Pictured are Kurt Halverson the incoming chair of STRIVE, Stephen Pribyl retiring chair, Shelley Rockman the director of the SCC Foundation and Rotary president Troy Dunn.
On Wednesday January 24th we heard a classification speech by Pastor Jared Matthew.
Jared grew up in Manheim, PA in what he calls farm country. He is one of 4 children, with two sisters and a brother. He and his wife Emily moved to Minnesota in 2010. They came to Minnesota so that Jared could study at MDiv Central Seminary for his Master of Divinity Degree. He is now the Senior Pastor at First Baptist Church in Faribault.
Jared has been married to his wife Emily for 7 years, and they are foster parents to a 6-year-old and twin 16-month-old brothers. February 2018, they will become foster parents to a brand-new baby.
Pastor Jared is on the go, when he isn't prepping for Sunday service, you can find him meeting with folks over coffee or a meal to talk about life and God's plan, being a Dad, or running. He decided to join Rotary because he felt it was a good fit for him and the life he is already trying to lead. Service above self is a moto he tries to live by.
We are so excited to have you Pastor Jared, thank you for your energetic and uplifting speech!!
Nort gave his classification talk recently. I asked him seven follow up questions to help summarize his presentation for those of us who were present and for our club members who missed the meeting. If you have not had a chance to welcome him to our club, please do so.
Your Family members, occupations (including you) or school level?”
Nort Johnson – Faribault Chamber
Shelly Bakeberg – ABC Bus Business Office
Elizabeth Johnson – Urologist
Andrew Johnson – Searcher of Meaning
Peter Johnson – Construction
Katie Johnson – Surgical Technician
Your Hometown/School/College
Faribault
Faribault High School
Worthington Junior College
Mankato State University
Your Previous occupations?
Black Hills & Badlands Association - CEO
Lyon County Economic Development – Director
Schwan Food Company - Management
Printing/Publishing/Marketing Management
City Councilman
Any Hobbies?
Home renovations
Fishing, golf, hunting motorcycles, darts,
Rotary sponsor?
Rod Mahler
Interesting fact about you or your life?
Most Blessed Man in the History of the Planet
Anything else you can think of?
“Love your neighbors, all of them, not just the ones you like.”
On Wednesday January 17th we heard a fantastic classification speech by Nort Johnson.
Nort is the president of the Faribault Area Chamber of Commerce. Nort is a hometown guy, who's years of working in diverse areas has given him the exact tools he needs to be an effective leader in our community. Previous jobs include marketing for Schwan's and tourism for the Black hills. Nort has also been active as a legislative advocate for the Black hills area forests and parks in Washington, he has served on city council boards and volunteered for a vast array of others.
Nort is a father of 5 amazing children, grown ups now, and he is also a Grand Father. It was very clear from his presentation that his children and grand children are his most prized possession. He returned to Faribault just a few years ago to work for the FACC and run the Faribault Main Street program, and purchased a home on historic 4th Ave. in Faribault and is currently doing a full remodel on the property with his love Shelley.
We are excited to welcome you to Faribault Rotary and glad you returned to your hometown, we look forward to what you have in store for us!!
The Faribault Rotary Club is a sponsor of the Faribault Elks Lodge Youth Ice Fishing Contest on Saturday Feb. 10th. Jake will be passing around a sign up sheet at our meetings over the next few weeks. You are invited to come join in the fun!
In Rotary, our diversity is our strength. This idea dates back to the earliest years of our organization, when the classification system was first proposed. The idea behind it was simple: that a club with members who had a wide variety of backgrounds and abilities would be capable of better service than one without.
In the years since, the idea of diversity in Rotary has come to be defined more broadly. We have discovered that a club that truly represents its community is far better able to serve that community effectively. Looking ahead, it is clear how essential diversity will remain in Rotary: not only to strong service today, but to a strong organization in the future.
One of the most pressing aspects of diversity to address in our membership is the age of our members. When you look around at almost any Rotary event, it becomes immediately obvious that the age range in the room does not promise a sustainable future for our organization. Our membership is near a record high, and we are bringing in new members all the time – yet only a small minority of those members are young enough to have decades of Rotary service ahead of them. To ensure a strong and capable Rotary leadership tomorrow, we need to bring in young and capable members today.
We also cannot discuss diversity in Rotary without addressing the issue of gender. It is difficult to imagine that just three decades ago, women could not join Rotary. Although we have come a long way since then, the legacy of that misguided policy is still with us. Far too many people continue to think of Rotary as an organization only for men, and that idea has had a detrimental effect on both our public image and our membership growth. Today, women make up just over 21 percent of Rotary's membership. While this is certainly a great improvement, we have a long way to go to meet what should be the goal of every club: a gender balance that matches the balance of our world, with as many women in Rotary as men.
Whatever brought each of us to Rotary, we stay because we find value in Rotary membership and believe that our service has value to the world. By building clubs that reflect that world in all its diversity, we will build even more enduring value in Rotary: Making a Difference.
On Wednesday January 10, 2018 we heard from Jackie Dorse of W.I.N.G.S. Women in Northfield Giving Support. This is a non-profit giving financial support to people and organizations who help others. WINGS helps with fundraising for local organizations, and they do so because they love their community. WINGS was established in 2000 and have gifted $850,000.00 since then. They offer grant programs, and have many, many ways to get involved. Jackie says one of the projects they consider a huge success was the Northfield Middle School Activity Center. WINGS funded it to get it started and once it took off, the school district picked up, and took the project over.
To learn more about WINGS check them out on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/nfldwings
Jackie wants you to remember they are a group of women with a purpose, not a social club. And members are not just women, but men and organizations who have made the choose to give to make a difference.
Thank you for visiting us Jackie, and thank you for the awesome work WINGS does. Join us again!
Astronomers discovered a white dwarf star 2500 miles in diameter in the Constellation Centaurus that is a diamond of ten billion trillion trillion carats, nicknamed Lucy.
Little libraries like the one outside the home of Judy Carver at 28 State Ave., across the street from the Allina Clinic, have attracted readers since July 2016. Richard Huston, who adopted the idea of the Faribault Rotary Club’s international outreach program, said he’s please with the circulation the libraries maintain. Carver is the librarian at Lincoln Elementary. When she saw that Rotary was placing the Little Libraries she wanted to become involved and maintain this one. Pictured putting a book in the library is Judy Carver’s granddaughter, Evie Isaacson. (Daily News file photo)
They look like birdhouses, or maybe mailboxes, but the blue and yellow structures scattered throughout town are actually little libraries the Faribault Rotary Club installed over a year ago. The 2016 international outreach project has served the local community and promoted literacy ever since.
“Literacy was one of the big efforts of our president (Richard Huston) a couple years ago,” said Dick Cook, chair of Faribault Rotary’s International Services Committee. “We took [the little libraries] on because of the demographic in Faribault and the diversity at the schools.”
I’m really big on education, and I think that if you learn to read you can accomplish anything,” said Huston.
Cook and Huston both built the little libraries, which they distributed throughout the community in 2016. Cook said eight or nine of them are now installed outside schools, churches, businesses and private residences throughout Faribault. However, Cook said not all little libraries in town are part of the Faribault Rotary program; some homeowners set them up before the Rotary Club adopted the project.
Seeing little libraries set up in the Twin Cities inspired Huston’s idea to adopt the program in Faribault as the Rotary International’s outreach program in 2016.
“I went to the Twin Cities and photographed eight to 10 I saw there, and they weren’t all the same, so I created my own ideas and dimensions based on what I saw,” said Houston.
Little libraries painted yellow and blue signify their connection with the Rotary, but Huston said he’s painted flowers and other decorations on the house-like boxes. Maggie Chen, an exchange student from Taiwan who Huston and his wife hosted at the time of the project’s conception, painted the one outside Our Savior’s Lutheran Church.
The installation of the little library outside Our Savior’s Church kicked off the Faribault Rotary’s project in July 2016. Cook said that installation inspired a couple requests from Faribault residents to monitor little libraries on their own properties. The Rotary approved those requests after evaluating the suggested locations.
Any resident with a little library installed on his or her property is responsible for monitoring and maintaining the library, and volunteers monitor little libraries outside churches, schools and businesses. However, Cook said patrons generally follow the concept of taking a book and leaving another without much guidance.
Huston monitors the little library at Our Savior’s Church, where he attends services. He tends to add children’s books to the selection while others give away books for adults. If possible, he tries to collect books pertaining to the season. On the rare occasion when the little library needs more books, he informs the congregation of the need.
“There’s a pretty good turnover,” said Huston. “People are not only taking books, but putting books in there. I see quite a bit of variety.”
Jefferson and Lincoln Elementary Schools have taken on little libraries. Cook and Huston both noted ones located outside Congregational Church, kitty-corner from the former Divine Mercy Church building, and at the State Avenue home of Lincoln Elementary librarian Judy Carver.
“If people want them, I would certainly make sure we got it done,” said Huston. “I would build it or someone else would build it.”
After a couple years in the works, Huston said the little libraries still attract patrons and maintain circulation.
“It’s pretty interesting and gratifying to see people are using them to the extent they are,” said Huston.
Reporter Misty Schwab can be reached at 507-744-2551. Follow her on Twitter @APGmisty.
One week ago, our speaker was Dr. John Sauer, an orthopedic surgeon who has been practicing here at the Mayo Clinic for the last three months. His presentation was titled the "Evolution of Joint Arthroplasty, where we started and where we are going. Some of the changes over the last 20- 30 years included being admitted one day prior to surgery and hospital stays up to two weeks whereas now admittance is the same day with two to three day stays or even outpatient in some situations. the durability of implants has greatly improved allowing younger patients to successfully undergo procedures that last a lifetime.
Many procedures have faster recovery times, better pain management along with fewer wound complications to enhance outcomes for the patient. The topic generated a healthy Q & A discussion at the end of the presentation.
We had our final Rotary meeting at Bernie's on Dec. 14th. On Dec. 28th, Kurt, Brent, Troy, Andy and I boxed up our Rotary supplies and moved everything with the cabinet to the Inn at Shattuck ( complete with police escort.) Our first meeting will start early at 11:45 am on Jan. 3rd. as you enter the Shattuck arches stay to the left and follow the (Inn at Shattuck) signs.
The Faribault High School choir under the direction of Jonah Heinen treated Rotarians and their guests to an excellent Christmas concert again this year. Thank you to Donn Johnson for another great job as our host!
On Wednesday December 13th we heard from Marsha Danielson VP of Economic Development at South Central College. Marsha visited with us on a few different things going on at South Central, but the majority of her presentation was talking about "Credit for Prior Learning" the college's effort to lead the way in a movement allowing students to earn credit for prior learning. Things like military service, work experience, job skills, certificates achieved, volunteer or community service, open course work and self-study, including intense travel to name a few can now all be taken into consideration when a student is working to earn their degree.
A team at SCC spent time looking at the curriculum and comparing it to the experiences some students might bring to the table, they then awarded those experiences with any number of credits towards a degree, if a student can provide proof or knowledge. There are national exams done on-line, challenge exams set up at SCC, sometimes skills demos or a detailed portfolio to cover a hand full of classes at one time, are all examples of things that can be done to achieve credit for prior learning.
Seventy-two years ago, the United Nations was founded "to save succeeding generations from the scourge of war ... [and] to practice tolerance and live together in peace with one another as good neighbors." Despite those worthy aspirations, and generations of investment in achieving them, the "scourge of war" is still with us: Last year, more than 102,000 people died in 49 armed conflicts around the world. Some of those conflicts were in their fifth decade or beyond. Terrorism, intolerance, and extremism; the refugee crisis; and environmental degradation are now global challenges.
Collectively, we seem further than ever from achieving the goals that were set with such ambition and optimism in 1945. Yet hope endures, as long as there are people willing to work for a more peaceful future – not only through their governments, but also beside them and beside each other. Today, Rotary is better placed than ever to have a real and lasting impact for peace: through our peace-focused programs, such as Rotary Peace Fellows, and through every area of our service. Water, sanitation, health, education, and economic development are all interrelated and part of the complex interactions that can lead to conflict – or avert it. To best leverage our service in all these areas, and to maximize their impact for peace, it is essential to understand these interactions and plan our service accordingly.
For these reasons, we have scheduled a series of six presidential peacebuilding conferences between February and June in Canada, Lebanon, the UK, Australia, Italy, and the United States. These conferences will focus not on peace but on peacebuilding: We will share ways that we can work to build peace through the service of our Rotary clubs and districts. Five of the one-day conferences will illuminate the connections between peace and another area of focus. The first conference, in Vancouver, B.C., will explore the link between peace and another sphere of great concern to us in Rotary: environmental sustainability. You can view the full schedule and register at www.rotary.org/presidential-conferences.
The goals are simple: to help Rotarians find new ways to advance peace through their service, to learn from experts, and to strengthen our abilities to build peace. It is my hope and belief that these conferences will help us move closer to a more peaceful world, through Rotary: Making a Difference.
Posted by Gunnar Olson- Faribault Daily News on Dec 11, 2017
In order to place eight Buddy Benches at Faribault’s seven elementary schools, the Faribault Rotary worked to raise $10,000. But now that the benches are in place, the real work of educating teachers and students has begun.
The eight benches were installed across the Faribault area from Lincoln Elementary to Nerstrand Elementary in October in an effort to encourage inclusiveness among area kids. Two benches were installed at Jefferson Elementary, which has two playgrounds.
The idea of a Buddy Bench is to provide kids a visible place to sit at their playground if they are feeling alone, sad or left out while other students are at play. The goal of the bench is to attract those kids to the bench and to who’s sitting there so they can include that child.
While the aim of the bench seems simple, the Rotary members who embarked on the mission to put Buddy Benches at each school are working to make sure the benches aren’t just benches.
“Number one, it’s not just a bench,” said Jake Cook, the former Rotary president who made Buddy Benches his presidential project. “It’s to help students engage other students that aren’t feeling involved that day or are having a bad day.”
While he has not seen the benches in action yet, Cook said his children, who attend Nerstrand Elementary, have seen it work, and included kids who are sitting on the bench and taken a seat there themselves during a bad day.
“It’s great to see the finished project and hear stories from teachers and staff and my own children who have used them,” Cook said. “From my understanding, the benches are doing what I’d hoped they’d accomplish.”
The work continues
Last year, when the Buddy Bench project was being concocted, Cook teamed up with Kelly Velander, another Rotary member, who he credits with actually bringing the idea to Faribault after seeing a news report about them working in other communities.
Each year, the Rotary Club president devotes their term to a project like a downtown mural or the Security State Bank clock restoration. Last year, Cook took on Buddy Benches, raising the $10,000 and working with each of the elementary schools to implement them.
Up until the benches were unveiled in October, Cook and Velander took their efforts inside each of the seven schools, working with educators and the students themselves to maximize the effect of the benches on playgrounds.
“We actually had a meeting with staff members from each of the schools,” Cook said. “We wanted to maintain continuity among staff members, so we provided them with PowerPoints and materials developed by Kelly Velander.”
After those meetings, which took place in the first few weeks of the school year, Cook and Velander then asked the teachers to find time to talk with their students about how the Buddy Bench works.
After the conversations took place, Velander said the education appears “seamless,” among the faculty, staff and students across Faribault.
“Staff are saying that students are out there using it and students are dropping everything to go help students on the bench,” Velander said.
One of the educators who participated in the training was Jim Huberty, a behavior interventionist at Jefferson Elementary School. Huberty has noticed students using the benches at Jefferson and appreciated the training he received, pointing specifically to a video emphasizing the importance of using the bench to build longterm relationships.
Most important to Huberty, however, is the impact the benches could have within the walls of Jefferson Elementary.
“The need to fit in and that need to have social interaction is huge and I’m sure that it does transfer over into the academics,” he said. “If a kid is emotionally ready to be with a group of people, they are more ready to learn.”
In the training, teachers and students are taught that the bench should not be a place to sit and socialize, but rather, to promote socialization on the playground. Also, Cook emphasized that a student seated on the bench should play with the first person that offers, and not pick and choose the friends that ask them to play.
“I am proud that we have this in Faribault and I think we have had great support from the community on getting it going,” she said. “Being accepted by peers is a huge issue for students, so I’m hoping that this creates an empathetic group of people growing up in Faribault.”
Reach Reporter Gunnar Olson at 507-333-3128 or follow him on Twitter @fdnGunnar.
On Wednesday December 6 we heard from Mr. Gary Kindseth of Faribault Foods. Gary joined us to talk about the history of the company Faribault Foods.
Gary provided the typical history lesson, Faribault Foods was started in 1895 as Faribault Canning and covered various points in history over the past 122 years. Acquisitions and sales and a major expansion project were all covered.
The majority of the interest in this presentation was about Gary himself, a Faribault resident his entire life, he is a former Mayor of Faribault and served on city counsel. He is known as a savvy business man, and the room genuinely admired him. There were a few questions asked about Faribault Foods, but more about Gary and what will he do in his retirement at the end of the year. Perhaps he will finally have time to join a service group.... we are here for you Gary, and would LOVE to have you.
Twas two weeks before the Christmas concert, when all through downtown,
Not a Rotarian was stirring, no one to be found;
The invites were made by Donn Johnson with care,
In hopes that everyone would soon be there;
The Rotarians were nestled all snug in their beds;
While visions of Christmas concerts danced in their heads;
They knew in a moment the time had drawn near,
To give Donn a call (334-1733) and tell him no fear;
For we will be coming, even bringing a guest;
Looking forward to lunch and the choir's singing best;
More rapid than Elks the Faribault Rotarians came,
And Donn whistled and shouted and called them by name:
Now, Mahler! Now, Ciesluk! Now, Godfrey and Fossum!
On, Daniels! On, Sesker! On, Wheeler and Bohlen!
To the seat of your cars! To the end of the street!
Now dash away! Dash away! And soon we will meet!
Then we heard Donn exclaim, as he walked out of sight;
"Happy Christmas to all, and to all a good night!"
All Rotarians, their families, and guests are invited to the 78th annual Faribault Rotary Christmas Concert to be held on Wednesday December 20th (11:45 am- 1:15 pm) at Our Savior's Lutheran Church.
The joyful sounds of the holiday season will be brought to us by the Faribault High School Choir. Our host for over 26 years, Donn Johnson asks that you contact him at 334-1733 if you will be coming and bringing a guest. There will also be a sign up sheet passed around at the next meeting. The cost of the meal is $10.
On Wednesday November 29 we had very entertaining and informative presentation by each of our 2017-2018 Inbound Rotary Exchange Students. First up was Marta Grazidi from Italy. Marta is 17, and hails from Brescia Italy, a city in Northern Italy with a population of about 200,000. Her exchange was facilitated with her local Rotary Group Brescial Castello Rotary. When asked what she has liked most about her visit here so far, she responded the people, and the opportunity to be yourself and not be judged.
Next was Sujin, who is visiting from South Korea. She is an identical twin, (her twin Kim Su- Min is on exchange as well, and is staying in Florida). Sujin took us through a typical day in her life, which includes a lot of study time. after regular school they attend self-study until around 10 pm. she shared pictures of the typical attire from her country, and talked about her love of for her dog, and share pictures of typical Korean dishes. She provided us with some sample of Almonds, a cookie, and sea weed to try at our tables. I think the almonds where a hit! She enjoys playing the violin, piano, and listening to pop music and dancing. Her favorite foods in the United states are chicken and Snow crab legs.
Both ladies gave lovely presentations, if you haven't gotten a chance to spend some time chatting with them, please do so! They both have lots to share with us. Thank you, Marta, and Sujin for your presentation. We are so glad you are here with us this year!
The Annual Faribault Rotary Red Cross blood drive was a success. 18 new donors were accepted! Thank you to our volunteers, Laura Bock, Troy Dunn, Jake Cook, Eric Craig, Dick Huston, Karen Carlson, and Kurt Halverson.
On Wednesday 15, our presenter was Monique Hammond. Monique presented on Hearing Loss - a silent epidemic. Monique experienced a sudden hearing loss in her left ear that ultimately cost her a job. In researching what had happened to herself, and what she could do to make the situation better she has educated herself and now speaks to groups, great and small about hearing loss.
Training and education are key according to Monique. This is a silent and invisible disability, causes can range from aging to excessive noise (ear buds for music), to just one loud noise like a gun shot or explosion.
Some things to keep in mind when you are talking about hearing loss. It is permanent, it is cumulative and it is preventable! The personal effect hearing loss has on someone is substantial, it has social effects, emotional effects. It can impact you professionally, as it did Monique, and that certainly can lead to financial impacts.
Hearing is no doubt a precious sense, spread the work, educate yourself, and pay it forward, start with yourself and your family. For more information please go to
The Faribault Rotary Club has inducted Brian Daniels and David Connelly as new members. Brian is our area's elected official in the State House of Representatives. David is the general manager and director of events of the Inn at Shattuck St. Mary's. Pictured left to right is Keith Kramer who sponsored Brian and David who was sponsored by Dr. Dick Huston.
In many ways, The Rotary Foundation is an invisible presence in our clubs. Most of what we do in our clubs and our districts, on a weekly basis, we do without the active involvement of the Foundation. But our Foundation is invisible in our clubs in the same way the foundation of a building is invisible when you're in it: Just because you don't see it doesn't mean it's not holding you up.
The Foundation that enabled Rotary to take on polio is, in many ways, the foundation upon which our Rotary service is built. For 100 years, since it came into existence with a first donation of $26.50, the Foundation has supported and strengthened our service, enabled our ambitions, and allowed us to be the organization that we are. Because of the Foundation, Rotarians know that if we have the ambition and put in the work, very little is truly beyond us.
It is an incredibly effective model that we have here in Rotary, one that no other organization can match. We are completely local and completely global: We have local skills, connections, and knowledge in over 35,000 clubs, in nearly every country of the world. We have a deserved reputation for transparency, effectiveness, and good business practices, and because we are highly skilled professionals as well as volunteers, we achieve a level of efficiency that very few other organizations can approach.
To put it simply, a dollar given to The Rotary Foundation has a great deal more muscle than a dollar given to most charities. If you want to spend a dollar on Doing Good in the World, you can't do better than to spend it with the Foundation. That is not just me speaking out of pride; it is inverifiably true and is reflected in our rankings by independent organizations.
In the Foundation's centennial year, Rotarians surpassed our goal of raising $300 million. If you were part of that achievement, you have been part of something tremendous. Somewhere in the world, someplace you have probably never been, people you may never meet will lead better lives because of you. Ultimately, it is our Foundation that lets us make good on our core beliefs: that we can make a difference, that we have an obligation to do so, and that working together, as well and as efficiently as we can, is the only way to effect real and lasting change.
Wednesday November 8, we heard from Kelsey Wittmeier owner of Bluebird Cakery. Kelsey owns two locations, her flagship store in Faribault, MN and her second location in Mankato, MN. While we all dream of her delightful cupcakes, and amazing coffee creations, Kelsey joined us to speak about leadership.
Kelsey's college degrees are in Human Resources and Management. From her time at Target and Bluebird she has developed her own "style" of management, with the primary focus being empower your employees. She spoke about when different issues arise in the work place, make sure you are problem solving with staff and you are giving them the tools they need to do it on their own in the future. Her message is to be intentional with training, and development, and know how to recognize the difference. Thank you, Kelsey, for joining us, and challenging us to be the best leaders we can be!
Breanna gave her classification talk recently. I asked her six follow up questions to help summarize her presentation for those of us who were present and for our club members who missed the meeting. If you have not had a chance to welcome her to our club, please do so.
Your Family members, occupations (including you) or school level?”
Breanna – Executive Director at River Bend Nature Center
Owen – 8th grade at Northfield Middle School
Everett – 6th grade at Arcadia Charter School
Your Hometown/School/College
Grew up in Hope, MN. Graduated from Owatonna High School. BS in Environmental Science and Sociology from MN State University, Mankato and Master of Public Affairs from University of Minnesota
Your Previous occupations?
Quality of Life Consultant, Dementia Friendly America
Group Exercise Instructor, Keystone Community Services and Northfield Area YMCA
Activity Director, Northfield Hospital Long Term Care Center and St. Lucas Care Center
Any Hobbies?
Volunteer naturalist – MN Master Naturalist program
Karen gave her classification talk recently. I asked her six follow up questions to help summarize her presentation for those of us who were present and for our club members who missed the meeting. If you have not had a chance to welcome her to our club, please do so.
Your Family members, occupations (including you) or school level?”
My husband’s name is Jerry and I have one daughter, Jennifer who lives with her husband Mark in Chanhassen, MN. Grandchildren Ellie, 7 and Charlie, 4.
Occupation: Practice Manager of the Mayo Clinic Health System- Faribault clinic and an Operations Manager for Mayo Clinic Health System - Owatonna clinic.
Education: Bachelor of Science in Computer Science with minors in mathematics and electrical engineering technology. In addition, I hold a Masters of Business Administration and I am a certified Project Management Professional (PMP).
Your Hometown/School/College
Home town – Pequot Lakes, MN
College – MN State University, Mankato and Southwest MN State University, Marshall
Our presenter on Wednesday November 1st was none other than local celebrity and resident train expert Kurt Halverson.
November is National Model Railroad Month, and one of Kurt's passions is model trains. His love of railroading and model trains started unexpectedly at a young age, when a homeroom teacher gave him a copy of a magazine for railway building, he was instantly hooked. Kurt's presentation was title "The Art of Model Railroading" and it is just that an art. He covered some of the main ideas behind it including Model Building, Electronics, Photography, painting and Scenery building, and he touched on the historical value of this pass time, as may railroaders do extensive amounts of historical research to make sure their own rail way is consistent with different rail ways throughout history.
Kurt's model set is the Great Northern Railway, 1969, and his setting is fall in Western Washington. The pictures he shared are amazing, and the entire presentation was fantastic. Kurt knows his stuff, he was very informative, but kept it light hearted, and got a few good chuckles out of the crowd. Thank you so much Kurt for the time and energy you put into your presentation, and for bringing some model pieces to show and tell!
The distinguished President-elect Keith Kramer has proposed Brian Daniels, our Minnesota House District 24b Representative, for membership in the Faribault Rotary Club. If you have any questions or concerns (or you didn't vote for him) please contact Troy Dunn or Dick Huston.
We were lucky enough to have two fantastic presenters on the 25th, Karen Carlson, and Breanna Wheeler. Both women gave their classification speeches.
Karen was first, she challenged the group to identify what community she grew up in based on the fact that the water tower was a large bobber, and she pledged $20.00 to the happy dollar can if anyone knew, Pastor Greg was all over that, as he just relocated from the same town of Pequot Lakes!! Karen filled us in on some of the details of her life, noting specifically, her beautiful daughter, 2 grandchildren, and the love of her life, husband Jerry.
Karen has lived in Waseca, Minnesota for the last 30 years. Her career path is one many of us can relate to, through a string of contacts, jobs and degrees, she has arrived at her current destination at Mayo Clinic - Faribault in Health Care Operations. Karen related the 4 way test to the way she has already been living her life and closed with the statement " We are capable of more than we realize when we connect." Thank you Karen for the reminder!!
Next on our agenda was Breanna Wheeler, Executive Director of River Bend Nature Center. Breanna touched on her family ties, specifically mentioning her gratefulness to have all of her grandparents for a long time, her two boys, Evert and Owen, and her father for instilling in her love of making connections and supporting others, and her love of nature. Breanna's interest include History and Genealogy, Travel - especially around Minnesota with her boys, gardening both vegetables and native flowers and plants, and something we maybe didn't know about her, she enjoys being a group exercise instructor, I am sure she is a fantastic motivator!
Breanna is high energy, and you can hear the passion in her voice for "River Bend", and her zest for life shines through as she talked about her career and family.
Welcome to Rotary Karen and Breanna, you both bring so many qualities to our group, we are excited to have you!
The Faribault Rotary Club has recently inducted Nort Johnson into its membership. Mr. Johnson is currently the marketing director of the Faribault Area Chamber of Commerce. Pictured with Nort is Rotary president Troy Dunn (left) and his sponsor Rod Mahler (right).
Some years ago in the Melbourne, Australia, museum where my daughter used to work, an iron lung was on display. For most people my age who remembered the terrifying polio epidemics of the 1950s, that iron lung was a testament to how far vaccination had brought us: to the point where that once-critical piece of medical equipment had literally become a museum piece.
For much of the world, the story of polio is a simple one: After years of fear, a vaccine was developed and a disease was conquered. But for some of the world, the story was different. In so many countries, the vaccine wasn’t available, mass vaccination was too expensive, or children simply couldn’t be reached. While the rest of the world relegated polio to its museums, in these countries, the disease continued to rage – until Rotary stepped forward and said that all children, no matter where they lived or what their circumstances, deserved to live free of polio.
In the years since PolioPlus was launched, the combined efforts of Rotary, the governments of the world, and the Global Polio Eradication Initiative have brought the number of cases of polio down from an estimated 350,000 per year to just a few so far in 2017. But we must reach zero cases, and stay there, to achieve eradication. To do that, we need everyone’s help.
On 24 October, we will mark World Polio Day. It is a day to celebrate how far we have come and an opportunity for all of us to raise awareness and funds to complete the work of eradication. I ask every Rotary club to participate in some way in World Polio Day activities, and I encourage you to visit endpolio.org for ideas and to register your event. Whether you host a silent auction, a virtual reality viewing, a fundraising walk, or a Purple Pinkie Day, your club can make a real difference.
This year, our World Polio Day livestream event will take place at the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation headquarters in Seattle; you can watch it on endpolio.org beginning at 2:30 p.m. Pacific time. As many of you know, Rotary has committed to raising $50 million a year for the next three years. This amount will be matched 2-to-1 by the Gates Foundation – effectively tripling the value of all money Rotary raises on World Polio Day and throughout the year. Let’s all make a difference on World Polio Day – and help End Polio Now.
Be part of Making a Difference as a Rotarian and come celebrate the good we are doing.
You may ask yourself, why do they keep talking about Polio and the need to eradicate it and “finish the job” because we don’t have Polio in my country so its not that big of a deal. Well I believe it is a good thing that younger people do not know about Polio. That is due to the vaccine and immunizations continually going on in the US everyday. My grandson, Cash, just had his Polio vaccination today and you will see him holding the vaccine in his hand( yes, its a new chew toy to him), but it made me proud to be a Paul Harris Society member and knowing my dollars not only are spent to take out the remaining cases in the two countries half way around the world but also to keep Polio out of our backyard. Putting a face on the reason why we ask for your support will help you in your decision. Look at your family and friends and see why you don’t have anyone devastated by Polio and realize that because of the support given to the Rotary Foundation to support Polio eradication, you don’t have the worry in your life.
If you don’t know how to give to the Rotary Foundation, ask your Club President, Assistant Governor, Foundation Chair or any of the District Governors. We will be happy to show you how easy it is to be a Paul Harris Fellow and be part of the Paul Harris Society. (The Rotary Foundation Link)
On October 18th the club's presentation was the annual meeting on the youth services program. Dave Beranek, Treasurer presented. Dave started with a general overview of two accounts to get all the new members up to speed with more detail on how the accounts differ and what their purposes are. He broke down some of the duties of General Rotary and Rotary Youth Services. Dave explained our dues structure, and touched on fiscal year end dates for each "part" of Rotary.
The first order of business was to vote on this year’s board. Jake Cook, Eric Craig, and Keith Kramer were unanimously re-elected for another three-year term with a motion from Greg Ciesluk and second by Rod Mahler. Next Dave covered the funding and financial position of both accounts, covering information on the Bahl Foundation and Rotary Camp. He noted this past year expenses were about as low as they would be on the Camp, as maintenance was done, but a good chunk of the cost will fall in the 2018 fiscal year.
All in all, the financial situation of Faribault Rotary is in good order, a motion to adjourn by Brent Peroutka was made and Todd Sesker seconded.
Thank you, Dave for serving as our Treasurer. You do an outstanding job, and are very much appreciated!
The 52nd Annual Rotary Band/Choir/Orchestra concert was held last Saturday night at Faribault High School. The event was well attended and everyone enjoyed the performance!
On Wednesday October 11, we heard from Rotarian and School Superintendent Todd Sesker and his "crew". The topic was the 2017 Public School Bond. Todd and company took turns stressing the importance of various topics including safety at each location, crowding in some of the facilities, and over all use of a new field house or community events center for the community. If our community decides to approve the bond and move to the next phase, planning will move forward on an almost 4 year project to upgrade current buildings and start from scratch on a few others.
Get out and vote on the 7th of November so your voice is heard, and if you have follow up questions or would like Todd and his crew to speak to another group you know of please don't hesitate to contact Todd. Thanks so much for all the information, and thanks to the team that joined us last week!
The Faribault Rotary Club has recognized four members as Paul Harris Fellows. Rotary members achieve this distinction each time they have given $1000. Rotary International uses these funds to assist people all over the world with peace and conflict resolution, disease prevention and treatment, water and sanitation, maternal and child health, basic education and literacy, economic and community development & the eradication of polio. Bart Jackson has a plus one and Dr. Huston plus six. Dr. Huston is a member of the Paul Harris Society as he has pledged $1000 each year. Pictured are Keith Kramer, Foundation chair, members Cate Grinney, Carmen Dorr, Dr. Dick Huston, Bart Jackson and president Troy Dunn.
On October 4th we heard from Dee Bjork, Executive Director of the Faribault Foundation. The Faribault Foundation was started in 1999 as a result of the Faribault Futures class that year. They identified a need in the community to help small volunteer organizations manage their funds for their programs.
Rotary’s Buddy Bench program is one of the many programs the Faribault Foundation helped support.
Visit www.faribaultfoundation.org for more information on the programs, grants, and community involvement the foundation handles.
Dee Bjork herself is a long time Faribault Resident whose family has a history of running business in the downtown area. Dee is a superb example of what it means to have community pride and to do service above self. Thank you Dee for your presentation, and for doing all you do to make Faribault a great place!
Molly Titchenal has become a member of the Faribault Rotary Club. As a member Molly joins 65 others who have pledged to put Service Above Self. The Faribault Rotary Club serves the community in many ways but emphasizes providing services for the youth. Molly is well suited as she is the Foundation Development Director of the Southern Minnesota Big Brother/Big Sister program which at the current time has some 150 children waiting to be matched. She is pictured here with club president Troy Dunn and her distinguished sponsor, George Wickstrom.
Shawn gave his classification talk recently. I asked him six follow up questions to help summarize his presentation for those of us who were present and for our club members who missed the meeting. If you have not had a chance to welcome him to our club, please do so.
Shawn Jackson
1. Your Family members, occupations (including you) or school level?”
Shawn Jackson ‐ Occupation‐ Wireless World Business Consultant. BA from Iowa State University
Wife, Jennifer Jackson ‐ Market Research Client Manager. BA from Iowa State University
Son, DeRon Jackson ‐ Works in a Veterans home.
Son, Mario Boyd ‐
Son, Christopher Johnson ‐ Salesman for Lids.
Son, Andrew Jackson ‐ High School Senior.
Daughter, Charity Jackson ‐ High School Sophomore.
2. Your Hometown/School/College
Kansas City, Kansas & Iowa State University
3. Your Previous occupations?
Owner of KCK Repairs, Teacher K‐8 Open Door Christian School, Owner of Kingdom Coins, Driver for UPS
4. Any Hobbies?
Coin collecting, Christian Apologetics, Politics, Installing Linux operating systems.
5. Rotary sponsor? Richard Huston
6. Interesting fact about you or your life?
Member of Iowa State University's Big 8 Championship team 4 times.
On November 27th we heard from Pastor Greg Ciesluk during his classification speech. Pastor Greg or PG as some of his congregation call him, was born in Massachusetts. When you are saying his last name just think of chess, like the game, and luck, like you would need luck to win at it. He is one of 4 children to parents Walt and Gail Ciesluk. It was very clear from his presentation he grew up in a home with a lot of love and support. Very early on he states his major influences where Family, School, and Faith. He knew by about 2nd grade he wanted to be a teacher, and just a few short years later a math teacher.
When it came time to attend Duke University, he followed in his father’s footsteps and studied Electrical Engineering. Greg realized that was not quite his calling, and studied to become a pastor. While pursing that dream he met his lovely wife Diane, also a pastor.
Greg and Diane have three children, and have been pastors in many communities. Within the past year they relocated to Faribault so Pastor Greg could serve here. They have purchased their first home and hope to stay here for the completion of Greg’s service. Which is approximately another 14 years or so.
As a Pastor, Greg’s favorite thing to do is celebrations of all kinds, Weddings, Baptisms, even funerals. He enjoys getting to know his parishioners and their families on a deeper level. His future life goals include building a great relationship with his wife and bonding with his kids for the “long haul”. He also strives to mentor and encourage people in faith, and hopes to leave a legacy of faith, family, and church. Pastor Greg has already been living the Rotary moto, so joining Rotary is a great fit for him.
Pastor Greg – Welcome to Rotary! We are excited to have you.
The most honorable and distinguished 59 year Rotarian Rod Mahler has proposed Nort Johnson, marketing director and soon to be president of the Faribault Chamber of Commerce, for membership in the Faribault Rotary Club. If you have any questions or concerns please contact Dick Huston or Troy Dunn.
One of the best parts of any Rotary convention is the sheer diversity of the people you see there. Whether you're heading into a breakout session, exploring the House of Friendship, or sitting down for a bite to eat, you'll meet people from every corner of the world, in all kinds of national attire, speaking just about every language. It's a lot of fun, and it's a big part of what makes Rotary great: that we can be so different and still find ourselves so at home together.
That spirit of warm community that is so central to Rotary also defines Toronto, our host city for the 2018 Rotary International Convention. Toronto is one of my favorite cities. It's a place where half the population is from another country, where over 140 languages are spoken by 2.8 million residents, and where no one ever seems to be too busy to be helpful. In addition to being clean, safe, and friendly, Toronto is a wonderful place to visit, with its attractive Lake Ontario waterfront, great restaurants, one-of-a-kind museums, and interesting neighborhoods to explore.
The 2018 convention already promises to be one of our best ever. Our Convention Committee and Host Organization Committee are hard at work lining up inspiring speakers, great entertainment, fascinating breakout sessions, and a wide variety of activities across the city. There will be something for everyone in Toronto, and Juliet and I encourage you to do what we'll be doing – bring your families along for the fun. If you plan early, your convention experience will be even more affordable: The deadline for discounted early registration (there is an additional discount for registering online) is 15 December.
As much as Toronto offers to Rotarians, the true draw is, of course, the convention itself. It's a once-a-year opportunity to recharge your Rotary batteries, to see what the rest of the Rotary world is up to, and to find inspiration for the year ahead. Find out more at riconvention.org – and find Inspiration Around Every Corner at the 2018 Rotary Convention in Toronto.
Kyle’s message was a huge Thank you to our club from Rotary International for our past support, both with service projects, and our financial support.
After a brief background on himself, he challenged us to honor President Ian Riseley’s initiative for environmental sustainability and plan a tree for every rotary member in our chapter, 62 to be exact. He commented on the current status of our efforts to eradicate polio, and mentioned that at a district level, there is an initiative underway to create awareness and work to extinguish the issues of human trafficking and sex slavery that most of us go unaware of. If you have any interest in joining the initiative for this let him know.
Kyle reminded membership should be our number one priority. We are proud to be Rotarians, we should be shouting it from the roof tops and letting everyone know what Faribault Rotary does, and what Rotary International can do for a community. He encouraged us to keep growing and reminded us to make sure to work on retention of current members by getting everyone involved. New ideas from new members help re-engage long time members.
To wrap up his presentation he dove a little deeper into the financial side of Rotary and challenged all of us to give a little more. Kyle said there were requests for $118,000.00 in grants last year and we only had $78,000.00 available to fund those grants. He said “the Rotary Foundation is our charity, I encourage you to make it your charity of choice for two reasons: 1. We take good care of our money, and 2. We have a “say” in where it goes.” Consider that when you are giving, and give as you are able.
A. Water requirements for beef cattle depend on weight, stage of production (such as lactation), and temperature. As you increase weight, the amount of water needed also increases. Same holds true for temperature, as temperatures increase, so does water intake. Also, if the animal is lactating, water requirements also increase.
Following are some thumb rules on water intake that may be helpful.
Daily water intake may vary from 3 to 30 gallons per day depending on age, body size (weight), stage of production, and the environment (mainly air temperature).
As a rule of thumb, consumption will range from 1 gallon per 100 pounds of body weight during cold weather to nearly 2 gallons per 100 pounds of body during the hottest weather.
Lactating cows require nearly twice as much water compared to dry cows.
Clean fresh water free of manure, dirt, and other debris is important.
Cows do not jump over the moon.
Correction on cow water consumption for Dick Huston
Last week, past District Governor, Gary Campbell spoke to us about the Rotary Foundation and how donations make a difference in the world with the many projects we support and the efforts to eradicate polio through Polio plus.
Nominations for Rotarian of the Year are now being accepted through September 30, 2017. Please use the attached form to submit your nomination.
The selection committee consists of: Richard Cook, chair Lisa Humfeld-Wilson, Brent Peroutka, Murray Hanson,
Kymn Anderson, Troy Dunn, president.
The committee will select the Rotarian of the Year from written nominations only so it is important that your written selection be submitted. You don’t have to use the nomination form that the committee has prepared. We encourage each member to submit a written nomination which can be delivered, faxed or e-mailed to any committee member. Contact information for committee members is available on the Faribault Rotary website.
Candidates for Rotarian of the Year may include those persons who are providing exemplary service to the Club and community now or who have done so over a number of years.
PAST FARIBAULT ROTARIAN OF THE YEAR AWARDS YEAR
2008 Gary Peterson 2009 David Beranek 2010 Richard Cook 2011 Angela Storch 2012 Lisa Humfeld-Wilson 2013 Richard Ormsby 2014 Brent Peroutka 2015 Murray Hanson
The most distinguished long time Rotarian, George Wickstrom, has proposed Molly Titchenal, Fund Development Coordinator for Big Brothers Big Sisters of Southern Minnesota, for membership in the Faribault Rotary Club. If you have any questions or concerns, please contact Troy Dunn or Dick Huston.
Laura Bock gave her classification talk recently. I asked her seven follow up questions to help summarize her presentation for those of us who were present and for our club members who missed the meeting. If you have not had a chance to welcome her to our club, please do so.
Your Family members, occupations (including you) or school level?”
Husband, Steve Bock, Owner /Manager Glenn’s Towing
Collin Paquette (14), Freshman, Faribault High School
Sadie Paquette (11), 6th Grade, Faribault Middle School
Grace Bock (1), can be found at daycare, or home with Mom and Dad
Your Hometown/School/College
Hometown is Faribault, Graduated from FHS in 1998.
Oliver Thein Beauty School – Burnsville, MN
Your Previous occupations?
Nail Technician, Mayo Clinic Customer Service, Cheese Maker, Retail Manager.
Any Hobbies?
Spending time with my family, cooking, baking, outdoor activities, yard work, movies, reading.
Rotary sponsor?
Jake Cook
Interesting fact about you or your life?
I am not that interesting, I enjoy learning other people’s history and interesting facts about their lives.
Anything else you can think of?
I am very excited to be part of Rotary. Thank you for having me.
The Faribault Rotary Club annual picnic is tomorrow, Wednesday Sept. 6th at the Rotary camp at 5:00 pm. There is no noon meeting. Kids, students and host families are free. Guests and non- meal members are $10.00. There will be pony rides for the kids! The directions to the camp are as follows:
The Faribault Rotary Camp is located on the shore of Cedar Lake. It is about 7 miles from Faribault.
From Faribault: Go WEST on 7th Street continue as 7th Street becomes CR 11 Turn slightl LEFT onto CR 38 (Cedar Lake Blvd) 6.3 miles Turn LEFT onto HINCKLEY WAY 0.3 mikes (at the Rotary Camp sign!) Take a SHARP LEFT onto HOLT TRAIL 0.1 miles
Shawn Jackson enlightened with his stories during his classification speech which started in the inner city area of Kansas City. He also told about how he was part of 4 Big Championship Track teams at Iowa State.
Laura Bock shared her stories of family, meeting Steve (quite memorable) and her through various jobs to her management position at Hoffman, Hamer, and Associates.
We had a little fun with former member Dan Hedge returning for a visit. He received a "shake down double fleece" by Hans and Franz!
Pastor Jared Matthew has joined the Faribault Rotary club. Pastor Matthew has led the First Baptist Church of Faribault the past seven years. He and his wife Emily are currently foster parents to three young children. Emily teaches piano from her home. Pastor Matthew is a marathon runner in his spare time. He is joining some 65 other Faribault Rotarians who pledge to put service above self. Pictured here on the left is Rotary president Troy Dunn, center new member Pastor Matthew and right his sponsor Keith Kramer.
George Wickstom and Troy Dunn have been honored as Paul Harris Fellows. The Paul Harris Rotary Foundation provides funding in the areas of peace, disease prevention, water, maternal and child health, education and economic development as well the eradication of polio world wide.
Each member is recognized every time they give $1000. Mr. Wickstrom is plus 8 and Mr. Dunn plus 1 Paul Harris Fellow. Pictured here are Rotary president Troy Dunn, Foundation chair Keith Kramer (center) and George Wickstrom ( right).
On my first day my family took me, almost immediately, to the center of St. Petersburg. The architecture of St. Petersburg is hard to describe, half of it is old buildings from the Reign of Peter the Great and long forgotten Tsars, while the rest of the city is spotted with Cold War era apartments.
As my family and I looked across Neva River at Palaces and old barracks, it dawned on me that I was in Russia and I felt a rush of emotion. I know this sounds flowery, but honestly that’s the best way I can describe it. At that moment I had realized the last six months of planning and packing had finally come to fruition.
While I had this moment on the Neva my suitcase was still somewhere in the Netherlands. Upon arrival in St. Petersburg I recall the flight attendant regretfully informing our flight that “some” of our bags had not made it on to the airplane with us. Three hours later as I neared the front of the line for customs the rest of my flight and I would learn that it was more than “some” and close to most of our luggage was left in Amsterdam.
After three painful hours in Pulkovo Airport, I lugged my carry-ons through security and was met by my host mom and host sister Liza. We then dragged “some” of my bags to the car and dodged traffic. My host dad picked us up and drove us to the city center where we ate at a restaurant that was called Room. The restaurant was split between outdoor and indoor dining, which created a unique atmosphere that reminded me of being in someone’s home. To add to the ambiance each table was provided with blankets and up close entertainment of children playing tag on the adjoining playground.
They day concluded with a tour of my family’s apartment. After politely refusing food several times, I fell asleep soundly until the next afternoon. The following days included going to a science museum in a high-rise apartment, walking around St. Petersburg’s many historical sites, and going to a small zoo in a shopping mall.
I am pleased that my host sister is the same age as me - it has smoothed my transition. It will be melancholy when she leaves for her exchange in America next week.
Last night I went to yoga with my host mom and may have found a new passion even though I am very sore today. Exchange is about trying new things right? Well I tried yoga for the first time in Russia. I even got a compliment from the teacher.
Tonight I am going to a rooftop concert with my host sister and then tomorrow I meet the other exchange student going to my school from Brazil!
Tery Hurst from the Rotary Club Jimboomba, Queensland, Australia was here visiting our Faribault Rotary club last Wednesday. His club is currently hosting our exchange student, Annika and was previously named "The best small club in Rotary (worldwide) in 2012 . We had a little fun with him. He is pictured here with President Troy Dunn (Sheriff) and Police Chief Andy Bohlen.
Last week, retired pastor and former Faribault Rotary Club president, returned to speak to our club about his ongoing mission work with 3 more visits to Sierra Leone since first traveling there for our club's international project in 2012. Thank you Rick for making a difference in our world!
Students reflect on cultures, insights from studying abroad
Whether they missed having butter in their diet, their siblings or the holidays, the students who went abroad through the year-long Faribault Rotary Youth Exchange program in Faribault agree that learning a new culture is worth the trip.
Three students who went abroad during high school for different lengths of time, at different times in the year and for different reasons. Some studied for an entire school year, others visited for just a month, but through their adventures, they agreed that they missed some parts of home, but also made unforgettable memories and friendships.
Run through Northstar Youth Exchange, students 15 to 19 can participate in an exchange. The Faribault Rotary Club is accepting applications for interested students through Oct. 7. If interested, contact Lisa Humfeld-Wilson at 507-330-0108 to learn more. Applications can be submitted through www.northstaryouthexchange.com.
From the salty Mediterranean Sea to Southeast Asia, these three Faribault students shared their experiences of living and learning a long way from Faribault.
Teresa Wilder – Poland
Wilder is currently a sophomore at University of St. Thomas. She studied abroad in 2015/2016, her senior year in High School, on the Baltic Coast of Poland in a city called Sopot.
What did you study?
I mostly studied Polish. I attended a Polish school. When I arrived, I didn’t know much, so I couldn’t keep up with the subjects, so I went to Polish lessons. While everyone else was studying geography, I was studying Polish. The first word I learned was “squared” which I picked up from math class.
What was the highlight of your trip?
I loved my host family. I stayed with the same family for nine months, which is unusual. They were a couple in their early 60s and they were the sweetest couple ever. They had a daughter on exchange that year, so they understood what I was going through. They taught me a lot of Polish as well because the dad did not speak any English.
What will you miss most about Poland?
I miss the language a lot. I fell in love with it because it’s very, very complicated, but it always follows the rules. If you know the rules, you know the language, unlike English where if you know the rules you don’t know anything.
What did you miss most about home while you were gone?
My siblings. I’m very close with them, so I had some issues with home sickness early on. It was rough for me the first month, but I made a really close friend and she loved speaking English with me.
What was your biggest takeaway from the experience?
I definitely learned that you should try everything … within reason of course. Even things that scare you. Worst comes to worst, you won’t like it, but you might learn something new or have a blast.
At last weeks meeting Ben Stover from Guardian Energy talked to us about how ethanol is produced from corn. The process is continually being refined to reduce costs and increase efficiency. The following illustration was taken from the Guardian Energy website.
This is a blog for my loved ones at home to keep them updated on what’s happening in Russia. I don’t know who will be reading this, but I hope to update this biweekly.
Today is Wednesday the 16th and I leave on the 19th, so I have begun to feel pensive but definitely excited. After I leave on Saturday, I have a 8 hr flight to Amsterdam with about a two hour layover and then I have a 2hr and 50 min flight to St. Pete.
Leaving what you know makes you very introspective. When I was little I was always the kid at summer camp who didn’t miss her parents until she saw them at the end of camp. However, I have become accustomed to being in constant contact with my mom and sister. I am curious to see what it will be like for both my family and I to have limited contact.
The Rotary Club of Northfield is preparing for their annual Jesse James Bike tour which will be held Saturday, September 9th. One of the water stops is at the Rice County Fairgrounds right here in Faribault. The Northfield club has reached out to us again this year for volunteer help at the water stop. They have two shifts, and they are hoping to pair two Faribault Rotarians with Northfield club members or other veteran event volunteers. As a "thank-you" for working the event, all volunteers will receive a free t-shirt, a free lunch at a Northfield Rotary Meeting when it works for your schedule to attend, and a free lunch at the Volunteer Appreciation event, Thursday, September 7th, at noon at United Methodist Church in Northfield.
I found out that the shifts for our water station are a little different than what I had first shared with our club. We are looking for members to cover from 8:30 to noon, and noon to 3:00. Please let me know if you are interested in helping for a shift. Feel free to bring family and children along too, as this is a family friendly activity! Thank you,
Rod Mahler presents our Faribault Rotary Club president, Troy Dunn with a new U.S. flag to replace the one that was present for 45 years and first saw use during Rod's year as club president in 1972-73.
Last week Jean Bender (pictured) from the Autism Society of Minnesota gave an informative presentation to the club. She stated that Autism has a steadily increasing diagnosis rate, (1 in 68 boys and 1 in 189 girls) autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is the fastest growing developmental disability in Minnesota.
Because of this high prevalence, it is inevitable that you will encounter someone affected by ASD in your work as a first responder, in the criminal justice system, in public safety and security, as a medical professional, and everyday life. For more information please visit www.ausm.org
My first day here technically was yesterday. I arrived in Copenhagen at 7:30 yesterday morning and then I flew to Aarhus at 12 noon. My host family were waiting for me at the airport with flags and a sign. They are super nice people! It was a 45 minute drive to Randers, where I am staying. When we arrived, they showed me their house and I unpacked my things. My host sister (Soffit) and I took their dog on a walk and then I went on a walk with my host mom (Mette) after that.
It's a really pretty town and I'm very glad that I get to do an exchange here. Today my other host sister (Sille) and I went into the city and walked around for 2 hours and went to a Caffe and had something to drink, Sille had this kind of juice that is made from a flower. We don't have it in America and I thought it was pretty cool. When we got back we played Sequence and ! shuffled the cards and Sille was so shocked my how I shuffled them because apparently they don't shuffle cards that way. It was the normal way of shuffling when you split the cards in half and I don't know how to explain it but its the way most people shuffle cards. I thought that was cool.
I now have to go to my rotary club and meet them all. I will have to do this every Monday at 5:30. My host family lives in town so we are going to walk there.
The most distinguished Bears/Cubs/Blackhawks fan and President Elect, Keith Kramer has proposed Pastor Jared Matthew from 1st Baptist Church in Faribault for membership in the Faribault Rotary Club. if you have any questions or concerns, please call Troy or Dick Huston.
Pastor Greg Cesluk has been inducted into Faribault Rotary Club As a member he will join some 64 other Faribault Rotarians who endeavor to put service above self in making Faribault a better community for all. Pastor Greg is the new pastor at the 4th Avenue United Methodist Church. Pictured with Greg (center) are Rotary president Troy Dunn (left) and Rod Mahler who was his sponsor.
Dr. Mitzi Kennedy gave her classification talk recently. I asked her six follow up questions to help summarize her presentation for those of us who were present and for our club members who missed the meeting. If you have not had a chance to welcome her to our club, please do so.
Your Family members, occupations (including you) or school level?”
Loren A. Kennedy, (son) BS, Merchandising (University of Cincinnati), Retail Buyer, New York, New York
Mitzi D. Kennedy, BS, MSW, PhD. (University of Denver, Graduate School of Social Work) Chief Diversity Officer & Director of Student Support Services, South Central College-Mankato & Faribault
Your Hometown/School/College
Born and raised in Warren Ohio, graduate of Warren G. Harding High School
Your Previous occupations?
University of Denver, Kent State University, Several non-profit organizations all serving low-income, new mothers, children and families and/ or other at-risk populations in Denver, CO, Ohio and Washington, D.C.
Karen Carlson has become a member of the Faribault Rotary Club. Karen is the Operations Manager of the Faribault and Owatonna Mayo Clinics. As a Rotarian Karen seeks SERVICE ABOVE SELF to make our community a better place for everyone. Pictured with Karen is her sponsor, Kymn Anderson (left) and Rotary President Troy Dunn.
There is a ton of plastic trash for every man, woman and child in the WORLD. It would bury Manhattan two miles deep, Only 9% of the plastic is recycled in the U. S.. Do your share and recycle!!!!!
Anikka Dornbusch (left) and Kajsa Johnson (right) are pictured here with Club President Troy Dunn at last weeks meeting. Randi Westad was unable to attend. Next weeks bulletin will include more information regarding our exchange students, their blog addresses and host country information. We look forward to hearing about their experiences throughout the coming year.
The Faribault Rotary Club recently completed a successful money raffle to raise funds for youth programs in the Faribault area. The people of Faribault have provided more than $10,000 to support programs like Little Feat soccer, Rotary Readers, Strive and others in the coming year. Winners of the raffle were Todd Markman pictured with president Troy Dunn and past president Jake Cook. Mr. Markman received a check for $2500.
$1000 winner!
Farryl Kluis received $1,000 and Kathy Reside (not present) $500. as 2nd and 3rd place winners.
There are as many reasons to come to Rotary as there are Rotarians – maybe even a few more. But each of us has stayed in Rotary because it adds something to our own lives. Through Rotary, we are Making a Difference in the world; and the more involved we become, the more of a difference Rotary makes to each of us. Rotary challenges us to become better people: to become ambitious in the ways that matter, to strive for higher goals, and to incorporate Service Above Self into our daily lives.
What kind of difference Rotary clubs and individual Rotarians make through their service will always be their own decision. As an organization, we are guided by the three strategic priorities our Board has set in our strategic plan: to support and strengthen our clubs, to focus and increase our humanitarian service, and to enhance Rotary's public image and awareness.
In the year ahead, our clubs will have the support of a greatly augmented array of online tools, including a refreshed Rotary.org, a simplified Rotary Foundation grant application process, an improved My Rotary experience, and a rebuilt Rotary Club Central. As we look to strengthen our clubs, two specific challenges stand out in our membership: our gender balance and our average age. To keep our clubs strong, we need to build a membership that reflects the communities we serve and that will continue to develop knowledgeable leaders for generations to come.
For many years, one idea has stood at the heart of all our service: sustainability. Sustainable service means our work continues to have a positive impact long after Rotary's direct involvement has ended. We don't dig wells and walk away; we make sure communities can maintain and repair those wells. If we build a clinic, we make sure that clinic has a way to keep running without ongoing support from us. And when it comes to polio, we aren't working to contain it; we're working to end it.
Eradicating polio is the ultimate in sustainable service. It is an investment that will yield not just a long-lasting but a permanent benefit, on a global scale. It is and must remain our No. 1 priority until the job is done.
For 112 years, Rotary has made a difference to more lives, in more ways, than we can ever count or will ever know. Today, each of us bears a torch, its flame lit by Paul Harris, that has been passed forward from generation to generation, in Rotary: Making a Difference.
The distinguished Rod Mahler proposes Greg Ciesluk, the pastor of Fourth Avenue United Methodist Church, for membership in the Faribault Rotary Club. If you have any questions or concerns, please contact Troy or Dick Huston.
Laura Bock, office manager of the law firm Hoffman, Hammer & Associates became the newest member of the Faribault Rotary Club. Pictured with Laura are President Troy Dunn and her sponsor past president Jake Cook.. As a member Laura joins 1.2 million Rotarians in more than 220 countries around the world.
The honorable Kymn Anderson has proposed Karen Carlson, the clinic administrator for Mayo Clinic Health System- Faribault/Owatonna, for membership in the Faribault Rotary Club. If you have any questions or concerns, please contact Troy or Dick.
Yes! We do have 3 winners in our club's annual cash raffle. They are Todd Markman- $2500, Faryll Kluis- $1000, and Kathy Reside- $500. The winners will be presented their prizes at our club meeting this week. As a club, we raised $11,809.10 for our Youth Services and scholarships. Thank you to all Rotarians for your helping to make this a successful fundraiser.
Seven past Presidents accepted our invitation to attend the installation ceremony this year. They from left to right, Wade Karli, Roy Anderson, Gorden Orde, James Nielson, Donn Olson, Darlene Mellier, and Janine Sahagian (behind Darlene.) They were thanked for their contributions to our club and helping to bring us to where we are today.
Pastor Orde also presented our club with a hand made 4-Way test that was part of our club history.
The Faribault Rotary Club has installed a new slate of officers for the 2017-18 term. Troy Dunn has become the 98th president of the Faribault club and Keith Kramer president elect. Pictured in past president Jake Cook handing the gavel to incoming president Troy Dunn.
2017-18 Faribault Rotary Club President- Troy Dunn
Peter van Sluis gave his classification talk recently. I asked him seven follow up questions to help summarize his presentation for those of us who were present and for our club members who missed the meeting. If you have not had a chance to welcome him to our club, please do so.
Your Family members, occupations (including you) or school level?” Virginia van Sluis (wife) – Director of Sales and Marketing, Baymont Inn, Owatonna Annelou van Sluis (daughter) – Sales/Marketing Manager, Sodexo, Amsterdam Sarah Vermuele (stepdaughter) – Chiropractor, Los Angeles Joel Vermuele (stepson) – Industrial Janitor, Masaba, Yankton, SD
Your Hometown/School/College Amsterdam Montessori Highschool in Amsterdam Senior Year at Miles Highschool, IA Anthony Fokker College for Aviation and Electronics, The Hague, Netherlands
Your Previous occupations? Computer Operator, Programmer, Project Manager, Consultant, currently Sr. Director of Training and Support
Any Hobbies? Many, many hobbies, which change over time… 1950’s Science Fiction, Ham radio, electronics, “smart homes”, nature/camping/Boundary Waters, boating
Rotary sponsor? Dick Huston
Interesting fact about you or your life? My whole life has been quite interesting. The most interesting is probably the fact I worked in the circus several times (stage hand), and visited 42 countries of which I worked in more than half of those countries.
Anything else you can think of? Having reached the top on the Maslow Pyramid I spend much of my time giving back to others. Probably the most rewarding is volunteering with Fairview Hospital’s Youth Grief Services, where we work with children 5-18 help copy with grief after the loss of a loved one.
Last week you missed an entertaining classification talk with Peter van Sluis. He told many stories of his travels and experiences around the world visiting 42 different countries for work and pleasure. Recently John Fossum shared with us that he has visited 39 countries. Along with Dick Huston, who has visited all seven continents and 60+ countries, we have several well traveled Rotarians with many interesting stories to share. Take a moment to talk with each of them when you have a chance!
Two Faribault Rotarians were recently honored as Paul Harris Fellows. The Paul Harris Foundation recognizes members each time they have contributed $1000 to serve impoverished areas around the world. The recipients were Dr. Lisa Humfeld-Wilson (plus 1) and Grant Wilson (plus 2) Pictured with the recipients are Keith Kramer (left) Foundation committee member and far right Rotary President Jake Cook.
Growing up in Chattanooga, Tenn., my brothers and I learned young to work hard. It was a lesson taught to us by our father, who had come to the United States, alone, as a teenager. He wanted our lives to be better and easier than his had been; he wanted to give us the education and opportunities that he had missed. We always knew, when he came home at 8 o'clock in the morning after working a night shift at the paper mill, that he was doing it for us.
Looking back, through the prism of many years, I see in my father's hard work not only an expression of his love for us, but the universal desire of each generation to care for and lift up the next. And looking back at this year of service in Rotary, I see that desire reflected in each of us who have chosen to be part of this great organization. It is natural for parents to want to make things better for their children. Through Rotary, we can do so much more: We can make things better, not only for our own children, but for all children. We have the opportunity to care for and lift up those who need us the most – whether they are in our own community or on the other side of the world.
As Judy and I have traveled the world for Rotary over the last two years, we've been reminded, again and again, of what motivates us in Rotary: the simple desire to be of assistance, to give a helping hand to those who need it. Whether it means building a blood bank in Uganda, delivering an X-ray machine to a village in Guatemala, or taking care of refugees in Lebanon, Rotarians are doing what is needed most for the people who are most in need. They're working hard for the communities they care about, helping the people of those communities lead better lives.
To me, that is the essence of Rotary: that desire to be of assistance, that willingness to work for the good of others. In Rotary, when someone needs help and you can give that help, you don't walk away. You don't turn your back. You say, I'm here for you. I'll do whatever I can. And I know that whatever I do, I'm not doing it alone – I'm doing it with Rotary Serving Humanity.
It was just one year ago that President Dick Huston passed the gavel to our current President, Jake Cook. Please join us this week for the installation of Troy Dunn as our 98th Faribault Rotary Club President. Our special guests will include 7 former members who served our club as President with introductions by our 53rd President Rod Mahler.
Pictured here are Rotary exchange students from 2002-2003; 2016-2017 and 2017-2018. Left to right: Ellen Kaderlik (2016-2017 outbound to Thailand; Annika Dornbusch (2017-2018 outbound to Australia);
Philipp Laubinger (2016-2017 inbound from Germany; Justine Lorenzen (2016-2017 outbound to Italy); Andre's Diaz Ruggiero (2016-2017 inbound from Columbia); Poncho aka Francisco Galecio (2002-2003 inbound from Ecuador); Kasja Johnson (2017-2018 outbound to Russia).
Andre's, President Jake, and Phillip want to " pump you up" for Rotary Exchange!
Phillip and Andre's had a great year in Faribault!
Our club extends it's sincere gratitude to Jake, Lisa, and Keith for all their hard work this year for our Rotary student exchange program.
President Jake Cook has proposed Laura Bock, Office manager at the law firm of Hoffman, Hamer, and Associates, for membership in the Faribault Rotary Club. If you have any questions or concerns, please contact Jake or Dick.
Richard Cook recently was honored as a Rotary Foundation Fellow plus one. Rotarians are recognized each time they have given a total of $1000. The foundation uses the money in multiple ways to assist underdeveloped countries. In 2014 Mr. Cook accompanied 5 other Faribault Rotarians to do an agriculture project in Sierra Leon Africa. Pictured are Jake Cook, Faribault Rotary President: Richard Cook and Keith Kramer, co-chair of the Faribault Rotary Foundation Committee.
The Rotary social event was a success as we had a wonderful day for the event and a good showing! Just from the event we raised $1,500 not including other donations that were made towards the project. Currently we are just over halfway towards our goal of $10,000 and we hope to make our goal by the end of the month. If you haven’t made a donation towards the Buddy Benches and plan to, please either get them to me at our meeting or shoot me an email with an amount that you would like to commit towards the project.
If each Rotarian were to donate a minimum of $50 towards the event it would put us over 80% of our goal. I want to thank the committee that helped with this event: Kelly Velander, Todd Sesker, Brent Peroutka, Richard Cook & Kristen Twitchell.
Wild turkeys have very powerful legs and can run at speeds up to 25 miles per hour. Their top speed in flight is 55 miles per hour. Domestic birds, on the other hand, are bred to be heavier so they provide more meat and therefore cannot fly.
Tony Langerud of the Faribault Rotary Club recently was honored as a Paul Harris Fellow plus one. The Paul Harris Foundation was established 100 years ago to provide people around the world ways to improve their life. Each time a Rotarian donates $1000 to the Foundation they are honored. Tony Langerud has reached that milestone twice. Over the last 30 years Rotary has been instrumental in reducing Polio world wide to the point that in 2017 there has been only five new cases.
Pictured are Bart Jackson, Rotary Foundation Chair (left) and Tony Langerud.
Reprinted with permission from the Faribault Daily News
Families who've hosted exchange students urge others to put out the welcome mat
Allowing a young stranger into one’s home requires some bravery, but for families who have participated in the Faribault Rotary Club Youth Exchange Program, the experience is well worth it.“I never thought of hosting until we were asked, but we will do it again,” said Darla Kosanda, who hosted a Brazilian teenager, Amanda, in 2015. “It was a great experience for our family. They got to experience and enjoy her and we still keep in contact with her through social media.”
Kosanda is one of many Faribault families that have participated in the Rotary program either hosting an exchange student for three months, or sending their own child for an experience of their own.Recently, the Rotary Club found the six families it needs to host exchange students from Italy and South Korea for next school year, but they have already started the process of searching for hosts for the 2018-19 year.The hosts will house a student in three-month intervals in the fall, winter or spring as the students attend Faribault High School.“It’s just three months,” said Kosanda. “It’s not a long commitment.” In addition, while in Faribault, the Rotary helps cover the cost of school-related activities, school lunches and even provides students with a small allowance.
Lasting impact
While the visit from the Amanda was brief, Kosanda noted that it left her family with a new perspective.“It was a really rewarding time,” she said. “We made her part of our family. We even had the privilege of getting to know her family, too.”Kosanda said that the girl was appreciative of the experience as well. Growing up living in a skyscraper, Faribault was a “culture shock” for the 16 year old. “I took her downtown Faribault and showed her our tallest building has four floors,” laughed Kosanda.
During the visit, Kosanda and her family had the chance to teach the teen how to carve a pumpkin. Also, they were able to see her face when she saw snow for the first time. “For them to experience things in our culture that are new to them, I think they really enjoy it,” said Kosanda. “I recommend people try [hosting]. It’s like adding another member of your family for a couple of months.”
At Dick and Nancie Houston’s house, it had been 28 years since someone went to Faribault High School Prom. So when they hosted a girl from Taiwan last spring, Nancie took their exchange student to get her hair and nails done and get fitted for a dress. “She was a really nice person,” said Dick Houston of the Taiwanese girl, Maggie. “Easy to have around, extremely polite and very fun. She loved to kid around. A fun person.” Houston, a Rotarian himself, worked with Maggie to build a miniature library at Our Savior’s Lutheran Church in Faribault as well. The time she spent with the Houstons left an lasting impression. More so, Houston saw the greater good that can come from hosting a student. “I think, if we are going to have peace in this world, it’s this age group talking to each other and getting to know one another, not growing up with the phobias we have,” he said. “I think that kind of thing is huge in having the possibility of peace in this world.”Inspired by his time with the student, Houston said he would recommend hosting an exchange student “wholeheartedly.”
The Burgess family, who hosted a Spanish girl last year, said in a testimonial that they learned about their exchange student’s culture while she learned theirs. The Burgesses added that they would be traveling to visit their host daughter in Spain later this year, meet her family and immerse themselves in her culture. The Burgess family noted that their own daughter will participate in an exchange in the coming years as well.
These success stories do not surprise Lisa Humfeld-Wilson, who runs the local Rotary exchange program. “It’s a great way to broaden a person’s culture,” she said. “It’s a really good experience to have those international connections for people of any age, but especially students. It helps them get along with other people from other countries and it helps create that world peace that people want to see.”
The Faribault Rotary Club has been active in organizing exchanges through Northstar Youth Exchange. Currently, two Faribault students are outbound in Italy and Thailand. Next year, three students are headed to Russia, Denmark and Australia for the school year. Currently, two students are on exchange in Faribault from Columbia and Germany.
We now have just 4 weeks to go in the annual cash raffle fundraiser and 25% of the tickets have been turned in by Rotarians. The drawing will be conducted on June 28th just before our new President's installation ceremony. We encourage you to wrap up your ticket sales as soon as you can and turn in your $300 to Eric Craig or Murray Hanson.
The money raised will help support our Youth Programs and college and music scholarships awarded each year. Total funds raised will be $16,500 with prizes as follows: $2500/ $1,000/ $500. Expenses will be no more than $1,000 with the club netting $11,500 to help support our Rotary club's youth programs and scholarships. This will help us to meet our IRS obligations related to the generous donations from the Bahl Foundation.
Phillip gave his year in review presentation. He had many experiences including participation in football and wrestling. He even enjoyed riding the school bus!
Andre's also gave his year in review presentation. He was pleased at how much his English had improved and he hopes to come back to the United States to attend college.
Phillip received Honorary Falcon Recognition from Faribault High School!
Earlier this year Andre's presented President Cook with this flag from his home club in Columbia.
Marv Schrader was recently honored as a Major Donor to the Rotary Paul Harris Foundation. Marv, a long time member of the Faribault Rotary Club was recognized because he has given more than $10,000 during his years of membership. The Foundation supports projects worldwide focusing on Peace, Disease Prevention, Water and Sanitation, Maternal and Child Health, Education and Economic development. Marv and his wife Sara have provided support to other Rotary Projects, their Church, South Central College and other needs in the community. Pictured are Faribault Rotary President Jake Cook, Marv Schrader and Rotary District 5960 Governor Jim Hunt.
We are working on a project to provide "Buddy Benches" to all of the local elementary schools and are starting our fundraising towards the event. We will accept any personal donations, but are starting off with a President's event on June 8th at F-Town in Faribault. The information is posted in the flyer below. If you have any questions or would like to assist in the fundraising efforts, please let me know. I have attached a link introducing what the "buddy bench" ishttp://www.tolerance.org/playground-buddyas well as a YouTube video of how they have been successful in another school district.https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rS77WhkiM28
You may also click on or cut and paste the link below to make a donation.
Go to, http://paypal.me/FaribaultRotaryClub type in the amount, and send me the money. Since it’s PayPal, you know it’s easier and more secure than cash or checks.
Don’t have a PayPal account? No worries. Getting one is fast and free.
We really need more support in finding host families to make this program continue. Please share this information with anyone you think would be interested.
Host Families Are Needed for Exchange Students!
How many international connections do you have? The Faribault Rotary Club can help you grow your international connections with our Youth Exchange Program. The Faribault Rotary Club is currently looking for host families for a 17 year female from Italy and a 17 year old female from South Korea. Each student typically stays with three host families during the school year. The students will arrive in mid-to-late August.
The first host family will host a student from when they arrive in August through Thanksgiving. The second family is needed to host the student from after Thanksgiving through spring break in mid March. Another family is needed from after spring break until the student leaves the beginning of July. The students will be attending Faribault High School.
The Rotary club helps cover the cost of most school related activities, school lunches and also provides the student a small monthly allowance. If you would like more information, contact Lisa Humfeld-Wilson at 507-330-0108 or info@humfeldchiropractic.com.
The Faribault Rotary Club has inducted two new members. Ahmed Abdilahi is a personal banker with Faribault's Wells Fargo bank. Shawn Jackson is the Business Consultant with the local Verizon store. They join some 1.2 million members in 220 countries world wide who pledge Service Above Self.
Pictured are Dr. Dick Huston - membership chair, Ahmed Abdilahi, Shawn Jackson and President Jake Cook.
The honorable Dr. Dick Huston has proposed Breanna Wheeler, the Executive Director of the River Bend Nature Center, for membership in the Faribault Rotary Club. If you have any questions or concerns, please contact Jake or Dick.
We are now 4 weeks into the annual cash raffle fundraiser and 10 Rotarians have already sold their 15 tickets. The drawing will be conducted on June 28th just before our new President's installation ceremony. We encourage you to sell the tickets as soon as you can.
The money raised will help support our Youth Programs and college and music scholarships awarded each year. Total funds raised will be $16,500 with prizes as follows: $2500/ $1,000/ $500. Expenses will be no more than $1,000 with the club netting $11,500 to help support our Rotary club's youth programs and scholarships. This will help us to meet our IRS obligations related to the generous donations from the Bahl Foundation.
As you read these lines, final preparations are well underway for our 108th Rotary International Convention, 10-14 June in Atlanta. We're looking forward to one of the biggest and best Rotary conventions yet, as we celebrate not only a wonderful year of Rotary Serving Humanity, but a full century of Doing Good in the World through The Rotary Foundation.
If you haven't already made plans to attend, it's not too late to register at riconvention.org. There is simply no better way to round off another great year in Rotary than by coming together with 40,000 or so of your fellow Rotarians to share ideas, find inspiration, and have a great time together.
We're excited to have Bill Gates, a friend and partner in our work to eradicate polio, speaking at our convention this year. And it's worth arriving early to attend a special Presidential Peace Conference, scheduled for 9-10 June and featuring Bernice A. King, daughter of Martin Luther King Jr. and Coretta Scott King.
I'm proud to host a convention that is practically in my own backyard: Atlanta is a vibrant, modern state capital just a two-hour drive from my home city of Chattanooga, Tenn., and it's a great place to experience the famous hospitality of the American South. Our Host Organization Committee has a great week planned, starting with the "Blue Jeans and Bluegrass" kickoff event on Saturday night.
Come on over to Centennial Olympic Park, right across from the House of Friendship, and get in a dancing mood with Grammy Award winner Ricky Skaggs and his Kentucky Thunder band. Meet up with friends old and new at the Centennial Celebration Block Party or on the Peace Tour of Atlanta. Roll up your sleeves for the Habitat Home Build, or tie up your laces to take part in the 3K Walk/Run to End Polio Now. And before you say goodbye, come back to the House of Friendship for one more party: our Foundation's 100th birthday party, with (of course!) cake and ice cream.
It's going to be an incredible experience, and Judy and I are looking forward to celebrating with you – or, as we say in the South, with y'all! See you in Atlanta!
The honorable Dr. Dick Huston has proposed Shawn Jackson, a Verizon business consultant, for membership in the Faribault Rotary club. If you have any questions or concerns please contact Dick or Jake.
We are now 2 weeks into the annual cash raffle fundraiser with ticket sales well under way. The drawing will be conducted on June 28th just before our new President's installation ceremony. Each Rotarian was assigned to a team with a captain who will distribute 1 book of 15 tickets to each member. The tickets are to be sold for $20 each. The Rotarians serving on the cash raffle committee includes Jon Stagman, Kurt Halverson and Team captains Tanya Bakken, Eric Craig, Troy Dunn, Colleen Godfrey, Murray Hanson, Anne Leland, and Chuck Thiele. We encourage you to sell the tickets as soon as you can.
The money raised will help support our Youth Programs and college and music scholarships awarded each year. Total funds raised will be $16,500 with prizes as follows: $2500/ $1,000/ $500. Expenses will be no more than $1,000 with the club netting $11,500 to help support our Rotary club's youth programs and scholarships. This will help us to meet our IRS obligations related to the generous donations from the Bahl Foundation.
At last week's meeting, we started the annual cash raffle fundraiser with ticket sales well under way. The drawing will be conducted on June 28th just before our new President's installation ceremony. Each Rotarian was assigned to a team with a captain who will distribute 1 book of 15 tickets to each member. The tickets are to be sold for $20 each. The Rotarians serving on the cash raffle committee includes Jon Stagman, Kurt Halverson and Team captains Tanya Bakken, Eric Craig, Troy Dunn, Colleen Godfrey, Murray Hanson, Anne Leland, and Chuck Thiele. We encourage you to sell the tickets as soon as you can.
The money raised will help support our Youth Programs and college and music scholarships awarded each year. Total funds raised will be $16,500 with prizes as follows: $2500/ $1,000/ $500. Expenses will be no more than $1,000 with the club netting $11,500 to help support our Rotary club's youth programs and scholarships. This will help us to meet our IRS obligations related to the generous donations from the Bahl Foundation.
The honorable Dr. Dick Huston has proposed George Chapple, a manufacturing consultant at South Central College, for membership in the Faribault Rotary club. If you have any questions or concerns please contact Dick or Jake.
Congratulations to Dick Huston (left center) for his Paul Harris +5 award and to George Wickstrom (right center)for his Paul Harris +7 award. Both Rotarians have demonstrated "Service above Self " with their devotion and commitment to the work of the Rotary Foundation. They are pictured here with Keith Kramer, (Bears/Blackhawks fan,) Foundation committee member, and President Jake Cook (far right.)
El Presidente Jake Cook exchanging flags and info with Juan Eduardo Gutierrez at Club Rotario Norte meeting Mazatlan Mexico on March 14 over dinner at the Ocean Grill.
The Faribault Rotary Club has inducted two new members. Gene Buhr President of 1st United Bank and Rick Miller Director of Operations & Finance for Alina Health - District One Hospital recited the oath at the February 8th meeting. Pictured are Gene Buhr, Rick Miller and Rotary President Jake Cook.
On 23 February, we will mark 112 years since the founding of Rotary. It is incredible to think about how much has changed, in our world and in our organization, since the first Rotary club met in Chicago with Paul Harris as a founding member.
Some things are easy to compare between now and 1905. There have been changes in technology, medicine, and society. When we look at a map of the world in 1905 and a map of the world today, we can see what’s different. What we can’t do is compare what is with what might have been. There is no way to compare our world as it exists now with the world as it would have been without Rotary.
Rotary has risen to so many challenges in its 112 years. We’ve answered conflict with peace, and poverty with education. We’ve responded to a lack of basic health care with projects large and small, from equipping clinics in tiny villages to eradicating polio across the globe.
We will never know how different the world would have been if Rotary had never been founded; if any one Rotary club had never been chartered; or if any single Rotarian had declined the invitation to join a Rotary club.
But I will say, with absolute faith and complete confidence, that the world is a far, far better place now than it would have been without Rotary and that Rotary itself is stronger because of every one of you.
The world needs Rotary more than ever. It needs our courage, our optimism, and our idealism. It needs the voice of tolerance, cooperation, and hope that we can offer. It needs the example of an organization that has proven that the citizens of all countries can work together successfully, gladly, and in friendship.
None of us ever knows the full impact of our actions. None of us knows the effects that will ripple out from the things we do and say, the decisions we make, the opportunities we seize, and those we let pass. But I think we all know that when we choose to do good, good will follow; and that when we choose Service Above Self as our life’s path, the direction it will take us will be a good one.
No one can see the future. No one knows what changes lie ahead. But I have faith in Rotary, and in Rotarians, that with every passing year, you will make our world a better place through Rotary Serving Humanity.
The honorable Dr. Richard Huston has proposed Gene Buhr, the President of 1st United Bank, for membership in the Faribault Rotary Club. If you have any questions or concerns, please contact Dick or Jake.
The honorable Dr. Richard Huston has proposed Rick Miller, Director of Operations and Finance for Allina District One Hospital, for membership in the Faribault Rotary Club. If you have any questions or concerns, please contact Dick or Jake.
The Faribault Rotary Club welcomes Charlie Cogan and Richard Maus from the Northfield Club to speak to us this week about Polio Plus. Richard will story of how his life was shaped by the fact that he contracted Polio when he was a baby. He will also have copies of his book, Lucky One, with him. Please plan to be at this weeks meeting bring a guest if you can.
Hello all, I look forward to seeing you all this Wednesday for lunch, fellowship and a discussion as to where our club is at on a few items. The following items will be discussed and for those of you who would like to have me add an item to the agenda please let me know prior to the meeting and I'll see that it gets added.
-STRIVE Update
-Club Goals Update
-Youth Exchange Update
After discussion at our Rotary Board meeting last week we felt that the current Youth Exchange program has been very valuable, but we haven’t had enough participation from our club members. We wanted to bring it to the club for a discussion which we will be having this week at our lunch meeting. Below are a few items to ponder and discuss on Rotary Youth Exchange at our Wednesday meeting:
-Do we want to continue hosting students if the club participation is low?
-Do we have members willing to step up and assist in different roles on the process? (Host Families, Recruiting Outbound Students, Inbound Student Liason’s, etc.)
-Do we feel that there is enough value as a club to continue with the program?
-Do we feel that the Inbound students are truly benefiting from the program?
-Do we feel that the Inbound students are bringing a value to the community?
-Do we feel that there is value in sending local students to study abroad?
Please think about these questions and others that you may have about Youth Exchange and plan to participate in our discussion this Wednesday.
Again, if you would like me to add anything to discuss with the club please let me know ASAP.
The Presidential election has resulted in more divisiveness than any time I remember. It seems politics and those engaged in it have not heard of the Four Way Test. It is time for the winners to stop gloating and the losers to stop pouting and acting like children and remember the great privilege we have living in this Country. We need to work together and take care of each other. We as individuals have a duty to look out for our families, our friends, our neighbors and especially those can't look out for themselves. This is the responsibility of each of us. We can do it so much better than the government because we do it with love in our hearts.
I joined Rotary as an engineer. There are almost as many classifications in the profession of engineering as there are in Rotary, but I happen to be a mechanical engineer. A mechanical engineer calculates the heating and cooling loads for a new building, makes sure the right lights are in the right places, and plans the plumbing so your hot water pipe doesn’t end in a drinking fountain.
Mechanical engineers don’t stand out in a crowd, and they don’t call attention to themselves with what they do. You probably haven’t thought much about the engineers who designed the buildings you use, the car you drive, or the traffic patterns you follow. But every time you get in an elevator, turn the key in your ignition, or cross the street when the light says go, you are entrusting your life to an engineer somewhere whom you’ve never met. You trust that your elevator will open at the floor you want it to. You trust that your car will start and stop as it should. You trust that the traffic light is going to turn red before the walk light goes on. Every day, you put your life in the hands of people whose names you do not know and whom you might never meet. You might not think about them at all – but they touch your lives every day.
I could draw the same parallel to any number of other vocations – ordinary occupations with the same kind of life-changing impact. In so many ways – some of which we see and some we don’t – our vocations allow us to help other people live better, safer, and healthier lives.
Just like the work we do in Rotary.
Through our vocations and in our clubs, in our communities, and across continents, we are touching the lives of people we don’t know and might never meet. And in every part of the world, every single day, whether they know it or not, people are living better, safer, and healthier lives because of the work of Rotary.
The people we help might not have met a single Rotarian. They might not even know that Rotary exists. But they are drinking clean water from a bore well that Rotary dug. They’re learning to read with books that Rotary gave them. They’re living lives that are better, happier, and healthier – because of Rotary Serving Humanity.
So far my exchange in Chiang Mai, Thailand has been amazing! I've tried so many new things and met so many new people. It’s crazy to think that I've already almost been here for three months and that I'm only here for another seven. The Rotex (people who have successfully returned from an exchange trip) tell me that it goes really fast. I'm starting to see that that is true!
Many things have happened since my last letter. I just had the opportunity to go to the very beautiful Phuket! In Phuket, the home where we were staying was right on the beach. So it was easy to spend most of the time there. But we also went and explored the historic part of the islands that the Portuguese had settled. I also did something way out of my comfort zone and tried zip lining (I highly recommend it, it’s amazing!).
While I was in Phuket we received news that disaster had struck, Thailand’s beloved king of 70 years had passed away. People in Thailand love their king and he is seen as part of their family. So, it has been kind of a mess here with the government system. The new king gets a year for mourning before he gets sworn in, so at the moment no one really knows what to do.
The food here, like I mentioned in my last report is very different! For example, just last week I was at a restaurant with my host family and had no idea what they had ordered until the food came to the table. They had ordered bees, which were still in the comb so they were sweet. Then they ordered ant egg soup, which was probably the strangest thing I've ever eaten! And finally they also ordered fried queen ants. Since they were fried they were almost like a chip, which wasn't too bad, but not the most favorite thing that I've tried.
I have also had the opportunity to go and visit many different temples, one being the very beautiful White temple. It’s a very famous temple for its detail. We went to another temple called the Doi Suthep to show our support of another exchange student becoming a monk.
The next couple of months will be very tough for me because they have all of my favorite holidays, and usually with those holidays you spend them with family. But here in Thailand, my host families can sense that. So to celebrate Halloween we tried finding a pumpkin to carve, but all we could find was a squash. For Thanksgiving we found a restaurant called The Dukes that does a very authentic Turkey dinner on Thanksgiving. And for Christmas all of the exchange students in Chiang Mai are going to be holding a potluck where we all make foods from our country and we meet at someone’s home. These holidays will be the first one spending them without my American family. But I'm so Thankful for all of my extended family.
We are excited to share that our 2016 Faribault Rotary Club Blood Drive was a success! Our overall goal was to have 29 people pre-registered, with 19 people actually donating. Many times, more people register than donate, because not everyone is eligible to give due to a variety of reasons. We knocked our donation goal out of the park, with a total of 29 people donating! We had about 5 walk-ins throughout the day, ranging from some college students home on break that like to do their part by donating, to one young man who was just walking by, saw the sign outside, and decided to donate on a whim.
Due to global natural disasters, the need for blood is especially high right now. Together, our club was able to make a difference. A big thank-you to those who were able to donate, who would have liked to have donated but were not able to, and to our volunteers for the day:Troy Dunn, Jason Hoffman, Jon Stagman, Sam Ouk, and Darla Kosanda.
Everyone thoroughly enjoyed the music last weekend but even more the enthusiasm of students. We should be so proud of the young women and men who not only excel as musicians but as our leaders of the future.
For the past 52 years the Faribault Rotary Club has sponsored this concert. It is yet one more example of Rotarians putting "service before self".
A special thanks to Donn Johnson for his continuing efforts to make this happen.
Pictured here are President Jake Cook and our new Rotary exchange student, Phillip Laubinger who is presenting the flag from his sponsoring club, The Rotary club of Detmold-Blomberg from Germany.
The Faribault Rotary has inducted Terri Jensen into their club. Terri has recently joined Upper Midwest Management as Vice President Real Estate/Appraisal where she will be involved in selling, managing and appraising agriculture properties. Of the 18,000 realtors in Minnesota, Terri is one of only 12 that has earned the ALC (Accredited Land Consultant) designation. Her sponsor is Farryl Kluis.
Pictured are Jake Cook, Faribault Rotary Club President. Terri Jensen and Farryl Kluis
The dedication ceremony for Faribault's newest mural was held last Saturday. The project was spear headed by past president, Dick Huston, who made a short presentation to Rotarians and guests in the lot next to the Chavis building. Jeremy Chavis was also present and spoke briefly to crowd stating he was honored to display the mural on his building. Pictured below are the Rotarians who attended the dedication.
My first month and a half here in Chiang Mai, Thailand has been quite challenging. I've had so many obstacles to overcome. But it has also been one of the most rewarding months of my life! I had never been on a plane so, I had never gone through security and was doing it all by myself! When I landed in Thailand the thought of meeting my host families started to make me nervous. Looking back on it now I don't see why, because my host family accepted me with open arms and we now have a great relationship!
School has been overwhelming at times, not just the classwork but all of the people wanting to talk to me. I am the only exchange student so I'm the new “exciting” American to them. Gradually things have settled down with everyone has being so nice and willing to teach me.
On October 10th, I will be travelling with my host sister to the beautiful island of Phuket, Thailand. We will be staying at the family guest house right on the beach. Since the school I’m attending has off all of October, I plan to travel throughout Thailand.
The culture here is so different! For example, my first meal here was fish. My host family called it a dory fish. I was super excited to eat the dory fish because I might actually know what I'm eating. As I walked down stairs to dinner, I saw the dory staring at me. It was a whole fish that they had fried, but it still had its head and eyes.
The food here is very spicy compared to ours, so it took some adjustment. Just this past week I tried making cornbread for my host family but it was hard to make because they didn’t have a regular oven, just a pizza oven. I put the cornbread in the pizza oven to bake and I turned it to the temperature that it said on the package. The cornbread had been in the
pizza oven for about 5 minutes and then I started to smell something burning. I did not switch the temperature setting from Fahrenheit to Celsius! The top of the cornbread was burned beyond repair but the inside was okay.
The best experience that I've had so far was going to an elephant sanctuary because elephants are my favorite animals. I was able to feed them and was also kissed on the cheek by one!
My exchange has been going great so far and I just wanted to thank Rotary for giving me this great opportunity to represent our country in Chiang Mai, Thailand!
Back in June I gave a presentation on IT security. I was requested I provide definitions to common Malware terms, for such things as Adware, Bot, Bug, Ransomware, etc...
If you have further questions, please do not hesitate to ask.
Jon Stagman
President/Owner
Pantheon Computer
Direct: 507-837-6981
Common Malware Types: Cybersecurity 101
What is Malware?
Malware is short for malicious software, meaning software that can be used to compromise computer functions, steal data, bypass access controls, or otherwise cause harm to the host computer. Malware is a broad term that refers to a variety of malicious programs. This post will define several of the most common types of malware; adware, bots, bugs, rootkits, spyware, Trojan horses, viruses, and worms.
Adware
Adware (short for advertising-supported software) is a type of malware that automatically delivers advertisements. Common examples of adware include pop-up ads on websites and advertisements that are displayed by software. Often times software and applications offer “free” versions that come bundled with adware. Most adware is sponsored or authored by advertisers and serves as a revenue generating tool. While some adware is solely designed to deliver advertisements, it is not uncommon for adware to come bundled with spyware (see below) that is capable of tracking user activity and stealing information. Due to the added capabilities of spyware, adware/spyware bundles are significantly more dangerous than adware on its own.
Bot
Bots are software programs created to automatically perform specific operations. While some bots are created for relatively harmless purposes (video gaming, internet auctions, online contests, etc), it is becoming increasingly common to see bots being used maliciously. Bots can be used in botnets (collections of computers to be controlled by third parties) for DDoS attacks, as spambots that render advertisements on websites, as web spiders that scrape server data, and for distributing malware disguised as popular search items on download sites. Websites can guard against bots with CAPTCHA tests that verify users as human.
Bug
In the context of software, a bug is a flaw produces an undesired outcome. These flaws are usually the result of human error and typically exist in the source code or compilers of a program. Minor bugs only slightly affect a program’s behavior and as a result can go for long periods of time before being discovered. More significant bugs can cause crashing or freezing. Security bugs are the most severe type of bugs and can allow attackers to bypass user authentication, override access privileges, or steal data. Bugs can be prevented with developer education, quality control, and code analysis tools.
Ransomware
Ransomware is a form of malware that essentially holds a computer system captive while demanding a ransom. The malware restricts user access to the computer either by encrypting files on the hard drive or locking down the system and displaying messages that are intended to force the user to pay the malware creator to remove the restrictions and regain access to their computer. Ransomware typically spreads like a normal computer worm (see below) ending up on a computer via a downloaded file or through some other vulnerability in a network service.
Rootkit
A rootkit is a type of malicious software designed to remotely access or control a computer without being detected by users or security programs. Once a rootkit has been installed it is possible for the malicious party behind the rootkit to remotely execute files, access/steal information, modify system configurations, alter software (especially any security software that could detect the rootkit), install concealed malware, or control the computer as part of a botnet. Rootkit prevention, detection, and removal can be difficult due to their stealthy operation. Because a rootkit continually hides its presence, typical security products are not effective in detecting and removing rootkits. As a result, rootkit detection relies on manual methods such as monitoring computer behavior for irregular activity, signature scanning, and storage dump analysis. Organizations and users can protect themselves from rootkits by regularly patching vulnerabilities in software, applications, and operating systems, updating virus definitions, avoiding suspicious downloads, and performing static analysis scans.
Spam
Spam is the electronic sending of mass unsolicited messages. The most common medium for spam is email, but it is not uncommon for spammers to use instant messages, texting, blogs, web forums, search engines, and social media. While spam is not actually a type of malware, it is very common for malware to spread through spamming. This happens when computers that are infected with viruses, worms, or other malware are used to distribute spam messages containing more malware. Users can prevent getting spammed by avoiding unfamiliar emails and keeping their email addresses as private as possible.
Spyware:
Spyware is a type of malware that functions by spying on user activity without their knowledge. These spying capabilities can include activity monitoring, collecting keystrokes, data harvesting (account information, logins, financial data), and more. Spyware often has additional capabilities as well, ranging from modifying security settings of software or browsers to interfering with network connections. Spyware spreads by exploiting software vulnerabilities, bundling itself with legitimate software, or in Trojans.
Trojan Horse
A Trojan horse, commonly known as a “Trojan,” is a type of malware that disguises itself as a normal file or program to trick users into downloading and installing malware. A Trojan can give a malicious party remote access to an infected computer. Once an attacker has access to an infected computer, it is possible for the attacker to steal data (logins, financial data, even electronic money), install more malware, modify files, monitor user activity (screen watching, keylogging, etc), use the computer in botnets, and anonymize internet activity by the attacker.
Virus
A virus is a form of malware that is capable of copying itself and spreading to other computers. Viruses often spread to other computers by attaching themselves to various programs and executing code when a user launches one of those infected programs. Viruses can also spread through script files, documents, and cross-site scripting vulnerabilities in web apps. Viruses can be used to steal information, harm host computers and networks, create botnets, steal money, render advertisements, and more.
Worm
Computer worms are among the most common types of malware. They spread over computer networks by exploiting operating system vulnerabilities. Worms typically cause harm to their host networks by consuming bandwidth and overloading web servers. Computer worms can also contain “payloads” that damage host computers. Payloads are pieces of code written to perform actions on affected computers beyond simply spreading the worm. Payloads are commonly designed to steal data, delete files, or create botnets. Computer worms can be classified as a type of computer virus, but there are several characteristics that distinguish computer worms from regular viruses. A major difference is that computer worms have the ability to self-replicate and spread independently while viruses rely on human activity to spread (running a program, opening a file, etc). Worms often spread by sending mass emails with infected attachments to users’ contacts.
Nominations for Rotarian of the Year are now being accepted through September 7, 2016. Please use the attached form to submit your nomination.
The selection committee consists of:
Richard Cook, chair
Lisa Humfeld-Wilson,
Brent Peroutka,
Murray Hanson,
Jake Cook, president.
The committee will select the Rotarian of the Year from written nominations only so it is
important that your written selection be submitted. You don’t have to use the nomination form that the committee has prepared.
We encourage each member to submit a written nomination which can be delivered, faxed or e-mailed to any committee member.Contact information for committee members is available on the Faribault Rotary website.
Candidates for Rotarian of the Year may include those persons who are providing
exemplary service to the Club and community now or who have done so over a number
of years.
PAST FARIBAULT ROTARIAN OF THE YEAR AWARDS
YEAR
2008 Gary Peterson
2009 David Beranek
2010 Richard Cook
2011 Angela Storch
2012 Lisa Humfeld-Wilson
2013 Richard Ormsby
2014 Brent Peroutka
2015 Murray Hanson
The Youth Exchange committee is in need of host families to host our 2 inbounds. As a club we will be hosting a 16 year old male soccer player from Germany and an 18 male from Columbia who likes to exercise. Typically, we like to have three host families for each student.
The first host family hosts from when they arrive in mid-to-late August through about Thanksgiving.
The second host family hosts from after Thanksgiving through about spring break.
The third host family hosts from after spring break until the student leaves mid-June or early July.
The club pays for their school lunches, helps with some school activities and also give the student a monthly allowance. Please let Lisa Humfeld-Wilson know if you are able to host a student in your home and keep this youth exchange program going strong in Faribault. It is a great way to promote world peace by learning about a different culture through Youth Exchange.
Kristen Twitchell, the new Director of the Paradise Theater has been proposed for membership by Kymn Anderson. Her classification would be Theater Director. If you have any questions or concerns, please contact membership chair, Dick Huston.
Sam Ouk, the EL Director from Faribault High School has been proposed for membership by Dick Huston. His classification would be Education Coordinator. If you have any questions or concerns, please contact membership chair, Dick Huston.
(Reprinted with permission from the Faribault Daily News)
There are few things better than books to put in the hands of youth.
Rotary Club of Faribault, United Way and UNITY students from Faribault High School are doing just that. With the installation Wednesday afternoon at Our Savior’s Luterhan Church of the group's first “little library” (though not the first in town).
“We’re hoping to put five or six of them up in the community in areas where there is a lot of diversity,” Rotary member Dick Huston said. “The hope is to increase reading, which translates to a better education.”
Huston built the library himself, and Taiwanese exchange student Maggie Chen, who lives in Huston’s home, painted it. It’s essentially a large mailbox with a small wooden house at the top of a wood post. On one side, there is a door with a glass window, so anyone can see the books inside.
Many of those books are donated by community members to Rotary, and many come from United Way. The latter organization’s executive director, Adam Von Ruden, was on hand for the installation.
“For us, this project really falls in line with what we do in the community and advocate for,” he said.
Faribault United Way currently runs its own book program, the Dolly Parton Imagination Library, which supplies signed up children with a new book, once a month, from birth to 5 years old. The program is currently at capacity with 875 kids.
Von Ruden notes that in the age of iPads in school and smartphones everywhere else, getting a book in a kid’s hand remains an important step.
“It’s just such a benefit to get kids reading,” he said.
Huston expects more little libraries to be built throughout this year. He said they’ll be strategically placed in areas they might be needed.
Children (and adults) are free to take a book inside the library at their own leisure. They’re encouraged to bring it or another book back, but they don’t have to, as Rotary and United Way are standing by to replenish.
Meanwhile, the UNITY students, represented on Wednesday by Rene Villalta (El Salvador), Tufah Abdulahi (Ethiopia) and Sagal Jama (Somalia), will stop by the little libraries weekly to check if they need to be restocked. UNITY is a group at the high school, where students organize events and opportunities for peers from all different cultures to come together and learn more about each other.
Abdulahi noted that the little library project is a good for the students to participate in the club and help youth in the community.
“It’s to help people better understand reading,” she said.
“It’s really good for kids,” added Jama.
Villalta noted the little libraries could be even easier to use than the regular library.
“It’s free. There are no due dates. You can take your time,” he said in Spanish, translated by his step-mom.
This new project is one of many that Rotary leads in the Faribault community and elsewhere. With clubs in countries all over the world, Huston noted, the Christian organization is made up of more than just Christians, and it aims to help more than just Christians, too.
“In Faribault, there is such a diverse population,” he said. “We have a four-way test: Is it the truth? Is it fair to all concerned? Will it build good will and better friendships? Will it be beneficial to all concerned? This project checks all those boxes.”
Faribault Rotary, United Way, students team up to encourage reading
Anne Marie Leland from Faribault High School has been proposed for membership by Todd Sesker. Her classification would be Education Administration. If you have any questions or concerns, please contact membership chair, Dick Huston.
We are pleased to welcome our newest member, Darla Kosanda, from 1st United Bank. Pictured here are President Huston, Membership chair, Tony Langerud, Darla, and her sponsor, Dr. Lisa Humfeld-Wilson.
Dr. Dick Huston passes the gavel to incoming President Jake Cook after completing an outstanding year as our president. He will now move to his new role as membership chair.
We were honored this past week by the return of 8 former Faribault Rotary past presidents to witness the installation of our 97th club president, Jake Cook. They are all pictured here. Dr. Roy Anderson (above) was our 54th president 1973-74. Gus Hoffman (below) was our 56th president 1975-76.
It was just 1 year ago when outgoing President Tony Langerud (95th) passed the gavel to incoming President Dr. Dick Huston (96th.) You are all invited to this weeks installation ceremony for our 97th President, Jake Cook. We will be hearing President Huston's final words and reflections on the past year along with President Cook's vision for the coming year. George will lead us in fellowship as we "pay" tribute to Dr. Huston. Special guests will include 8 or 9 former club members who have served as President over the last 33 years.
Thank you to each and every one of you for helping make my year successful and memorable. There is not a single member who has not contributed to 2015-16 in some way.
Sunday night Nancie and I picked Maggie and Anders up in Bloomington when they arrived home from their East coast trip. The tears, laughter and hugs between these some 40 young people from five continents was truly inspiring. These young people are our best hope for peace and our Rotary is a part of making that happen. Congratulations on a job well done.
Congratulations to our newest Paul Harris Fellow, Amy Amundson. Thank you for your contributions to the Rotary Foundation. Pictured here are Bart Jackson, Foundation Chair, President Huston, and Amy.
The winners were drawn at our noon meeting. Our Rotary exchange student, Amanda, on her last day here had the honor of drawing the prize winners. Thank you to all who participated!
Yesterday I got a really neat fathers day text from Maggie. Funny how much I've grown to just expect her to be around. I will miss her when she goes back. Having Maggie has certainly changed how we do things around here and has opened opportunities for new experiences. The exchange program is a unique and exciting way to foster relationships with other countries. I urge you to take advantage.
As June continues, we look forward to Sam Gett's classification talk this week as he tells us about his life and the Faribault Daily News. We will also say our final goodbyes to Dan Hedge as he heads to Bear Country and his new career this week. George Wickstrom continues the excitement in fellowship last and we can expect more of the same this week.
We have a great program line up this month all leading up to the installation of our 97th President, Jake Cook on June 29th. You will not want to miss a meeting!
This past week Kymn was notified that the Faribault Rotary Club and Burkhartzmeyer family has been awarded the annual Faribault Heritage Preservation Award which they bestow on a business or organization each year. This comes after so many of you, city government and others in the community contributed their money, effort and time to restore the Security Building Clock. It was truly a collaborative effort. The Mayor and City Council will honor the club and the family on June 28 prior to the regular city council meeting at City Hall. Let us have as many as can make it in our new Rotary Shirts.
This award is very timely as our proposed mural which features the clock comes before the City Council for approval on June 21.
Fellow Rotarians, we only have 1 day left until the drawing tomorrow, June 22nd to sell all 750 tickets to meet our $15,000 fundraising goal.
This week Kurt Halverson and I are continuing to collect ticket stubs and money. If you still have not turned in yours, we ask that you turn in all your ticket stubs with the your money to my office at the Richie Eye Clinic today (Tuesday.) This will help to eliminate any confusion on Wednesday.
The money raised will help support our Youth Programs and college and music scholarships awarded each year. Total funds raised will be $15,000 with prizes as follows: $2500/ $1,000/ $500. Expenses will be no more than $1,000 with the club netting $10,000 to help support our Rotary club's youth programs and scholarships. This will help us to meet our IRS obligations related to the generous donations from the Bahl Foundation.
The team captains will monitor the week to week sales. The Cash Raffle committee members are Troy Dunn, Keith Kramer, Kurt Halvorson, Jennifer Reside, Randy Tatge, Eric Craig and Murray Hanson. President Elect Jake Cook and President Huston have served as advisors.
We are pleased to announce our newest Rotarian is Tanya Bakken from Trivent Financial. Pictured here at her induction ceremony are President Dick Huston, Membership chair, Tony Langerud, Tanya, and her sponsor, Dr. Lisa Humfeld- Wilson. Please be sure to introduce yourself and welcome her to our club.
Darla Kosanda from 1st United Bank has been proposed for membership by Dr. Lisa Humfeld-Wilson of Humfeld Chiropractic ($.) Her classification would be Banking. If you have any questions or concerns, please contact membership chair, Tony Langerud (State Farm Insuran$ce.)
"Each of us has a fire in our hearts for something. It is our goal in life to find it and keep it lit." Mary Lou Retton 5 time Olympic Medalist. Each week I see members in our club step up and keep the fire in their hearts burning for the good of our club and our community. It is this sense of service that will enrich the lives of all we touch. It is SERVICE ABOVE SELF.
As June continues, we look forward to Teresa Wilder's presentation this week about her year in Poland as a Rotary Exchange student. Not only did she have a great experience, she returns to us fluent in the Polish language. George Wickstrom brought excitement to fellowship last week and we can expect more of the same this week.
We have a great program line up this month all leading up to the installation of our 97th President, Jake Cook on June 29th. You will not want to miss a meeting!
As June begins, we enter the homestretch for Dick Huston, the final month of an outstanding year as President. Last week was the first good bye for our good friend, Dan Hedge. He topped off the May fellowship fleecing month with a self "roast" and raised $302 for the the Veterans Memorial on behalf of our Rotary Club. The month of June promises more fun as George Wickstrom brings his "A" game to fellowship as has been his tradition to finish the Rotary year with the can in his hand.
We have a great program line up starting June 1st with Jon Stegman from Pantheon Computer$ and finishing with the installation of our 97th President, Jake Cook on June 29th. Along the way we will say our final goodbye on June 15th to Dan Hedge and send him off to Bear Country. You will not want to miss a meeting!
Rotary Foundation Chair, Bart Jackson (left), had the honor of presenting multiple Paul Harris Fellows to 5 Rotarians pictured here. Starting from Bart's left President Dick Huston (PH+3,) George Wickstrom (PH+6,) Dan Hedge, Deb White, and Steve Pribyl (PH+1.) Thank you to everyone who supports the work of the Rotary Foundation.
This picture is on display at Keystone Communities. For more on Fleck's Brewery history, see the front page article in today's Faribault Daily News. ( Yes Sam, this is a fleece!)
Last night Maggie, Nancie and I attended the performance at the Paradise Theatre. As I was watching a nearly packed house enjoy the music I was thinking of how fortunate I have been to make Faribault and Rice County my home for the past 52 years. To live in a community of so many giving and hard working people is a gift not everyone has. My thoughts turned to the homeless and poor. We now have more people living in poverty than at any time in our history. How does this happen in a country so blessed? We in Rotary can and do make a difference. Let us not lose sight of those less fortunate and experiencing so much strife in our Country and around the World.
"When the last tree has been cut down and the last river has been poisoned and the last fish has been caught will we realize we cannot eat money?" Old Cree Indian Proverb.
On the first of April I took a train to Poznan where I got on a bus with over 50 other exchange students heading all over Europe. We visited 6 countries in 17 days and every second was a dream come true!
Our first stop was Amsterdam where we took a tour of the city (including the Red Light District…) wondered around, witnessed a random massive pillow fight in the middle of the town, saw Madame Tussauds wax statue museum and then went on a river boat cruise!
The next day we woke up in Amsterdam, drove to Brussels where we spent the afternoon, and in the evening arrived in Paris where we had another river boat cruise! The next day we saw the Eiffel Tower, Notre Dame, the Louvre and spent the evening at a park surrounded by little shops and a beautiful church. While still in France we visited Palace of Versailles, the Chateau of Chambord, the tallest bridge in the world, and the medieval fortified city of Carcasonnes!
Our next stop was Barcelona and I think that all the exchange students would agree that it was one of our favorites! We saw the stadium, Sagrada la Familia, some famous park where the architect of Sagrada la Familia lived, the market place for free time, a Flamenco performance, and everyone’s most anticipated stop, the beach! It had been the sunniest of days until we reached the beach and the temperature dropped and clouds filled the sky as if someone had flipped a switch, but that didn’t stop our enthusiastic bunch from running in our shorts (and for some people bikinis) towards the icy water! We didn’t swim because our chaperones had forbidden it but we did have a great time playing on the beach even after it started pouring rain!
The next day we re-entered France and saw Avignon and Cannes on our way to the Principality of Monaco, another favorite city. It is the second smallest country in the world, only half the size of Central Park in New York city, but it has the longest reigning monarchs in Europe, the Grimaldy Family. A long time ago an American film star named Grace Kelly married the Prince of Monaco and they had two kids which gives me hope for my dream of becoming a princess! ;)
Next stop Italy! We began in Florence, a beautiful city where, unfortunately, the tourists outnumbered the natives. That evening we drove to our hotel outside of Rome where we would be staying for the next 4 nights. In Rome we saw the Vatican for less than an hour before we went on a walking tour of the city. To be honest I didn’t pay attention to the tour guide that we had for our two days in Rome because she didn’t speak English and our chaperone had to translate everything but I’m pretty sure we saw The Spanish Steps, The Pantheon, and some really big but really cool fountain. Rome was beautiful and everyone loved it but we couldn’t help but be distracted because of the heat and the thought of our hotel on the beach. We spent every evening at that hotel playing soccer and hanging out on the beach just enjoying ourselves.
After Rome we ventured South to Pompeii where we took a tour of the devastated city. Fun Facts: the volcano was 3 kilometers tall and spewed ash and lava 30,000 kilometers into the air (3x higher than a plane flies) It rained lava for 24 hours while it was 400 degrees Celsius. We also went for Pizza in Pompeii which was odd because Rotary normally leaves us on our own for lunch but they took us all to a pizza place and after we received our pizza we understood why. It was literally the best pizza I have ever eaten and that I am ever likely to eat again. It was made from all fresh ingredients and even though after eating half of it I was full I kept eating and finished the whole thing!
The next morning we departed from our hotel on the beach and went to Verona, the city of love. It was the sweetest little city I have ever seen and I adored all of the Romeo and Juliet monuments! Last but not least we saw Venice, the magical city of rivers and gondolas. It was so beautiful that I’m pretty sure I took 200 pictures in the first half an hour. I had a great time wandering the famous city with some close friends but just a warning, always carry a map of the city because it is really easy to get lost!
After Euro Tour I met my parents in Krakow and spent a few days touring Poland’s second capital before I took them up to Sopot. It was really strange to have my parents in Poland because I had spent a whole 8 months building a live here without them but I had missed them a lot and it was good to see them. It was also really fun to be their translator! I have worked really hard to learn Polish and I felt as if I had completely failed because I am not fluent but being their translator made me realize how much I had succeeded! I may not be fluent but I can understand people and make myself understood in a second language and that is really something!
As I said goodbye to my parents, knowing that I would see them in a month, it really hit me that I had only one month left in Poland. It terrifies me to know that in now only 3 weeks I will leave the life I have build for myself and it will never be the same again. It scares me that I have changed so much and when I return to my hometown my friends might not accept who I have become. I read this quote, “You build a life for 16 years and leave it for 10 months. You build a life for 10 months and leave it forever… Which one is harder?” So we will see how the next few months pan out when I leave Poland, return home, graduate, and prepare for college; for now I am trusting in God and his plan for my life and I know it will all be ok.”
Last week I wrote about our members exhibiting SERVICE ABOVE SELF. This past week I experienced it with many others in my life. Last Wednesday after Rotary I conducted five prairie burns for some folks near Lonsdale. When I do a burn I have about ten guys I can call to help. On any given day 2-6 will be available. It was no different this time. After a very successful burn the owner treated us with our usual pay - pizza and beer. These guys do it for a variety of reasons and none of them is money. Also during the week I finished planting the food plots for the wild life. When done I called Genesis for fertilizer. In a matter of hours they delivered a wagon with enough fertilizer for my 2.5 acres. With most of their customers calling for hundreds of acres they still made me feel that what I was doing was worth while. Likewise Wholesale Tire when I had a flat on my tractor. The world is filled with people who put SERVICE ABOVE SELF and that is really a good thing.
Bethany Danner, an attorney for Patton, Hoversten, and Berg is the newest member of the Faribault Rotary Club. She is pictured her with club President, Dr. Richard Huston (left) and her sponsor membership chair, Tony Langerud (State Farm In$urance.) She specializes in bankruptcy, family law and criminal law. Please be sure to introduce yourself to her and welcome her to our club.
WOW!!! After 28 years without a teen ager in our house we prepared for Prom. Maggie went to Prom. What excitement and fun. The days leading up were filled with activities like buying jewelry (I was consulted), picking out flowers, getting the dress altered and cleaned and making the necessary appointments. Saturday Nancie did the Mom stuff like nail and hair appointments while at the same time coordinating activities with Maggie's friends. Then it was off to the Deaf School for a picture taking. Some 70 shutter clicks later we traveled to the high school. Waiting in line for about an hour to get seated was well worth it. The Grand March was wonderful - the girls so beautiful and the boys so handsome. It was so nice to see so many young adults look and behave so very, very good Our participation was now done until 5 am the next morning when Maggie called for a ride home. She was so excited to tell me about her evening and it made me smile all over to know how special this was to her. What a joy to have Maggie in our home. You should all consider it.
Monday - Tonight Maggie and I traveled to St. Catherine's University to hear Ann Bancroft the renowned polar explorer and educator talk about her most recent expedition. She and fellow explorer Liv Arnesen of Norway led a team of six other women on the first of seven river expeditions they are planning on doing in the next 13 years. Every other year they will lead their team down a river in each continent finishing with Antarctica. The women on the team range in age from 27 to 62. The remainder of the group come from China, South Africa, India, Israel, Chile and New Zealand. The expedition team is called ACCESS WATER and it's purpose is to "draw attention to the rapidly deteriorating state of the worlds supply of water. Water is a finite resource and it will run out. Life cannot exist without water. The first expedition was down the Ganges in India. It was a 60 day 1,569 mile adventure. Multiple stops along the way were opportunities to educate children, towns people and government officials. Their goal is to reach 2,000,000 classrooms and 50,000,000 youth from grade one to college. They believe "education is the bedrock to achieve sustainable change". We can each make a difference. Eliminate small loads in washing machines, shorter showers, stop excessive watering of lawns and many different ways we all can think of and implement. God gave us a wonderful place to live - let's keep it that way.
Tanya Bakken from Trivent Financial has been proposed for membership by Dr. Lisa Humfeld-Wilson (Humfeld Chiropractic.) She has expressed interest in helping with our Youth Exchange program
If anyone would like to comment on this proposed new member, please contact Tony Langerud, membership chair.
Everyone is invited to the Faribault Rotary Club's Spring Social on Friday April 22nd - This party with a purpose will help us raise funds for another mural in downtown Faribault, depicting the impact of Rotary! PLUS - it would just be great to see you, visit a while and have some fun. The fun is built in with BBQ, Bacon and Beer - and there will be a small silent auction with a few great items too. Let us know if you can come!
Districts 5950 and 5960 will hold a joint convention on May 12-13 at the Mystic Lake Conference Center. This will be a unique opportunity to meet and exchange ideas with other Rotary Clubs. It starts on Thursday the 12th with a golf tournament and reception. The golf tournament will benefit Polio Plus. Friday is filled with activities providing an opportunity to bring fresh and innovative ideas back to our club. Our exchange students will all be there to let everyone know about their respective countries. We are an international organization and this interchange will help promote understanding leading to a more peaceful world. It is a delight to watch all these young people in their pin adorned jackets laughing and enjoying each others cultures. I will be going up on Friday with our four exchange students and urge each of you to spend the day. Our presence will not only support our students and help make our club better it will be fun! See you there.
Having just returned from Viet Nam and Cambodia I reflect on the many differences and similarities we in the U.S. share with those around the world. Water issues and pollution is everywhere. It affects the health and well being of every living organism. The rice fields along the Mekong Delta are not only suffering from drought but from the salt water backing up in their rice paddies because China has put in dams not allowing the normal flow of water to countries down stream. This causes the loss of one of two crops each year. In Cambodia 80 percent of the people are involved in rice production so the economic affect is devastating. This ia country where 33 percent of the people live below the poverty line of $1.25 per DAY.
Education for most people is limited. They lack books, teachers, facilities, electronics and all the things our students have. Yet they are eager for education and work extremely hard. They all learn a second language which is English.
Viet Nam is communist. The government owns all the land. If you own a house or a business you pay the government to put your house/business on their land. It could be taken away at any time so there is no sense of security.
How are we similar? We are family orientated, we love our country, we want enough healthy food, we want a home, we are willing to work, we value education and seek opportunity.
Why does this come so much readily to some of us and not others?.
Past President and current membership chair, Tony Langerud is pictured here presenting our club flag to the President of the Kino Sunrise Club in Tucson AZ. Tony has been enjoying watching his son, Blake and St. John's baseball.
"February was overall a pretty calm month but fun nonetheless. Admittedly I am very, very far from fluency (and on most days understandability) in Polish, but if there was one month when my Polish really became usable, it was this month. I went to see a movie made in Poland called Planeta Singli; the whole movie was in Polish, no subtitles, no translations, but I understood the whole thing! Of course I didn’t understand every word but I always knew what was going on and that is really something for a language that I just started learning six months ago.
This month was also the beginning of Lent, the Catholic season leading up to Easter when you fast from something that you love for forty days in order to better understand what it means to suffer and how Christ suffered for us. As a strong Catholic it has always been my habit to fast from something but this year one of my crazy friends suggested that I fast from speaking English and I was crazy enough to accept the challenge. It has been one of the most frustrating things to not be able to express myself adequately and I am constantly tripping over my words and pulling out my translator app. I hardly ever get anything grammatically correct but my Polish has dramatically improved since Lent started and everyone is helping me out by correcting me and teaching me new phrases!
For two weeks we didn’t have school because it was winter break. I spent most of my time hanging out with my friends and, to be honest, watching Netflix ;) we all do it sometimes. But I also got the opportunity to go to a big Rotary Dinner for the President of Rotary International and his wife who were visiting Poland. The dinner was held at Grand Hotel, a hotel on the beach that I had wanted to visit all year because it looks like a palace! The food was mediocre but the service was very professional and despite teenage stereotypes I enjoyed the evening immensely even if only for the fanciness!
That wasn’t the only event of winter break of course! On the last Friday of break Bogusia and I flew to Kraków and from there took a train to Częstochowa. Częstochowa is the most known Catholic pilgrimage site in Poland; it is the home of Jasna Góra, the monastery were the image of The Black Madonna is kept. This miraculous image played an invaluable role throughout all of Polish history and it hasn’t finished yet. People come from all over the world to visit this image and petition Mary to heal them of an illness or affliction; the results of these prayers are evident as, all over the walls are crutches, casts, and small plaques from the people who were healed. I spent all of Saturday exploring the monastery with Sister Karolina and it was gorgeous! I definitely recommend visiting to all my fellow Catholics and even anyone who can appreciate the beautiful things that humans can create when they believe in the cause for their building.
At the end of this report I just want to take a moment and recognize how wonderful it is to receive a package in the mail. It is amazing! It makes you feel so loved and appreciated and in my 6 months in Poland I have received 5 small packages, each containing some candy, a small gift like a book or slippers or something, and usually a letter. None of these packages contained anything huge or important but that doesn’t matter, what matters is that someone loves you, thinks of you, and misses you so much that they sent you a package. This month I got a package from my sister Sarah who is a missionary, she had sent me my Christmas present (very late as is her custom;) and she packed every spare space of box with sticky notes of encouragement, love, and inside jokes! She made my week!
And thus another great month has gone by, slowly, beautifully, and yet faster than I thought it would. Already I only have two months left in this beautiful country and I cannot tell which emotion is stronger, my yearning for home, or my desire to stay. Either way May will find me too slowly and yet too quickly all at once, but until then you will find me enjoying every second of it."
Saturday night Nancie and I attended the annual fund raiser for Big Brothers Big Sisters of Southern MN "Evening for Kids Sake" in Owatonna. Since being in the program the last few years I have previously attended this well run and much needed event. In my opinion this year's program lead by Rotarians Michelle Redman and Angela Herzog was the best ever. Many of you know Michelle from the Faribault Rotary. When she recently became director of the four county organization she necessarily transferred to Owatonna Rotary. Angela Herzog is her replacement and we all know the impact she has made in our club in just a short time. This event raises upward of $100,000 to help so many children including approximately 100 whose parents are incarcerated. These two women have done an amazing job of putting SERVICE ABOVE SELF.
Fellow Rotarian Troy Dunn and his wife were not only the "big family" of the year for the district but for the state as well.
Part of the fund raising effort is an auction. While in the heat of the bidding I managed to buy 22 cupcakes. They were made by a Little Sister named Mariah who had won champion at the fair using the same recipe. Hard to resist a 12 year girl in a pink dress carrying a basket of Raspberry Filled Caramel and Oreo Cupcakes with Chocolate and Raspberry Buttercream Frosting. At Rotary Wednesday I am going to give each of you a chance to buy one for $25 (this is below bidding price) with the proceeds going to Polio Plus.
Not only will these cupcakes make life better for a child in our area but can also provide vaccine for hundreds of at risk children throughout the world.
These are all of the recipients that were at the Strive Banquet that were awarded scholarships. Front row, from l to r, Alexis Gernandt, Kathryn Ashley, Hannah Bokkelmann, Mikaele Isaacson, Sophie Kohl, Shae McDonough & Samantha Pierce. Back row from l to r, Joseph Beckmann, Kevin Dong, Chad White, Alex Dunn, Ryan Donkers, Ramsey Shaffer & Tyler Karow.
One of Rotary International areas of focus is clean water. EVERY DAY 3,000 children DIE of diarrheal disease caused by unsafe water. More than 2,500,000,000 people lack sanitation facilities. Clean and safe water is not just a problem in some faraway underdeveloped country. Think Flint Michigan where children are experiencing lead poisoning from antiquated lead pipes that have been in place for decades. Within the last month Goodhue and surrounding counties have detected numerous wells with toxic levels of Nitrate in their water. This is the direct result of applying excessive fertilizer and/or inappropriate application of manure by farmers on the land. Mitigation costs will be in the millions. Who pays for it? We do - you and me as tax payers.
Last week at Business Before Hours at the Hoffman Law Office I was reading a 1913 law book addressing farm issues. Many of the issues then are similar to todays. What has changed is that those who caused the problem paid to fix it while today most everyone expects the government and thus the tax payers to pay.
"The supreme quality for leadership is unquestionably integrity. Without it, no real success is possible, no matter whether it is on a section gang, a football field, in an army or in an office" Dwight David Eisenhower
One of our newest Rotarians is Keith Kluzak who gave his classification talk last at last weeks meeting. I asked him seven follow up questions to help summarize his presentation for those of us who were present and for our club members who missed the meeting. This will help us get to know him better. Please be sure to say "hi" and introduce your self to him if you have not had the opportunity.
Your family members, occupations and /or school level?
Keith-VP Mortgage Services-The State Bank of Faribault, Jennifer – Office Administrator – St. Dominic’s Catholic Church, Jacob-age 14, Braeden-age 11
Your Hometown/ School? – Rosemount/Rosemount High School, University of St. Thomas
Previous occupations?Always in finance banking since college – Norwest Bank, Green Tree Finance, Wells Fargo, Merchants Bank, The State Bank of Faribault
Your hobbies?Camping, hunting, fishing
Your sponsor?Darlene Meillier
An interesting fact about your life?Committed to helping clean up Circle Lake – Circle Lake Association board member since 2006
Anything else you can think of?If you see a one ton diesel pickup towing a 5th wheel camper with a boat hitched to the bank of the camper – yeah, I’m one of those guys.
I just received an email from the committee putting the Presidents Reception together. My reaction is WOW! What an example of service above self. This group has out done themselves. Money raised will be put toward the Mural project presently in the design stage. Be ready to see the plans for and participate in a great event.
Last Thursday, Nancie and I were invited to tour the new University of Minnesota Health Clinics and Surgery Center set to open to its first patients later this month. Physicians and other researchers were on hand to explain the latest advances in heart health, cancer, surgery, neuroscience and wellness. Exhibits were set up which explained how collaboration among the various disciplines were developing new techniques to improve outcomes. Each and every researcher was willing to share their insight of what they were doing, how it may have an impact on people we knew and what the future could hold. We even had an opportunity to sit at a Da Vinci robotic surgery device and manipulate the arms as is done in less invasive surgeries. We are so fortunate to have this great University - not only for Medicine but so many other areas as well. I am proud to be a graduate and feel blessed to have been able to go there.
Chuck Thiel has been proposed for membership by the honorable Brent Peroutka (Comprehensive Wealth Solution$.) His classification will be " Radio Account Executive."
If anyone would like to comment on this proposed new member, please contact Tony Langerud (State Farm), membership chair.
One of our newest Rotarians is Angela Herzog pictured above with her husband, Paul, recently gave her classification talk. I asked her seven follow up questions to help summarize his presentation for those of us who were present and for our club members who missed the meeting. This will help us get to know her better. Please be sure to say "hi" and introduce your self to her if you have not had the opportunity.
Your Family, occupation? Paul Herzog – Actuary for Federated Insurance, Angela Herzog – Fund Development Coordinator for BBBS, Jae Herzog – Kindergarten, Violet Herzog – Preschool
Your hometown/ school? – Portland, OR, College – Missouri State
Your previous occupations? Global Securities Specialist – Wells Fargo, Underwriter- Federated Insurance
Your hobbies? Running, biking, landscaping, traveling, and shoes.
Your sponsor? Tony Langerud (State Farm In$urance)
Interesting fact about you? I have so many shoes that if I wore one pair a day I could go well over 2 months without repeating a pair.
Anything else? My great-grandmother is Nellie Olson from Little House in the Prairie. Not the actress, but the character in the book was named after great-Grandma.
One of our newest Rotarians is Kurt Halvorson who gave his classification talk last at last weeks meeting. I asked him seven follow up questions to help summarize his presentation for those of us who were present and for our club members who missed the meeting. This will help us get to know him better. Please be sure to say "hi" and introduce your self to him if you have not had the opportunity.
Your Family members, occupations (including you) or school level?
Myself: Community Education Coordinator, my wife Kristen who is a branch manager for International Quality Home Healthcare, and our 2 year old daughter, Harper
Hometown/School/College?
Waseca is my hometown; I attended South Central College where I received my A.A.S. Degree in Sales and Marketing. Fun fact: my instructor was Brian Knutson!
Previous occupations?
My first job was at Dairy Queen ( I can still make that curl on the top of an ice cream cone!), and since then I have worked for various employers such as Fastenal, Steffens Chevrolet, Gold Cross Ambulance, and CarQuest Auto Parts. Sometimes you have to work a few jobs to find the right career path!
Hobbies?
I love trains, and I am building a model train layout in my basement. It is HO scale, and if focuses on the Great Northern railroad in 1969 in the Willmar area. I also enjoy old cars; I still own my first car: a 1980 Chevrolet El Camino and I have a 1977 Cadillac Ambulance that used to serve in Tracy, Minnesota. (It should be noted that I have a very understanding wife!)
Rotary sponsor?
Brenda DeMars (Reliance Bank), whom I met through the Faribault’s Future program that we are both currently participating in. Thank you Brenda!
Interesting fact about you or your life?
In 1994 I met, by accident, someone with the exact same first, middle and last name as myself while at a retreat in Okoboji, Iowa.
Anything else of interest you can think of?
Words to live by, as taken from a sign in my Grandma and Grandpa Halverson’s kitchen: “There are no strangers here, only friends that we have not yet met.”
Last week, Police Chief Andy Bohlen and Rice County Sheriff Troy Dunn gave a great presentation about our local K9 police dogs. Together with Rice County Deputy Dan Belcourt, police dog- Tucker, Faribault Police Officer Mike Thul and police dog - Chase, they gave an excellent presentation with entertaining stories and a little humor as well. The following information tells Chase's story.
Chase was born in Slovakia on Dec. 5, 2012 and was imported to the United States in January 2014 to become a police dog. He was teamed with his handler, Officer Mike Thul, and they completed training in May 2014 through the St. Paul Police Dept. Chase is the first police dog ever for the Faribault Police Department and was purchased with generous donations from the community and through a grant from the St. Paul Police K9 Foundation. Chase is trained as a patrol dog and rides with Officer Thul whenever he works. Chase has been trained to locate people, evidence, and anything with human odor on it. He is trained in open area searches, tracking, apprehension, and handler protection. In 2014 Chase was also trained and certified in narcotics detection.
Chase's Message
My eyes are your eyes, to watch and protect you and yours.
My ears are your ears, to hear and detect evil minds in the dark
My nose is your nose, to scent the invader of your domain
“ January came so fast and as I pass the half way point I am starting to realize just how little time I have left in this beautiful country and how busy I will be come April. Luckily my schedule is still pretty calm right now. In the beginning of the month I got to visit the Oceanarium in Gdansk and also saw a parade for the Feast of the Epiphany. Also, because I don’t require grades for this year of school my Math teacher has gotten in the habit of telling me I can skip her lesson when they take a test so I got in the habit of attending other English classes. I’ve had a lot of fun and met a lot of new students!
Unfortunately my trusty combat boots were starting to fall apart and it was time for me to get some water proof boots for when I went to Austria so I went on a long and exhausting search for size 42 (10 in U.S. sizes) women’s snow boots that were mildly stylish. I searched every store in two malls and couldn’t find a single pair. Apparently it is really rare to have such big feet in Poland and eventually I had to turn to the men’s section where I found a really stylish pair that satisfied me. They are bright red. ;)
Before I went to Austria there was one more holiday to celebrate on the 10th and that was Wielka Orkiestra Swiatecznej Pomocy which means the Great Orchestra Charity. It’s a day when throughout all of Poland there is no work and no school and volunteers collect money on the streets, there are free concerts and events, and in the evening there is a great auction on television, all of these things raise money and awareness for a different purpose, this year it was for the elderly. This whole charity was founded by one man and it has grown into this amazing country wide event!
Five days later I left for Austria with eighteen other exchange students, and several adult tourists, for our ski trip. I have never seen a place more beautiful than the Salzburg Mountains and everyday I marveled at my surroundings. We started skiing on Sunday and we skied every day for 6 hours until we left on Friday evening. I had only ever been skiing once and it was for one day in sixth grade so this was pretty much my first time. At the end of the week I found out that every time we got on the ski lift our ski passes had logged our position and time into a record so I could see how far I had skied; besides one day that we spent on a different mountain, I skied 108 kilometers all week! Can I just say that Exchange Students are the coolest people! Everyday is a good day when you are with you fellow foreigners and we had a blast! I had so much fun and I know that this is not the end of my skiing adventures!
When I returned home I was overjoyed to find that it had snowed earlier in the week and there were several inches of white powder everywhere! I had waited so long for snow and it had finally showed up while I was gone! But unfortunately it only lasted for 2 more days after I arrived. It already looks like spring here and I feel as if winter never actually came. But I suppose that I will survive until next year.
To finish off a great month I had the joy of attending an orchestra concert with Bogusia and my counselor, Bogna, whose Russian cousin was the accompanying pianist. The orchestra was phenomenal but when Eleonora Karpukhova started to play it was mind blowing! Her fingers moved like lightening! After the show Eleonora was kind enough to spend half an hour talking with us and while she mostly talked with Bogna (and half in Russian) I was so glad to have met her! It’s amazing the kind of things you get to do and the people you get to meet when you are an exchange student! "
Anne Bancroft famous for being the first woman to arrive at the North Pole on foot with dog sleds has recently returned from a sixty day float down the Ganges River in India. She and seven other women representing every continent began this journey to engage children so they can be at the forefront of cleaning up our waters. As populations increases and poverty becomes ever greater our rivers are baring the brunt of human waste, garbage & farm and industrial chemicals. The Ganges is the water source for millions of people for bathing, cooking, washing clothes, recreation and a toilet. Unless you have witnessed it first hand I don't think anyone can imagine what it's like see people wash their food and their body in the same water in which they deposit their feces. This is happening in many areas. Ann and her team call themselves teachers. They have gotten their findings to 50,000,000 school children across the globe with a goal of inspiring them to care and be moved to action. The group plans similar trips to every continent in ten years ending in Antarctica in 2026. To me these women are heros.
The democratic process has started for choosing our next president. As much as we complain about the constant exposure to a barrage of promises and slamming of other candidates it is still the best in the world. As citizens it is our privilege to participate and hopefully help tone down the partisan politics which continue to divide our country. Unfortunately money and the lust for power have over shadowed the importance of the common good. If we make it a point to listen to divergent views we can find commonality.
We live in a wonderful country with so many opportunities to do good. We are a nation of inclusion with a constantly changing demographic makeup. When our grandparents and great grandparents came to America the differences were primarily the languages they spoke as most were white and most were Christian. Today the diversity is much greater. Embracing that diversity will help make our nation even stronger. More people the world over see the U.S.A. the land where freedom is a way of life. We have the duty and the ability to keep it that way.
Our club seeks to make a difference in our community and around the world through the hands on work we do, but also through our contributions to the Rotary Foundation and District Programs. There are three primary areas where we pledge money as a club every year.
The Rotary Foundation: When you give to The Rotary Foundation, you support Rotary's work across the world and help ensure our future.
Polio Plus: Rotary, along with our partners, has reduced polio cases by 99 percent worldwide since our first project to vaccinate children in the Philippines in 1979. We are close to eradicating polio, but we need your help.
Fast for Hope: The Fast for Hope Initiative is based on the belief that while project based funding is critical to address immediate needs in developing parts of the world, a new model needs to be created in order to more effectively address the problem of systemic poverty in the world.
*Donations to the Foundation and Polio Plus count towards Paul Harris Fellow recognition. Donations to Fast for Hope do not count towards PHF recognition.
As a club we have pledged $4,500 to the Rotary Foundation for this year, $2,600 to Polio Plus, and $650 to Fast for Hope. Less than half of our club members are currently giving to one of these endeavors. We would like to encourage every member of our club to participate at some level in this work. You can do this by participating in one of our PHF Teams, by making a donation on your own to whichever area you are most interested in. We can even set you up on a monthly contribution plan if you prefer. If you aren’t already participating please consider an annual gift of $100 or more, or signing up for a monthly gift of $10/month or more. The impact we can have as a club is significant if we each give just a little bit.
A Paul Harris Fellow Team is a commitment as a team to give $1,000 a year. Each year one of your team members is recognized as a Paul Harris Fellow until all members have been recognized. We have had 4 x $250 Teams, 5 x $200 Teams, and 10 x $100 Teams. If you would be interested in being a part of a team please contact Bart Jackson, Foundation Chair.
Yesterday I attended the wake of a friend who died at the young age of 61 after a long and courageous battle with MS. In the last two months I have had eight friends die and each has had a positive impact on my life. These are people I have come to know through my work, organizations I have belonged to, church or perhaps have done business with. As I reflect on these relationships I am indebted to each for what they have added to my life.
Six years ago my wife Glenda died while we were vacationing in Egypt. Again I was amazed by the people who were suddenly there to help me both in Egypt and once I got home. I was especially touched by a long time friend who gave me a framed saying by Dr. Seuss. It sits on my kitchen table and is a daily reminder of how fortunate I was to have had her in my life. The saying? "Don't cry because it's over. Smile because it happened".
On another note there is an article on page 57 of our latest Rotarian magazine I find interesting for two reasons. First and most important it illustrates how children can be examples for achieving peace where adults fail. I recommend reading this short and inspiring story. The second reason is that it takes place in the Samburu district of Kenya. This is a beautiful area we have camped at on a photo safari to Kenya.
Last Friday I drove to Worthington to meet my brother-in-law Howard and together we headed to the Black Hills to ski. Now before you scoff at the Black Hills for skiing let me remind you it is 7,100 feet with a 1,500 foot vertical. As we drove I reflected on our over 60 year friendship. Howard was married to my sister who died nearly two years ago. Being both newly weds we had much to talk about. We were both so grateful that God had chosen to put two wonderful women in our lives. I marveled at the country side as it changed from rich corn growing soils to perfect environment for grazing cattle to majestic pines covered with fresh fallen snow. I silently thanked all the men and women who had given their lives to protect this great nation as we passed a National Cemetery. I enjoyed the brief yet meaningful conversations with people on the chair lift or in the lodge. I especially enjoyed holding a six week old baby while her mom took her little brother to the bathroom. There is something special about babies and being in a place where a mom entrusted a newly formed friend to watch over her. As I looked out over the beautiful scene from the top of the mountain my heart filled with gratitude - for my family, my education, my job, my friends, my health and being able to enjoy the outdoors in such a wonderful way.
The Faribault Rotary Club welcomes its newest member, Jason Hoffman, an attorney practicing with the firm- Hoffman, Hamer & Associates. He is pictured here with President Huston, Brent Peroutka (CW$)- membership, and his sponsor Dan Hedge- Pantheon Computer$.
"If your actions inspire others to dream more, do more and become more, you are a leader" John Quincy Adams
This quote seems especially significant in light of the celebration of 40 under 40 recognized by the Chamber of Commerce this past week. Hats off to Dan Hedge for leading this effort.
As I preside at the meeting each week I continue to be inspired by you to do my best to put SERVICE ABOVE SELF. You inspire me to be a leader,
"Every year I wait impatiently for December; for me it is the most wonderful month of the year because, besides being the month of Christmas, it’s also the month of my younger sister’s birthday, and New Year’s Eve, which just happens to be my birthday. I am also quite fond of snow and in December Minnesota is usually piled in it. This year, however, my excitement was accompanied by anxiety; I had never been away from my family for the holidays and I wasn’t sure how I would handle it.
The month started well, a was very busy preparing for my choir concert, and I was excited to spend a weekend in Wroclaw with the other exchange students where we would take a test in Polish to assure Rotary that we had been learning like we should. While we were in Wroclaw they had a whole itinerary of tours and monuments to visit, among which was Zamek Ksiaz, a gorgeous old palace that was being renovated during WWII to be Hitler’s headquarters. Despite the castle’s dark history, it was my favorite part of the weekend. I floated around the castle always staring up at the beautiful reliefs on the ceiling and the gold paintings on the walls and the magnificence in the architecture, dreaming about what it would be like to live there. At the end of the weekend we were all told our test scores and I was amazed to find out that I had scored a perfect! Everyone passed and we celebrated with a dance party! It’s amazing how close you grow to your fellow exchange students. We only knew each other for a few months and had barely spent 13 days together but it was so hard to say goodbye for another few months.
Back home I had the amazing opportunity to see the Polish National Opera, Straszny Dwor. Bogusia explained the story to me before it started so that I could understand a little bit and I actually really enjoyed it!
The next week in school we celebrated Christmas with our classes and there was a small nativity play and a concert from my choir. After the concert everyone received a small opłatek (wafer) and went to everyone, sharing a piece of it and wishing them good health and happiness for the New Year. It is a really cool Polish tradition called “dzielenie się opłatekiem” which means “sharing of wafers”. Once everyone had exhausted their wafer, they went to their homeroom and shared a small meal (mostly sweets) and exchanged gifts. I was surprised to find that whoever had picked my present had done a really good job! It was a really fluffy teddy bear, a tiara, and some chocolate, and it said on the bag, “For our American Princess, Tereska.” It was so sweet and I felt childish for liking it but I really did! I wore the tiara for the rest of the day!
The real Christmas was a bit harder for me. It is a Polish tradition to fast from meat on Christmas Eve and I didn’t have a problem with that, but because there was not meat, and traditionally there must be 12 dishes on the table, there was a lot of fish. Let’s just say fish is not my favorite. But there was enough of other foods for me to eat that I didn’t complain and I tried as much of the fish as I could stomach. The whole meal my mind was back in Minnesota, smelling my Dad’s traditional dumpling soup and goofing off with my siblings as we watched the light snow fall. There is not snow in Poland yet.
Because you don’t eat any meat on Christmas Eve, Christmas morning is filled with the richest meats you can find. For lunch we went to my host aunt’s house and we stayed for several hours talking. Afterwards I skyped home and opened my Christmas present from my family. Christmas was good, I enjoyed the time I spent with my host family but it didn’t feel like Christmas to me. To me, Christmas is time with your family and this Christmas I was closer to outer space than my family.
My Birthday was quite a bit better, I spent time with two of my closest friends here, went to a great concert in Gdynia, and enjoyed a fireworks show with my host parents to kick off the New Year. This December might have been a little melancholy and at some points heartbreaking, but it was still wonderful in its own way. From time with my host family, to time with friends, to thoughtful gifts, I had a good month and I thank God for this opportunity he has given me."
As I reflect on the first six months of my presidency what has impressed me the most is all of you. I have been part of many organizations and none surpass you when it comes to putting Service Before Self. We have much to accomplish the next six months and together I know we will get it done. Some of the tasks we will accomplish are placing Rotary Benches in the community, completing STRIVE. meals on wheels, Rotary readers, Public Relations, supporting Polio Plus, the Foundation & Fast for Hope, preparing our out bound students for their year abroad, finding homes for our inbound students, camp projects, car raffle, mural, spring gathering, little libraries, recruit new members, make everyone feel important and more I just haven't thought of. Together we will live up to that old 4H motto I grew up with - "To Make the Best Better".
All Rotarians, their families, and guests are invited to the 76th annual Faribault Rotary Christmas Concert to be held on Wednesday December 16th (11:45 am- 1:15 pm) at Our Savior's Lutheran Church. The joyful sounds of the holiday season will be brought to us by the Faribault High School Choir. Our host for over 25 years, Donn Johnson will be out of town but he has left us in the very capable hands of President Huston and Todd Sesker. The cost of the meal is $10 unless you are on the meal plan. We hope you are able to come!
Many times I have expressed the value of educating children - all over the world.
I have had an opportunity to see how many cultures value education and what families will do to educate their children. Three of them are especially etched into my mind.
On a Veterinary mission trip to Myanmar (Burma) I spent time with a M.D. who serviced orphanages in Yangon. Parents would drop off 3-5 year old children so they would have an opportunity for food, health care and most importantly education. These parents loved their children enough to do this knowing they would never see them again.
In Kenya, Glenda and I supported a Masai village to start a school. They had been trying to teach under an Acacia tree but the elephants kept destroying the benches. With our help and that of others the last time I was there they had built two very rudimentary buildings. There were no windows, doors, blackboards, books, electricity or any of the teaching aids we have come to expect in our schools. But what they did have was a very real desire to learn. Children walked several miles every day to attend this school with dirt floors to help their families and themselves.
In Mongolia I did a mission with the herders who followed their yaks, ponies and sheep across the semi desert terrain. For nine months of the year their children were sent to boarding school and had no contact with family because they valued education as the only way out of poverty after a life time of communism.
Education is a key to peace in this world. Rotary can and does play a significant role. Each of us can help by living Rotary's SERVICE BEFORE SELF.
"I think that I half expected Poland to be decorated with fall colors, turkeys, and pilgrims during the month of November just like back home, but of course, I’m not in Minnesota anymore. Instead, Poland proudly waved their red and white flag for Niepodległości, Polish Independence Day, on November 11th. The day before the national holiday my school only held two class periods in the morning before beginning special activities. We listened to a debate competition between the classes about important issues in Poland, then went on a parade down the street, proudly marching through the rain to a small park where we stood around a pond and sang the national anthem.
The following Saturday I had the amazing opportunity, along with Ginny and Scarlett, to take some orphans and underprivileged children to JumpCity, a trampoline playground, with the local Rotaract club. It’s amazing how much patience these children had with us! Our Polish is still faltering and extremely incomplete but these kids didn’t mind, they just loved us! We jumped on trampolines, threw foam at each other, played basketball, and had a blast! Of course, that wasn’t the only fun we had that weekend, on Sunday Ginny, Scarlett, and I celebrated Thanksgiving with our families and a few friends. All of the food was prepared by us girls and transported to Ginny’s apartment for the grand feast. The food was delicious and oh so filling! It was really interesting to see the different foods from the different regions of the continent!
It was a fun filled weekend but an Exchange Student’s life never seems to slow down because on Monday I got to check “See a Ballet” off of my bucket list; but of course I didn’t see just any ballet, I saw the Royal Russian Ballet! The most famous ballet in the world performed in a small theater in Gdansk and my host mom, Bogusia, got us tickets! I was not very impressed with the size of the theater and I was actually disappointed in the quality of the stage but still the dancers were flawless! Given the chance, I would definitely return to a Royal Russian Ballet performance.
I kept the ball of events rolling the next weekend when I went with Ginny to “Diverse Night of the Jumps”, a motocross competition at Ergo Arena. It was absolutely terrifying to watch these athletes go flying in the air! It was incredibly impressive and I had a lot of fun, and Ginny had fun making fun of my fear!
The following week was slow and a little melancholy because I knew that at this time my family would be preparing for the great Thanksgiving Feast that I have enjoyed every November since I’ve been alive. Even though the girls and I had created our own Thanksgiving, it’s not the same without your family and your mom’s cooking. Being away from home makes you realize just how much you took home for granted and what a blessing it really is. I hope that when I return home I will appreciate the comforts of home more but for now I am going to focus on appreciating this beautiful language and culture. I’ve still got 7 months to go and I’m going to make the best of it!"
Twas a few weeks before Christmas, when all through downtown,
Not a Rotarian was stirring, no one to be found;
The invites were made by Donn Johnson with care,
In hopes that everyone would soon be there;
The Rotarians were nestled all snug in their beds;
While visions of Christmas concerts danced in their heads;
They knew in a moment the time had drawn near,
To give Donn a call (334-1733) and tell him no fear;
For we will be coming, even bringing a guest;
Looking forward to lunch and the choir's singing best;
More rapid than eagles the Faribault Rotarians came,
And Donn whistled and shouted and called them by name:
Now, Mahler! Now, Kramer! Now, Parker and Koopmans!
On, Bohlen! On, Sesker! On, Jackson and Huston!
To the seat of your cars! To the end of the street!
Now dash away! Dash away! And soon we will meet!
Then we heard Donn exclaim, as he walked out of sight;
"Happy Christmas to all, and to all a good night!"
All Rotarians, their families, and guests are invited to the 76th annual Faribault Rotary Christmas Concert to be held on Wednesday December 16th (11:45 am- 1:15 pm) at Our Savior's Lutheran Church. The joyful sounds of the holiday season will be brought to us by the Faribault High School Choir. Our host for over 25 years, Donn Johnson asks that you contact him at 334-1733 if you will be coming and bringing a guest. There will also be a sign up sheet passed around at the next meeting. The cost of the meal is $10 unless you are on the meal plan.
Last week more than most brought to my mind all that I have to be thankful for. Being born in this country with all the opportunities we have and surrounded by people we love is a blessing shared by few others. Let us show our gratitude to all who have less. Let us continue to put SERVICE BEFORE SELF.
The hideous acts in Paris this week has reinforced for me the importance of knowing and respecting people world wide. God fearing folks of every religion and in every nations abhor the hate mongers and their violent acts against humanity. We all share the values of family, faith and community.
As Rotarians we can and do help to change the world through our exchange programs. Hats of to all the students and adults who visit other countries to foster respect and build relationships. This week we are privileged to have Maggie and Amanda show us by example.
Jason Hoffman, an attorney from Hoffman, Carlson, Lumblad, Zrimsek, Crosby & George has been proposed for membership by the honorable Dan Hedge (Pantheon Computers.) His classification will be " Attorney."
If anyone would like to comment on these proposals, please contact Tony Langerud (State Farm), membership chair.
"The first weekend of October my host parents, Zbyszek and Bogusia, took me and the two exchange students in Gdanks, Ginny (Canada) and Scarlett (Arizona), to Szymbark. I’m still not really sure what Szymbark is but it seemed to be a collection of tourist destinations in one place. We saw a cabin transported from Siberia that was used as part of a prison camp for Poles who didn’t agree with the government, a re-creation of the train that brought prisoners there, a re-creation of a WWII underground bunker, an upside-down house, the longest wooden plank in the world, and the World’s largest Piano! It was really cool!
Then on the 9th my school celebrated their 25th anniversary and there was a presentation about how cool our school is. One of the elements of the presentation was that several students read quotes from graduates of the school and, of course, my English teacher wanted me to read as well… In Polish! My reading was very short and I got out of a lot of classes to go to the rehearsals so it was worth it! ;)
After 2 months in Poland I discovered that this whole time I have been saying the word “czesc” wrong! If you don’t know this word it is one of the most versatile words in the Polish Language, it means: hello, goodbye, part/section, honor, and purity! The day that my friends told me that I pronounce it wrong I ran around the school asking everyone if I was saying it right and everyone tried to help me understand how to say it but it was hopeless, I still can’t say it! But my friends and I have a lot of fun trying!
I think that this month I have really been settling in and becoming comfortable in my new life. Almost every weekend I am doing something new and exciting and I am really enjoying myself. This month I went to Szymbark, a basketball game, a ballroom dance class, the National Art Gallery, Hoop Likes Festival, bowling with my class, a presentation on Astronomy, a theater performance of Grease, a live recording of the theater performance The Audience, and several movies at the cinema!
I finished the month with a Halloween party which was a lot of fun but very small because in Poland Halloween is looked at as a pagan holiday and isn’t celebrated by a lot of people. Some people even think that Halloween is disrespectful because the day after Halloween is big Polish holiday, All Saints Day. On all Saints Day everyone in Poland goes to the nearest grave of a family member and lights candles. People begin cleaning the graves and bringing flowers a week before so that the graves will look nice for the holiday. On November first when I went with my family to the graves of family members and friends the cemeteries were packed! I was amazed by how beautifully the Polish people honor their dead! I hope that I will bring this tradition home with me and continue to celebrate the lives of my loved ones in such a beautiful way."
As I sat in my deer stand the last couple of days I reflected on the last 78 years. I marvel at and am so grateful to have been so blessed. The water, prairie, trees, birds and animals that fill my life are just awesome. But even more than that, people of all ages, faiths, backgrounds, religions and nationalities have demonstrated Service Above Self in there everyday lives. Thanks to each of you for not only making my life better but the entire community because you live this motto every day.
Today in school we had an American Culture Presentation that I was deeply offended by. I attended this lecture with one other American student and lots of other Danish students. We were supposed to be learning about some of the differences between the two countries, the American culture, and some of our values. I thought this would be an interesting lecture to attend as the speaker was born in the USA and has lived in Denmark for some years now. I though it could provide some insight on how he felt making the change between living in different countries. I was wrong.
He asked us what some of the stereotypes of the US were and people replied with the usual McDonald’s, fat people, money, and guns. I though during this lecture he would try to prove these wrong, as there is way more to the states than that, but he didn’t. Instead he played on the idea and even encouraged us that this is what America was. He even called Americans fat. He said to the students that American teenagers your age, 16-19, have no awareness of other countries and do not want to have any. As an exchange student (and I am sure the others can agree) we want nothing more than to learn about and experience new cultures and to become more aware of the world.
When the topic of race came up, I was quite interested on how he would talk about it as it is an issue in the United States. The style he uses to approach and talk about these sensitive subjects was incredibly inappropriate. It was degrading and he used the wrong kind of humor to engage us. He also showed us several quotes that were taken out of context. He took quotes from people who have had affiliations and have supported both the KKK and Hitler. The messages he was giving was very contradicting.
What upsets me the most is that all these students got a misrepresentation of how the United States is. They believe that the US is just McDonald’s, guns, money, and fat people, which couldn’t be farther from the truth. It’s amazing how one person with a very biased opinion can influence the thoughts of others. I am still very upset about this and I wish others to think before they speak out to others. It’s incredibly easy to influence what someone thinks and how they perceive things.
Don’t take this post the wrong way. I am still having a great time here and I know I will continue to do so. I should have a post up soon about some of the cool things I have been doing!
The first was Steve Jobs. I knew little about the man behind the brilliance who created Apple. The movie portrays Jobs as an egocentric narcissist willing to do anything to get what HE wants. Folks who have read the books tell me this is in fact correct. His family, friends, coworkers and all who helped him achieve his goals were cast aside. Steve Jobs placed SELF ABOVE SERVICE.
The other movie was Truth. This is a story about a TV reporter creating a story about President George W. Bush and the National Guard. In her zeal to get the story she made some decisions about what may or may not have been accurate. She clearly let her personal politics sway her good judgment and went with a story that didn't stand up. In the end not only did she lose her job, but her fellow workers and finally news anchor Dan Rather did as well. She also place SELF ABOVE SERVICE.
Neither of these individuals would pass the 4 Way Test.
Recently I watched the acceptance speech of Malala Yousafzei for the 2014 Nobel Peace prize. She is the young student who was shot by the Taliban for advocating for girls education in Pakistan. She was seventeen and she was eloquent. She asked why out leaders could make war and not peace, why they could build tanks but not schools and why guns and not books. She called education one of the blessings of life - a blessing not given to sixty six million girls in the world today. She believes education and helping women is our path to peace. I urge you to take time to listen to it. She surely is one who puts SERVICE ABOVE SELF.
Winston Churchill said "We make a living by what we get, but we make a life by what we give"
November is Foundation month so this is a good time to take stock of what we have been given and how we can use that to help others. As is probably the case for some of you I have had way more opportunities to have and do things beyond any expectation I could have had growing up. Early on in my working career I knew I had to share with those that did not have the opportunities I had. Most of us have favorite areas we like to support. There are no wrong ones. Mine are education, conservation and the care of women and children. All three fit into the focus areas of Rotary. Giving just makes me feel good.
Soon Bart will be talking to the club about Polio Plus and the Foundation. This will be a time to consider being a Paul Harris Fellow or part of a team that pledges a set amount each year so together $1000.00 is given. Because of the generosity of Rotarians all over the world we have nearly eliminated Polio from this earth. How proud we can be.
Again congratulations to Dr. Murray Hanson on his well deserved selection as Rotarian of the Year. I continue to marvel at all he has done and continues to do for our Rotary Club and our Community. He joins an impressive group of previous recipients who truly live SERVICE ABOVE SELF.
As I put this together this Sunday I reflect on my morning coffee on the deck watching the sun come up over the prairie. God has given us a wonderful world and as Rotarians we have so many opportunities to keep
it that way.
As you know I am forever talking about promoting Rotary. This week I had two occasions to do just that. The first was in St. Mary's Hospital in Rochester where Nancie got to spend a couple of days. I was wearing my Rotary cap when an intern told me she was aware of the good things Rotary does. I suggested she join a Rochester Club. She said she probably would. The second was when I wore my Rotary pin at a wedding reception and a young lady asked about it. We talked Rotary for about ten minutes while waiting in the beverage line. She was truly impressed with what we do - especially Polio eradication.
Any one notice the Gopher Women's Hockey team beat the Huskies 11-0?
Angela Herzog has been proposed for membership by the distinguished Tony Langerud ($1.00), from the Tony Langerud State Farm Agency ($1.00.) Her classification would be -Non profit/ Big Brothers Big Sisters. If you have any questions or concerns, please direct them to Tony Langerud ($1.00), membership chair.
All Rotarians are invited to attend tomorrows meeting to honor our 2015 Rotarian of the Year. The selection committee of Dave Beranek (2009,) Richard cook (2010,) Lisa Humfeld-Wilson (2012,) Richard Ormsby (2013,) and Brent Peroutka (2014.) selected this years award winner from written nominations from club members. This Rotarian has provided exemplary service to the Club and has shown strong support to the organization over years of service.
As many of you know Rotary has joined with members of industry and government natural resource departments to create a corridor along interstate 35 from Minnesota to the gulf of Mexico of prairie plants for the migration of Monarchs whose numbers have greatly diminished the last few years. This has occurred primarily because of the use of herbicides in agriculture production. Pollinators are necessary for the majority of the plant production consumed by humans and animals. Late last we week our District Governor called to see if our club could collect milk weed pods so Rotary could package and give them out in the spring. Initially we thought it would be a good family project but with the recent frost the pods have began to burst so it has become impossible to organize such an effort. However this does not preclude each of us gathering a few on our own, I went out Sunday and was able to get enough to fill a three gallon pail. If each of use gather a few we can make an impact on the survival of the Monarch and thus help ensure out continuing and bountiful production of food.
On Tuesday September 22 at 6:15 pm Faribault Rotary Club and the City Council of the City of Faribault had a dedication ceremony for the renovated Security Bank clock at 302 Central Ave. Mayor John Jasinski began the ceremony thanking all those involved including the Faribault Rotary Club, city staff, and Mike Elwood/ Jim Pilcher, who repaired the clock. President Huston talked about our Rotary Club's 96 years of contributions to our community and how Rotary International's Polio eradification efforts around the world have isolated the virus to just Pakistan and Afghanistan. He also read the dedication plaque on display near the base of the clock. Also, special thanks to Rotarian and Chamber President Kymn Anderson for her leadership and hard work in making Al Burkhartmeyer's wish to have this clock working again.
What a simple yet important message. Some days it may seem all so easy to not take part in the world around us. It seems to me if we do we miss opportunities to PUT SERVICE ABOVE SELF. All around our community and throughout the world we can make a difference if we but choose to live every day of our lives.
"May you live every day of your life" Jonathon Swift
On Tuesday September 22 at 6:15 pm Faribault Rotary Club and the City Council of the City of Faribault are co-hosting a dedication of the renovated Security Bank clock at 302 Central Ave.
In addition to honoring the donors, this is a great opportunity to promote Rotary. Please wear your Rotary shirt and arrive a few minutes early. We will have Rotary brochures available and Dick Huston, our club President will say a few words at the event.
The Annual Rotary Picnic was held at the Rotary Camp on September 9. The sports theme brought out the best in everyone. Thanks to all who planned and prepared for this great event!
Saturday I joined a group of dedicated local folks and the four Faribault exchange students at an orientation in Roseville. The North Star Exchange Program which consists of Districts 5960 and 5950 invited exchange students, host families, youth exchange officers and counselors to learn more about each of our responsibilities, expectations and opportunities. It was chuck full of great and useful information but most of all it was a testament to the hard work so many give to this great program. We are so fortunate to have Lisa serving as our YEO. There were 63 exchange students from four continents. What a great way to promote peace in this world. The number of people needed to make this happen in impressive. In addition to the many Rotary volunteers in leadership roles there are some 800 host parents who open their homes to these inquiring minds from so many cultures, governments and religions. Curiously the majority of hosts there Saturday were not Rotarians. This causes me to ask two things of each of you - (1) Consider being a host family and (2) help Lisa with this most time consuming task each year of finding hosts. Thanks
Today marks my first month in Denmark. I still can’t believe that any of this is real. The time here is going so fast already, I don’t even want to think about how fast the rest of the year will go. These past few weeks I have had the chance to see some pretty amazing things and I have got to meet lots of new people.
All the exchange Students at Intro Camp
Two weeks ago, I attended a language camp with all 166 other exchange students in Denmark. We spent the days with language classes, eating cake (if you were lucky enough to get a piece before everyone ate it), and enjoying the different activities they had set up for us. On thursday they took us into the city of Aarhus and we got to go into the museum of Aros. The museum was beautiful along with the rest of the city. Every time I go somewhere new in Denmark I fall in love a little more with this beautiful country. It was so great to see all the exchange students together. I met so many amazing people at camp and I am so blessed to have my international friends.
Last week I started school. School is pretty different here. They get a lot of breaks and they have nicer chairs to sit in. Everyone in my class is really great and I know I will have a great time with them this year. The hardest part of school is not knowing whats going on for about 95% of the time. Its definitely something you have to get used too. I know things will get easier over time and getting into a routine will help.
Waiting to see the Queen of Denmark
This past weekend I went to a camp for all the exchange students in my district. It was nice to see some familiar faces and meet up again with my friends from camp. We hiked to the top of Himmelbjerget (one of the highest natural points in the Danish landscape) and spent time walking around. We were supposed to canoe there but the weather was to bad. When we got back we got to relax and hang out a bit (I took a nap) and then we played some games. The one game I did not like was when everyone decided to have a food fight. I did not enjoy getting Flødeboller (marshmallow covered in chocolate on top of a cookie) smashed in my hair. I didn’t just get one smashed in my hair but two of them. Overall I had a great time at camp and I can’t wait to see everyone soon at our district conference.
Last day of 1450 weekend get together
My first month in Denmark was a success and I cant wait to see what the next months will bring. This past month really was a rollercoaster of emotions and feelings and I still have no idea what I’m doing and I don’t think I ever really will, but thats okay. I know this exchange will be worth it and I can’t think of anything else I would want to be doing right now.
USA Exchange Students in District 1450Just your typical American picture
Family and neighbors helping and looking out for each other has been and still is a cornerstone of what makes this nation great. Through the decades what that has looked like has changed. Growing up on the farm some seven plus decades ago we celebrated birthdays with whole families coming over. Usually it was about eight in the evening when the chores were done. Parents would play cards and the kids doing whatever they could think up. No TV so we could let our imaginations run. Usually about ten there would be sandwiches, cake with either homemade ice cream or freshly whipped cream from milk taken from the cows that evening. Everyone went home about eleven. Next day school, milk the cows and whatever had to be done. Much different today. Not necessarily better or worse but certainly different. What is still important is that family and neighbors continue to be the core of our nation. We can all experience that Wednesday night when we have our annual Rotary picnic at the camp. SEE YOU ALL THERE AT 5:30!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
"When I was 5 years old, my mother always told me that happiness was the key to life. When I went to school, they asked me what I wanted to be when I grew up, I wrote down happy. They told me I didn't understand the assignment, and I told them that they didn't understand life" John Lennon. In the 70's the communists outlawed Lennon from being in or recognized in Prague. The people rebelled and started painting a wall to honor his lyrics. The communists painted over and people did it again. Today that wall is still there. To me it is a symbol that good can overcome and that if happiness is your goal jobs, relationships and life in general can be good.
On another note I attended a Veterinary conference in Berlin. At one of the sessions I sat next to a Veterinarian from the Netherlands who coordinated the construction of a 60,000 cow dairy in China paid for by Dannon Yogurt from France and stocked with cows from New Zealand. Some things to think about - this herd will consume 3,000,000 gallons of water a day, produce 6,000,000 pounds of waste per day and put out 960,000,000 pounds of milk each year.
Nominations for the Rotarian of the year 2015 are being accepted through September 2, 2015. The selection committee consists of Dave Beranek (2009,) Richard cook (2010,) Lisa Humfeld-Wilson (2012,) Richard Ormsby (2013,) and Brent Peroutka (2014.) The committee will select the award winner from written nominations only. You may use the nomination form the committee has prepared or submit your own.
You are encouraged to submit a written nomination by fax, email, or delivery to any committee member. Contact information for committee members is available on the Faribault Rotary Club website. Candidates for Rotarian of the Year 2015 should include those persons who are providing exemplary service to the Club now or have shown strong support to the organization over years of service.
Well, I have already been in Denmark for a little over a week and I love it. My host family is great, the food is good, and the people are nice. I couldn’t have asked for a better country to do my exchange on! Everything here is so beautiful and I can’t believe I live here.
I have been spending my time with my host family and getting to know the culture here. I started language school last week and have begun learning the danish language. The hardest part of learning a new language is listening to someone speak to you in that language. Even though this is hard now I know it will get easier with time. This past week I have been attending language school where I have been learning basic phrases in Danish. Then this upcoming week I will be attending language camp where I will be learning even more and also meeting some of the other exchange students in Denmark.
I have done so many things this past week I couldn’t even write them all without boring you. Even doing the little things here is like doing them for the first time. Going on walks is like exploring a whole new world I never knew existed and feeding the ducks is like exploring the depths of life. Just sitting outside or looking out the window makes me overcome with joy of being in such an amazing country.
Overall my first week in Denmark is something I will never forget. I already have met amazing people, have tried great things, and have accomplished things I never thought I would. I know that the upcoming months will bring challenges but I know I have people to love and support me though it and with that knowledge I know I can accomplish anything I set my mind to.
"Religions are not for separating men from one another; they are meant to bind them" Gandi
"Treat not others in ways that you yourself would find hurtful" The Buddha (Buddism)
"Lay not on any soul a load that you would not wish to be laid upon you, and desire not for anyone the things you would not desire for yourself" Baha'u'llah (Baha'i Faith)
"Not one of you truly believes until you wish for others what you wish for yourself." The Prophet Mahammad (Islam)
"What is hateful to you, do not do to your neighbor. This is the whole Torah; all the rest is commentary." Hillel, Talmud (Judaism) (
In everything, do to others as you would have them do to you" Jesus (Christianity)
"Regard your neighbor's gain as your own gain and your neighbor's loss as your own loss". T'ai Shang (Taoism)
"This is the sum of duty: do not do to others what would cause pain if done to you." Mahabharata (Hinduism)
"One word which sums up the basis of all good conduct... loving kindness. Do not do to others what you do not want done to yourself". Confucius (Confucianism)
"One should treat all creatures in the world as one would like to be treated". Mahavira (Jainiwm)
How can such commonality result in such strife in our world?
That clearly has defined our Rotary Club since I became a member some 5 years ago. That teamwork has provided multiple scholarships, better worldwide understanding through exchanges, community improvements, fun and a host of other worthwhile endeavors.
I am always amazed and impressed on how each of you has been and are a member of this team.
As we began a new year I am asking each of you to continue to be a part of this impressive team. Your are all important and the recent responses to membership and community service inquiries are proof of your dedication and willingness to put SERVICE ABOVE SELF.
At our August 12th meeting I will share some of the ideas I have for the coming year and will look to each of you for ideas of new challenges while at the same time continuing to serve the community in the many ways we have in the past.
I am looking forward to seeing all of you at the meeting and hearing from you how we can put into action that long time 4-H motto "To Make the Best Better".
A few years ago when I grousing about some benign problem I thought I was enduring my then 7-8 year old granddaughter Maddie said "Get over it grandpa." What great advice. I think of it often and do my best to practice it. How much better the world would be if we all could just "get over it". How many friendships are broken or families fractured or communities divided because we didn't just get over it. Not all wise persons are old and thoughtful. Some are 7-8 years old.
Last week the death of Cecil the Lion dominated the air waves, social media and the StarTribune had him on the front page in color for four successive days. On page five of one of those days they ran a story of a Syrian baby who died of starvation in a refuge camp because it's mother didn't have enough food to produce milk. Ten thousand children have died in Syria and tens of thousands more are suffering from malnutrition, disease or sexual abuse.
Dr. Richard Edwin Skewes, 78, longtime Minnesota music educator and professional musician, died at his lake home in Faribault July 18, 2015. Dick served as the 70th President of our Faribault Rotary Club (1990-91) and was a member for over 36 years. Long time club members remember him leading our singing and playing the piano/keyboard at weekly meetings. He was a positive influence in this club and to all those who knew him. He will be missed.
Memorial services were held on Friday, July 31, 2015 at 11:00 a.m. at Our Savior’s Lutheran Church, Faribault.
Son of George Jessop and Ruth (Viall) Skewes, he was born May 31, 1937 in Mayville, ND. He married Peggy Pierce… June 5, 1977. They resided in Faribault and Cape Coral, FL. Dr. Skewes taught orchestra for Willmar, Red Wing, St. Cloud and Faribault Public Schools. He earned B.S. and Masters degrees at St. Cloud State College and a PhD at University of Iowa, Iowa City. He played piano bar in St. Cloud, Iowa City and Ft. Myers. He played violin and viola with Rochester, MN and La Crosse symphonies and served 10 years as principal viola with Mankato Symphony. After retirement he performed for 20 years with Gulf Coast Symphony in Ft. Myers. A past president of Faribault Rotary Club, Dr. Skewes was a Paul Harris Fellow and longtime Club international exchange student officer.
Survivors include wife Peggy; daughters Lynsy (Tim) Nee of Pittsburgh, and Teresa (Paul) Reuvers of Lakeville; grandchildren Zacherie Reuvers (fiancée Colleen Lake) of Philadelphia, Courtney, Riley, Jonathan, and Nathan Reuvers at home; first wife, Victoria Lohmann of Pinellas Park, FL; brother Glen (Patricia) Skewes of La Crosse; nieces Ellinor Michel (Jon Todd) of London, England and Elizabeth (Adam) Skewgar of Seattle; nephews Jason Skewes of Minneapolis, Richard Abel of Fairmont, William Abel of Stillwater and Jeremy (Tina) Abel of Milaca; and sister-in-law Patricia (and Pastor Richard) Abel of Fairmont.
He was preceded in death by son Charles Skewes, parents George and Ruth and sister Alice Kennington.
This week the Rice County Report included an article about the Recycling/Landfill Center for 2014. Our 65,158 citizens produced 82,000,000 pounds or 1,258 pounds of garbage each. In contrast we recycled 21,150,000 or 325 pounds each. If we bury 82,000,000 in our little place on this planet can you even imagine the magnitude of volume worldwide?
Each 2,000 pounds of paper not recycled results in the destruction of 15-17 mature trees. It takes 95% less energy to recycle aluminum than it does to make from new materials. Plastic takes 100 to 400 YEARS to break down in the landfill and glass approximately one million years. Does this frighten you as much as it does me?
One way we can help the environment and promote Rotary is to use our Rotary bags. In my car I have bags from True Value, HyVee and Reliance Bank. I suspect they wouldn't have them if they didn't think it wouldn't promote their brand.
This week a headline in the StarTribune was "City checking out plastic bag ban". This has happened in other communities as more and more people realize what we are doing to our earth. In Chicago chains with three or more stores are banned from using plastic bags. In Dallas and Washington D. C. there is a 5 cent charge on every plastic bag. In Ireland when a 22 cent tax was put on every plastic bag the use dropped from 328 to 14 per person and they raised $223,000 in tax revenue. China banned them in 2008. They reported this saved 1.6 tons of oil and 40,000,000,000 plastic bags. SanFrancisco, Seattle are other cites have also implemented bans.
The ban is fought by the oil industry, bag manufacturers and some retailers. Again money attempts to trump our enviroment and our future.
During my travels I have visited two very contrasting situations. In Bangalore India there is little potable water so most use plastic bottles, which are routinely thrown in the street and washed to river during the monsoon season only to end up in the ocean where we are beginning to see plastic islands forming. Contrast this to Rwanda where it is against the law to bring a plastic bag into the country. Rwanda is clean - there is no trash. In addition to the ban of plastic bags EVERY able bodied citizen is required to pick up public trash the last day of each month. How great it was to walk down the street or drive down down the road and see zero trash. If a poor country like Rwanda can do it is there any reason we can't?
When I was growing up in western Minnesota one of my jobs on the farm was to milk the cows in the evening. While doing so I usually listened to the radio. Depending on the time I listened to Gang Busters, The Squeaky Door, The Lone Ranger and sometimes music.
In 1945 Johnny Mercer wrote the following song and sang it with the Pied Pipers. The lyrics made an impression on me then and have continued to be something I think of often. They have indeed had an impact on how I look at things. They help make my life so much better and fun. See what you think.
You've got to accentuate the positive.
Eliminate the negative.
And latch on to the affirmative.
Don't mess with Mr. In-Between.
You've got to spread joy up to the maximum.
Bring gloom down to the minimum.
Have faith or pandemonium's
liable to walk upon the scene.
To illustrate my last remark.
Jonah in the whale, Noah in the ark.
What did they do just when every thing looked so dark?
Man, they said "We'd better accentuate the positive".
What a fun and peaceful world we could have if we all:
The 4th of July is one time to again thank all the men and women who have given so much of themselves to secure our freedom. I have a really good friend who came home from Viet Nam with a leg full of shrapnel. Just the other day a piece had migrated up to his chest and came out of his body some 41 years after he came home. My brother who is 9 years younger than me is dying because of agent orange. There are probably members in our club who tell can similar stories. Those of us who have not served in the military can't even imagine what they have gone through. War is cruel in so many ways but not protecting people who are continually abused, tortured and killed doesn't seem like an option either. Babies shouldn't be shot in the head while being held by their mother and them the lifeless body dumped in trench. A thirty second news clip of the horror some people are subjected to barely raises an eyebrow anymore.
I have been fortunate enough to travel quite a bit and have witnessed first hand the poverty and the difficult circumstances some people in the U.S. and especially third world counties have no choice about every single day of their life. These experiences have instilled in me a unending sense of gratitude and a wanting to share with others what God has given to me.
I have a flag outside my bedroom. It is the first thing I see when I wake up. Every morning my prayers include a thank you to God for letting me be born in America.
These Faribault Rotary Club Past Presidents were present at the induction ceremony last week including these former Presidents and past members visiting us- Dr. Roy Anderson (1973-74) 3rd from right, James Nielson (1989-90) 5th from right, Dean Purdie (1977-78) 6th from right, and Dale Hamilton(1981-82) 3rd from left. Thank you to all Past Presidents for your service to our club!
Having had the good fortune of nearly eight decade on this earth I have had the opportunity to meet and learn from so many folks I admire. In addition to my family they have helped mold who I am today. People, places and events have all shaped my life. During my year of president I am going to share some of the those influences.
When I left traditional Veterinary Practice in 1984 I worked with Layton Hoysler for two years. As many of you know Layton was a long time and active member of this club.
For the last 31 years my profession has led me to the improbable work of providing litigation support in animal agriculture lawsuits. This requires being qualified by the court as an expert in your chosen field. In my case that is Veterinary Medicine, management, production and economics. Most of my work has to do with dairy cows.
Some of my files contain 10,000 - 20,000 documents along with depositions and court documents. It is my job to form clear and concise opinions which can be presented to the court in a manner each juror can understand. After reading all the data and doing the appropriate research I need to have opinions I can back. As Layton advised me so many years ago I need "be an advocate of my opinion".
As in my work I form opinions in my everyday life after much study and thought and as most of you know I express my opinion freely To me if I have an opinion and do not express it it really doesn't have an opportunity to change anything. Only when two people having differing opinions express them can there be dialog. Without dialog there can be no solution. Other people's views and/or more study does cause me to sometimes change my opinion or perhaps because of what I said someone else will change theirs. In my opinion having opinions is wrong only when I fail to listen to the other side and thus eliminate any possibility of compromise or to change my view. Unfortunately this lack of compromise is the order of the day at all levels of government and has resulted in more decisiveness that I have ever witnessed. As in so much of today's world that lack of compromise is fueled by greed and power.
I have friends who will not express their political affiliation or go to a certain place or buy a particular product for fear they will offend a potential customer. My philosophy has been to be who I am. The primary characteristics that I believe have given me an opportunity to enjoy more than fifty two years at this great job of serving people is integrity and my willingness to work hard.
Today I urge you to form your opinions carefully, be willing to share and change them and be proud to express them. There are no bad opinions - make yours count for the betterment of this world.
As I pen my last Weekly Message as your 95th Club President, I am overwhelmed with feelings of honor, privilege and humility. It has been a real treat to be your President over the last 12 months. Each of you have my deepest respect; individually and collective, the Rotary Club of Faribault is full of integrity, heart and character. These are qualities that result in a group of like-minded people coming together to share their PASSION for service above self.
On Wednesday, we will celebrate the conclusion of our 95th year. We will recognize the tireless efforts of our current board and install the upcoming board for the 2015-2016 Rotary year. Finally, we will recognize and welcome our newest Club President as we install the 96th President of the Rotary Club of Faribault, passing the gavel to Dr. Richard Huston. During this final meeting of my Rotary year, I will also share a few thoughts on the PASSION of our Club.
I hope to see you Wednesday for this very important and final Club meeting of our 95th year.
Our Rotary Club was honored to hand out four Paul Harris awards in May. The Paul Harris Fellow recognition acknowledges individuals who contribute, or who have contributions made in their name, of $1,000 to The Rotary Foundation of Rotary International. Pictured from l to r: Bart Jackson, Foundation Chair; and our Paul Harris recipients: Rod Mahler, Brent Peroutka, Tony Langerud and Doug Schluter. Thank you for you contributions!
Rotary Exchange Student from Thailand shared her exchange story with our club last week. Frame shared her experiences and wonderful pictures from the year. She enjoyed the changing of the seasons and her wonderful host families. She went on many vacations and saw some amazing places. Thank you Frame! We will miss our two Rotary Exchange Students as they go back to Thailand and India. It was great to share the year with you. Pictured from left to right: Frame from Thailand, Tony and Asma from India.
As you know, we honored mother's last month. This Sunday, we have the opportunity to honor father's.
As we move through the week and you prepare to honor father's you know and/or be honored as a father, I thought it would be fitting to provide a little background on the history of Father's Day.
Here are a few interesting points:
1. Father's Day did not have the same momentum as Mother's Day during the early years as it was felt father's are not near as 'sentimental' as mothers.
2. The first ever known event to honor fathers occurred in a West Virginia church on July 5, 1908.
3. In 1907, a woman from Spokane, WA attempted to solidify an equivalent to Mother's Day, campaigning around the city to local churches, the YMCA, government officials and local shopkeepers. She was successful in her efforts and on July 19, 1910, the state of Washington celebrated the first state-wide Father's Day.
4. President Wilson encouraged the holiday in 1916.
6. In 1924, President Calvin Coolidge urged state governments to observe Father's Day.
7. Over the next several years, men scoffed at the idea saying it was inappropriate to domesticate 'manliness' and create a commercialized holiday to sell gifts for men that were ultimately paid by the fathers themselves.
8. During the 1920's and 30's, there was a movement to combine Mother's and Father's days to one holiday; Parent's Day. However, during the depression, retailers double downed their efforts to promote these as separate holidays to maximize retail opportunities.
9. During World War II, retailers promoted the day as a way to honor American troops and support the war effort. Although it didn't become an official holiday, it certainly became a national institution.
10. Finally, in 1972, President Richard Nixon signed a proclamation to make Father's Day a federal holiday.
There you have it, Father's Day 101. Now, as enter Father's Day on Sunday, you are better equipped to honor and be honored. Happy Father's Day to ALL fathers out there!
This week, we have a great program on the Faribault Woolen Mill 150th anniversary. This would be an excellent program to invite a guest to.
Our Rotary exchange student from Thailand, Frame, shares her experiences and memories from her year with her host families and as a 10th grader at Bethlehem Academy.
Listening to Asma last week conjured up a whole lot of thoughts and emotions in me. We are so fortunate to have her, Frame and all the other exchange students come to our community. Not only do we as club members gain a great deal but all the students who attend classes with them as well. What a great way to celebrate our likenesses and understand our differences. This is the kind of understanding can provide a basis to a more peaceful world. I especially applaud Lisa and all the host families who give so much of their time to make these exchanges a success.
Were you surprised when Asma said her biggest surprise was being able to drink water from a tap? There are 1,210,193,000 people in India getting their drinking water either from a plastic bottle or an unsanitary source. I find this both disheartening and frightening. A few years a go I did a Veterinary mission in Southern India. I flew into Bangalore - a city of seven million people with no water or sewer systems to speak of and they do not recycle. When I inquired about the plastic bottles laying on the street I was informed that the rains would come, wash them down the river and eventually to the ocean where we are beginning to see the formation of plastic islands. As we know in our own country not taking care of our water has rippling negative effects. We only have to look to lakes, rivers and streams to see how farmers, industry and developers are polluting. These same groups have pushed back hard on recent efforts by Governor Dayton and President Obama to put remedies in place. Each of us need to take ownership of this evermore serious issue.
I am really looking forward to hearing from Frame this week to hear about her insight gained while here. Lets all attend and give her a rousing Faribault Rotary welcome.
Rotary Foundation Chair Bart Jackson presented Dr. Richard Huston (PH+2), Grant Wilson (PH+2), and Steve Pribyl with Paul Harris Awards at the June 3rd meeting. Also pictured at the far right is Tony Langerud, Club President.
The late Al Burkhartzmeyer was always an advocate for downtown Faribault. He was very involved business development encouraging businesses to come to downtown Faribault and helping downtown Faribault through decades of projects and promotions.
Al was also a dedicated Rotarian with 55 years of perfect attendance in Rotary. He served in many capacities in his years as a Rotarian and always honored the message of integrity and service espoused by Rotary.
One of Al’s last requests connects his two community passions; Downtown Faribault and Faribault Rotary. Al asked the Rotary leadership to take on the restoration of the Security Bank Clock. When the end was near he asked his family to set aside some of his memorials to start the restoration fund. The Historic Preservation Commission of the City obtained a permanent easement for the clock assuring it will remain in good repair once restored.
The estimate to fully restore and repair the clock is $27,000 and we have secured the funds to start the repairs. Our club has presented a check to the City of Faribault.
Rotarians Kymn Anderson (334-4381) and Brent Peroutka (332-8012) may be contacted for more information.
Donations are payable to the Faribault Foundation/Clock Project and may be sent to Faribault Foundation PO Box 434 MN 55021 or delivered clearly marked to the Chamber office, Reliance Bank or Tony Langerud’s State Farm Insurance office.
I was driving my daughter to the MSP airport this morning at 5:30 am. It is unbelievable how busy the airport is at 5:30 am!
Exciting day today!! Our daughter started her first 'real job' last week after graduating from the U of MN. She was on her way to Dallas for a week of training in the exciting Galleria area of Dallas!
As we approached the river in the Burnsville/Bloomington area, Lauren commented how gorgeous the sunrise was. The pink and orange sky lighting up the cotton wall of light clouds in the air. It was spectacular!! Lauren continued to take several photos with her camera and we talked about how the early morning is such a special time of life. It is when the world becomes alive again, in all it's beauty and splendor. I mentioned that 'early morning' is my favorite time of day. Although Lauren didn't agree with that comment (22 year old recent college grad......) she did agree it was a truly beautiful.
The sunrise was a gift that really made this simple and basic drive to the airport become a special moment between a father and a daughter.
When was the last time you allowed the sunrise to make your day or moment special!! As the saying goes, be sure to stop and smell the roses; but get up earlier and allow the sunrise to jump start your day.
I hope each of you and your families had a wonderful Memorial weekend and enjoyed some patriotic relaxation as we unofficially kick off the summer.
So often, we can take for granted the freedoms and way of life each of us enjoys. We all know of people who have served in the armed forces and, unfortunately, many of us know friends, family or neighbors who lost their lives while serving in the armed forces. Let us all be sure to honor, thank and remember the many who have died, along with their families, protecting and keeping secure the freedoms we so enjoy. We are called to have hearts of incredible gratitude.
This week, Travis Temke will be our guest speaker. Travis is brewing up a great program and will join us to provide an update on the upcoming F-Town Brewery.
President Tony Langerud presented District Vice President Charlie Cogan from the Northfield Rotary Club with a check for $250 to help fund improvements to the Northfield Skate Park. The donation will be matched dollar per dollar by a district grant. Way to go Faribault Rotary Club-building goodwill and better friendships!
Today I think I will tell what has influenced my life these nearly eight decades so you perhaps can have some idea what makes me tick and what is in store for 2015-2016.
I grew up on a farm typical for the area of western Minnesota - cows, pigs, sheep, chickens, goats, horses, cats and dogs were and have been part of who I am all my life. Until I was eleven our family lived in two bedroom house with no running water or central heat. There were six of us which meant we carried water every day about a block to wash clothes, can, cook and bathe. It always worked and I never felt depraved. When I was eleven my parents built a house that included a shower in the basement. It was wonderful. I went to a one room rural school with about 20 students, all eight grades, one teacher and again no running water. We made our own enjoyment playing workup softball, throwing snowballs and whatever seemed like fun. I was nearly two miles from school and got there by walking, biking, horseback riding and in bad weather my parents.
My parents each had an 8th grade education. During the depression my dad. drove a team of his horses to help build roads for the WPA in addition to doing all the farm work.
After graduating from Benson High School in 1955 (60th class reunion this summer) I went to St. Olaf for two years. My parents did not have money to help and I wasn't smart enough or a good enough athlete to get a scholarship so at 18 I began supporting myself. I have since learned that what my parents did give me was way more valuable than money. They taught me that work should be done by all who are capable, that education is incredibly important and that we all have a duty to help those that find themselves in situations that they can't change unless we as individuals lend a hand. These principals have pretty much guided my life since I left Benson High.
After two years at St. Olaf I was out of money so I left school, went to Minneapolis and got some jobs. I ran the children's shoe department at Powers, audited expense accounts for Hartford Insurance, sold men's wear in the Minneapolis downtown Penny's store and various other jobs. Each job taught something that helped me.. Got back in the education groove at the U of MN, got my undergraduate degree and graduated from the College of Veterinary Medicine in 1963.
I came to Faribault in 1964 to join Dr. Al Batchelder. We grew the practice to six Veterinarians with five of us owners. I loved practice and I had great partners. I have always enjoyed doing kind of "out of the box" things and in the early 1980's was the first rural practitioner in Minnesota to do a successful on farm bovine embryo transfer.
In 1984 I began consulting in product liability farm issues providing expert analysis and testimony in animal agriculture. Having been recognized as an expert in Federal Court as an expert in agriculture production, veterinary issues, management and economics I have had the good fortune to have had work in 37 states. When I graduated I had no idea such an opportunity would present the itself. It was a fellow Rotarian Layton Hoysler who initially encouraged me to try this line of work. This job has been awesome. I never envisioned in 1963 that a Veterinarian would be paid for an opinion!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! As some of you know I have a few.
In 1960 I had my first taste of travel. Two days after finals of my freshman year in Veterinary College I hitchhiked to Montreal, sailed to England and hitched hiked Europe. I got back a day before class, sold some stuff to rent a room, got my job back and started class. I stayed in Hostels, was invited into peoples homes, panhandled meals and had a great summer on very little money. I went through the Brandenburg gate a few times when I was in Berlin. I saw first hand the destruction of war and the affect it had on people.
About 25 years ago I started doing some Veterinary missions in such places as Bolivia, Mongolia, Myanmar and Romania. This further imprinted the hardships so many people endure only because they were born where they were. In addition my wife Glenda and I traveled a great deal. We saw the poverty and miserable plight in so many underdeveloped areas of Africa, Asia and South America. Especially disheartening was the lack of education and the status of women. I firmly believe if we educate children and empower women we can have a peaceful world. Until we do we will continue to live with violence and destruction.
When I was about 30 I made some financial decisions which have worked out pretty good for me. First I didn't and still do not buy things I couldn't pay for. Second I paid all my bills to zero every month and lived on what was left.. Being in the kind of business I was some months were pretty lean. Third I put some money away for me and my family. Forth I gave 7-10% of my gross income to someone or some organization which educated, fed or other wise helped those with less than me
It has been a wonderful life I have been so blessed.. I have had so many people through the years that have had such a great and positive impact in who I am and what I have done.
I do not take lightly the honor the Faribault Rotary has given me to be president. I will do my best. I take suggestions. I will be inclusive. I will need help. I have no doubt everyone in our club will continue to help each of us as individuals and as a club to "Be a gift to the world".
Happy Mother's Day week!! I hope you all had an awesome day on Sunday celebrating with all those mother's you know. A great quote that sums up the importance of mothers come to us from George Washington:
“My mother was the most beautiful woman I ever saw. All I am I owe to my mother. I attribute my success in life to the moral, intellectual and physical education I received from her.”
Let us use this past Sunday as a gentle reminder to honor our mothers and those who are pursuing this most noble role, not just once per year but each and every day. For it is because of your mom, you are breathing right now. If nothing else, you should thank her for that.
We have a great program lined up tomorrow. Dan McGinty, Executive Vice President with Allina, will join us to provide an update on the District One Hospital/Allina integration. This would be a nice program to invite guests to.
I will not see you tomorrow as the SJU Johnnie baseball team earned a berth the NCAA Division III baseball regionals. So, hopefully while you are having lunch, I will be enjoying a Johnnie victory over Coe College.
Wow!! The trees are popping and the grass is green! Spring has finally sprung and doesn't it feel good!!
Are you present and attentive?? This is a question I have been pondering over the last week or so. My wife and I are taking a wonderful class through our church. On a recent Saturday morning at the University of St. Thomas, I was listening to our presenter. He spent a great amount of time on this simple but powerful concept; 'In whatever you are doing, are you PRESENT and ATTENTIVE?'. How important this is in family, work and life matters. In a world that we allow to be full of pace and multi-tasking, do we have the discipline to be fully present and fully attentive to those we are working with, living with and relating to?
A great question to ponder for us all.
Our Rotary Engagement Task Force created a document to help us reflect on how 'present and attentive' we will be with our Rotary efforts in the upcoming Rotary year. This is a gentle reminder to complete the form and return it to James Wolf as soon as possible. We would like to see ALL Rotarians complete this form in the next week or so.
For those of you who didn't receive a form or need an additional one, I will send it as an attachment in a separate email. If you have any questions about the form, please see James Wolf.
We have a wonderful program tomorrow!! Lois Krinkie will be joining us to share about one of the greatest gems of Faribault; The Faribault Emeralds. Hope you kick your way to the meeting tomorrow!
Mine was great because it included an awesome Rotary Social on Saturday night!! The 2nd Annual Wine Tasting event was a huge success with about 75 people in attendance. Many of you were there to experience some great fellowship, outstanding wine and wonderful appetizers.
The fundraising portion of the evening was beyond our expectations. As you are aware, the plan was to use all proceeds from this event to help fund the Security Bank Clock project. Going into the evening, we needed approximately $13,000 to finish the financing portion of the project. Because of the incredible generosity of many, both in attendance and not, we were able to get very close to the full amount funded. There will be a more detailed report of the results at our meeting on Wednesday.
Thank you to all who assisted with this project. Many hands have been involved so far. A special thank you to Kymn Anderson, Dan Hedge and Lisa Humfeld-Wilson who all did an outstanding job of planning, preparing and executing! A big thank you to Michelle Redman who was our VOICE for the live Fund the Need portion of the event. We had in excess of 25 different donors offer to contribute funds varying from $1500 to $100 each. What an incredible witness to the charitable hearts in Faribault!!
Also, a big thank you to our vendors: Bashers, Faribo Liquor, Arna Farmer and Millner Heritage Winery.
Wednesday, we have a great program lined up. One of veteran Rotarians, George Wickstrom, will be giving his Reclassification Speech. Should be a great meeting!!
1. You are invited to fill out your Faribault Rotary Club "Annual Engagement Form" and return it to James Wolf. This is your opportunity to find the areas that you can best serve your club and your community.
2. You are invited to attend the annual Chamber Business Expo this Thursday April 23rd at the Faribault Ice Arena. Please contact Jake Cook if you would like to take a shift at the Rotary table at the east end of the arena. This is our chance to share Rotary with our community.
3. You are invited to attend the Faribault Rotary Spring Social this Saturday at 5:30pm at the Bachrach Building downtown. This event will include wine tasting, appetizers, and a silent/live auction. Tickets are $40/person or $75/couple and include the C. Willi Myles Comedy Show at the Paradise Theatre across the street at 7:30pm. Tickets are still available so, please see Dan, Lisa, Tony, Kymn, or Murray to purchase yours today. If you are unable to attend, we ask that you make a donation to the Restoration of the Security Bank Clock project in honor of Al Burkhartzmeyer (see related story below.)
Tony asked me if I would like to do the message about once a month before I took office. After some thought I decided it was probably a good idea.
First I would like to thank the board for having the confidence in me that I can do the job. I came into Rotary when Shelly was president, followed by Murray, Kymnn, Brent and now Tony. It seems a daunting task to follow this great leadership. They have already and are willing to help me navigate this coming year.
There are so many things about our Rotary Club that stand out but near the top of a list is the willingness of so many of you to step up to the plate and do good for this community. The coming year can only be as good as the past is if each of us continue to put service above self.
My goal this year is to maintain and enhance the projects already in place while at the same time introduce some new ideas which I think will help make our club stronger and provide more service. This can only happen with the help of each and every one of you.. Be thoughtful and willing when filling out the participation document that James and his committee prepared for each of us. Everyone has a talent which will make our Rotary succeed.
The motto of our incoming International President is "Be a gift to the World". We can be that gift and our world starts in Faribault,
This article from StarTribune.com can also be viewed on our full website
Charles Adams Cogan
April 05, 2015 - 11:36 AM
While the United States struggles to contain the growing measles outbreak, the whole continent of Africa is on the verge of eradicating another infectious disease, the crippling polio virus. Over the last 30 years, Rotary and its partners in the Global Polio Eradication Initiative (GPEI) have made remarkable progress toward a polio-free world, reducing global polio cases by 99 percent.
Only three countries remain polio endemic: Pakistan, Afghanistan and Nigeria. Stern challenges remain. Pakistan is a reservoir for the virus, with more than 300 cases of wild poliovirus last year; most of Afghanistan’s 28 polio cases in 2014 were imported from its neighbor. Insecurity in Pakistan and in Nigeria, in particular, have made it challenging for health workers to access all children with the polio vaccine. Despite this, Nigeria reduced its polio caseload by almost 90 percent in 2014, and the entire continent of Africa has not seen a case since August 2014.
Some of the drivers of this progress in Nigeria include creative solutions, such as the installation of vaccination posts on the perimeter of destabilized areas to target transient populations. Rotary leaders on the ground have advocated tirelessly for the polio vaccine, educating religious and community leaders about its benefits.
Polio vaccination also has been combined with other badly needed health care interventions in the country, such as measles vaccination and distribution of malaria nets. Health clinics have been set up so that children brought in for polio vaccinations can also receive other necessary medical care, making the trip more worthwhile for mothers.
When Rotary, one of the founding partners of the GPEI, first launched its PolioPlus program in 1985, the idea was that by fighting to eradicate polio, the global infrastructures to fight other diseases also would be strengthened. In Nigeria, personnel trained and equipped to monitor the spread of polio were able to support the efforts of the Nigerian government to track possible carriers of the Ebola virus last year. This facilitated swift and effective quarantine procedures and blood sample analysis to contain the virus.
Rotary also has focused on setting up viable “cold chains,” from refrigeration units in major cities to kerosene refrigerators in areas without electricity to special carrying cases that allow the polio vaccine to be kept cold during vaccination campaigns in rural areas. All of these materials become the property of the national health services and can then be used for other purposes.
Similar methods were vital in making India — long considered the toughest place to eradicate polio — free of the virus. The country marked four years since its last case in January.
All of Nigeria’s gains have been achieved amid ongoing instability in the north of the country. However, this progress is fragile. Polio eradication must remain a top priority at all levels of government in Nigeria, and the country must continue to work to achieve higher levels of immunity in vulnerable areas, particularly in the north.
We now have a narrow window of opportunity to build on this progress and stop polio once and for all. Investment in this opportunity is the only way to yield the ultimate payoff: Future generations of children will be free of this devastating disease and the health of the world will long benefit from the program’s knowledge and infrastructure.
Most towns in the United States have a local Rotary Club, each working in its own way to provide funding for the global effort. The 63 Rotary Clubs in communities across eastern Minnesota and western Wisconsin will soon have contributed more than $1 million to PolioPlus since 2008.
Visit endpolio.org to donate, and to learn more. Through 2018, every dollar contributed to Rotary for polio eradication is matched 2 to 1 by the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, tripling your donation. The world is very close to being polio-free, and you can be a part of making it happen.
Charles Adams Cogan is a former Peace Corps volunteer (Togo, West Africa) and an associate dean of admissions at Carleton College in Northfield. He also is co-chair of the PolioPlus committee of Rotary District 5960 and has led teams of Rotarians for polio vaccination work in West Africa.
I hope you and your families had a wonderful Easter weekend full of fun, relaxation and joy.
On Monday morning, I was blessed with a wonderful experience I thought I would share with you. I will caption it, 'share your excitement for life!!'.
We were fortunate to have most of my family in town to celebrate Easter this past weekend. One unfortunate situation occurred; my parents vehicle would not start on Sunday. Through the course of the day, we attempted several times to get it started; no luck. On Monday morning, we planned to have it towed so it could be fixed. Much to our surprise, the car started after one attempt on Monday...... It appeared to be an issue with a 'registered/programmed' key vs. on that was not 'registered'. This is another story......
My father and I decided to drive the car to a service station to confirm our suspicion of why the car had not started with the idea that IF we were wrong and turned the vehicle off and then it didn't start again, we would have it at the right location without needing a tow. We talked to the service technician and he confirmed our suspicion. Easy fix; actually no fix at all!!
Here is where the 'SHARE YOUR EXCITEMENT FOR LIFE' story comes in. After finishing our discussion about the car issues, I asked the young service technician how his weekend was. He replied 'It was AWESOME!!'. I followed with a second question, 'What made it so awesome?'. He quickly shared, 'Our Easter service was fantastic!! The pastor's message was absolutely incredible and gave me such a lift for life. We are so fortunate and blessed. Life is awesome!!'
The service technician is a great guy, always does a super job and takes good care of his customers. I just wasn't necessarily expecting this response from him. What he shared with us about this excitement for life and the reason for his excitement tremendously impacted both my father and me. We both got back in the car and looked at each other with the same thought in mind; 'what a great guy and his excitement is sure contagious.'
So, as you proceed through your days, be sure to reflect on the good that is going on in your life. Then, take it one step further and 'share your excitement' with others so their day can be infused with excitement as well.
This photo was taken at our annual club picnic at the Rotary Camp in June 2005. From left to right is Farryl Kluis, Nate Chappius, Al Burkhartmeyer and Layton Hoysler. Sheriff Cook is in the background behind Nate.
Do you have your Easter candy stocked? How about your hard boiled eggs? Are they ready to be colored and hid? And don't forget the Easter baskets, full of fun stuff and chocolate bunnies; maybe even a Peep or two!!
For many families, this is a busy time of fun, faith and candy. For others, it my be the most sacred week of the year. Still for others, it may just be another week. Whatever your week is for you, make it your best. Take time to quiet your mind, reflect on all the good, reflect on what the upcoming days and weeks mean to you and your family.
We have a great program this week which will provide great information on Community Solar Gardens. Come have lunch and hear about this innovative way to create efficient shared energy.
May you have a wonderful week full of all you hope it to be!!
The Faribault Rotary Club welcomed new member Dr. Steve Elwood this month. Dr. Elwood is a small animal veterinarian with Heartland Animal Hospital. Pictured from L to R: Past Faribault Rotary President Brent Peroutka, Dr. Steve Elwood and Faribault Rotary President Tony Langerud. Welcome Steve!
With our meeting this Wednesday being held at Shattuck St. Mary's, I thought it would be interesting to provide a few SSM Facts. Shattuck brings so much to so many, especially our community. To that end, here are a few 'historical' SSM Facts gleaned from the school's website to help us all gain a greater appreciation for this iconic institution.
1. Shattuck St. Mary's was founded on June 3, 1858 by the Rev. Dr. James Lloyd Breck, which started out as an Episcopal mission school and seminary.
2. Initial enrollment of the school was 45 students.
3. In 1860, Bishop Whipple took over the 'reins' of the school.
4. 1864 was the year the school moved to it's present location on the bluffs of the Straight River.
5. In 1865, the military school was started that would last over a century.
6. In 1866, Shattuck Hall was created to house the boys and St. Mary's Hall was established for the girls.
7. In 1901, St. James School was founded to help educate younger boys.
8. The three schools, St. Mary's, St. James and Shattuck, were merged in 1972 into the school we now know as Shattuck St. Mary's.
9. The military program was discontinued in 1974.
10. In 1988, the school was reconfigured into St. Mary's for middle school students in grades 6-8 and Shattuck for the upper school students in grades 9-12.
There you have it; a bit of SSM history. See you Wednesday!!
K. R. "Ravi" Ravindran from Sir Lanka takes office July 1, 2015 as Rotary International President.
His motto is "Be a gift to the World"
Our local Faribault Rotary President Elect, Dr. Richard Huston, who will also be taking office July 1st, met Ravi at the recent President Elect Training. Dr. Huston is busy planning for the new Rotary year
Local President Elect meets International President Elect
What a wonderful time of year!! We were very blessed last week with some gorgeous weather to help make a smooth transition from winter to spring. I hope you were able to get out and enjoy!
This time of year is a great reminder to clean, refresh and renew. Don't miss this opportunity. Be sure to give yourself some time to ponder what needs to be cleaned, refreshed and renewed in your life. Author, Matthew Kelly refers to this as taking '10 minutes in the classroom of silence' each day. Although life is busy and fast-paced, by giving ourselves 'permission' to 'take 10', we will be able to connect with what is most important, maintain proper priority, and truly embark on a 'spring time' of cleaning, refreshing and renewing.
Give yourself permission and make it a great spring!!
It is good to be back in Faribault after a wonderful week in sunny Florida watching my son play baseball, meeting new friends and spending time with my bride. I wish I could take credit for bringing the warmth back with me....... It is wonderful to have 50's and 60's again!!
Thanks again to our past presidents for pitch hitting for me over the last few weeks. Our club is so very blessed with so many wonderful leaders!!
My message today is a result of reflections as I sat in Fort Myers watching the St. John's Johnnie baseball team battle to a 5 and 4 record. Here are the two thoughts that continued to bubble up to the surface as I searched for 'life lessons' in the sun while watching some great ball.
1. During two games, the Johnnies battled back from 4 and 5 run deficits to win in the 9th. Yogi Berra's, 'It ain't over till it's over' famous quote kept ringing loud and clear during these two games. In baseball, unlike many other sports, a team is not able to 'stall', 'take the air out of the ball', or 'run out the clock'. A team must still pitch, play defense and get 3 outs to finish the game. In the case of these two games, the Johnnies maximized their opportunities and pushed to victory.
2. Throughout the week, we were able to watch 9 baseball games. In doing so, I kept thinking how fortunate all these young men are to be able to continue playing a game they love and hoped they realize how fortunate they are.
So, you ask, what are the 'life lessons' Langerud referred to few paragraphs earlier? Here they are as I see it:
1. We each have the same number of 'outs' or hours in a day. Are we maximizing our 'outs' so that we truly are becoming the best versions of ourselves or do we allow 1, 2 or 3 of those 'outs' to go by each day without taking our best swing, maybe not even swinging at all??
2. How do we approach each day?? Do we approach it with the realization that each day is a gift in the 'game' of life much like I hoped each baseball player in Fort Myers last week looked at the great opportunity to play the 'game' of baseball or do we get caught up in the 'thick of thin things', forcing us to view the day as drudgery or full of obstacles.
My hope is that each of us use ALL our 'outs' wisely by taking our best swings and also look at each day as a 'gift' in the 'game'. In this way, we can continue to progress toward personally becoming the best versions of ourselves and helping others do the same.
The annual Strive Awards banquet was held Sunday evening March 1st at the Elks Club. The Faribault Rotary Club honored students from Faribault High School and Bethlehem Academy with college scholarships totaling $21,000. Inspiring messages were given by District Governor, Karel Weigel and committee chair, Dan Hedge. Thank you to all Rotarians involved, especially the Strive committee, for your efforts.
The pictures below include, 1. All Strive Scholars 2. The Strive Scholarship winners 3. The $2,500 Springmeyer Scholarship in honor of Steve Springmeyer award winner, Valerie Henry, and Carol Springmeyer. 4. The $2,500 Schaefer Scholarship in honor of Keith Schaefer award winner, Nicole Mahowald, and Christine Schaefer. 5. The $5,000 Bahl Scholarship in honor of Wes Bahl and The Bahl Foundation award winner from Faribault High School, Nina Lessman, and Penny Bailey.
With baseball season starting already it’s fitting that I’ll be “pinch-hitting” for President Tony again this week. Our program will be a “home-run” as we hear from Homestead Apiaries (this is another George Wickstrom production).
I want to say “Thank You” to every Rotarian that volunteered for the STRIVE program this past year, helped plan and prepare for the banquet, or attended the banquet Sunday evening. STRIVE is our club’s largest program and it has been wonderful to see the program evolve since its inception in 1997. There were nearly 50 students that were recognized as STRIVE scholars Sunday evening. For those of you that want to get involved in this great program reach out to a board member soon as the 2015-2016 program year begins in March.
I hope you can make it to lunch on Wednesday for Rotary Fun and Fellowship.
All Rotarians are invited to the annual Strive Awards and Recognition Banquet at 6pm on March 1st at the Elks Club. This year the committee is asking for at least 24 club members to be table hosts. We also have the honor of welcoming our District Governor, Karel Weigel, who will be attending the program. This is a great opportunity for each Rotarian to be a part of our "signature" program to support our local students. Dan Hedge will be passing around a sign up sheet at our meeting tomorrow or you can email or give him a call.
Thank you to the Strive committee for all there hard work!
Welcome to new member Keith Kluzak who is pictured here with President Tony Langerud (left), sponsor, Darlene Meillier, and membership chair, Brent Peroutka (right).
Amid all the Super Bowl frenzy during this Super Bowl week, combined with the most recent NFL saga, Deflategate, I thought the attached article on the link below from the February Rotarian may be of interest. If you haven't read it yet, you will, at a minimum, find it an interesting read.
I hope you enjoy the article, and, if you choose to watch, I wish you much joy in watching the Big Game and the commercials that come along with it.
The Packers ability to snatch defeat from the jaws of victory brings back many Viking memories. We feel your pain, Dan. We will guide you through the recovery process every week until next season!
Thanks to our group that traveled to Sierra Leone, we were able to get a glimpse of a small piece of our world last week as they presented a bit of their trip. This was a nice way for us to remind ourselves to look beyond our community and see what is happening elsewhere.
I had that same opportunity on Saturday when my wife Carol and I picked up our 21 year old daughter from the airport. Lauren had just returned from a short study abroad in London. She also had the opportunity to travel to Paris. What a gift to hear the fresh perspectives of an energetic 21 year old sharing her new perspectives on how the world is so big and, in some ways, so small. Not only does Lauren have an improved appreciation for her home, she has a new appreciation for our brothers and sisters in the rest of the world.
Continuing with this theme, I thought I would share a few excerpts from the Rotarian magazine on what is happening around the world. We are doing great things right here in our community. It is nice to hear what other clubs are doing in their world....
In British Columbia, about 400 students now have a free daily lunch. The local Rotary Club partnered with a local grocer to provide the meals, worked with teachers to identify students in need, and raffled off a shopping spree to the grocer in order to fund the project.
In Thailand, a local Rotary Club lead a Rotary Foundation Global Grant project to provide clean water to schools that were damaged by flooding in 2012. They partnered with 3 Japanese Rotary Clubs to purchase and install water filtration systems in 27 schools throughout two provinces that connect Thailand with Malaysia. Each system also connected to a pipeline and coin-operated vending machine available to the outside community, which helped finance the project.
Staying connected with the events and activities beyond our community help inspire us to serve the greater community. It also gives us ideas and perspectives to share within our local community to help it become even better.
Let's continue to share 'the Rotary Way' by bringing to the life the 4 Way Test both near and far.
Keith Kluzak is being proposed for membership by Darlene Meillier. His classification is "Mortgage Services." Keith was past a member of the Northfield Rotary Club and will be a great asset to our club. He looks forward to becoming involved in different areas of community service. If there are any objections or concerns, please notify Tony or Brent.
Vacation is an interesting concept...... We are always so excited to go on a vacation to rest, relax and enjoy another's company. In most cases, we also get excited about returning home to get back into our daily lives and reconnect with our family and friends whom we haven't seen while away.
That is where I found myself over the last 7 days. Truly excited to escape with my wife and son, spending time with each other, rejuvenating after the holiday season. After a wonderful 7 days, I was extremely anxious to get back to Faribault and reconnect with my work, my family and friends and my community. It is always so wonderful to experience new things, new places and new people. But there is nothing better than returning home for home truly is where the heart is. Especially in times of such unrest around the world, it is comforting to return home to our wonderful community here in Faribault.
With that said, we have a great program set for this Wednesday. Our very own Rotarian group will be sharing their experiences from their trip to Sierra Leone.
I hope you are having a wonderful Christmas season full of joy and magic. This is such a wonderful time to reflect on the many blessings to be thankful for, to enjoy the company of family and friends, and to continue to serve our fellow community members.
As we bring 2014 to a close and look forward to a New Year, I pray each of you are blessed with much joy, happiness and health. May you and yours enjoy a wonderful 2015 full of all you hope for.
As we more fully enter into the Christmas season, I thought I would share one of my favorite pieces that help guide me as I navigate through life. Hopefully it will help you now during the Christmas season and as you approach the upcoming New Year.
Tips For A Successful Life
Take time to smell the roses.
Take a nap on Sunday afternoon.
Drink 8 glasses of water a day.
Never deprive someone of hope. It might be all they have.
Be thankful for every meal.
Don't be afraid to say I'm sorry.
Don't take your health for granted.
Improve your performance by improving your attitude.
Listen to your children.
Leave everything a little better than you found it.
Keep it simple.
Keep good company.
Keep your promise.
Be kinder than necessary.
Take good care of those you love.
Make it a habit to do nice things.
Wear outrageous underwear.
Vote.
Judge your success by the degree that you're enjoying peace, health and love.
Be a good loser.
Be a good winner.
Be romantic.
Live so that when you your children think of fairness, caring and
integrity, they think of you.
Never give anyone a fruitcake.
Remember other people's birthdays.
Sing in the shower.
Don't nag.
Don't gossip.
Don't tailgate.
Don't expect money to bring you happiness.
Be forgiving of yourself and others.
Never give up on anyone. Miracles happen every day.
Say thank you a lot.
Say please a lot.
Take your dog to obedience school. You'll both learn a lot.
Slow dance.
Don't rain on other people's parades.
Don't postpone joy.
Don’t blame others.
Take responsibility for every area of your life.
Take care of your reputation. It's your most valuable asset.
As we barely finish our pumpkin pie on Thanksgiving Day, consumerism moves us right into Black Friday, Small Business Saturday (I support the idea of this but it has become a retailers Trifecta with BF, SBS and CM) and Cyber Monday. For those of you who love to shop and find 'deals', maybe the 'shoppers trilogy' gets your heart racing. For those of us who don't get too fired up about that, it is comforting to know that we can continue giving thanks and transition into the Christmas season a bit more methodical with 'Giving Tuesday'.
Giving Tuesday is in it's third year and happens on the first Tuesday after Thanksgiving. It is a day design to encourage and celebrate charitable giving during the holiday season. It is a global effort to help all people come together for one common purpose: to celebrate generosity and to give.
This fits quite nicely into the Rotary philosophy of Service Above Self. As Rotarians, giving is wired into who we are. Let us use Giving Tuesday to help keep us grounded in the real 'reason for the season' and diminish the chances of getting caught up in the whirlwind of shopping, finding deals, stressing about meals and decorations, and any other number of issues that will take our eye off those things that are most important. Slow your accelerator down a bit and enjoy your family, friends and neighbors during this very special time of year.
As we prepare to flood the community with Rotary Roses, here are a few thoughts we should keep in mind:
1. People love receiving roses-they are beautiful, they smell good and they perk up every room they are in.
2. People love to give flowers-people who give flowers are perceived as happier, more successful and more sociable.
3. Flowers are a powerful positive emotion inducer-they always produce smiles and positive moods.
4. People are attracted to flowers-we love the symmetry, bright colors and wonderful floral odors.
So, as you pick up your orders, deliver them and provide them to those who will deliver them, know the positive difference you are helping to make in the lives of many. Not only will the person receiving those roses benefit, but those giving the roses will also have a positive boost. And, all those who come in contact with the recipient and/or the giver of the roses will be positively impacted as well.
If you were at our meeting last week, you participated in the celebration of Rotarian of the Year. Congratulations to Brent Peroutka on being named to this annual award given out to recognize a Rotarian in our Club that serves above self in a big way!! Since becoming a Rotarian in 2004, Brent has been an integral member of our Club, wearing many hats, serving in leadership positions, and providing incredible energy to our group. Thank you, Brent, for all you have done to help make our Club and community significantly better!!
As some of you are aware, our current Club Secretary has accepted a new position which will most likely take her away from our Club. Rebecca Moore informed me last week that she has accepted a new position and will be working in Owatonna instead of Faribault. This is great news for Becky and her family as Owatonna is also where the family resides. Becky became a Rotarian and joined our Club in August of 2012. In short order, Becky engaged in the efforts of our Club and has become an integral part of our STRIVE team. She stepped into the Club Secretary roll in July of this year as well. Although we will sorely miss having Becky with us, we are excited for her and the entire Moore family as they transition into this great new opportunity. Please help congratulate Becky on her new opportunity and thank her for all the incredible things she has done with us.
Although I won't spend a great deal of time elaborating on the exciting victory the Golden Gopher gridiron gang had on Saturday, I will take a moment to say it was great to see several Rotarians Saturday on, not only a victorious day, but on a glorious fall Saturday in Minnesota. A special treat was when our two Exchange Students stopped by the 'Fanbulance'. Great to see Asma and Frame in Gold Country!!
Finally, congratulations to the entire Club for a great finish to our Rotary Rose Sale!! We finished strong and hit 733 dozen roses sold! Way to go Club!!!! A special thanks to Brenda DeMars and her Rotary Rose Sale Team for all the work they have done so far to lead us in this extremely important fundraising effort.
Wishing you all a great week and we'll see you on Wednesday!
President Tony Langerud presented a special rotary pin to fellow rotarians who have recently sponsored new members. A big thanks to Dick, Roger, Pat, Rod, Kymn and Brent for sharing Rotary with others and inviting them into our club.
On Wednesday, May 7th, the Faribault Rotary Club awarded seven Paul Harris Fellows. Rotarian Marv Schrader received his Paul Harris plus seven. Rotarian George Wickstrom received his Paul Harris plus three and plus four. Rotarian Murray Hanson received his Paul Harris plus three. Rotarians Angela Stroch, Keith Kramer and Bart Jackson all received their first Paul Harris. The Fellowship was established in Paul Harris' honor in 1957 to express appreciation for a contribution of $1,000 to the Rotary Foundation. Congratulations Rotarians!
Please welcome Dr. Jennifer Reside to the Faribault Rotary Club. Jennifer is a Doctor of Audiology with Allina Health in Faribault and her sponsor was Dr. Richard Huston.
On Wednesday, February 12th the Faribault Rotary Club welcomed Mike Parry. Mike is the general manager of the new restaurant Alexander's. Mike was a long time member of the Waseca Rotary Club. Welcome Mike.
Four Paul Harris' awards were announced on Wednesday, February 19th at the weekly Rotary meeting. Rotarian Dr. Dick Huston received his Paul Harris +1, Rotarian Farryl Kluis received his Paul Harris +2 and Rotarian Rick Ormsby received his Paul Harris +3. Also honored with a Paul Harris Fellow was the late Karen Johnson, wife to Rotarian George Wickstrom. Paul Harris Fellows are individuals who have contributed more than $1000 to the Annual Program Fund, the Polio Plus Fund or the Humanitarian Grants Program of the Rotary Foundation. Congratulations!
We have finally received the official notice that the project is ready to process our checks. Your checks will be received at the Foundation next week for the Global Grant. Your checks will be processed in the next two weeks.
Thank You again for being patient.
Bart Jackson, Foundation Chair.
E-Mail from Rotary International: Subject:Global Grant GG1411947: Application approved
Dear Rotarians:
Congratulations! Your global grant application for funding for GG14-11947 "UDDAO Cassava Processing Plant," submitted by host sponsor Rotary Club Faribault (part of District 5960) and international sponsor Rotary Club Makeni (part of District 9101), has been approved by The Rotary Foundation. The award is in the amount of USD 54,000.
This letter serves as formal notification of your grant approval and explains what you must do to receive grant payment. It also contains links to the terms and conditions of your grant as well as guidelines for administering it. It concludes with information about travel arrangements and travel insurance.
I want to wish you and your families a very Merry Christmas. I know many of you have will be traveling or have family coming to Faribault, so I hope the weather cooperates for safe travel conditions.
We are nearly half-way through our Rotary Year (wow) and I want to THANK YOU ALL for your hard work a commitment to providing Service Above Self to our community and club. We have an active club and have accomplished a lot the first part of our Rotary Year. However, as we all know Great Teams know how to work hard, work smart and strive to finish even stronger than we started. I look forward to working with all of you the rest of the Rotary Year. Enjoy the next couple of weeks of "Rotary Vacation" and we will have a great second half starting in January!!!
On Wednesday, October 9, the Faribault Rotary club welcomed two new members. Shari Augustin, President of Augustin Management Services was sponsored by Pat Gustafson and Ben VanGundy, Executive Director of River Bend Nature Center was sponsored by Rod Mahler. Welcome Shari and Ben to Rotary!
Faribault 2012-2013 Rotarian of the Year Rick Ormsby was honored at the October 2nd Rotary meeting. Rick has been a member of the Faribault Rotary Club since 2001. He has been involved with many Rotary committees and has been a great example of the Rotary motto "Service Above Self". Rick has participated in Rotary Readers, Club Services, co-chaired the International committee and has also been president of the Faribault Rotary Club. In addition to his work with Rotary, Rick has lived the Rotary motto by participating in 14 missions to Jamacia and as well as missions to 6 other countries. Rick's leadership and involvement with Rotary is greatly appreciated. Congratulations Rick!
On Wednesday, August 28th our club had the honor to hear from our District Governor Gary Campbell. He was able to share with our club his mission for this year of creating a new and greater public image of Rotary. He joined in on our board meeting and was the speaker at our lunch meeting. Governor Campbell was introduced by Assistant Governor Robert Bierman.
The Faribault Rotary club inducted Dr. Annette Parker into Rotary on August 28th. Dr. Parker is the new President of South Central College. Dr. Parker was sponsored by Rotarian Dr. Richard Huston. Pictured from left to right: District 5960 Governor Gary Campbell, Dr. Annette Parker, Dr. Richard Huston, and Faribault Rotary President Brent Peroutka.
According to our International Project Team we have reached our combined goal on our International Project. Thanks to all of you for your support A special thanks to the Rotarian's that presented our outstanding project to other local Rotary Clubs throughout the District.
If you have written a check we do have to wait before turning the checks into the Foundation. We will get them in as soon as possible.
The Faribault Rotary club inducted Carmen Dorr into Rotary on August 14th. Carmen works at the Faribault Woolen Mills. Carmen was sponsored by Rotarian Dr. Richard Huston. Pictured from left to right: Dr. Richard Huston, Carmen Dorr and Faribault Rotary President Brent Peroutka.
Brad Harper, the Superintendent at the Minnesota State School is the newest member of the Faribault Rotary. Brad was inducted into the Rotary Club on Wednesday, July 17. Brad was sponsored by Rotarians Kymn Anderson and Brent Peroutka. Welcome Brad!
Congratulations to Steve Delzer, who was named Bishop of the Southeast Minnesota Synod at the assembly June 8. Steve was slated to become the President of our Rotary club on July 1, however his new assignment will require much travel and dedication and as a result he will not be able to serve. Our club will miss the leadership of Pastor Delzer and we wish him well in his new opportunity to serve his church.
In true Rotary fashion - Service Above Self, Brent Peroutka has been quietly preparing to step into the role of Rotary President one year ahead of his anticipated year. (knowing the possibility of Pastor Delzer's appointment was likely) Brent will lead the club well. Fellow Rotarians - let us all show the Service Above Self commitment and help make the 94th year of our club a banner year for service!
Brent Peroutka will become the 94th President of the Faribault Rotary Club
Please have your dues paid (or payment plan in place) by July 31st, 2013. We are still in the process of collecting dues from a number of Rotary Members. Please work hard to get this taken care of as soon as possible.
The 2013-2014 Rotary Club Dues will be as follows:
Rotary International $70.00 per year (up from $65.00 last year)
District 5960 $52.00 per year (up from $49.00 last year)
Local Dues $180.00 per year (up from $170.00 last year)
Youth services $50.00 per year (billed separately from youth services but part of the annual financial commitment for each Rotarian)
Basic Membership: $352.00
In addition, all Rotarians are urged to contribute to the Rotary Foundation Annual Fund, Polio Plus and Fast for Hope
Rotarians are also asked to participate in the annual Rose sale and bi-annual Car Raffle.
Meal Plan
Cost for Full Meal Plan for 2013-2014 is $400.00
Meals purchased as needed through:
Punch cards will remain $90.00 for 10 lunches
Purchases at the door will be $10.00 per person
These changes are necessary based on increased cost of our meals and fees for using the venue.
Please confirm your selection of FULL MEAL PLAN if you choose this option and have the total added to your dues invoice
Contact Amy Amundson, AmyAmundson@reliancebankmn.com our club treasurer or print the document found in the club documents on the website. Forms will also be available at the meeting this week. The full meal plan offers the lowest cost lunch for those who plan to attend most meetings. If you do not request this option your invoice will not include the full meal plan. You will then be able to purchase meals through the punch card or at the door options.
Invoices have been mailed and full payment is due before July 1.
The Rotary Club of Faribault inducted two new members on Wednesday, June 4. Neal Anderson from Lake Country Community Bank and James Khat from The Hope Village became Faribault Rotarians. Neal was sponsored by Rotarian Farryl Kluis and James was sponsored by Rotarian Lisa Humfeld-Wilson. Pictured from left to right is Past President and Member Chair Murray Hanson, Lisa Humfeld-Wilson, James Khat, Rotary President Kymn Anderson, Neal Anderson and Farryl Kluis. Welcome James and Neal!
Our Rotary District has teamed up with the Minnesota Twins to 1) promote Rotary and the good work we are doing in our communities and 2) to raise funds for PolioPlus to make sure we complete our mission to eradicate polio. We have invited Districts 5950, 5970 and 6000 to join us for this exciting event.
CLICK HERE to the information and registration page on District 5960 website. Tickets may be ordered through ONLINE REGISTRATION with a credit card. You will need the Account Name (future) and the Password (yourhands).
You may also print the attached form from the document list and mail with a check.
Order Deadline is July 2 and Tickets will be mailed after July 25 and more details for the day will be included.
Order early! Tickets will go fast. We hope to see you at the game with all of your Rotary pins and hats. Let's make this a Rotary day to remember.
Rotary Event with MN Twins: Please contact Brent if you are still interested
Sent To: All 2012-2013 and 2013-2014 Club and District Leaders:
Come and join District 5960 Rotarians in celebrating the Installation of District Governor for the year 2013-14, Gary Campbell, on Tuesday, June 11, 5:30 – 8:00pm, at the Main Street Stage, also known as the Lyric Arts Theatre in lovely downtown Anoka.
The Playbill for the evening will be a three act performance that will include:
·Act One – Refreshments and light dinner provided by Acapulco Restaurant.
Special appearance of Rotary Founder, Paul Harris, as brought to you by J.P. Barone.
·Act Two – Outgoing Governor’s comments; Incoming Governor’s comments; Changing of the Banner and special recognition of 100th Governor.
·Act Three – Tribute to John Deir and recognition of Rotarian dignitaries present.
Reservations can be made through EventBrite CLICK HERE. Tickets are $30 per person which includes a refreshment and food. Please join the members of the Anoka Rotary Club and all Clubs in District 5960 in welcoming our new Governor, Gary Campbell.
You are invited to attend Angela's and Line's graduation/farewell party on Sunday, June 16th at 4pm at the Rotary camp.
Come and show your support for these two great young ladies and their host families.
The Faribault Rotary Camp is located on the shore of Cedar Lake on 18 beautiful wooded acres.
It is about 7 miles from Faribault.
From Faribault:
Go WEST on 7th Street continue as 7th Street becomes CR 11
Turn slightl LEFT onto CR 38 (Cedar Lake Blvd) 6.3 miles
Turn LEFY onto HINCKLY WAY 0.3 mikes
Take a SHARP LEFT onto HOLT TRAIL 0.1 miles
We have two inbound exchange students eager to come here next year but we must have Host Families in place before their paper work can begin!
The most urgent need is for the first family for the young man from India. He is interested in music and eager to arrive. He cannot begin the process of applying for his visa until the first host family is confirmed. Please consider opening your home to a Rotary Exchange student. All three host families must be identified for the boy from India and one more is needed for the girl from Peru.
Contact Lisa Humfeld-Wilson with questions or to volunteer.
Announcing the 2013 Fall Fast for Hope Delegation to Nicaragua, September 14th thru September 23, 2013.
If you have you always wanted to be part of a Rotary Delegation to a foreign country, but don’t have the time to be part of a GSE Team? The Fast for Hope Cultural Delegation to Nicaragua from September 14th thru September 23rd, 2013 could be the answer.
Reasons for being part of this delegation include:
· You will learn about the culture and history of Nicaragua.
· You will meet some amazing people, who will welcome you. These are people who live in extreme poverty, yet they live life with joy and happiness.
· Your life will be changed.
· This is one of a limited number of opportunities through our district to visit a developing country.
· The community of El Corozo has accepted our invitation to be part of this initiative. We are beginning the process of assisting the community in identifying their specific needs and the solutions. The delegation will visit El Corozo and participate in the process.
· You can share this experience with your child/relative who is 14 years of age or older as well as a spouse or adult friend.
· The team will be led by Bev Driscoll of the Stillwater Club , who has made multiple trips to Nicaragua and you will be guided by the experienced team, Escuela AKF.
The delegation will be capped at approximately 12 so early application is encouraged. More information and an application form are attached. They are also available on the Fast for Hope link on the website.
The Faribault Rotary Club awarded Mary Selly-Navarro with a Paul Harris Fellow on April 24, 2013. The Fellowship was established in Paul Harris' honor in 1957 to express appreciation for a contribution of $1,000 to the Rotary Foundation. Pictured left to right: Foundation Chair- Bart Jackson, Mary Selly-Navarro and Faribault Rotary President Kymn Anderson. For more information about Rotary; its service in our community, our country, and around the world visit www.faribaultrotary.org.
Lakeville Rotary hosts an annual event called Taste of Lakeville. Lynn Tharoldson visited our club last week to promote the event and sell a few raffle tickets.
I have the most recent summary of giving provided by Rotary International. If you wonder how close you are to a Paul Harris Fellowship or additional PHF awards just catch me at a meeting or give me a call.
We would like to join the many clubs who are EREY clubs. EREY means EVERY ROTARIAN EVERY YEAR, contributes some amount to the Rotary Foundation. Thanks to everyone who has turned in their pledges for the Rotary Foundation. If you have pledged but not yet given, please turn your contribution in as soon as possible. If you need more information, speak with me and I will be happy to help.
The Rotary Club of Faribault inducted Tom Donlon, principal of Bethlehem Academy into rotary on Wednesday, March 27th. Tony Langerud is Tom's rotary sponsor. Pictured from l to r: Tony Langerud, Tom Donlon and Faribault Rotary President Kymn Anderson. For more information about Rotary; its service in our community, our country, and around the world visit www.faribaultrotary.org.
Sunday night at the Rotary STRIVE Banquet, 62 students were honored with $22,000.00 in scholarships. Our club, with the help of the Bahl Foundation makes that possible.
Let me commend the great Rotarians who lead the STRIVE Program, providing students valuable life lessons and proof postive that the community, specially Rotarians, care about them and their future.
Brent Peroutka, Dan Hedge and Tony Langerud have been leading that program with distinction. THANK YOU! They are seeking additional Rotarians to help continue the great work of STRIVE. Reach out to them and offer to help.
The Faribault Rotary Club presented Lisa Humfeld-Wilson with a Paul Harris Fellow Plus One award this month. The Fellowship was established in Paul Harris' honor in 1957 to express appreciation for a contribution of $1,000 to the Rotary Foundation. The Paul Harris Fellow Plus One is for individuals who have earned their second Paul Harris Fellow. Pictured left to right: Faribault Rotary President- Kymn Anderson, Lisa Humfeld-Wilson and Faribault Rotary Foundation Chair- Bart Jackson.
Faribault Rotary Club welcomed new member Faribault Chief of Police Andy Bohlen on Wednesday, January 2. Andy is sponsored by Peter Waldock. Pictured from Left to Right: Faribault Rotary President Kymn Anderson, Andy Bohlen, Peter Waldock and Faribault Rotary Past President Murray Hanson.
Should you wish to make a contribution to the Rotary Foundation today, here are are instructions for being credited for the contribution in 2012.
“Doing Good in the World” through The Rotary Foundation.
Credit Cards:
Online via www.rotary.org – must be authorized on or prior to 31 December 2012, midnight (Central Standard Time). To help your club meet its Annual Fund Goal, choose the Annual Fund SHARE box.
Fax: (847-328-4101) / Phone: (866-976-8279) - must be received with appropriate contribution form prior to the close of business on 31 December 2012.
Mail (least preferred): Sending credit card information by mail is less secure and slower than contributing on-line. If submitting credit card contributions with the appropriate form by mail, the envelope must be postmarked by 31 December 2012 and received by the Foundation by 8 January 2013:
Checks: Must be postmarked 31 December 2012 or prior and received with the appropriate form at the Foundation by 8 January 2013.
Address for mailing contributions and appropriate form to The Rotary Foundation:
The Rotary Foundation
14280 Collections Center Dr.
Chicago, IL 60693 USA
Newell Krogmann
District Rotary Foundation Chair 2010-13
Rotary District 5960, a Future Vision Pilot District
Past District Governor (DG 2009-10)
Tel: 507-665-3198
End of Calendar Year Giving to The Rotary Foundation
Is it a 50 year tradition or even longer? What a wonderful testimony to the relationship between Rotary and the youth of our community!
On December 19 our club enjoyed what decades of Rotarians have enjoyed, a Christmas Concert from the Faribault High School Concert Choir.
Held again this year at St. Luke's Church, the concert featured Christmas carols from around the world.
Many thanks to all who made it possible: our hosts at St. Luke's, catering by Top View Grill (Jerry Kes), the students in the choir, their capable director, the bus driver, and our fellow Rotarian Donn Johnson, who makes all the arrangements.
On Wednesday the 7th we had Newell at our club talking about how our Foundation is funded and the importance not only to the international goals but to even our clubs goals.
It was an honor to have Newell present Kymn Anderson with her first Paul Harris. Please congratulate her on this important acheivement
Faribault Rotary Club welcomed three new members on Wednesday, Oct 31. Dr. Richard Huston sponsored all three members. Pictured from L to R: Murray Hanson, Grant Sanders, Patty Travers, Dr. Richard Huston, Kathy Layendecker and Faribault Rotary President, Kymn Anderson.
This is what Rotary International Tells us about Vocational Service
Declaration of Rotarians in Businesses and Professions
As a Rotarian engaged in a business or profession, I am expected to:
Consider my vocation to be another opportunity to serve;
Be faithful to the letter and to the spirit of the ethical codes of my vocation, to the laws of the country, and to the moral standard of my community;
Do all in my power to dignify my vocation and to promote the highest ethical standards in my chosen vocation;
Be fair to my employer, employees, associates, competitors, customers, the public, and all those with whom I have a business or professional relationship;
Recognize the honor and respect due to all occupations which are useful to society;
Offer my vocational talents: to provide opportunities for young people, to work for the relief of the special needs of others, and to improve the quality of life in the community;
Adhere to honesty in my advertising and in all representations to the public concerning my business or profession;
Neither seek from nor grant to a fellow Rotarian a privilege or advantage not normally accorded others in a business or professional relationship.
It is required for all Rotarians who provide transportation for youth, or come in contact with youth outside a Rotary meeting to complete the training and have a current background check on file. Please go through these steps to make sure you and our club are complying with these regulations.
Go to the Rotary District website - you can click to it though our club website or go directly to www.rotary5960.org
Click on "Programs" in the list on the top of the page
Click on "YP Volunteers" from the menu on the left side of the page
Sign in or Register
Click on "Watch the 5960 Youth Protection Video" and watch
Click on "Submit an application" - complete your application and submit
Click on "Complete a background check" and complete the required information
NOTE: If you have already completed this process and your training and background check remains current, there will be a note on the bottom of the page listing the date you were approved. The background check is good for three years.
Congratulations to our Rotarian of the Year! Dr. Lisa Humfeld Wilson. In true Rotary fashion, Lisa credits her husband Grant and even her father-in-law, for fostering her devotion to Rotary. Lisa is a tremendous asset to our club and an inspiring leader for our community.
Lisa joins this distinguished group of Rotarians who have been honored by our club as Rotarians of the Year:
Dr. Mary Navarro was awarded Project Prevention Champion for her work on promoting seat belt use. Along with encouraging all to wear their seat belts Dr. Navarro is challenging others to put down their phones and concentrate on driving. Sheriff Troy Dunn presented the award to Dr. Mary Navarro at our Rotary meeting. Congratulations Mary and keep up the good work!
Thanks to Dick Huston for organizing this Friendship Exchange and to host families Inez Reyna, Dick Cook,
Grant Wilson and Lisa Humfeld-Wilson, Bart Jackson. Other Rotarians also helped with hospitality –
notably Brent Peroutka and Rod Mahler.
Gail Kaderlik of Faribault had the lucky ticket and won the 2012 Chevy Malibu! Mike Brown from Harry Brown's drew Gail's name from the approximately 1900 tickets sold! The Second prize of a $650 bicycle from Mill Town Cycles went to Gary Seira of Owatonna. The Third prize of two childrens bicycles donated by Walmart was won by our own Rotarian, Brian Knutson. Thank you to everyone who bought tickets in support of our Youth Programs in Faribault!
The Faribault Rotary Club inducted Rebecca Moore into our club on August 15th. Rebecca is an attorney with Patton, Hoversten and Berg and was sponsored by Brenda DeMars. Pictured from left to right are Past Faribault Rotary President Murray Hanson, Rebecca Moore, Brenda DeMars and Faribault Rotary President Kymn Anderson.
This newly released book is a fresh look at the man and his times is based on the discovery of hundreds of never before published letters, documents and exclusive archival sources.
For over a century relevant facts about his life and motivations have been shrouded by myths and misconceptions.
We have launched the new meal plan for the 2012-2013 Rotary year. If you are a MEAL PLAN member you are welcome to lunch. All other members who wish to eat must pay $10.00 at the door or purchase a lunch ticket for $90.00 for 10 lunches.
Congratulations to Faribault Rotary Club's 93rd President, Kymn Anderson. We look forward to a great year. Kymn Anderson presented 2011-2012 Faribault Rotary President, Murray Hanson with a plaque to acknowledge his dedication and leadership as Rotary President for the past year. Thank you Murray!
Al Burkhartzmeyer, age 91, of Faribault, died on Wednesday, Feb. 29, 2012, at his home.
Funeral services will be at Trinity Lutheran Church, Faribault, on Monday, March 5, 2012, at 10 a.m. with the Reverend Steven J. Kuehne officiating. Interment will be at Maple Lawn Cemetery, Faribault.
Visitation will be at the Boldt Funeral Home on Sunday, March 4, 2012, from 1-5 p.m. and also at the church on Monday for one hour prior to the service.
Alvin Ferdinand, the son of Ferdinand J. and Martha H. (Krenz) Burkhartzmeyer, was born on Nov. 1, 1920, in Faribault. He graduated from Faribault High School in 1938 and served in the U.S. Navy during World War II. He received his medical discharge in 1945 after being the lone survivor in a plane crash that killed 11 crew members. After a long hospitalization, Al returned home and made special trips throughout the United States to visit every family of his deceased crew members.
On June 25, 1949, Al married Erma Ritter, of Wagner, S.D. That same year he and his brothers, Walter and Donald, opened Burkhartzmeyer Shoes. This expanded the shoe repair business started by their parents, Ferdie and Martha, in the mid 1930s.
Al was an active civic leader and a lifelong promoter of Faribault. He served on many boards and organizations including the District One Hospital board, United Fund, Chamber of Commerce, Faribault Industrial Corporation, YMCA Board, Minnesota Retail Federation, Downtown Faribault Association, Big Brothers and Big Sisters, 1st United Bank board, and the Airport board. Al took great pride in his dedication to the Faribault Rotary Club where he received an award for 50 years of perfect attendance. He was a lifelong member of the Trinity Lutheran Church through baptism, confirmation and marriage. He served on the church council and Lutheran School Board. He was presented with the Jaycee Honorary Scroll Service Award. He and his wife Erma hosted a foreign exchange student for one year from Uganda, Africa: Steve Okolett, with whom they have continued to stay in contact with throughout the years.
Al’s greatest pride and joy was his family. Nothing could be better than having all the grandchildren and great-grandchildren gather together for a meal for a celebration or holiday.
Al is survived by his wife, Erma; one son, Bruce (and Sue) Burkhartzmeyer, of Faribault; four grandchildren, Sarah (Erik) Hromatka, Timothy, Patrick and Ryan Burkhartzmeyer; two great-grandchildren, Tyler and Ella Hromatka; two brothers, Walter “Putts” (and Ruthann) Burkhartzmeyer and Donald “Buck” Burkhartzmeyer, all of Faribault; and other relatives and friends.
He was preceded in death by his parents. Memorials can be directed to the Rotary Club Security Bank Clock Fund, Trinity Lutheran Church, Faribault Area Hospice or your choice.
Visit boldtfuneralhome.com for information and guestbook.
Here is a message from Rick about the International Project.
Rotary International Team Larry Shelton and I will be presenting our Sierra Leone Agricultural Development Project to the District Grant Committee this coming Friday. As we have worked with the Committee is clear that the grant cannot be used for constructing the building that will house the processing plant. I have good reason to believe that we could receive a $6000 grant from the Shelton F. Reese Foundation in Sioux Falls, South Dakota, for this purpose.
I will give an update this Wednesday to the Faribault Rotary Club. I would like to get the club approval for me to apply for the Reese grant on behalf to our Club.
Here's the good news with what is happening:
After I met with the District Committee in February, they raised the amount of the district match for a global grant from $10,000 to $12,000. This is a way to encourage the clubs to apply for grants.
Rotary Foundation matches the District Grant $ for $ and the local grant 50 cents on the dollar. Instead of $20,000, they will now be adding $22,000. Hence, our $20,000 (with the help of other clubs and donations) becomes $54,000, instead of $50,000
The construction on the building (for the cassava plant) is outside our project, releasing $6000 for other purposes.
OC Ministries, part of the Minnesota Conference of the United Methodist Church, will build the well in Matoko--needed for the plant
So, things are really going well. I'm getting lots of help from the District Committee. The project sells itself, and help is flowing in from many sources.
Rae started Chemotherapy two weeks ago--scheduled for Wednesdays. She is responding well, meaning there is less discomfort. She is preparing to adopt my hair style.
Today (Sat Feb 16) I met with the District Global Grants Committee. They encouraged me in many ways and said when I got the paperwork done, they would do all they could to pass it on the Rotary International Foundation for prompt approval. This meeting brought me great joy and a burden off my shoulders. I get back from Disney World on February 26th and plan to make writing this grant a full time job until it is completed, Larry Shelton and I will begin to visit neighboring clubs to solicit donations. My goal is to present our proposal (the application comes later) on March 15th.
Word from Rick Ormsby on Rae and on his International Project.
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This is a historical photo of downtown Faribault from the collection at Faribault Senior Living.
On a visit to Faribault Senior Living, I came upon this 1929 parade picture of downtown Faribault. Please note the "working" Security Bank clock to the left.
This picture was taken of Central Avenue Faribault from Second Street in 1886 following a snow storm in 1886. This photo is on display at Faribault Senior Living.
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The Nest is a student store that offers free clothing, supplies and other essential items for Faribault students. The Nest is run by The Falcon Project, a student club that participates in and hosts monthly service projects.
last Saturday morning and throughout the entire day Eric, Jake, Keith, Dave, Brenda, Laura, Dick Cook and their band of FHS juniors- Jake Bauer, Collin Paquette, Jon Cap, Brady Ohlman and Charlie Douville completed the shingle removal, repair and re-shingling of the Faribault Rotary Camp building. The club extends its heartfelt thanks and appreciation for your efforts and the continuation of the Rotary Camps service to our community since 1962.
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Keith Kniefel (second from left) an accountant from Reese, Winter & Associates has joined the Faribault Rotary Club. He was sponsored by Dave Beranek (far left.) They are pictured here with membership chair and past president, Keith Kramer and current president Amy Amundson. 
Mark gave his classification talk recently. I asked him seven follow up questions to help summarize his presentation for those of us who were present and for our club members who missed the meeting. If you have not had a chance to welcome him to our club, please do so.
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The Rev. Mark Kenny has been inducted as a member of the Faribault Rotary Club. Kenny is pastor of River Valley Church. As pastor he has led several groups on mission trips throughout the world. Pictured with Kenny is his sponsor, Keith Kramer, president of the Faribault club. 
The Faribault Rotary Club was established 99 years ago today on May 1, 1920 as Rotary's 596th club with 22 charter members and by the end of the first-year membership had reached a total of 35. Please come to our celebration of 99 years at 5pm tomorrow and President Kramer will tell us the "Rest of the Story!"
The Faribault Rotary Club received the District 5960 award as runner up in medium size club category for youth service. Pictured her receiving the award from District Governor, Mike Becker, at the Conference of Clubs last weekend in Rochester was our President-Elect 2019-20, Amy Amundson.
Last Wednesday, we handed out 4 STRIVE (Student Taking Renewed Interest in the Value of Education) scholarships totaling $9000. Lauren Steinberg & Kevin Tovar each received a $2500 scholarship for the most improved GPA. Brook Flicek & Evelyn Nigon each received a $2000 for illustrating Rotarian values. 
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The Faribault Rotaract Club recently received their charter at a Faribault Rotary Club meeting. The club is comprised of 28 students from South Central College and is open to all young adults who wish to provide service to the community. One of the group's service projects is to volunteer at Believet Canine Service Partners, which trains service dogs for veterans.
In 1974, the Mummy of Pharaoh Ramesses II Was Issued a Valid Egyptian Passport So That He Could Fly to Paris. ... So the Egyptian government issued a passport to King Ramesses II, labeling him as “King (deceased)”.
The tallest man in medical history for whom there is irrefutable evidence is Robert Pershing Wadlow (USA) (born 6:30 a.m. at Alton, Illinois, USA on 22 February 1918), who when last measured on 27 June 1940, was found to be 2.72 m (8 ft 11.1 in) tall.
This Daily News photo was published on Dec. 22, 1966 showing the Faribault High School Choir singing to Rotarians during the 27th annual Christmas Concert in the Lobby of the Hotel Faribault under the direction Loyld Hansen with Dr. Heinz Bruhl, club president, presiding at the luncheon and concert.
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Faribault Rotary Youth Services Annual Report
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As our guests for the installation of Keith, we welcomed the following former Rotary Past Presidents who were introduced by our 60 year member and past president Rod Mahler. 
was installed as president on June 28th, 2017 by outgoing President, Jake Cook. Thank Troy for an outstanding year!
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The Faribault Rotary Club has inducted Carter Klinger to join others in putting Service above Self. Carter in an Account Executive for KRUE/KOWZ radio. Pictured are his sponsor Bart Jackson, Carter and Rotary president Troy Dunn.
Jared gave his classification talk recently. I asked him seven follow up questions to help summarize his presentation for those of us who were present and for our club members who missed the meeting. If you have not had a chance to welcome him to our club, please do so.
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Our traveling Rotarian, Dick Huston, is pictured here exchanging flags with the President of the Rotary Club of Sausalito CA.
Molly Titchenal has become a member of the Faribault Rotary Club. As a member Molly joins 65 others who have pledged to put Service Above Self. The Faribault Rotary Club serves the community in many ways but emphasizes providing services for the youth. Molly is well suited as she is the Foundation Development Director of the Southern Minnesota Big Brother/Big Sister program which at the current time has some 150 children waiting to be matched. She is pictured here with club president Troy Dunn and her distinguished sponsor, George Wickstrom.
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Tery Hurst from the Rotary Club Jimboomba, Queensland, Australia was here visiting our Faribault Rotary club last Wednesday. His club is currently hosting our exchange student, Annika and was previously named "The best small club in Rotary (worldwide) in 2012 . We had a little fun with him. He is pictured here with President Troy Dunn (Sheriff) and Police Chief Andy Bohlen.
At last weeks meeting Ben Stover from Guardian Energy talked to us about how ethanol is produced from corn. The process is continually being refined to reduce costs and increase efficiency. The following illustration was taken from the Guardian Energy website. 
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President Cook (97) with President-Elect Kramer (99)
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El Presidente Jake Cook exchanging flags and info with Juan Eduardo Gutierrez at Club Rotario Norte meeting Mazatlan Mexico on March 14 over dinner at the Ocean Grill.
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The Faribault Rotary Club welcomes Charlie Cogan and Richard Maus from the Northfield Club to speak to us this week about Polio Plus. Richard will story of how his life was shaped by the fact that he contracted Polio when he was a baby. He will also have copies of his book, Lucky One, with him. Please plan to be at this weeks meeting bring a guest if you can.
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Dr. Roy Anderson (above) was our 54th president 1973-74. Gus Hoffman (below) was our 56th president 1975-76.
We are pleased to announce our newest Rotarian is Tanya Bakken from Trivent Financial. Pictured here at her induction ceremony are President Dick Huston, Membership chair, Tony Langerud, Tanya, and her sponsor, Dr. Lisa Humfeld- Wilson. Please be sure to introduce yourself and welcome her to our club.
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Last week, Police Chief Andy Bohlen and Rice County Sheriff Troy Dunn gave a great presentation about our local K9 police dogs. Together with Rice County Deputy Dan Belcourt, police dog- Tucker, Faribault Police Officer Mike Thul and police dog - Chase, they gave an excellent presentation with entertaining stories and a little humor as well. The following information tells Chase's story. 
This photo of St. Mary's Hall was taken in the spring of 1892 and is part of the collection on display at Faribault Senior Living.
The Faribault Rotary Club welcomes its newest member, Jason Hoffman, an attorney practicing with the firm- Hoffman, Hamer & Associates. He is pictured here with President Huston, Brent Peroutka (CW$)- membership, and his sponsor Dan Hedge- Pantheon Computer$.
Thank you to the Faribault High School Concert for another wonderful performance. Todd Sesker did an excellent job filling in for Donn. 
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These Faribault Rotary Club Past Presidents were present at the induction ceremony last week including these former Presidents and past members visiting us- Dr. Roy Anderson (1973-74) 3rd from right, James Nielson (1989-90) 5th from right, Dean Purdie (1977-78) 6th from right, and Dale Hamilton(1981-82) 3rd from left. Thank you to all Past Presidents for your service to our club!
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Pictured here with Angela Storch and Rick Ormsby is the GSE team from India that visited our club in April 2009.
This photo was taken at our annual club picnic at the Rotary Camp in June 2005. From left to right is Farryl Kluis, Nate Chappius, Al Burkhartmeyer and Layton Hoysler. Sheriff Cook is in the background behind Nate.
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The Rotary Club of Faribault inducted Tom Donlon, principal of Bethlehem Academy into rotary on Wednesday, March 27th. Tony Langerud is Tom's rotary sponsor. Pictured from l to r: Tony Langerud, Tom Donlon and Faribault Rotary President Kymn Anderson. For more information about Rotary; its service in our community, our country, and around the world visit www.faribaultrotary.org.
Dr. Mary Navarro was awarded Project Prevention Champion for her work on promoting seat belt use. Along with encouraging all to wear their seat belts Dr. Navarro is challenging others to put down their phones and concentrate on driving. Sheriff Troy Dunn presented the award to Dr. Mary Navarro at our Rotary meeting. Congratulations Mary and keep up the good work!
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