Meeting Minutes
Meeting called to order by President Ron at 7:30 AM.
Guests
John Lovald and Kim North, with Minnesota Assistance Council for Veterans.
Dave Handy, Phil’s brother and a Viet Nam USN Veteran.
Dan Narr, a former Mtka Rotarian and director of ICA.
Andy Luce, a frequent visitor who has now filled out a member application!
Ken Saldanha, Amy’s husband
Savanna Wilson, with Frank. She’s visiting from Zimbabwe and returns there soon.
Invocation
Invocation by Char, on the Veterans Day.
God Almighty Father, Creator of mankind and Author of peace, we are ever mindful of the cost paid for the liberty we possess. We ask you to bless the members of our armed forces. Give them courage, hope and strength. May they ever experience your firm support, gentle love and compassionate healing. Be their power and protector, leading them from darkness to light. To you be all glory, honor and praise, now and forever. Amen.
Pledge
Everyone.
4-Way Test
Everyone.
International Theme
Unite for Good.
Paul Harris Awards
None this week.
Announcements
Ron U. and Alexa R. - both happy about the Northern Lights last night, with great photos.
Alexa R. - Charter Night on Wed Nov 19. 5:30 at Letuff Pizzeria in Plymouth. 5:30
A December Holiday upcoming; day, time and place TBA.
Bob H. - watch for a sign-up email for Lunds and Byerly’s cart assistance. Wednesday, Nov 26 and Tuesday Dec 23. Hours are 11:00 to 6:30 in 90 minute shifts.
Dan Narr; he gave us the ICA website, ICAFoodshelf.org, to go on-line and click ‘How Can I Help’, and look for their need to fill bags of food for emergency need.
The Velvet Hammer, with Chris Rosenlund
It’s time to talk about the RI Foundation annual giving. Look for an email today with Chris’s ask for what can you give, and how do you want to fund it. We are historically one of the top givers in our district and average over $500/member. You can give Chris a check or mail it to his home address.
He gave out several Paul Harris Foundation awards today, for giving $1000 in a year.
Floriane +1, Mike G +2, Bill S +6, Mark Marlin +8, Ryan Johnson +8, Ben Monnens +8, and Scott Nagel for +4, 5, 6, 7, and 8! There was some RI accounting error that finally allowed the deluge!
New Member Induction
None this week.
Rotary Minute
None this week.
Raffle
Raffle; ticket drawn for Ken Saldana, but 10 cards still kept the Joker hidden.
Foundation Award Checks or Thank You's
None this week.
Happy Bucks
Rebecca S. - for the work of ICA and her encouragement to support them at this dire time.
Bill S. - for Andy back for more, and his decision to join our club.
Phil H. - for his brother here and that their getting along much better than when they shared a bedroom as kids.
Annika M. - for a fun Women’s Happy Hour last week with 15 or more attending, including some Rotaract members.
Mark Magney - for skiing season starting, and his goal of attempting 70 days of skiing in this, his 70th year.
Alexa R. - for the Women’s happy hour, and spending a scouting camp with 50 scouts.
Jennifer S. - an epic story of a trip back from Illinois and nothing but problems with trailers, trucks, and bad weather. VERY glad to get home at 2:00 AM
Scott N. - another trailer story where a theft of an old trailer was actually a GOOD thing.
Floriane N. - heading back to Rwanda for the winter.
Program
Speakers; John and Kim from MACV (MN Assistance Council for Veterans)
John is a career Army veteran, retired as a Lt Colonel. He acknowledged Dave as a Navy Vet, and said only about 1% of the population has, and does, served. He also said that many give in their own way, and Rotarians like us are well above in serving the community.
MACV’s mission is to end veteran homelessness in Minnesota. It started in 1990 and now has branches in 6 to 8 sites around the state. At any time, 200 veterans need housing, and MACV has placed 600 per year in housing. The need is constant, as housing can change suddenly. MACV has achieved 90% functional housing, and mostly long-term.
Many renters are reluctant to take on vets, with difficult backgrounds, including evictions. They Find renters who work with vets, and accompany vets to explain and partner with the renters.
MACV actually acquires and build their own homes, and has 250 units.
MACV has many partners who help with employment, health and chiefly encourage the vets to seek help sooner than later. Vets tend to be stoic and don’t ask for help. “I can handle it myself” is often seen.
The VA is in every county in MN; vets who served out of country have, or probably WILL have health issues. It’s a misnomer that all vets can get health at the VA, but support by MACV is a big help.
“How can we help?” Become more aware of MACV, take part in Winter and Summer Salute Events. 60-70 service organizations meet in one place to offer help. Lack of employment is the other side of poor housing and perhaps we know of work opportunities.
Lennar Home builders is a big partner with MACV, and are defraying 30% of the cost of building Veteran Villages. These smallish but sufficient condos create a community of veteran as neighbors, a big source of support. Minnesota is only one of 4 states that heavily support vet homelessness.
John and Kim, thank for your dedication, and success in supporting this strong need. Your work, and especially on this Veterans Day, makes us aware of the need. We’re grateful for what you do and Thank You for Your Service.
Adjournment
Submitted by Bob Hersman
Member Submissions
None this week.
