Reminder - Due to the present public health concerns and Governor Walz's many Executive Orders regarding physical distancing, our in-person Wednesday morning weekly meetings are moved to Zoom until further notice. Ed.
Important - Check with meeting leaders to confirm date, time and location information for all events below.
Happy Bucks and Polio Pitcher Donations
Please send your Happy Buck and Polio Pitcher donations to Mac H. as follows:
Mac Hardin
Minnetonka Rotary Club
12926 Rutledge Circle
Minnetonka, MN 55305
Rotary International Foundation
Please send your end of year donations to Chris Rosenlund as follows:
Chris Rosenlund
8672 Meadowvale Drive
Eden Prairie, MN 55347
Meeting Minutes - Jerald Stiele
Chris called the meeting to order at 7:30 am
Guests
Sarah Johnson from Minnetonka Tonka Serves
Tom Gump
Jewlie Grape
Marianna Khauv
Irene Kelly
Jim Nelson
Invocation
Invocation by Ryan J: “Everything is going to be fine at the end.” If it’s not fine, it’s not the end. As Rotarians we don’t sit back. We try to make the world a better place. As Rotarians let’s make a resolution to create change.
Pledge
Pledge of Allegiance presented by Nancy D.
4-Way Test
Four Way Test presented by Sarah E.
Rotary Minute
Rotary Minute presented by Cathy C. - Rotary Minute presented by Cathy Carlson: As mentioned last week, Rotary International is working on a new vision plan which also leads to the development of a new action plan. This action plan will last through 2024. While demographics and technology has changed, the purpose of rotary is still strong and remains unchanged. With the new plan, we can honor the past and embrace the future. This new plan will guide the mission at the corporate level. At the local level, we are encouraged to create our own plan that aligns with the district plan. We have work to do. The world is changing and we must remain relevant and change alongside changing trends.
How will this action plan roll out? Rotary International is committed to full transparency. They will lay the foundation for new and exciting opportunities which has already begun since last spring. How can the roll out be successful with annual transition of leadership? Collaboration is key in maintaining strategic perspective - the international level will be working closely with the local level. And as already mentioned, It is also important for local clubs to create their own local action plan.
From Cathy C. - March31, 2021 ROTARY MINUTE
Rotary worked on a new Vision Plan back in 2017, and that led to the development of a new Action Plan that will extend to 2024.
Why? Because the world today is not the same it was when Rotary began in 1905. Demographics have shifted, the pace of change has accelerated, and technology has created new opportunities for connections and service. What hasn’t changed is the need for the values that define Rotary: fellowship, integrity, diversity, service, and leadership. RI feels with the new plan, we can honor our past and embrace our future. We can evolve, and keep Rotary relevant and thriving.
RI actually used the input and feedback from Rotary members, former members, Rotaractors, alumni, Youth Exchange students, Rotary staff, and the general public. In all, over one million people across the world were asked to share their insights with the Strategic Planning Committee through surveys and focus groups. The result is a statement that hopefully inspires and engages, while setting the pathway for the future of Rotary. The new Vision and Action plan have been both formally approved by the Rotary Board of Directors and Board of Trustees.
This Action Plan is intended to guide activities at the corporate level, but as clubs and districts are the core of Rotary, we are strongly encouraged to develop our own action plans and align them with RI’s new plan. The world is changing rapidly and to continue to thrive in the years ahead, we must evolve also. This plan is intended to help us honor our past and embrace our future by guiding our organization, members, and supporters towards projects, opportunities, and activities that support our vision. Next week I will share what we are suppose to do to support this new Action Plan.
Announcements
Thursday, April 8 is the rotary business social. No cost but must register.
Saturday, April 10 is the district assembly. Free training for leaders in the club.
Saturday, May 1 is an in-person celebration of Tom Gump’s year! Will be planting trees.
Friday, April 9, ICA is hosting a pop-up food distribution from 8-10 am. Volunteers needed. In addition, ICA will also be hosting distribution every Friday through May 28. To sign up, go to: https://www.icafoodshelf.org/pop-up2
Thursday, May 20. Free Bikes for Kids volunteer opportunity from 5:30 – 7:30 pm. Help distribute bikes to Hopkins High School students.
Lenny N. – Polio Plus – have so far raised $4,264.50 which will be matched an additional $8,529 from the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation for a total of $12,793.50.
Chris Carr – Happy Hour on April 15 at Tuttle’s. Chef Ali is coming up on April 22.
Nancy D. – Nancy Davis and Stacey Quinn attended the Grants Management Seminar.
Nancy then introduced Sarah Johnson from Minnetonka Tonka Serves.
Sarah Johnson: The focus of Tonka Serves to build opportunities for meaningful connections for Minnetonka Students and non-profits. Tonka serves is hosting, once again, the Senior Serves program on June 7. Prior to commencement, all seniors are encouraged to go out into the community and do service. MHS had 800+ senior students of which 90% of the students participate on this day at over 25 local organizations. Seniors and staff wear t-shirts on that day – Rotary’s logo is on the shirt
Happy Bucks
Nancy D – Saw a great article in the rotary magazine about the Eco Club.
Ron U. – Renewed a 20 year relationship with a student who stayed with him 20 years ago.
Alexa R. – Got a nice letter in the mail from Dale. Article in the Sun Sailor about our club’s generosity of Empty Bowls.
Bill S. - For Frank’s donation to the polar plunge. Having happy hour with Lenny Newman tonight.
Chris Rosenlund – 30 happy bucks! 19 for his son Axel’s birthday. Pete and Gerald for dealing with an incident his son had with his car. Oregon Beavers making it into the final eight. Victory to the Eagles for the state tournament. Got to spend time with all the parents who he hasn’t been able to spend a lot of time with.
Bob H. – 10 – 5 for seeing Jim Nelson’s face. Jim’s brothers was Bob’s first neighbor in Minneapolis. Sad buck – no beer served at the Minnesota Target field because the twins lost the opener. Ha ha.
Frank B. – Star studded line up in the meeting. Thank you to everyone who has ever been a district leader!
Program
Alexa introduced speakers:
Past District Governors – Jim Nelson, Irene Kelly (stepping in for Tim Murphy)
What do you want to know? What do you want to know about serving in the District Governor’s Role?
Bill S - How many hours to you think you average during the year. Jim – depending on the time of the year. Ramps up 3-4 months before the start of the year. Busy through end of the year. Could be up to 40 hours/week.
Ron U. – What was the most rewarding part of your work? Irene – meeting the people from all the other clubs and making connections. Jim – agree. And, the creation of the Eco Club. They wanted to start water project in Hondurus. Jim went on the trip with them which was a major highlight.
Jewelie – What was your most memorable experience? Irene - Irene is big into education. Was thrilled to get get books into children’s clinics. Supporting telescopes into libraries for loan. And, testifying at the state level. Jim –locally, was proud of the four Stride Students from Brooklyn Park who are all going onto post-secondary school. Internationally, went to Japan with his sister club.
Alexa – What was your most difficult experience? Both Irene and Jim agreed on personal issues. – personnel issues.
Alexa – Have you kept in touch with people in your training class? Jim – yes!
Mike G - Have any of you progressed to another role in Rotary after being the DG?
Irene – Yes, was chair of NC Pets and has also circled back and is President of her local club. Jim – Rotary foundation chair, fundraising chair and has been very active in his own club - especially with the Honduran project.
Nancy D – What was something that you wanted to accomplish that didn’t happened.
Irene – wanted to set up leadership program, especially for younger club members. Just couldn’t get people to actually register.
Alexa - Knowing what you know now, would you do it again? Irene – YES! Jim – yes, would do what he did previously but wouldn’t do it for a second time.
What was the biggest effect that COVID had on district rotary? Irene - Going to zoom and missing the personal connections. And, missing the events. Jim – difficult not to see our friends but has opened up opportunities including speakers from other people from around the world. We have also saved a lot of money while still having a big impact throughout the world.
What did you learn about retention? – Retention is still very important. We must be willing to adapt and
What is the path to becoming District Governor? Have to be a past president and must be in good standing. Must be an involved member.
Next Meeting
Next Club Zoom meeting: April 21, 2021 at 7:30 a.m.
Please attend on-line State of the City Meeting on April 14, 2021 at 8:00 a.m. See above.
Adjornment
Chris adjourned the meeting at 8:31 a.m.
Member Submissions
1. From Alexa R. - Eden Prairie Noon Rotary Speaker - Dr. Michael Osterholm - April 15
Hi all! Registration is now open for the joint meeting of the Eden Prairie Noon and AM clubs April 15 at noon. We’re excited to welcome Dr. Michael Osterholm as our special speaker. As you may know, Dr. Osterholm leads the Institute of Infectious Disease Research and Policy at the University of Minnesota and was a member of President Biden’s COVID-19 Transition Advisory Committee.
2. From Patti S. and Ron U. - Fundraising - Entertainment Package
Tickets: All links can be found right on the club’s website: https://portal.clubrunner.ca/3776. You just have to scroll down a bit and hit the “read more” button. All the link are then displayed.
Stevie Ray’s Improv Comedy Show All done. 5 stars!
February 11, 2021 | 7-8 pm
A whole hour of interactive family fun and laughter.
Spend an hour with Certified Meditation and Mindfulness teacher, Betsy Weiner as she guides you to bring more peacefulness, calm, and relaxation to your life.
All levels welcome and no prior experience necessary.
3. From Alexa R. - April 28, 2021 for a Webinar - Protecting the Environment – Opportunities for Rotary and the Planet
Rotary shares an interest in protecting our common legacy: the environment.
We are committed to supporting activities that strengthen the conservation and protection of natural resources, advance ecological sustainability, and foster harmony between communities and the environment. We empower communities to access grants and other resources, embrace local solutions, and spur innovation in an effort to address the causes and reduce the effects of climate change and environmental degradation.
Please join us on April 28, 2021 for a Webinar - Protecting the Environment – Opportunities for Rotary and the Planet
Join us for a webinar featuring Ian Riseley, Past Rotary International President in 2017-18, and chair of The Rotary Foundation (TRF) Environmental Issues Task Force. He will share some of the background behind the decision for the Environment becoming Rotary’s new area of focus. Ian will inspire us with ideas for impactful and sustainable projects to protect the Environment.
Karen Kendrick-Hands, co-founder, past-chair, and projects director for the Environmental Sustainability Rotary Action Group (ESRAG), will discuss how Rotary’s newest cause, the Environment, creates opportunities for Rotary and the planet. She will review the eight action themes of Rotary’s TRF Policy Statement for Protecting the Environment, including which activities are fundable with Global Grants, and which are NOT. This is the practical information that YOU will need to plan successful environmental projects
Where?
Virtual Webinar Hosted by:
Rotary Zones 25B & 29 Regional Rotary Foundation Team
Registration is required, The link for the webinar will be sent out to all registered attendees one week before the event, one day before the event, and one hour before the event
