“90 years is a lifetime that only few people live.

But when they do, it’s a gift only God can give.

90 years and still alive, still going strong with a heart that beats inside.

90 years is a long way, a long way to look back.

But when you have walked this long stretch of road,

There’s no reason to stop walking, because you have made the right turns.

90 years is a number that people only dream of, and most never get to see.

But if you’re living this dream and you have 90 years to treasure,

90 years to look back and call your own.

So happy 90^th birthday and may there be more to come.

Take it 1 day at a time, and look forward to 91”

Ron U. - for Mary’s 90^th birthday, and cupcakes to celebrate. There will be an open house on Sunday, Oct 13 at their home. Look for an email with directions and time.

 

Floriane N. - says hello, with 3 bags of African coffee for sale.

 

Pete G. - for the flooding crisis in NC, TN, SC, Pete is organizing trucks, water, and money to send there for help. Look for more details, it’s a critical need, right now. Thank you, Pete

 

Alexa R. - For the District Masters Class Assembly on Saturday Oct 6 at the Scouting Base Camp.We have a table for 8 members, and it’s already paid. Looking for 7 others to join her there.

 

Mike G. - along with Jerald for the results of our fundraiser. WE MADE OUR GOAL with  $50,005! Many thanks to everyone who contributed their time and effort to make it a success.

 

Bob H. - on upcoming Community Service.

   1.The Blood Drive is tomorrow; were at or very close to our goal. Still a few hours to ask others.

   2. Bikes for Kids donation day is Saturday Oct 5 at most HyVees stores. Donate your bikes, even if it needs repairs. Repair and Distribution days are upcoming in the fall and winter. It’s a great service.

   3. Highway 7 Clean-up on Saturday, Oct 12 at 8:30. Meet at Famous Dave’s lot. Bring gloves and old sturdy shoes.

   4. Resource West Warm Clothes; bring lightly used coats and new hats, gloves and mittens. Drop them off at our meetings or to RW office on Baker Road and Mtka Blvd.

 

The Rundquist Scouts (Nolan, Bennet and Audrey) -  are here today to raise funds for scouting. Wreaths and Popcorn are for sale, with wreath pickups in Nov. Contact Alexa to order.

 

Chris R. - with a Paul Harris #1 (is that plus1?) for joining the PH Society.

Speaker; Katie Lindenfelsen form Crescent Cove

 

She started by saying how good she feels to be with our wonderful club this morning.

 

 Katie’s background is musical therapy, massage, and a history with children with serious life/health diagnoses.

 

Kids who are extremely sick usually have to die at home. Their parents’ lives are changed with the constant care they require. Traditional hospices are not set up for children’s needs. Australia and England have many more. Katie trained in Australia to learn more.

 

In 2017, North Memorial closed their hospice. The NEXT DAY, WCCO, aired that closure and Katie contacted them. N. Memorial said, “you should buy it” Whereas there are thousands of adult hospices, there were only 2 for children in the US. Crescent Cove became the 3^rd. Minnesota is a very philanthropic state, and coincidentally, Harmon Killebrew was sick with cancer at about that time. His widow took up the cause, and Harmon’s name is part of Crescent Cove. The Twins and many others generously help with funding. Crescent Cove requires a $3.1 million budget. Jack Morris and Paul Molitor are strong promoters of Crescent Cove.

It also offers Respite Care, allowing families to get away while their sick child is professionally cared for. Families can entrust the care for their child, and refresh their family. 

 

Currently, Crescent Cove can care for about 3 kids at a time. They do more than the family can provide and coordinate the very complex need for many specialists required for the kids. It is a very warm and expressive place, and the kids both receive and give joy from and to the workers.  The motto at Crescent Care is

“Embrace, Assure, Celebrate”. They also say, “I am living with, not dying from, cancer.” The kids lives are enhanced and so are the caregivers at the hospice.

 

The New York Times Magazine featured Crescent Cove, and currently there are 20 more forming in the country. Volunteers are a big part, and Scott Brink, who invited Katie today, is one of them. 386 families have received care in 2024, and over 750 nights of respite.

 

Thank you, Katie, for your moving talk and video, with deep appreciation for the work you do. We are so grateful to hear about these selfless programs in our community, through our Rotary speakers. What you do makes a huge difference for both the kids and their families.