Meeting Minutes
Meeting called to order by our NEXT President Ryan.
Guests
Brian Felsen and Bob Williams with Your Ears Rock. Also, Laura Hetzel, checking out our club for membership. Welcome to all.
Invocation
Invocation by James;
Rotary has a long tradition of service and helping our neighbors. We may encounter them right next door, or in a much larger theme, anywhere in the world. Love of our neighbor leads to action, truly Service above Self. Small choices can lead to large outcomes; it starts with our willingness to help, as we say ‘what we do makes a difference’. Who is our neighbor right now? Let us all be attentive to the needs around us and be ready to serve.
Pledge
Everyone.
4-Way Test
Everyone.
International Theme
Unite for Good.
Paul Harris Awards
Paul Harris Award with Chris R, for Lenny Newman, PH #5. Congrats, Lenny.
Announcements
Bob H. - Community Service - He reminded of our Spring Blood Drive on Friday, March 6. 7:30-3:30 in our meeting room.
Also, in a segue from the invocation, the Hispanic community is suffering now with the I.C.E activity. A local church has a large number who are afraid to leave their homes. One big need there is food and supplies. Dan Narr with ICA is willing to help. Keep watching for ideas already rolling as to how our club can get involved.
Alexa R. - Social Service - The incoming RI President will be in town on February 11. He’ll be speaking as a guest of the City of Lakes club. As you know, the RI world meeting will be here in 2028.
-There will be a Rotary sponsored AI talk in Edina on Tuesday Feb 17.
-Ryan is hosting (another) Jewelry Works night for club members and friends on Thursday, Jan 29.
It’s a fun night, and Valentines Day is not that far off… just saying!
Mark Marlin - Rotary Travel - 2 trips are planned through the Rotary Travel club, and these are open to anyone. Sept 20-30 to England, Scotland, Wales, and a cruise to Tahiti on Dec 3-10. The trips actually raise money for Rotary.
Jerald - The Polar Plunge - The date is Saturday March 14 at Lake Riley, preceded by the Safety Meeting at Tavern 4 and 5. The total club giving may exceed $100,000 this year. Sponsor this great cause for Special Olympics.
New Member Induction
Our newest member was voted in, unanimously we presume. Nancy Davis is back, as member #53
Rotary Minute
None this week.
Raffle
The Raffle ticket was drawn for Mark Magney, but no Joker, and play on next week.
Foundation Award Checks or Thank You's
None this week.
Happy Bucks
Bill S. -16th year as a Minnetonka Rotarian, and a grandson’s birthday in Mississippi.
James W. - a back injury getting better, thanks to a visit with Dr. Sarah. His mother is in town visiting.
Tracy R. - the undefeated National Champion Indiana Hoosiers is a great, heartwarming story.
Mikey - for Brian here today as our speaker.
Terry J. - “I’m happy just because I choose to be”
Glenn J. - for an up coming Alaska cruise, and recalling those busy days raising kids.
Program
Our Program today is on the significant problem of hearing loss, with Brian Felsen of Your Ears Rock.
Brian is a neighbor of Mikey and Alissa, who brought him here today.
We are all exposed to noise every day, and we need to protect and preserve our hearing. Many protective devices are available, but we need to know the best ones, and use them properly.
Noise can range from constant background to occasionally very loud activities. 1.1 billion people are at risk for loss. 50 million have tinnitus, a very annoying constant ringing. Its never too late to protect what you have.
Aging is the #1 cause of loss, but concerts, workplaces, loud use of ear buds, vacuum cleaners, power tools, and too many hours of high decibels harm the sensitive bones in the ear. The preventable tips Brian gave us are; Turn it Down, Protect your Ears, Walk Away, and Limit your Exposure Time.
Brian gave us all a set of foam earplugs, and showed us the proper use.
Thank you, Brian, for the work you do and a reminder that we’re all at risk.
Adjournment
Submitted by Bob H.
Member Submissions
None this week.
