Meeting Minutes
Meeting called to order by Past President Alissa, filling in for Pres Ron
Guests
Our speaker, Courtney Flug with Sojourner, Nate Milke, with Scott Nagel, Neal Enzenauer, a long-time former Mtka Rotarian. Neal was also at the Fundraiser last week.
Invocation
Invocation by Bonnie, These are crazy times in our country; we pray today for courage, peace, and hope. We imagine healing and illumination from our problems and apply compassion, empathy, and wisdom and will that we will realize a common good.
Pledge
Everyone.
4-Way Test
Everyone.
International Theme
Unite for Good. [No banner yet. Ed.]
Paul Harris Awards
None this week.
Announcements
A few on the Fundraiser last week;
Jerald S. - Thank you to the entire club for its involvement and help. Jerald named those who especially led various areas and the time they spent at meetings. He saved Mike Glover for last, who chaired what should be a very successful event. Numbers will be available in a week or two.
Bill S. - He auctioned off some beer and wine that was leftover. Another $75 or more for the bids today. Bill also had a new name tag for Annika, who needs one with her name change from her August wedding.
Cathy C. - through Mikey, also had a new name tag for Alissa, who was presented her Past-President name tag.
New Member Induction
None this week.
Rotary Minute
None this week.
Raffle
#775 was held by Scott Brink; only 3 tickets. Alas; the new pot and full deck didn't show the Joker.
Foundation Award Checks or Thank You's
None this week.
Happy Bucks
Happy Bucks with Mikey.
Jerald S. - at the post-Fundraiser party at Boom Island, Mikey 'coerced' Jerald into jumping out of a plane. Jerald did it over the weekend, and despite admitting being scared, he felt fine as he stepped off the plane. It was an incredible experience.
Annika - for attending the Rotary District Conference at Valley Fair this weekend. Also, some trepidation over some sky-high rides, but a fun day.
Bill S. - for being part of the Jerald Jump Day.
Bonnie W. - for her recent retirement, and not needing to wear suits any more. Jeans and plaid shirts now her style.
Pete G. - for Ryan and Frank who are helping set up a new version of Empty Bowls with Pete. Feed My Starving Children was also part of this.
Floriane N. - she is getting her health care done here in Minnesota, and not one, but two tests done for cancer, and BOTH turned out negative. We're all VERY happy for those results.
Glenn J. - for having Neal here today, and he reminded the club of all the work Neal did while a member.
Frank B. - while he was in Monterrey CA for his mother, her health has improved so much that she no longer needs some basis health hospice care. Doing great at 96!
Alissa O. - for the guests here today, and the successful Fundraiser.
Bob H. - he completed the Summer of Big Birthdays this weekend, with Vicki's 40th anniversary of her 30th birthday. The whole family was in town again, and the 7 and 4 year old grandson's really enjoyed each other.
Program
Speaker - Courtney Flug, with Sojourner Project Minnesota.
Intro- Courtney is the Education and Domestic Violence manager at Sojourner in Mtka. She also manages the Volunteer Program. A BA and MA degrees with 25 years in the non-profit sector. She has run 30 Marathons. She starts by thanking our club for all our support, including replacing their freezer recently.
Sojourner's first priority is victim safety for women, and men, in crisis. It is a confidential location, non-profit with education and counseling services. It was started by 2 Hopkins women in the 1970's, in private homes. It has been in the current location for 20 years, and can house victims and families for months at a time.
Abuse is a serious health problem; 1 in 4 women, and 1 in 9 men are affected. There are 20,000 calls EVERY DAY in Minnesota.
It can affect the entire family, even those beyond the relationship, with 40 homicides in MN last year. 20% are bystanders. Sojourner cared for 350 women as emergency, and 750 in advocacy and counseling.
Domestic violence is coercive behavior to maintain power and control. Children and elders are affected. All economic classes, and cultures. It has risks in employment, stresses, schooling and relationships. Threats, isolation, and intimidation, emotional abuse are part of the violence.
The needs for the victims are many; clothing, supplies, housing $, counseling, support, child care, meals and transportation. Advocates volunteers attend courtrooms, therapy, restraining orders, and custody help. Sojourner partners
with local police, and many referrals come from there. Schools are involved in helping victim students adapt and learn about proper relationships.
How can we help? We already have made donations. we can liase with other friends and orgs, we can keep our eyes open for problems, share our concerns. We can volunteer, engage with kids, give gifts and supplies. It is very large and complex issue, and we are very grateful for the work Courtney has done for these many years.
Spread the Word, Support Sojourner, and be a partner.
Adjournment
Meeting adjourned.
Respectfully Submitted by Bob Hersman.
Member Submissions
Nothing this week.
