The Spoke

Meeting Minutes

[President Ron U. presiding.]

Guests

3 were here today from the State Fair Horticulture Program. Mindy Walter, Lindsey Chamberland, and Chris Noonan.

Invocation

Annika - She just completed her SCUBA certification, and some of those lessons reminded her of Rotary. Remember to breathe, always dive with a buddy, don’t rush. As we meet and perform our Rotary services, we need to slow down and consider our goals, and remember that working with others, not alone, will make us more successful. Stay connected.

Pledge

Everyone.

4-Way Test

Everyone.

International Theme

Unite for Good. 

Paul Harris Awards

Chris R. - he had some Paul Harris hardware for Alissa, actually TWO pins; PH +2 , and PH +3. Thank you, Alissa.

Announcements

Bob H. -  Friday, March 6 is our Spring Blood Drive with Memorial Blood. It will again be in our meeting room, 7:30 to 3:30, or 4:00. Also, keep ICA in mind as they are helping with supplying food to many immigrant families still staying home. Donations of money, always helpful, and food itself are appreciated. Look on the ICA website for needed items, and bring bags of groceries to club meetings. Someone will get these to ICA. Dedicate your gifts to St. Gabriel Church which is supporting over 60 families. 

Jerald S. - The Polar Plunge is upcoming on Saturday, March 14 in Eden Prairie. Jump yourself with sponsors, or sign up to sponsor our club team. Jerald says we may hit $100,000 this year over all our years of Plunging!

Ron U. -  the Prior Lake (July 10 and 11) Summer Fest is looking for Rotarian volunteers. It’s a paid position! You can sign-up on-line or call Sara Kaul of their Club. A fun event and some dollars for our club. 

New Member Induction      

Rotary Minute

None this week.

Raffle

Won by Jim Martin; a frequent name being called. Alas, no Joker today.

Foundation Award Checks or Thank You's

None this week.

Happy Bucks

Bill S. - for 4 days in Mississippi with family, not so happy on getting back home, with an overnight in the DC airport. Also, for some help from Pete.

Dr. Carter - for a granddaughter coming in May, and for the Billiards event moving along.
Scott Nagel; for a real estate project in Hawaii, with some local Rotarian help. 

Char M.  and Cathy C. - both happy for 2-4 weeks in Nassau with a large family contingent. Even the kids are now enjoying adult beverages! Cathy’s been doing this for 48 years!

Jim M. -  back from a trip, enjoyed, (or will be?) a great music fest. Enjoyed the Racine Kringle.

Bob H. - he and neighbor enjoy tasting their scotches; the neighbor pulled out a large bottle of Dewer's, which was given to him. Bob said he had a good home for that bottle. Now, which of the Nassau girls will take it home?

Alissa O. - for a fun time at Ryan’s Jewelry works last week.

Program  

Speaker - Mindy Walter from the Minnesota State Fair Horticulture Dept

The mission of the MSF is to preserve a park-like setting. Many state fairs are on simple large parking lots, with little or no greenery and shade. MN is fortunate to have 322 well-cared for acres for a comfortable and beautiful setting. They plant over 60 gardens, 200 planters, and 2500 plantings. The grounds can support many large and small events, all benefitting from that beauty. It all makes for a wonderful guest experience.
They actually have greenhouses right on the grounds, which allows year-round growing.

At any time, over 20,000 plants are in different stages of growth. All those gardens must be watered by hand. 

Canna plants, which are tropical, are actually their official Fair theme flower. They do well in heat, sun, and humidity. They have large flowers and actually duplicate many more bulbs. There are vertical flower beds, 2 prominent ones are The Bell and The Gate. Many volunteer hours are required to plant and care for them. 

The entire grounds are upgraded often to keep soils and landscaping looking fresh. You need not always go into the buildings to enjoy the scenery and the atmosphere. So many large trees allow shady spots in that hot part of summer. Mindy’s Horticultural program is entirely self-supporting with State Fair proceeds.  

Having heard about all this work will make us much more aware of the ambience at the Fair. Thank you for all you do, Mindy, and for you and your team talking about it today.

Adjournment

Submitted by Bob H.

Member Submissions

From Mike S. -