Minnetonka Rotary Club - The Spoke - March 13, 2024 (Mar. 14, 2024)

Meeting Minutes - Bonnie W.

Guests

Angela Gautheir, executive director of MoveFwd, a non-profit organization formerly known as Teens Alone.

Invocation

By Ron Usem.

Pledge

Everyone.

4-Way Test

Everyone.

International Theme

Everyone.

Announcements

Jerald S. - The Minnetonka Rotary’s Polar Plunge on March 9 raised $15,485.

Glen J. - ResourceWest, which is moving from downtown Hopkins to a spot on Minnetonka Blvd., is looking for volunteers to help with painting. Specifically, they are looking for help in the afternoons of March 19^th and 20^th. They are seeking volunteers in groups of 4.

Bob H. - 2 blood drive events are being planned for April 17 and April 23. On April 17, our Rotary speaker will be someone from Memorial Blood Centers to talk about the shortage of blood currently. April 23 is our donation day at the Marsh in our meeting room.

Alexa R. - distributed some handout literature for the Minnetonka Rotary’s Service Above Self social to be held May 7, 2024 from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. at Bear Cave Brewing (2^nd floor), 1201 Mainstreet, Hopkins 55343. Refreshments and appetizers will be provided.

Bill S. - Thomas Richards is our newest member – our 50^th!

New Member Induction

None.

Rotary Minute

None this week.

Raffle

Ryan Rydell won $60.

Foundation Award Checks

None this week.

Happy Bucks

Ben M. - son participated in state championship

Jerald S. - happy with Polar Plunge

Bill S. - happy that Thomas Richards is now a club member. Happy about Char Murphy’s St. Patrick’s Day party 2 days ago.

Ron U. - happy with the weather and for Char Murphy’s St. Patrick’s Day party

Phil H. - enjoyed the sunrise this morning, and happy about heading to Tucson, AZ soon

Char M. - granddaughter at Mankato received another leadership accomplishment that could lead to future job opportunities and scholarships

Scott B. - grateful for tradespeople.

Dale F. - says he “doesn’t guilt” easily, but lost sleep triggered a monetary donation for the Polar Plunge

Jim M. - happy that his son is home from spring break

Jennifer S. - happy that her mother’s house is finally ready for sale

Mark Marlin - happy about the food packing event last Saturday at Second Harvest. He also noted that he left Char’s St. Patrick’s Day party early after spotting writing on her sweater that said: “let the shenanigans begin”

Ryan R. - also thanked Char for the party, and noted that his oldest daughter’s DECA involvement

Tony N. - educated club members that an “Irish steak” is a hot dog, which were served at Char’s party. He’s also happy that his daughter is home for spring break

Bob H. - suggested that Tucson, AZ is becoming Minnetonka Rotary SW given several visits there by Rotarians.

Program

Angela Gauthier, executive director of MoveFwd. This organization works with youth and families to create a safe and stable community. The non-profit was founded in 1990, and earlier was known as “Teens Alone”. They serve around 200 youth annually. Ages range from 12-24. MoveFwd provides barrier-free therapy to youth and family, housing assistance for young people experiencing homelessness, and outreach to connect young people to house and basic needs resources. They also have a drop-in center at Eisenhower Community Center in Hopkins for young people ages 15-24. They also offer a housing program for young adults learning how to live on their own.

Adjournment

Submitted by Bonnie W.