Meeting Minutes

Scott N. ably filled in for Ryan today as President-elect

Guests

Our speaker today; Stephanie Hoffman with MADD

Invocation

Invocation by Lennie Newman; The Blessing of Aging Parents.  Heavenly Father, today, we pause with grateful hearts to give thanks for the blessing of parents who are aging with health, strength, and grace. We are thankful for the gift of more time together, for their wisdom, their stories, their laughter, and the love they continue to share. Help us never take these precious years for granted. Remind us to be patient, to listen, to cherish each conversation, and to celebrate the simple joy of their presence in our lives. We also ask Your comfort and blessing upon those whose parents are facing illness or are no longer with us. May we honor our parents through gratitude, kindness, and the way we serve others. Amen.

Pledge

Everyone.

4-Way Test

Everyone.

International Theme

Create Lasting Impact.

Paul Harris Awards

None this week.

Announcements

Nancy D. - The Rotary Walk for Polio is on Saturday, Oct 24, 7:30 AM at the MOA. For 40 years, Rotary International has dedicated itself to the eradication of Polio from the world. On World Polio Day, thousands of Rotarians and guests will walk to bring attention to the success and yet the need to complete the task. Register on-line and meet Nancy at the Macy’s (West Parking) entrance before 7:30. 

Leslie G. -  October is Breast Cancer Awareness month. The Pink Power Carnival will be held at the Hopkins Activity Center (14th Ave and 1st St N) from 12:00-4:00. Information, celebration, and a silent auction this Saturday, October 24. 

Bob H. - He has the flyers in-hand for our Memorial Blood Drive on Thursday, Nov 12 from 8:00 to 3:00. It’s in our regular Rotary meeting room. The Excelsior and Mtka Clubs are linking up to sponsor 6 blood drives in 2027; we want to create several opportunities to help eliminate the serious shortage of blood supplies. Think of the impact our 2 clubs alone can make by starting to connect Rotary with Blood Donations. Why not look ahead to the whole District?  The Nov 12 drive is already looking good; let’s pass the word, sign up and hit our capacity for the day, at 60+ donations. Call 1-800-GIVEBLD to sign up, with the sponsor code of 5351. All the donations will be credited to Rotary.

Cosatanza -  Our Rotary exchange student, ‘Connie’ is exchanging 2 of her home flags from Argentina with us.

New Members

None this week.

Rotary Minute

None this week.

Raffle

A familiar winner today; Cathy holds the ticket, but no Joker appears. Play On!

Foundation Award Checks or Thank Yous

None this week.

The Star Fish Community Award

None this week.

Paul Harris Awards

Chris R. calls Alissa up to receive her Paul Harris +4 award today. Thanks, Alissa

Happy Bucks

Ben M. -awaits the dollars from the following members. 

Ryan R. -  for Scott filling in last week as the host. Also, for a wonderful hunting trip with several young women, including his daughter. 

James W. - for a good MEA get-away weekend in Wisconsin with Connie. Toured the WS Capitol and the U of W in Madison. 

Mikey S. - He and Alissa had a fun time at the pizza party night at the Magneys, and that the Investment Ethics part of being a Certified Financial Planner includes the Rotary 4-Way Test in its Continuing Ed testing. 

Annika M.  and Alissa O. had a good time throwing pottery at Pete’s garage as part of our fundraiser auction. 

Jerald S. - happy for (something) with Lenny, and traveling to Lubbock, TX with his daughter. Even happier that she is going elsewhere. Also, for Cameron taking part in some ROTC training. 

Bill S. - for time at the cabin with family, beautiful leaves, kayaking

Ann W. - back from 10 days in Italy with family. Rome to Milan, and a hot-air balloon ride, cooking and WINE

Chris R. - for a great Oregon/reunion trip with frat brothers, reliving scouting, camping and football. OK, he didn’t mention a few beers (did he say frat brothers?)

Leslie G. - for a night out at Indigo Girls

Lenny N. - for a meaningful trip to Dayton, he and his sister started the process of moving their parents into a senior facility. Refer back to Lenny’s invocation, about Gratitude for Parents. 

Cathy P. - she sold her house, and is in a new place. (I think) that her son is home also.

Mark Magney - he’ll be gone for 4 weeks (hooray) seeing the 4 grandkids in the Montana/Idaho area. Sun Valley skiing. I’m guessing he’ll add many days to his 2026 total. 

Ben M. - for getting back to the coaching routine, and a nice trip to Portugal. 

Program  

Stephanie Hoffman, speaking for MADD; Mothers Against Drunk Driving.

Stephanie has just recently started speaking on its behalf. It started in 1980, now has 87 Chapters. She has a sad reason on why; her brother-in-law was killed in a drunk-driving accident. Also, her mother-in-law(?).

There were 27,000 DD arrests just in MN and over 800 deaths. DD are often repeat offenders. She and other speakers are getting the message to elementary to college ages. It’s important to stop the habit before it starts. Youth can be powerful leaders in setting good example. 

There is a healing journey that takes time; counselors, attorneys, lawmakers, enforcement are all part of the constant effort to reduce or eliminate the problem. Penalties are getting stricter. Parents are important to monitor and keep their kids safe. Youth peer pressure to not drink and drive is essential. 

Volunteers make their mission possible. They have a public walk for exposure, and to raise money. The devastating stories create a strong bond among victims, support is long-lasting. 

Thank you, Stephanie, for this very necessary message that we should all take on action if we see bad behaviors, and to push hard for responsibility.   
 

Adjournment

Submitted by Bob H.

Member Submissions