Meeting Minutes
Meeting called to order by President Ryan.
Guests
Two returning visitors and that they both have made applications to join our club. Welcome to Michelle Pasko and Ben Maxwell. Hope to see both more on a regular basis. Also, our speaker Rima Parikh.
Invocation
Mac H. has a 2-part invocation. 1st, for another beautiful day that we have to share with our club and the community. 2nd, for a whimsical rhyming story of his trip to the dentist. Very fun, and very true about the blessings and gifts that we have in our lives.
Pledge
Everyone.
4-Way Test
Everyone.
International Theme
Create Lasting Impact.
Paul Harris Awards
None this week.
Announcements
Jennifer S. - tells us that Cathy is having heart surgery today; she has a card that we can all sign to wish Cathy good health and a quick recovery.
Bob H. one (or two) last calls for our Blood Drive on Thursday, Nov 12. Registrations are way up, and we recently increased our maximum to 75! Call 888-448-3283 to sign-up and mention the Rotary Code of #5351. Ask your friends to join us.
Glen J. - Bikes 4 Kids will begin phase 2, cleaning and repairs, on Saturday, Nov 14th 9:00-12 noon. It’s in Fridley at 5400 Main Street NE. Reply to Glen if you can help. It’s really a fun day, and a big part of the process.
New Members
None this week.
Rotary Minute
None this week.
Raffle
Ryan had the ticket, but the fresh deck of cards was stingy with the Joker. Play On!
Foundation Award Checks or Thank Yous
Glen J. introduced Shiela Rost here today to accept $1000 for Can-Do Canines. She said they cover the range from breeding to training to placement of these amazing helpers. She is also grateful that we were part of a multiple Rotary Club effort to purchase a van for transportation.
The Star Fish Community Award
None this week.
Paul Harris Awards
None this week.
Happy Bucks
Phil B. he is happy today for having a Constitutional Republic.
Scott B. - referring to Mac’s “Every Day is a Gift, He is happy that we have the best doctors in the world at the Mayo Clinic. He is continuing care of his multiple myeloma, diagnosed in 2019. Also, he’ll be in Guadalajara Mexico soon.
Bill S. - for our two newest applicants (soon to be members), Ben and Michelle.
Ron U. - he told us an amazing story of passing up a small airplane flight in lieu of attending a birthday party. The plane did take off, but shockingly crashed and the pilot was killed. Always GREAT to see you every week, Ron!!
Lenny N. happy to see applicant Ben today, and that his 85+ year-old parents will be moving into new (senior) housing. Also, his son Evan and daughter-in-law Baily are expecting a baby! Another grandchild on the way.
Rebecca S. - happy for the service all the election judges do for us and communities. We have an excellent voting process of early and day of voting. Results come back very quickly. The turn-out was VERY high.
Frank B. - a family cat who lived a long-time despite illness, recently died.
Ryan R. - his father is 80 today.
Annika M. - for fun at a recent party with (?) at The Elks Club.
Program
Rima Parikh talks about her bookstore in Minnetonka; The Thinking Spot.
Rima’s story is growing up in India, and has been a reader since a very young age. Her initial career was in computer and tech; she became disillusioned with corporate life, as unfulfilling. Then COVID hit, and the world stopped. She considered what’s important, and what will she leave as a legacy. “What’s Next?”
Her reading interest was still strong, she quit her job, and she and her husband opened a Bookstore, in Minnetonka in 2021. Now she’s just celebrating 5 years in business.
She started with a base of her strong background; science, computer, technology. She found that people had a variety of other interests, but they did find other uses for her niche. The unexpected outcome was that there much more promise with the store than just books. Her passion was infective, and people just came in to be together, to meet others; it was now a community place.
Kids and activities, learning new skills (origami), projects, readings with authors, book clubs, story hours, experiments, grab bags of toys. Coming out of COVID, and this year with Metro Surge, people wanted to be together, to interact. She helped celebrate the Bakken Museum’s 50th anniversary, had panel discussions, an annual festival.
The theme of the store is still the original science, but her overall point is “To Share the Love of Reading” Rima admits that the financial piece varies, but she says she has no regrets; it’s a Labor of Love. It’s quite interesting the name BookStore is not at the door, it’s instead, “The Thinking Spot” It could also be called, a place to meet and share yourself with others.
The Thinking Spot is at 3311 County Road 101; its right near Ryan’s Jewelry Works. You can buy any book from Rima, she is part of Bookshop.org where as an independent bookseller, she receives some credit. It’s a great alternative to Amazon, and you might just learn something or find someone interesting while you’re there.
This is a wonderful success story, Rima. You had a dream, and it’s come true, even if not in the original manner you first thought. Congratulations for your determination, flexibility, and welcoming all your customers to a unique experience. This is a very nice story you us told today.
Adjournment
Submitted by Bob H.
Member Submissions
