District Conference celebrates 2020-21 achievements

 
District Governor Tom Gump showcased a wide variety of district accomplishments during District Conference on May 1. The casual Central Park (in Brooklyn Center) setting was perfect for expanded seating, food truck meals, and Covid-19 accommodations. Pictured (clockwise) are DG Tom and RI Director Suzi Howe, the governor's remarks, Tom and Catherine Gump (Edina Rotary) at the Peace Pole, and a presentation to RC of Network for Empowering Women club president Anastasia Persico.
 
 
The emotional highlight of District Conference was Past District Governor Tim Murphy's (Edina) arrival and acceptance of a Lifetime Achievement Award. "Murph" served as
DG during the 2015-16 Rotary year and has been an effective mentor to district leaders ever since. His recent health crisis did not stop him from extolling the value of Rotary (left) or joking with friend and fellow Rotarian, Edina Mayor Jim Hovland (Edina/Morningside). The entire audience embraced him with affection and respect.
 

Additional Award Recipients

YMCA Equity and Innovation Center: Rotary District 5950 Partnership award
(for “Creating a Better Story” series)

Suzanne Kochevar: Rotary District 5950 Community Equity Advocate Award

Edina Rotary Club & Edina Morningside Rotary Club: Rotary District 5950
Youth Programming Innovation and Leadership  (for Edina High School Rotary
Global Scholars program)

Rotary Club of Network for Empowering Women: Rotary District 5950 Membership Growth Award

Raj Khankari: Rotary District 5950 Global Grant Guru Award

Clare Richards: Rotary District 5950 Rotaract Accelerator Award

Steve Solbrack: Rotary District 5950 Environmental Champion Award

Tim Mulcrone: Rotary District 5950 Polio Eradication Champion Award

Andrew Ramirez & Bill Sierks: Rotary District 5950 Rotary Peace Forest Champions Award

John Crudele: Rotary District 5950 Hybrid Meeting Champion Award

Irene Kelly: Rotary District 5950 PETS Excellence in Education Award

Russ Michaletz: Rotary District 5950 TRF Advocate Award

Lloyd Campbell: Rotary District 5950 Membership Support Award

 
Thanks to tree donations and participants' sweat equity, there is now a Rotary Peace Forest in Brookdale Park. The Tree Planting Project is the district’s first environmental sustainability project under Rotary International’s new Area of Focus: Supporting the Environment. The trees were planted in collaboration with The Nature Conservancy and Tree Trust, planting trees in historically under-resourced communities and low tree canopy areas.