Running Start For School is a community wide backpack and school supply drive, provided by United Way of Olmsted County, to ensure that every child in Olmsted County is prepared to succeed in school. We believe when students have the tools they need to succeed, they score better on tests, increase their attendance, and are more likely to graduate on time. This program relies on support from organizations like ours to make sure all students have a running start for school this fall! United Way’s has a goal of providing 2, 535 backpacks and school supplies for students in Olmsted County this upcoming school year. You can purchase each backpack, full of school supplies, for less the $16 on the online drive provided by United Way!
The Rotary Club of Rochester is participating in this year’s Running Start for School drive as well as the other Rotary Clubs in Rochester. We are having a little competition with the other Rochester Rotary Clubs to see who can purchase the greatest percentage of their goal by August 12! Our goal is to purchase 100 backpacks!
Please join us and help us reach our goal of 100 backpacks by purchasing here: https://www.roonga.com/trcr, by August 12!
United Way is also looking for 5 people to fill spots for Running Start for School volunteering from 10 am – 12 pm on Saturday – we’d like to fill the spots by Friday. Volunteers sort and stuff backpacks in preparation to be delivered to schools. Sign up: https://volunteer.uwolmsted.org/need/detail/?need_id=686984 or contact Allie Good or Jen Teske!
On July 28th at our in person meeting at the Even Hotel, our program from Allie Good. Attending the convention reminds us that Rotarians are People of Action. Allie will share the lessons learned and how they align to our new Strategic Plan and Action Plan. In addition, Ashok Patel will provide an overview of the Mentorship pilot as part of the Young Professionals' group.
"Thank you so much for the honor of being your Club President in 2021-2022. Leading during a pandemic has certainly been a challenge, but I am so proud of the work we’ve accomplished together this year. I would like to highlight a few:
We are getting back to a new normal. Amber was hired a year ago. We’re in person, and we’ve made hybrid an ongoing option to give club members the most flexibility. Programs that were on hiatus are back, often with important new improvements that emphasize safety and flexibility. Youth exchange is a great example of this.
At Tuesday’s District Awards, we were recognized for hosting Research Trainees as our Signature Project. This new program modeled after Youth Exchange has been a huge success.
I’m very proud of the strategic plan and resulting action plans. We used conversations, surveys, and the Rotary District process to develop the plan. You told us what was important to you, and we developed a set of plans to take concrete actions to develop and grow as a club. Adding Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion, Membership, and Measurement positions to the board are all important steps in holding ourselves accountable to having an impact in the community. I believe the intentionality of the club will make sure we are spending time on the most important initiatives. Tuesday our club was recognized at the District’s Awards Ceremony for our work around strategic planning. We received a 2nd place award.
A highlight of the year for me personally was traveling to the Rotary International Convention in Houston earlier this month and having the opportunity to present a break-out session with Elaine Case and Jerome Ferson about the 3 Rochester Rotary Clubs starting Cradle to Career. Yesterday we met with another club who wanted more information about our efforts.
I would like to recognize outgoing board members Fred Suhler, Bob Mueller, and Chris Colby. Each brought unique perspectives to the board and represented you well. As Past-President, Chris was my go-to person as Amber and I were both learning the ropes.
As I hand over the gavel to Allie Good, I know the club is in good hands. I’m excited for her year as the action plans get executed and the mentorship program starts."
Family Service Rochester, Intercultural Mutual Assistance Agency, and United Way of Olmsted County have partnered with the residents of the Meadow Park neighborhood to create the Meadow Park Initiative. These partners along with the 21st Century Community Learning Center grant are organizing a summer camp for youth grades K-12 in the Meadow Park neighborhood and we are looking for volunteers! Here is the basic information:
Meadow Park Summer Youth Program: The Meadow Park Summer Program blends learning and fun! This summer program provides students with different hands-on learning activities. Students will experience a unique mix of learning and major fun. Volunteers are needed for hands on help with activities. Use this link to sign up. If you have questions, please contact Michaela Allen at mallen@familyservicerochester.org
Dates: June 14th-August 5th *Dates are flexible to work with your schedule!
LOCATION: 1429 4th Ave SE, Rochester, MN 55904 (Friendship Place)
Michaela really needs some Rotarians to help fill the volunteer spots. If you have a passion, she can find a good role for you in the program! You can help as much or as little as you're able! Email her to discuss what you can offer the youth .
With the new Rotary Year upon us, I am working on updating the calendar again. Did you know you can always refer back to the calendar, click on the date/event and see all info including registration?! Here's the Calendar Link!
The Rotary Club of Rochester submitted one service area. (You also submitted an excellent Signature Project which will be displayed on the District website soon.)
TRCR tied for 2nd Place in Club Service with White Bear Lake.
Thank you, President Audrey, for sharing why this was a priority and the results of the work.
Our club has a collection of Rotary stamps that was started in 1975. We're looking for any current club members or local friends of club members who have an interest in stamp collecting. We'd value your expertise as the club decides what to do with the collection. If you're interested, please contact Sara Gilliland at scgill50@gmail.com or 507-259-4213
2022-2023 Dues have been invoiced via club runner. A statment has also gone out. If you have not gotten it, or you need it sent again, please let Amber know. If you wish to make your payment via check please contact Amber at romnrotary@gmail.com. It is important to get the dues paid as soon as possible as the club has strict payment deadlines with Rotary International and the District. So please convey that to your employer if they are issuing payment on your behalf. PLEASE NOTE: If your employer does remit payment, your name MUST be in the memo. Likewise, if you do not plan on renewing your membership, please let us know that as well as soon as possible!
As a member of the Rotary Club of Rochester, there are three "To Do List" items to sign-up for the second and fourth Thursday meeting from now until the end of the year.
1. Sign-up to lead the four-way test
2. Sign-up to give a reflection
3. Sign-up to be a greeter
4. Sign-up for the visitor table / introductions
5. Sign-up to share your story by giving a member spotlight
Did you know that if you buy the majority of your gas at Kwik Trip, you could pre-pay for your gas AND help the club at the same time? A $100 Kwik Trip card immediately creates $5 for the club and any in-store purchases creates another 5% donation.If you would like to purchase Scrip cards, send an email to romnrotary@gmail.com with how many and what denomination you'd like. In additional to Kwik Trip, Scrip cards are also available to Apollo Liquor and Menards. The cards are purchased at face value, but the club receives 5% back from Apollo Liquor and Kwik Trip and 4% back from Menards. The club receives an additional 5% on purchases at Kwik Trip, other than gas, inside the store.
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Running Start For School is a community wide backpack and school supply drive, provided by United Way of Olmsted County, to ensure that every child in Olmsted County is prepared to succeed in school. We believe when students have the tools they need to succeed, they score better on tests, increase their attendance, and are more likely to graduate on time. This program relies on support from organizations like ours to make sure all students have a running start for school this fall! United Way’s has a goal of providing 2, 535 backpacks and school supplies for students in Olmsted County this upcoming school year. You can purchase each backpack, full of school supplies, for less the $16 on the online drive provided by United Way! 
ay is also looking for 5 people to fill spots for Running Start for School volunteering from 10 am – 12 pm on Saturday – we’d like to fill the spots by Friday. Volunteers sort and stuff backpacks in preparation to be delivered to schools. Sign up: 
On July 28th at our in person meeting at the Even Hotel, our program from Allie Good. Attending the convention reminds us that Rotarians are People of Action. Allie will share the lessons learned and how they align to our new Strategic Plan and Action Plan. In addition, Ashok Patel will provide an overview of the Mentorship pilot as part of the Young Professionals' group. 
much for the honor of being your Club President in 2021-2022. Leading during a pandemic has certainly been a challenge, but I am so proud of the work we’ve accomplished together this year. I would like to highlight a few:
With the new Rotary Year upon us, I am working on updating the calendar again. Did you know you can always refer back to the calendar, click on the date/event and see all info including registration?! Here's the 
The Rotary Club of Rochester submitted one service area. (You also submitted an excellent Signature Project which will be displayed on the District website soon.)
2022-2023 Dues have been invoiced via club runner. A statment has also gone out. If you have not gotten it, or you need it sent again, please let Amber know. If you wish to make your payment via check please contact Amber at romnrotary@gmail.com. It is important to get the dues paid as soon as possible as the club has strict payment deadlines with Rotary International and the District. So please convey that to your employer if they are issuing payment on your behalf. PLEASE NOTE: If your employer does remit payment, your name MUST be in the memo. Likewise, if you do not plan on renewing your membership, please let us know that as well as soon as possible!
