PLEASE NOTE: If you receive the Moccasin Flower via GMAIL, the message may be "clipped" due to its length. No worries, click the "View entire message" link at the bottom of the Moccasin Flower email to read the entire newsletter! Remember to visit the TRCR website for the most up-to-date news.
Weekly Meetings: arrive at 11:30 am to order lunch (view menu) and socialize. Meeting (Zoom) begins at noon.
October 2: Weekly Meeting 11:30 am-1:00 pm, VFW, Program/Speaker: Supporting the K-9 Units of Olmsted County | Netta Putzier, president, Olmsted-Rochester Law Enforcement K-9 Foundation - REGISTER
October 2:Professionals in Action - Companion Club 4:00-5:00 pm, Eagle Rock Bank - meet with Rotarians, socialize, and learn |beverages and dessert
October 8: The Rotary Club of Rochester Community Foundation Board Meeting - noon via Zoom
October 9: Weekly Meeting 11:30 am-1:00 pm, VFW, Program/Speaker: Foot Health - how the right footwear can help | Brock Quimby, owner, Minnesota Treads - REGISTER
October 15: White Oaks Park Clean-up - note earlier time; 5:00-6:00 pm - LINK
October 16: Third Thursday Gathering 11:30 am-1:00 pm, VFW, Socializing and Mentoring - REGISTER
October 16:Professionals in Action - Companion Club 4:00-5:00 pm, Boulder Tap House - meet with Rotarians, socialize, and learn |purchases are on your own - LINK
October 23: Weekly Meeting11:30 am-1:00 pm, VFW, Program/Speaker: Biking - Future Rotary Fundraiser? | Michael Wojcik, Director of the Bicycle Alliance of Minnesota (BikeMN) - REGISTER
October 30: Rotation Day 11:30 am-1:00 PM, Quarry Hill Nature Center: Hike to the cave and learn how it was used by the Rochester State Hospital | Pamela Meyer, Executive Director - bring your lunch for a picnic - REGISTER
I am writing to let you all know of an important decision that is coming for our membership. On October 23rd, our club will vote on whether to support the creation of a bike ride during Rochesterfest next June as our club's next major fundraiser. As a refresher for those who aren't aware, we have not had a major fundraiser since the discontinuation of our Holiday Classic Basketball tournament a few years ago. We have spent a significant amount of time and effort behind the scenes investigating different possible replacements and the idea of hosting/sponsoring a bike ride has come up as a viable option for our club to consider. We could join the circuit of rides that have been successfully implemented by the Rotary clubs in Northfield and Stillwater for the last several years. There are many details with any event of this magnitude and with that, there are many questions that need to be answered as well.
The Rotary Club of Rochester inducted its newest member, Brittney Voll, on September 11. Brittney began her role as the executive director at Charter House this past March bringing her skills as a healthcare administrator to Rochester from her last role with the Minnesota Department of Veteran Affairs in Minneapolis. She has served in roles as an Executive Director, Nursing Home Administrator, authorized agent for Adult Day Care services, project manager, healthcare manager, and business analyst in both government and for-profit health systems. Brittney has a passion for serving seniors and ensuring they receive the high quality care they deserve. Brittney is a motivated leader with proven success in census growth and financial management of a large operating budget ($65+ million). She is also passionate about continuous process improvement, project management, and has driven up star ratings and satisfaction metrics in multiple facilities. Being a Rotarian runs in the family as Brittney's grandfather is a long-time Rotarian of 32 years!
Past President Dave Moertel inducted Brittney and Rotarian George Allen had the pleasure of introducing Brittney to the club.
It takes a village to raise children. Although research has shown that the presence of a trusted mentor in the lives of students can improve their chances of success in graduating from high school, not every student has a trusted adult that they can share their strategies, challenges and concerns with. Please consider donating 45 minutes of your time to a senior student in the Rochester Public Schools who may be at risk without a mentor. These students are seniors who need just a little bit of extra support and advice as they look toward the next chapter of their life and complete the one they are currently navigating.
The Rochester Rotary STRIVE program runs from October through May (eight meeting times)
ALC (Alternative Learning Center) meets every second Friday from 11:15 a.m. until 12:00 p.m.
Mayo High School meets every 3rd Tuesday morning from 8:30 a.m. until 9:15 a.m. to account for student schedules.
Century High School meet every 3rd Friday from 8:30 a.m. until 9:15 a.m. to account for student schedules.
Please contact Cheryl Moertel (chmoertel@gmail.com or chmoertel@rochesterschools.org) for more information. If possible, please complete the attached Google form describing a few of your interests, hobbies, and careers so you can be matched with a mentee. If you're unable to open the online form, a Word document can be sent to you to complete and return. At that time you can choose your preferred school and time slot.
Thank you so very much for considering this opportunity. Just 45 minutes a week can make an incredible difference in the lives of these students.
We're down to our last opportunity to volunteer to help maintain our club's adopted park - White Oaks Park. All Rotary Club of Rochester members, friends, and family are encouraged to stop by on the third Wednesday of the month on October 15 at 5:00 pm (note the earlier start time). The Rotary Club of Rochester adopted White Oaks Park several years ago and each Spring, Summer, and Fall, members and friends meet to ensure the park is clean and inviting for members of the community. Clean-up takes less than an hour.Care to join? Bring a bucket or garbage bag, gloves, and work shoes as that's all that's needed for the clean-up.
Future clean-up date to add to your calendar: 5:00 pm on October 15.
Address: White Oaks Park, 4597 55th St NW, Rochester.
At its weekly meetings, The Rotary Club of Rochester makes a donation in the program speaker's name. The Sports Mentorship Academy was selected as the recipient for Rotary year 2024-25. Andre Crockett was presented with a check by Past President Dave Moertel.
Mark Ostrem, retired Olmsted County Attorney and a past member of The Rotary Club of Rochester, was presented with a Paul Harris Fellow in recognition of his years of public service.
District 5960 Governor Glenn Bowers, Assistant District Governor Sharon Burke, and Pam Bowers presented at the September 11 meeting as part of Governor Bowers' club tour.
October 29 | 8:30 a.m.-6:30 p.m. | Mayo Civic Center
Cradle 2 Career will host its annual Education Summit in late October and is looking for Rotarians to help with a variety of volunteer opportunities. Click on the "Read More" button to view the opportunities and consider where your time and talents might fit best:
As part of The Rotary Club of Rochester's 100th anniversary celebration held in May, the club's Community Foundation held a silent auction where members bid on donated items. Two items included a trip to the Boundary Waters and an Italian Dinner - both hosted by club members.
Ginger Woodruff, wife of Rotarian John Woodruff, and Ginger's friend, Toni Rudig, joined Rotarian Audrey Betcher and her sister, Eileen Shoup, for a trip to the Boundary Waters Canoe Area mid-September. Ginger purchased the trip as part of the silent auction. Weather cooperated, mosquitos were minimal, and they had a wonderful time.
TRCR members, both past and present, family and friends were guests of Joe and Libby McBride at an Italian Dinner purchased by Joe at the club's 100th celebration silent auction. Guests who enjoyed an excellent dinner included Al and Ann DeBoer, Fred and Mary Suhler, Joe and Libby McBride, and Jeff and Helen Alexander. The dinner's hosts were Vicki Allen and Terry Sorenson, Kim and Brett Adams, and Joanne and Dick Rosener.
During this month, Rotary clubs worldwide focus on projects that promote sustainable economic growth, create lasting economic opportunities, and foster community well-being to address poverty and empower individuals and communities
Dear Fellow Rotarians,
The Rotary Club of Rochester inducted its newest member, Brittney Voll, on September 11. Brittney began her role as the executive director at Charter House this past March bringing her skills as a 
We're down to our last opportunity to volunteer to help maintain our club's adopted park - White Oaks Park. All Rotary Club of Rochester members, friends, and family are encouraged to stop by on the third Wednesday of the month on October 15 at 5:00 pm (note the earlier start time). The Rotary Club of Rochester adopted White Oaks Park several years ago and each Spring, Summer, and Fall, members and friends meet to ensure the park is clean and inviting for members of the community. Clean-up takes less than an hour. Care to join? Bring a bucket or garbage bag, gloves, and work shoes as that's all that's needed for the clean-up. 
