Join us this Thursday, May 21, 12-1 pm on Zoom for socializing, networking, a short business meeting, and a program. Southeast Minnesota American Red Cross Executive Director Melanie Tschida will present "What’s new (and not so new) at the American Red Cross?" With a history that goes back nearly 140 years, the Red Cross is a respected source of help and hope in America. In the last ten years or so, the Red Cross has undergone significant changes to remain relevant and meet evolving needs. Learn how this vital nonprofit is helping prevent and alleviate human suffering in the face of emergencies in new (and not so new) ways, here in Southeast Minnesota and around the country.
Those on our email distribution list will receive a Zoom invitation. If you are not on that list and would like to join us, please contact the Rotary office at romnrotary@gmail.com. We would be happy to send you an invitation and have you join us!
It is reopening week for many local businesses, and we want to wish you luck in opening back up, whether it is now or in the near future. In light of this significant step in turning the dials and reopening the economy, we cannot stress enough the importance of safety -- businesses must create safe spaces in accordance with the COVID Preparedness Plan to build consumer confidence and ensure that the economy is not shut down again.
Early on, as part of the Path Forward Webinar Series, Dan Mesenburg of ServiceMaster Restore and Dunlap and Seeger each delivered valuable sessions focused on the steps businesses should take to reopen:
Rotary Club of Rochester members, do you have a 2019-2020 graduate? We would like to honor them at our June 11 (date change) Midday Meeting!
By May 28, please email to the Rotary office (romnrotary@gmail.com) your graduate’s school, major (if a higher education student), activities/experiences/achievements, and upcoming plans. We encourage you to invite your student to join you in person at the meeting, but for those graduates who cannot attend the meeting, please send a photo, as well. A brief PowerPoint presentation will be shared during the meeting.
Please contact Rotarian Kelly Engler or the Rotary office if you have questions. Congratulations to those with graduates!
Do you like to have fun? Do you like to sing, or enjoy listening to other people sing? Or are you a shower singer? Don't miss our first-ever District 5960 Open Mic! We have two professional hosts lined up - Owatonna Rotarian Ryan Gillespie, and North St. Paul/Maplewood/Oakdale Rotarian Joe Stahlmann. If you missed it, both have already performed on the District 5960 "stage" during our "A Special Night of Connecting" event. Besides hosting, they will be singing. Maybe they will even entertain some requests, but it will cost you. We will be setting up a "tip jar" for the gig, and all proceeds will go to PolioPlus. So register in advance, come listen or perform, and you too can have a drop-the-mic experience in front of Rotarians, Rotaractors, and friends of Rotary!
When: May 28, 2020 07:00 PM Central Time (US and Canada)
The 2019-2020 Rotary year is nearing its (unexpected and unique) end. With the guidelines put in place because of COVID-19, club leadership continues to consider new and innovative ways Rotary membership can add value to our personal and professional lives. The Rotary Club of Rochester is a community of members, not just the name of an organization. All are encouraged to participate in the evolution of the club as we must make changes to meet the needs of our members during these unique times. If you have specific ideas, please connect with a current board member. You can find their names and contact information here.
Club leadership hopes you are already taking advantage of the opportunities offered through Zoom social gatherings and programmed meetings. Although COVID-19 restrictions do not currently allow members to meet physically in-person, Zoom allows us to see each other's faces and interact. We are making every effort to continue with meaningful programming, in addition to offering social opportunities. If you have not joined us because of challenges with the technology, please contact the Rotary office or a fellow Rotarian for assistance.
Finally, club leadership is also aware that COVID-19 guidelines may have impacted you and/or your business financially. We hope opportunities for additional support being provided by the government and other generous organizations are helping those who qualify. The situation has already impacted planning for the financial future of the club, as well. In order to help with cash flow and allow the club to better budget for expenses encountered throughout the Rotary year, preferred dues payment is by auto pay. If you are not already using the auto pay option, please complete the form found here and return it to the Rotary office. Because Rotary International and District dues are invoiced in July, club leadership asks that all members make their 2020-2021 Rotary dues payment or auto pay commitment prior to June 30, 2020.
If you have any concerns or questions, please feel comfortable addressing them to club President Colin Aldis or Elizabeth in the Rotary office.
In an effort to follow COVID-19 response guidelines from health and governmental organizations, modifications have been made to the schedule of upcoming Rotary gatherings and events. Club leadership continues to review guidelines and is working to do what seems best for our members and the community.
Upcoming Events:
May 21 - Rotary Zoom/Facebook Live Meeting, 12-1 pm, "What’s new (and not so new) at the American Red Cross?" presented by Southeast Minnesota American Red Cross Executive Director Melanie Tschida
May 28 - Rotary Midday Meeting via Zoom, 12-1 pm, "Minnesota Olympians" presented by Patrick Mader
If you have had trouble connecting or chose not to connect with us via Zoom because of technology and you have a computer, smartphone or tablet, please contact the Rotary office. Elizabeth will help you get set up to join the next Zoom gathering.
This year's theme is "Rotary Connects the World." As we navigate the unusual times, stay connected! Fellow Rotarians can provide a great system of support. If you need professional, social, or emotional support, email, call, or text one of your fellow Rotarians.
Scrip cards to Apollo Liquor, Kwik Trip, and Menards are still available for purchase to support The Rotary Club of Rochester. Remember, you purchase and spend the cards at face value, and the club receives 5% back from Apollo Liquor and Kwik Trip, and 4% back from Menards. The club gets an additional 5% on purchases at Kwik Trip, other than gas, inside the store.
If you would like to make a scrip purchase, please email the Rotary office with your request. Apollo is sold in $10 increments, and no change is given in store. Kwik Trip may be purchased in increments of $5 up to $25, increments of $25 up to $100, and then $200, $250, and $500. Credit remains on the card until the full value is spent. Menards cards may be purchased in any denomination between $10 and $2000 with the credit remaining on the card, as well. Apollo and Kwik Trip cards will be delivered within a few days, and Menards cards may take up to two weeks. Scrip cards make especially great gifts for celebrations, including birthdays and graduations!
Separate from the Scrip program but another way to support Rotary is Amazon Smile. If you are already shopping on Amazon, please consider shopping Amazon Smile instead. Same items are available, but if you designate The Rotary Club of Rochester Foundation as your organization of choice, Amazon donates a portion of your purchase to RCRF. Thank you for your support!
Join us this Thursday, May 21, 12-1 pm on Zoom for socializing, networking, a short business meeting, and a program. Southeast Minnesota American Red Cross Executive Director Melanie Tschida will present "What’s new (and not so new) at the American Red Cross?" With a history that goes back nearly 140 years, the Red Cross is a respected source of help and hope in America. In the last ten years or so, the Red Cross has undergone significant changes to remain relevant and meet evolving needs. Learn how this vital nonprofit is helping prevent and alleviate human suffering in the face of emergencies in new (and not so new) ways, here in Southeast Minnesota and around the country.
LIVE MUSIC! 
In an effort to follow COVID-19 response guidelines from health and governmental organizations, modifications have been made to the schedule of upcoming Rotary gatherings and events. Club leadership continues to review guidelines and is working to do what seems best for our members and the community.
Scrip cards to Apollo Liquor, Kwik Trip, and Menards are still available for purchase to support The Rotary Club of Rochester. Remember, you purchase and spend the cards at face value, and the club receives 5% back from Apollo Liquor and Kwik Trip, and 4% back from Menards. The club gets an additional 5% on purchases at Kwik Trip, other than gas, inside the store.