Join us this Thursday, 12 pm -1 pm, via Facebook Live or Zoom. Our program will be "Whitewater State Park, 1919-2019, 100 Years in Paradise" presented by Jay McLaren, volunteer with the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources, local parks, and the Upper Mississippi Wildlife and Fish Refuge and President, Friends of Whitewater. 

 

Rotary members and those who are currently receiving our weekly bulletin, will receive a Zoom invitation by email. If you plan to join us using free Zoom software, please download Zoom to your device, follow the link in the email and enter the password. If you would like help with setup, please email or call the Rotary office. If, during the meeting, you are having difficulty with your connection, please call in on your telephone, using the number in the email, to join us by audio only. If you prefer to join us using Facebook, search for The Rotary Club of Rochester page. Our video will go live shortly before noon and be available on the page for viewing later. 

 

 

 

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!

Although STRIVE mentors, students and families haven't learned yet if they will be gathering for the end of year celebration in May, the STRIVE Team is preparing to honor the students whether or not the event takes place. The team is requesting contributions of small items to be placed in student gift bags which are distributed to every student. 50 of each item are requested. Ideas include:  pens, notepads, flash drives, candy, etc. Please contact the Rotary office by April 30 for item pick up. If you haven't made the time to be a mentor or made a financial contribution to the program, this is an easy and inexpensive way to support STRIVE!

Rotary volunteerism with our nonprofit partners and Rotary programs has been suspended due to COVID-19. Although we cannot support their activities in person at this time, many are asking what we can do. Organizations and businesses are always accepting monetary contributions but are experiencing a critical need now. Some nonprofits, like Channel One, are offering other opportunities, as well. Please follow the links below and check out their websites to learn individual opportunities and restrictions. 

This event has been canceled by the City of Rochester, and will be rescheduled for fall. Additional information will be provided at a future date.

 

Rotarians, along with family and friends of all ages, are invited and encouraged to join others to plant trees at Bear Creek Park, 4-7 pm on Wednesday, May 6. The group will gather at the park pavilion for instructions. This planting is a continuation of efforts started by 2018 Rotary International President Ian Riseley when he encouraged Rotarians to focus on the environment and clubs to plant at least one tree per Rotarian. The Rotary clubs of Rochester have met the goal and continue to act upon the challenge. You can be part of this effort in two ways:  volunteer by registering your participation here and/or make a financial contribution to the Rotary Club of Rochester Foundation to assist with the purchase of the trees.

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 will continue to review guidelines and do what seems best for our members and the community.