There will be no Rotary After Hours this week due to the Fourth of July holiday.
"Independence Day (colloquially the Fourth of July or July 4) is a federal holiday in the United States commemorating the Declaration of Independence of the United States, on July 4, 1776. The Continental Congress declared that the thirteen American colonies were no longer subject (and subordinate) to the monarch of Britain, King George III, and were now united, free, and independent states. The Congress had voted to declare independence two days earlier, on July 2, but it was not declared until July 4.(https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Independence_Day_(United_States)
With the new Rotary year beginning July 1st, this is generally an opportunity to not only reflect on the past year’s activities but also to look forward with new vision toward the opportunities of the upcoming year.
However, where we are today is not even close to what we all envisioned for ourselves, our families, our communities or the world’s circumstances. The global pandemic, the recent racial upheavals, the political polarization and the resulting economic turmoil has collectively made the world a terrifying place, to be sure. The future is not entirely certain and the ‘new normal’ may not resemble the ‘old normal’ many of us have experienced in our lives.
So, this new world we are experiencing is going to require that we as Rotarians step up together and show that we are “people of action” who use “passion, energy, and intelligence to make a difference in our local community and our world.”
Wear masks when in public. 10-50% of virus carriers are asymptomatic wearing masks helps control the virus and has been shown to lower COVID-19 spread.
Avoid enclosed spaces with groups of people, where the virus can linger in the air for long periods of time.
Cover your coughs and sneezes with your elbow or sleeve, or a tissue and then throw the tissue in the trash and wash your hands afterwards.
Washing your hands often with soap and water for 20 seconds, especially after going to the bathroom or before eating. If soap and water are not readily available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol.
Avoid touching your face – especially your eyes, nose and mouth – with unwashed hands.
A Rotarian from The Rotary Club of Rochester is needed to assist Holiday Classic Sponsor/Advertiser Chair Elaine Case. The role will assist in recruiting other TRCR Rotarians to follow up with 2020 Classic sponsors and advertisers and make a few contacts him/herself. Not a difficult role, just one part of a whole team. Please contact the Rotary office if you are interested/willing.
Mark your calendars for Wednesday, September 16, 12-1 pm, and save the date for our 2020 Rotary Golf Outing. It's a fun, event for Rotarians and friends of Rotary. If you aren't a golfer, join us for lunch, a short meeting, and a program. If you enjoy golf, even on the rare occasion, register with your own team or as a single to be grouped with other individuals. The event will take place unless another StayHomeMN order goes into effect for that time.
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!
There will be no Rotary After Hours this week due to the Fourth of July holiday.
Mark your calendars for Wednesday, September 16, 12-1 pm, and save the date for our 2020 Rotary Golf Outing. It's a fun, event for Rotarians and friends of Rotary. If you aren't a golfer, join us for lunch, a short meeting, and a program. If you enjoy golf, even on the rare occasion, register with your own team or as a single to be grouped with other individuals. The event will take place unless another StayHomeMN order goes into effect for that time. 
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.