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.
March events:
March 26 - Rotary Midday Meeting, canceled(program rescheduled for July 23)
Please keep in mind, although we may not be gathering in person, you can always access Rotary meetings via eClub One at https://www.rotaryeclubone.org/. Additionally, our fellow Rotarians can provide a great system of support if you need help during this time. If you are in need, you might consider emailing, texting or calling your fellow Rotarians for professional, social, or emotional support.
Due to the social and economic impacts of COVID-19, the Chocolate Festival Planning Team, with approval from the Rotary Club of Rochester Foundation Board, has decided to cancel the September 2020 Chocolate Festival Events. The venues have been canceled without cost, and all Rotarians working on the various aspects of the event have been notified. Watch for more information regarding plans for the future, and thank you to all those working on this inaugural event.
The worldwide response to COVID-19 has also brought our three 2019-2020 outbound Rotary Youth Exchange students home and required our inbound student to return to Japan. This unforeseen event has certainly affected their exchange experiences, but we look forward to learning more in the near future how their time spent abroad positively impacted their lives. We are grateful for our Rochester, three-club Youth Exchange Team, all host families, and the clubs who supported these students during their journeys.
St. Paul Rotary has also decided to cancel Camp RYLA 2020 for the safety and well-being of the students and their families during the COVID-19 response.
Based on the fact that membership of The Rotary Club of Rochester are not meeting in person until after April 30, a motion was made by TRCR Treasurer Mark Kotschevar, seconded by Community Service Director Caroline Baihly, and passed by the board to allow a one-time suspension of the bylaw requiring "The business of this club shall be transacted by viva voce, including the election of officers and directors. The board may determine that a specific resolution be considered by ballot rather than by viva voce vote." The suspension will allow club members to vote by email on the nomination of Past President and Past District Governor Karel Weigel for consideration as a member of or alternate for the Rotary International Director Nominating Committee of District 5960 which must be presented to the District by April 28. Please watch your email inbox for additional information and a request to reply with your yay or nay vote.
Lorrie Lynn Swancutt passed away at Seasons Hospice House surrounded by her family on Thursday, March 19, 2020.
Lorrie was born on May 22, 1960, in Rochester to Charles and Diana Schroeder. Lorrie married Kevin Swancutt, of Rochester, on March 20, 1982, and have two children, Kristopher and Kari (DeYoung).
Lorrie was diagnosed on April 25, 2018, with bulbar onset amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS, aka Lou Gehrig's disease), a fast progression of the disease. Lorrie fought this most terrible illness with Jesus Christ at her side, and with positivity unrivaled given the dire situation.
Lorrie graduated from Rochester Mayo High School in 1978 and worked at Smith Schaefer and Associates as their firm administrator from 1978 to 1997. In 1997, she left the firm to become a partner at the Tile Superstore until June 2019.
Lorrie was a life-long member of Our Saviors Lutheran Church, where she taught Sunday school, sang in choir, and served on many committees. She was a firm believer in our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ and that this life is not the end, but only the beginning.
Lorrie was a member of the Rochester Rotary Club for 10+ years, where she was involved in the Strive mentorship program, and the Holiday Classic basketball tournament.
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.
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!
Posted by https://www.rochestermn.gov/departments/emergency-management/covid-19-emergency-economic-development-and-stability-information?fbclid=IwAR3TrIqGvlsFNYmWmraXhQxaL6Ze3sGJ659zkKs4M_4CP6zNwtPKMmNZgC4
Program Overview
The City of Rochester / Rochester Area Economic Development, Inc.(RAEDI) COVID-19 Emergency Economic Development loans will be used to provide assistance to small local businesses directly affected by the Governor’s Order during the COVID-19 Pandemic event. It is intended to be an interim financial aid to help keep businesses operating and a part of the tax base once the pandemic is over, and be able to support their employees in times of declining or no business. Applicants for the City / RAEDI emergency loans must have applied to State of Minnesota’s Department of Employment & Economic Development Shared Work Program as a pre-requisite to filing the city’s emergency loan application.
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.
Based on the fact that membership of The Rotary Club of Rochester are not meeting in person until after April 30, a motion was made by TRCR Treasurer Mark Kotschevar, seconded by Community Service Director Caroline Baihly, and passed by the board to allow a one-time suspension of the bylaw requiring "The business of this club shall be transacted by viva voce, including the election of officers and directors. The board may determine that a specific resolution be considered by ballot rather than by viva voce vote." The suspension will allow club members to vote by email on the nomination of Past President and Past District Governor Karel Weigel for consideration as a member of or alternate for the Rotary International Director Nominating Committee of District 5960 which must be presented to the District by April 28. Please watch your email inbox for additional information and a request to reply with your yay or nay vote.
Lorrie Lynn Swancutt passed away at Seasons Hospice House surrounded by her family on Thursday, March 19, 2020.
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 