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Faribault

Serve To Change Lives

We meet In Person
Wednesdays at 12:15 p.m.
Inn at Shattuck
1000 Shumway Ave.
Faribault, MN 55021
United States of America
Club meetings will be hybrid with 106th Club President Mark Kenney conducting our meetings live at Shattuck and via Zoom. Please check our website the Zoom link.
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106th President Mark Kenney

Mark Kenney

member photo

Hello Rotarians,

When we began this STRIVE year back in the fall, we shared with our high school students a powerful truth: the true goal of education is growth—not just chasing grades, but building character, resilience, and a lifelong love of learning.

This week, we get to celebrate that message in action. Several outstanding students have completed all the requirements and earned well-deserved scholarships to pursue their next chapter—whether that's college, technical training, or other dreams for their future.

Please join us at the STRIVE Awards Banquet to honor these students, hear their inspiring reflections, and celebrate together as a Rotary Club. Plan to arrive early if possible for the noon meeting (lunch begins at 11:45am) so we can get everyone through the line and seated.

Your presence will mean the world to the students and reinforce the impact of our shared mission…Service above self!

See you at Lunch…Better Together,

Mark

Home Page Stories
RI President's  Message March 2026
Posted by Francesco Arezzo on Mar 01, 2026
 
Francesco Arezzo, 2025-26 RI president, and member of the Rotary Club of Ragusa, Italy. June 2025.

Francesco Arezzo

President 2025-26

March 2026

Water connects us all. From a river in a remote forest to a stream running past a city neighborhood, freshwater ecosystems sustain humanity. Yet these waters are increasingly under strain. Pollution, overuse, and climate pressures remind us that protecting freshwater is a global challenge.  Rotary has always believed change begins within communities. Now we are working to see how far the impact of community action can travel. When local service is connected, measured, and shared, it becomes a force that extends beyond geography and borders.

A water project led by the Rotary Club of Panamá Nordeste exemplifies this idea. The project served Indigenous communities in Panama’s Darién province, a region accessible only by canoe and small boat. With no roads, limited electricity, and reliance on untreated river water, families faced serious health risks.  To reach these communities, Rotarians had to rethink how supplies and services could be delivered. Working with a partner club in the United States and a specialized water organization, they introduced solar-powered water treatment systems for an area without access to an electrical grid. Local leaders were trained to operate and maintain the system, ensuring that clean water would continue flowing long after installation crews departed.

The results were immediate. Children who once missed school due to illness returned to classrooms. No longer needing to haul water from rivers, adults gained time and strength to work and support their families. What began as a water project became a foundation for healthier, more resilient communities.  This is how we extend our reach: combine local leadership with global partnerships, technical expertise, and long-term thinking.

That same spirit is at the heart of Rotary’s partnership with the United Nations Environment Program through the Community Action for Fresh Water initiative. Around the world, Rotary and Rotaract clubs are restoring waterways, protecting wetlands, and safeguarding vital freshwater sources. By collecting data to map and measure this work, we can better understand its impact and show how local service contributes to worldwide solutions. Data is not an end. It is a tool that helps us learn and improve so that Rotary’s service delivers real, measurable change. Each project entered and each waterway restored adds to a shared story of stewardship and responsibility. You can learn more and get involved at communityactionforfreshwater.org.

As we observe Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene Month, I encourage you to reflect on the freshwater systems that sustain your community and the role Rotary can play in protecting them.  When we connect local action to a global vision, we strengthen Rotary’s ability to make lasting change. Together, by extending our reach and working side by side, we truly Unite for Good.

Fellowship News 3/4/2026
Posted by Brandon Gliem

Rod Mahler- 68 years in Rotary

Virtue-Dignity, read by Kurt Halvorson
Guests- Lois Nelson from Owatonna Rotary club
  • Lois is promoting the Tap Room tour at Mineral Springs Brewery on Thursday March 19th, 2026
  • George’s daughter Becky joined us as well. George updated us on Becky’s daughter medical condition which has very much improved
Anniversary
  • the club celebrated Rod Mahler’s 68-year anniversary of being a Rotarian
Fellowship
  • Kurt thanks Eric for mentioning the chuck wagon sandwich in his presentation speech
 
 
Last Week's Meeting 3/4/2026
Posted by Brandon Gliem on Mar 04, 2026

Eric Longtin

Program

  • Eric Longlin presented to the club for his classification speech

  • Eric explained he taught high school mathematics for 24 years!

  • Eric started teaching in Texas and was hired “over the phone”

  • Eric returned to MN and continued to teach and coach Football and track

  • Eric was the “Coach of the Year” for MN 5A in 2015

  • Eric quit teaching in 2017 and started a career in manufacturing

  • Eric excelled in a overnight role and was promoted to a manager position in manufacturing

Erics Family

  • Eric grew up in Crookston MN

  • His father was a WW2 and Korea war veteran

  • His dad was a POW in Korea

  • He has 4 kids and has been married for 26 years!

Charitable Gambling Report Jan. 2026
Posted by Chad Koepke on Feb 26, 2026
  • E-tabs continued with the torrid pace of demand, notching another month above $100K in sales at $158K, down slightly from last month’s $167K
  • For the first 5 months of the fiscal year, e-tab sales have totaled a blistering $721K, up 33% / $178K from the same period as last year
    • With sales numbers so robust, it diminishes the role of gross margin since hard dollars are what funds donations, not profitability margins
    • So how are things going on that front? Gross profits for January totaled $23K, up from December’s $19K
    • Gross profits for the first five months of the 25/26 campaign are $102K, up 21% / $18K from last year
      • This goes without saying, but the organization is off to an incredible start in the virtual realm of e-tabs!
      •  
  • Bringing things back to the tangible, paper tab sales exploded to $107K, only the second time crossing the $100K mark since the inception of charitable gambling
    • Importantly, the gross profit margin was impressive at 22.5% for gross profits of $24K on the month à and you know where this is going: paper tab sales are a powerful $426K YTD compared to $392K last year, and gross profits up to $92K against $75K last year
    •  
  • Last but not least, Bingo sales touched a new record high of $24K, robust rebound after December’s $12K
    • Lots of prize money went out in Bingo over February as gross profits were just $4K, nearly identical to last month even though sales were less than half. How does that work? Well, the gross profit margin slid to 15.7% from 25.2%, respectively
 
  • We all know gambling  performance is volatile month-to-month, that’s the nature of the beast after all, so the key metric to analyze whether the operation is being effective is sales, and FRYS just set a brand new sales record in the month of January with receipts of $290K, topping the previous record by nearly $40K / 14%
    • Even if gross profit margins, ie luck, is not on FRYS side in a given month, sales volume at these levels will result in strong net income dollars, which occurred in January with profits of $19K, up from last month’s $10K à Year-to-date, net income is $79K, up $17K from the pace in the prior campaign
  • Lots of other news going in the world of FRYS right now that shall be detailed:
  1. If you missed it, FRYS received front page coverage in the Faribault Daily News for its $6,000 donation for the middle school music program – thanks be to Ms. Martha Brown for getting the big PR coverage of the donation!
  2. FRYS is excited to announce a new partnership with the Cedar Lake Association à this is quite a detailed undertaking to clean-up Cedar Lake, which is where the Rotary Camp is located
    1. With the club designating the Rotary Camp as a core strategic objective over the coming years, this project is right in FRYS’ purview to improve the water cleanliness of the lake so that it is better overall experience for campers to participate in water activities
      1. The donation looks like this: $1,000 annually for five years
        1. (total project cost of the lake clean up = ~$260K)
      2. FRYS will fund the buildout of an electricity connection near the dock so that the electro-purification box placed at the Rotary Camp has power
      3. That power, estimated at $90 per month for April – November, will be funded by FRYS
      4. In addition to cleaning-up water, the lake cleanup project also is seeking to remove the muck from the bed of the lake, requiring biodegradable pucks placed in to “eat” the muck à to cover the Rotary Camp’s shoreline, it will be about $1,000 annually for the pucks
        1. Total Annual Commitment $2,700
          1. On a motion by Rod Mahler & seconded by Kurt Halverson, FRYS membership approved the donation to the Cedar Lake Association water & lake clean-up project
  3. And, FRYS is being audited by the Minnesota Department of Revenue, stay tuned on how that goes
  • The charitable gifting bank account is running low on funds à a request of $15,000 has been made to transfer from the operating account to the gifting account to fund scholarships and strive expenses
    • On a motion by Dick Huston & seconded by Kay Hoaglin, FRYS approved the transfer
  • The following expenses were approved for the new year and new month of March 2026:
    • GG Made Easy = $250
    • Inventory = $4,500
    • CG Team Compensation = $3,000
    • MPeters = $12,000
    • City of Faribault = $1,500
    • Boxers = $10,000
    • Misc (coolers, pursues, Bingo team comp) = $2,500
      • Total expenses = $33,750
        • On a motion by Ryan Holmquist & seconded by Greg Ciesluk, FRYS membership approved March 2026’s expenses
Last Week's Meeting 2/25/2026
Posted by Ellie Holmquist on Feb 25, 2026

Jenny Larson- Executive Director from ThreeRivers Community Action 

Jenny Larson- Executive Director from ThreeRivers Community Action 
 
 
-Serving 24 Counties
-$26.6 million annual budget
-$108 million in assets
-mix of state, federal, and private funding
-160+ employees
-15,928 people served in 2025
-serving 65,000 households
Right now, the poverty level in Rice County is higher than surrounding counties. About half of the households are females running a household. 56% of people served are women.
 
Programs offered-
- Early Childho0d (Headstart) 178 children served in 2025
-Hiawatha land Public Transit, 79,000 rides in 2025
-Meals-on-Wheels 21,467 meals served in 2025
-Housing Advocacy Servies
-Energy Assistance Programs -1240 households helped
-Homeownership- downpayment assistance and financial coaching
Housing Development
-Mobile Home Rehabilitation- 45 household helped
 
STRIVE Awards Banquet at March 11 meeting
The annual STRIVE Awards Banquet will be held at The Inn at Shattuck starting at 11:45am on Wednesday March 11th.  Approximately $24,000 in scholarships will be awarded to the STRIVE students.
With parents, guests students and Rotarians in attendance we need everyone to RSVP.  Please answer this email to let me know "yes or no!"
Fellowship News 2/18/2026
Posted by Laura Bock
 
Invocation by Mark Kenney
virtue of appreciation by Greg Ceisluk
Mark announced that Greg will be our President in 2028-2029 he is the president elect nominee in waiting. 
Welcome to our visitors Sue Stout, Ahmed Nour.
 
Strive Awards March 11 meeting starts at 11:45, come early. Lots of guests.
March 20th is our Red Cross Blood Drive.  Please sign up to donate or volunteer.
Announcement by Greg - 6 Rotarians reviewed STRIVE evaluations 02/17/2026. Awarding $24,000 this year in scholarship awards. 
 
Kymn is looking for photos of the camp, specifically the lake and the trails, send to Kymn for an updated brochure. 
A little bit of fun - Presidents Day Jeopardy! 
Lots of AHHH HAAA moments and laughs - thanks Mark!
90 seconds of who was your favorite president and why? 
 
Fellowships with Murray!
Lincoln and Kennedy special edition. See scanned photos below.
Kurt is appreciating the simple pleasures in life.
 Ibrahim-Ramadon starts today.
Kymn congratulates Greg C on his presidential nominations, a buck for BBBS and a buck because she is happy to be here.
Congratulations to Greg C and thank you BBBS, Chad K has been a big for about 5 years. His Little is growing up, it's enriching for Chad's life and he hopes it affects his little in a positive way.
 Brandon BBBS bowl for kids’ sake champs 4 years in a row. Public service announcement, there was a fire last night in town, - make sure you have smoke detectors and start talking to your family about what happens if there is smoke in the house, what's the plan in the home.
 George was a Big involved in BBBS very early on. His little became part of the family. 
 
Last Week's Meeting 2/18/2026
Posted by Laura Bock on Feb 18, 2026

Big Brothers Big Sisters

 
   Big Bothers Big Sisters program by Serenity Knott and Greg Drake. It takes little to be big!
 
5 County organization. One on one mentoring for children "littles". Littles looking for "Bigs" - adults to spend some time with. Background checks on a national level include references and in person interviews.
Serenity does back grounds and matches Bigs and Littles. 
    Community Based, one on one, Couples and family matches, 2 hours 2 x a month for a year is the commitment. School Sites connections too. 30 minutes a week, for a 2-school year commitment. Bigs can apply for a scholarship from Federated. Lunch Buddies - anyone who wants to go to an elementary school during lunch, color, play board games, and eat if you want. 2-year commitment. Matchmakers is a monthly giving program, if you can't give your time, you can set up recurring donations to support BBBS programs. Fundraising annual events, Evening for Kid’s Sake - Gala and auction. Bowl for Kids’ sake - bowling fundraiser, anyone can have a team. Golf for Kid’s Sake annual golf tournament fundraiser typically held in Faribault. 
     The organization is governed by a board of directors. Quarterly board meetings, and fundraising help. If you are interested in board service contact Michelle Redman. In 2025 951 kids were matched, 913 in 2024 currently there are 305 kids waiting to be matched. Rice County has 47 littles looking for matches. Fliers passed out to check out more information. 
 
Rotary gives scholarships to FMS music students
 
Posted by Chloe Kucera on Feb 19, 2026

Congratulations!

Selected

Eighth grader Luke Drewitz, seventh grader Richard Cheley, sixth grader Grace Anderson, seventh grader Nada Abdi are four of the 26 students who have been selected to participate in honors ensemble this spring. The Faribault Rotary Club has provided scholarships to cover fees for the program for middle school students which has allowed more kids to be a part of it than before. (Chloe Kucera — Faribault.com)

 
Making music can be a universal experience, but some barriers exist for those who want to participate in groups with a higher level of skill. The Faribault Rotary club recognizes this challenge, which is why the organization provides scholarships to local music students to attend state and regional honors ensembles.  The idea for this scholarship came about when FPS choir accompanist and Rotary liaison Martha Brown approached FMS music teacher Josie Lynn to ask how the Rotary Club could support music students.
 
Lynn quickly identified many choir, band and orchestra students couldn’t afford the fees ranging from $32 to $135 to participate in the annual honors ensembles. The Rotary Youth Services board then provided a $6,000 gift to fund scholarships for students.  Lynn said that more students are participating this year due to the assistance they receive.  For honors choir, there is a $16 fee just to audition, which Lynn said had discouraged students from even trying out in the past.
 
“Regardless of if the kid is the ‘best of the best’ and the most deserving of that opportunity, financials have gotten in the way. … This scholarship gives them the weight off of their shoulders, because no kids should have to worry about money,” she said. “If they get in on the choir side, the registration is $135. In total, that is just such an insurmountable amount for so many kids. It just turns them off to the opportunity. Even if they’re so capable, they don’t even want to try. So now, I had more kids audition this year than ever because they felt like they could.”
 
For students to work in a larger group with more advanced musicians, Lynn said, it helps them grow and brings new skills back to the middle school.  “They’re around students who are also the top tier in their school,” she said. “Everyone is highly motivated to be there. Everyone is fully prepared, fully working on it. And so the musicianship just increases. I know I’ve had some choir students who have been in it for the past two years or so, and they’re always the leaders in class. They’re seeing greatness in others, and bringing it back to Faribault Middle School.”
 
The middle school has 26 students planning to participate in honors ensembles, with band and orchestra students traveling to Austin to play with others and choir students traveling to Saint Michael-Albertville in the spring.
Eighth-grade orchestra student Luke Drewitz participated last year and found the experience to be “pretty cool.” He enjoyed working with advanced musicians and watching them play.
“There are different styles of playing that everyone has with slight variations,” he said. Seventh-grade choir student Richard Cheley will be going to the honors choir this year with the Rotary Scholarship. He wanted to be a part of the ensemble to improve his skills.
 
“I’ve been told that I have a good singing voice, and I wanted to do something better with it,” he said. “I just wanted to see what I could do outside of class.”
Cheley and sixth-grade tuba player Grace Anderson are excited for the honor ensemble to meet new kids who are interested in music like they are.
Nada Abdi is a seventh grader who will be participating in the honors band. She said that playing music has helped her to improve her confidence.
 
Club History- 1956 (70 years ago)
Posted by Murray Hanson on Feb 17, 2026
Club dues were set at $30.
There was a program titled “The Prospects of Atomic Electric Plants in Minnesota.
The club was the guest of Shattuck School for lunch and the Crack Drill Squad.
John Lysen becomes District Governor.
The Club toured the new sewage disposal plant.
 
Our club’s 36th president in 1955-56 was Melvin H. Shreyer. He was still a member when Rod joined the club.
Fellowship News 2/11/2026
Posted by Brandon Gliem on Feb 11, 2026
Virtue- Appreciation (read by Eric Longtin)
Announcements- Brittney Smith from River Bend was invited as our guest.
  • Our last Strive meeting was today at South Central
  • Rotary Board meeting is next Wednesday February 18th
  • Strive Awards banquet is March 11th
  • Red Cross Blood Drive is March 20th
  • Chamber mixer at Faribault High School this Friday the 13th
The club participated in MN history nature themed trivia.
-Loons, Lady slipper, Red pine, Walleye, Quaking Aspen, Wolverine, Riverbend is 700+ acres, 10 miles of trials, Trout Lily.
Dad joke- it was bad. Only Kymn laughed.
Last Week's Meeting 2/11/2026
Posted by Brandon Gliem

Brad Bourne-Director of Riverbend Nature Center

River Bend Nature Center from Rotarian Brad Born
  • Riverbend was established in 1978
  • The land was previously used as a part of the Faribault regional center
  • The land also belonged to the Dakotah people before settlers arrived
  • The name Riverbed comes from the Dakotah
  • 20% of Riverbends 1.6-million-dollar budget come from donations
  • 80% of the budget comes from other sources
  • 10k visitors a year come to Riverbend to learn!
  • Riverbend is a true gem and it would be difficult to replicate this property anywhere else
  • Riverbend has been working to advance the idea of environmental education for those looking to get into this career path
  • Riverbend offers many training and certifications for those looking to work in Forestry and outdoors related activities
  • Riverbend is always looking for volunteers to help
 
Club History- 2006 (20 years ago)
Posted by Murray Hanson on Feb 10, 2026
Our club’s 85th president in 2005-06 was Gary Peterson.
 
Gary’s memories from the year he was president started on a sad note with the unexpected and sudden death of incoming President Keith Shaffer in March 2005.  He was one of the most respected and productive members of our club. He was missed greatly by everyone.  As President-elect to follow Keith, I then became president a year earlier than anticipated.
 
Through the Rotary year we celebrated the Strive and Honors banquets recognizing the achievements of local students, the annual picnic at the Rotary Youth Camp, the 67th annual Christmas concert at St. Luke’s Church with the Faribault Senior High Choir, and all of the club’s ongoing activities.
 
The Club started the Rotary Readers program with the assistance of the first, second and third grade teachers at Jefferson Elementary School. Rotarians volunteered on a weekly basis to meet and read with students selected by the teachers in a one on one setting. Teachers reported positive results in student confidence and reading skills. Participating Rotarians contributed many hours of their time in this volunteer activity.  
 
In addition, Rotarian Pastor Mark Noreen organized, and Capstone Press in Mankato provided, a gift of over 1,000 new library books organized and distributed by our Faribault Rotary members to the Faribault public elementary school libraries.
Last Week's Meeting 2/4/2026
Posted by Ellie Holmquist on Feb 04, 2026

Jenn Korbell- Buckham West

Jenn Korbel from Buckham West was out speaker Senor center has been active since 1968. IT began as a group meeting at McKinley School just for meeting and having coffee. In 1970 it was called the Golden Age Club (Largest senior center in MN with 1000 members) and started at the Community Center. Buckham West paid off their mortgage this year (the addition in 2018)
 
Common misconceptions about Buckham1. It is not a senior living facility or adult day care 2. It is not a library. It’s just connected, but they are separate things. 3. A lot of people do not even know there is a Senior Center. In 2018 the name changed to Buckham West. There is movement towards changing the signage over to include “Senior Center”. It’s like a nightclub, you come to hang out, but you go home at night. Unlike a night club, they open early. Nightclubs have VIP sections, everyone belongs at Buckham West. It’s a place to feel connected and have community.
 
One of the most popular clubs is the writing group. Right now, there are 11 people attending. The most popular program is Bingo Night. There is a focus on connecting people with resources. There are many partnerships in town- meals on wheels, Three Rivers, M-F meals available, MN Aging Pathways, Family Service of Rochester, Neighbors Helping Neighbors, Rice Country, Catholic Charities and fitness center classes.
 
There is lots of programing- fun activities and educational classes (Science and History), lots of programing, art classes, etc.  They desire to bring in members of the community to come in and offer programs.
The Art Exchange is a program started by a member. It’s an opportunity to share art and skills twice a month with members. The idea is to inspire and help members dive into art. Volunteers are needed- flower waterers for downtown (7 days a week in the morning May-September) Dining room check in, funeral escort teams, Fashion on Central store which is run by volunteers (all the proceeds go towards the Senior Center).
 
Faribault and Rice County funds the electric bill and about 30% of operations. Fashion on Central and the apartments above it help fund things. The funeral homes end up offering about $5000 a year for the escorts. You do not need to be a member, but there is a $45 fee to be a member. Other fund raisers- bake sale, puzzle sales, book sales, renting out the space.
 
The Senior Center is a 501C3. Currently there are around 400 members.
RI Presidential Message Febrary 2026
Posted by Francesco Arezzo on Feb 03, 2026
 
Francesco Arezzo, 2025-26 RI president, and member of the Rotary Club of Ragusa, Italy. June 2025.

At last month’s International Assembly, President-elect Olayinka “Yinka” Hakeem Babalola called on members of the Rotary world to live out our presidential message for the 2026-27 Rotary year: Create Lasting Impact.

This February, as we observe Peacebuilding and Conflict Prevention Month, we have an opportunity to channel Yinka’s call to action into real change.  Peace is not simply the absence of war. A life free from conflict but marked by hunger, instability, or the inability to care for one’s family is not true peace. Peace requires liberty, opportunity, and respect for human dignity. Yet fear often blocks that path — fear of change, of cultural loss, of people we don’t understand.

Fear isn’t defeated through avoidance or aggression. Knowledge is the first step toward peace. Rotary embraces this idea. Our Rotary Peace Centers and their peace fellows, along with other peace education initiatives, demonstrate how knowledge builds trust and helps communities find solutions to conflict.  In Colombia, decades of conflict have left deep wounds. The 2025 Rotary Foundation Programs of Scale awardee, Pathways to Peace and Prosperity, partners with the United Nations World Food Program to expand opportunity, improve conflict resolution, and connect people with social services. Its goal is to break cycles of violence, poverty, and food insecurity so peace can take root.

In Maharashtra, India, People of Action honoree Swati Herkal built peace through prosperity. Her project confronted farmers’ declining soil health, rising debt, and illness caused by chemical fertilizers. She and her Rotary partners launched a regenerative agriculture program that revitalized the land, lowered costs, and restored stability. More than 1,100 farmers now participate and over 50 villages have adopted the model.

Rotary also advances peace by restoring dignity. In Chad, Rotary Peace Fellow Domino Frank discovered that more than 1,500 women who fought in a rebellion had been erased from reintegration programs. His advocacy led to Chad’s first Rotary Foundation global grant and the creation of Corridors of Peace. More than 100 women — triple the goal — completed literacy and vocational training and formed a cooperative to support their families.

From Colombia to India to Chad, the lesson is clear: Peace is not a dream. It is the result of sustained action with a focus on true, lasting impact. To replicate these successes, Rotary clubs can take three steps: Learn from peace fellows and other peace experts in our organization, apply a peacebuilding lens to community assessments, and prioritize impact over ceremony.  In a world filled with fear, Rotary cannot be satisfied with half-measures and empty words. If we are truly people of action, then action must define us. Together, we can Create Lasting Impact — across the globe, in our communities, and in ourselves.

Award to Faribault Rotary Youth Services

Marker Champion Award

 
 Pictured above are Faribault Rotary President Mark Kenney (left) and Faribault Schools Superintendent Jamie Bente. 
Thank you for ensuring all 2100 Faribault Public School's students in preschool through eighth grade started the school year with the school supplies they needed!  We are incredibly grateful for your contribution, partnership and commitment to our community!
 
 
85th Faribault Rotary Concert 
 
On December 17th, we shared the space of Our Saviors Lutheran Church with the Faribault High School Choir for lunch and a song. Students, Rotarians, and guests had fruitful conversations at all tables from Arna Farmer. After lunch, Rotarians and guests were invited to a concert of songs from our student choir colleagues. The Choir shuffled out quickly to do other singing at other local places, spreading cheers as they go! A chilly, but blessed event was cheerful for all in attendance. 
Salvation Army Bell Ringing at HyVee
Posted by Laura Bock on Dec 01, 2025
 
Rotary Volunteers Grace Bock, Megan Witt and Hannah Nagel above and Dusty and Anne Dienst were some of the volunteers ringing the bells at HyVee on Saturday Nov.22nd.  The Faribault Rotary Club collected $880 that day.  The Faribault Lions collected $800.  Since we did better, they have to buy $100 in cash raffle tickets next spring.  All for good causes!
Salvation Army Bell Ringing Sat. Nov. 22nd
Another holiday service opportunity is available to all Rotarians with the Salvation Army Bell Ringing at HyVee on Saturday Nov. 22nd 8am-5pm.  Please look for the sign-up sheet at our meetings.
 
Merry Christmas!!
Rotarian of the Year 2025
Posted by Dick Huston on Oct 22, 2025
 
The Faribault Rotary club has named Kay Hoaglin as their 2025 Rotarian of the Year.  Kay is a volunteer who literally shows up everywhere.  In addition to setting up the meeting room every Wednesday she cleans up the highway, works at blood drives, reads to children, sells roses and raffle tickets and is a tireless worker at her church.  She truly lives up to the Rotary motto of SERVICE ABOVE SELF.    Pictured with Kay is Rotary President Mark Kenny.
Pre
The Faribault Rotary Club is deeply honored to recognize a member whose steadfast commitment and selfless service embody the very heart of Rotary.  Kay Hoaglin has quietly and consistently gone above and beyond in every way. She arrives early, ensures every meeting runs smoothly, and graciously steps in wherever she is needed.
Whether welcoming new members, organizing duties, or lending a helping hand behind the scenes, Kay ensures our club operates with warmth and excellence.  Her dedication extends far beyond our meetings—through Rotary Readers, Highway Cleanup, parades, blood drives, and countless community activities. Kay also serves faithfully in her church and as a caring neighbor and devoted family member, living out Rotary’s motto of Service Above Self in every part of her life.
A three-time Paul Harris Fellow, Kay’s devotion to Rotary’s mission is evident not only in her service, but in her generosity of spirit and unwavering commitment to others.  The Faribault Rotary Club extends its deepest appreciation to Kay for her extraordinary leadership, her tireless dedication, and her humble yet powerful example of what it means to be a Rotarian.
Kay, we thank you for all you do and for the light you bring to our club and community. You truly are the embodiment of Service Above Self.
Faribault Soccer Club Donation
Posted by Dick Huston on Sep 22, 2025
 
FSC Donation
Gina Yetzer, Faribault Soccer Club (FSC)Treasurer, receives a check from Chad Koepke, CFO Faribault State Bank/Rotary Club Member, for a $2,000 donation that will go towards FSC’s Little Feat and Tiny Feat programs. The funds were raised through Rotary Youth Services’ charitable gambling held at Boxers Bar in downtown Faribault. Little Feat and Tiny Feat are FSC’s youngest soccer programs held in May and June that develop the love and primary skills of soccer for children ages 3-8 years old. Registration will open in March, visit faribaultsoccer.org for details.
FATE Donation
Posted by Dick Huston on Sep 22, 2025
The Faribault Rotary Club has donated $5,000 to the FATE (Faribault Area Training and Education Foundation) for scholarships for students in the area. In 2025 the Foundation awarded $92,800 to 66 students from Bethlehem Academy, FSSH, Shattuck, returning college students and adult learners who attended 22 di_erent institutions studying 21in di_erent elds such business, auto mechanic, law, carpentry, education and many more. Pictured are Dick Huston FATE Foundation board chair (2nd from left) and Faribault Rotary Youth Services board members (L-R) Mark Kenny, Brenda DeMars, Kay Hoaglin and Chad Koepke.
Faribault Soccer Club receives donation for Rotary Club
Posted by Ben Jones on Sep 10, 2025
 
FSC Donation
Gina Yetzer, Faribault Soccer Club (FSC)Treasurer, receives a check from Chad Koepke, CFO Faribault State Bank/Rotary Club Member, for a $2,000 donation that will go towards FSC’s Little Feat and Tiny Feat programs. The funds were raised through Rotary Youth Services’ charitable gambling held at Boxers Bar in downtown Faribault. Little Feat and Tiny Feat are FSC’s youngest soccer programs held in May and June that develop the love and primary skills of soccer for children ages 3-8 years old. Registration will open in March, visit faribaultsoccer.org for details.
Rotary Foundation Award- Dick Huston
 
Glen Bowers, Rotary District Governor of District 5960, recognized Faribault Rotarian Dick Huston as a level 2 ($25,000) contributor to the International Rotary Foundation.  The Foundation provides funding for projects all over the world to help those that need it the most including vaccinating children worldwide for polio.  Pictured are Dick Huston (left) and District Governor Bowers.
Bowers. 
Paul Harris Fellows
Posted by Dick Huston on Jun 25, 2025

Congratulations!

Rotary International and the Faribault Rotary club honored three members as Paul Harris Fellows.  Each time a member contributes $1000 to the Foundation they are named a Paul Harris Fellow.  Pictured are Kay Hoaglin (level 3), Robert Speckhals M.D. (level 3) and Murray Hanson (level 7).
Our 106th Club President- Mark Kenney
Posted by Dick Huston on Jun 26, 2025
 
The Faribault Rotary Club has named their  president for the 2025-26 term.  Pastor Mark Kenny has become the 106th president.  He told members he wanted us to work together, have fun and make an impact.
Heritage Days Parade 2025
Posted by David Connelly on Jun 14, 2025

Faribault Rotary on Parade

Our club was well represented at the annual Heritage Days Parade last Saturday. Thank you to all Rotarians and their families for making this another fun adventure.
Memorial Day Parade 2025
Posted by David Connelly on May 27, 2025

It was a beautiful day to honor those who gave their lives in service to our Country.

Heart of Service Award April 2025
Posted by Paul LaRoche on Apr 16, 2025

Congratulations!

  • Heart of Service: Awarded to Murray Hanson – President Connelly awarded Murray with a pin for his Heart of Service and highlighted his ongoing commitment to service to our community and the Rotary Club of Faribault.
Little Library Restored
Posted by Murray Hanson
 
Vandals stole our little library on 25th Ave NW and Dick Huston built a new one and installed it today.  Thank you, Dick!
Little Falcons Program Thank You
 
Little Falcons - Community Education
Dear Faribault Rotary,
 
I wanted to take a moment to express my heartfelt gratitude for your generous fiscal support of the Little Falcons program. Because of your contribution, the program was able to collaborate with the Faribault Hockey Association to host two no-cost "Try Hockey" events in the Fall of 2024 and late Winter of 2025, with equipment provided. Faribault area high school hockey players were in attendance, and in all, it was a superb experience for everyone involved.
 
Although I didn’t grow up playing hockey, as a hockey parent, I’ve fallen in love with the sport. The number one reason? There are no bench players in hockey—every single kid contributes to the team's success as they rotate on and off the ice between multiple lines. Coaches are fully committed to all players, ensuring that everyone plays a role in the team’s success and growth. Unlike other sports where some players may be overlooked and left sitting on the bench, hockey embraces every player as a valuable part of the team.
 
There’s no denying that hockey is a costly sport, but I firmly believe it’s one of the most enriching. I know this firsthand—my kids participated in several activities before ultimately settling on hockey as their favorite. They now play nearly year-round, and the sport has given my family so much. I’m thrilled to see the gift of hockey being passed on to new families each year, made possible by the support of Faribault Rotary.
 
I hope you will continue to financially support the Little Falcons program, especially toward the collaboration between the Faribault Hockey Association and the high school hockey players. It’s heartwarming to see these high school athletes giving back in service to the next generation of hockey players.
 
Please share my sincere appreciation and gratitude with the members of your organization. Your support is truly making a difference in our community.
 
Thank you again,

Sonny Wasilowski
Faribault man's prairie restoration 'a shining example' for conservationists
Posted by Colton Kemp on Aug 06, 2024

Dr. Dick Huston

huston prairie 1.jpg
Dick Huston stands in his front yard Saturday afternoon, surrounded by pollinators and native plants. His 150 acres of land have been transformed from farmland to native grasslands and woodlands, which have been permanently cemented into the land through a conservation easement. (Colton Kemp/southernminn.com) Please visit the Faribault Daily News for this excellent story.
Plant a Pocket of Prairie
Posted by Dick Huston on May 13, 2024
 
Teresa DeMars and Dick Huston presented a POCKET OF PRAIRIE to the Surad Academy and the Academy of the Blind this week.  It was a treat and wonderful experience at both schools.  Great cooperation of the administrations and teachers.  Each student learned about the pollinators and the importance of the prairie and were given a prairie plant to take home to plant in a pot on their front step or in a garden.  A big thanks to Rice County Soil & Water, Tri Lakes Sportsman Club and Faribault Rotary.  First photo is from Surad Academy and the second is from the Blind School.
 
 
Cambodia- Soccer Field Update
Posted by Christopher Kaufman on Jan 10, 2024
Thank you to all who supported the Rotary International Soccer Pitch project in Battambang, Cambodia. The field costed around $10,700 and is now complete! in addition to the field there were two statues added to the school to honor one of the Cambodian kings who brought peace, as well as a famous Cambodian poet. Thank you to all who made this project possible!
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Egyptian Rotary member honored for advancing women’s leadership and community development

Egyptian Rotary member honored for advancing women’s leadership and community development

Barcelona selected to host Rotary International Convention 2029

Barcelona selected to host Rotary International Convention 2029

‘Success is collective,’ says recipient of Rotary’s 2026 Sylvia Whitlock Leadership Award

‘Success is collective,’ says recipient of Rotary’s 2026 Sylvia Whitlock Leadership AwardEgyptian Rotarian has elevated female leaders, promoted microloans, and helped build

Destination: Rotary

Three days, three towns, three clubs. Who knew Wisconsin could be so microcosmic?

A survivor of violence guides others to safety

Valencia Jones escaped years of domestic abuse. Now she helps others find their way to safety and healing.

March 2026

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Mar 11, 2026
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Apr 29, 2026
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