Rotary Meeting Notes: 04/24/2024
- Opening: President Laura Bock: Pledge of Allegiance, Four-Way Test, Patriotic Song “America the Beautiful”
- Virtue Reading: Kindness, read by Kristen Gleason
- Invocation: Mark Kenney
- Club Announcements
- This Saturday April 27 – Open the Rotary Camp for the year! Any help would be appreciated 1p-4p – bring a string trimmer, blower, or chainsaw if you are able.
- Friday May 3rd, Big 9 Music Festival – need 6 volunteers from 6:30-9 to usher and tidy up after attending the concert for FREE. Student volunteers to assist with clean up.
- Saturday May 4th, Maple Syrup Fun Run – volunteers interested in manning water stations teams of two as early as 7am-1230 and as late as 1230-330.
- Saturday May 4th- Celebration of Clubs in Hudson WI. $20/person, details on the district website.
- May 5th Cinco de Mayo! Celebration – location TBD – see Jessica Navarro if you are interested in volunteering or helping sponsor the event.
- Friday May 24th - Rotary hosted Red Cross Blood Drive at River Valley Church
- May 18th – Adopt a Highway cleanup- 10 am
- Monday May 27th – Memorial Day Parade- 830 line up near the intersection of Central Ave and 1st St NW.
- June 3-7 will be Meals on Wheels deliveries
- Thursday June 6th – Safe Summer Kick-off at North Alexander Park. Looking for Rotary member’s participation and some fun idea to interact with kids at the event!
- Saturday June 15th- Heritage Days Parade- 530 line up at the Rice County Fairgrounds.
- Friday August 2nd and Saturday August 3rd- Rotarians needed for the Blue-Collar event parking
- Saturday September 7th- Northfield Bike Tour- Rotarians needed for 1st aid stations.
- Gambling Report – Chad Koepke- approval of expenses and donations. Brenda DeMars also encouraged Bingo events at Boxers.
- Rotary Cash Raffle – each Rotary member is asked to sell at least 15 raffle tickets. This fundraiser supports the STRIVE program, music programs, and other youth programs annually.
- Help Wanted: New Member Mentors (see Kurt Halverson), Sgt at Arms (see Kay Hoaglin)- still in need of help during July, 2024-2025 “Grants” Chair needed (see David Connelly), Webmaster Assistant (see Murray Hanson)
- Exercise with George Wickstrom: George took a few minutes to talk to Rotarians about the importance of doing our best for our fellow citizens by measuring up to the words in our Virtues, 4 way test, Patriotic Songs, the Pledge of Allegiance, and the Constitution.
- Fellowship: led by Mary Ellen Bondhus
- Guests of Dr. Dick Huston were introduced: Mahad Mohamed and Hala Alharthi joined our meeting today. They spoke of their desire to serve the community and were happy to attend.
- Each table was taught some sign language by Mary Ellen.
- Dr. Huston provided an update on Dr. Speckhals and shared that he visited him recently.
- George reiterated going to work on virtues and other things to help build strong character.
- Brandon Gliem talked about a video shoot he did with Harry Browns in recognition of the upcoming Police Memorial Week in May. Also reminded everyone of the Safe-Summer Kickoff event June 6th. Would like to have Rotarians help with a fun event for kids.
- Rod Mahler added that Dr. Speckhals should be coming home this Friday and he hopes to get him to Rotary next week!
- David welcomed our guest speaker Beth Hortop. He encouraged Rotarians to consider board positions on the Exchange Club Center for Family Unity if you are able. David also talked about the cash raffle and had a story from last year where he commended Ibrahim Khalif for his hard work on selling tickets, even at David’s place of employment!
- Theresa Vold had fun and enjoyed helping with the Rotary Readers!
- Ellie Holmquist thanked everyone for their willingness to help sell raffle tickets!
- Ryan Holmquist appreciates those who plan to help clean at the Rotary Camp and asked we all keep David Beranek in our thoughts.
- Deb Theisen expressed she was excited to hear our guest speaker presentation today.
- Lisa LeBrun was happy to be in attendance today!
- Murray Hanson provided his weekly poking fun of Dr. Huston!