Posted by Paul LaRoche on Sep 16, 2024

Congratulations Ellie!

  • Opening:  President David Connelly, Welcome Rotarians and Guests.
  • Pledge of Allegiance, Four Way Test, & a Patriotic Song by Rotarians: “God Bless America”
  • Beautiful Phrase in the Neighborhood: Love is People read by Ryan Holmquist
  • Virtue: Kindness, reading and personal perspective by George Wickstrom.  George talked about importance of virtues.  Talked about then vs now, wants vs needs, how we all need to communicate better by not using our words and non verbals instead of by technology, Spoke of Kindness and what it means to him.  Reflected on a story of his Aunt Marion and the power of kindness.  We can all take charge of our own life and character.  Encouraged everyone to do virtues in front of Rotary.
  • Heart of Service Award presentation: recognizing significant work done by Rotarians.  This award was presented to Ellie Holmquist by David Connelly.  Ellie was commended for her willingness to do so much for Rotary.  She is always willing to say yes and help out where needed.  She has been a big help in planning the Summer Get Together and the Warm our Community efforts.  Thank you and Congratulations Ellie!
  • Fellowship: led by Theresa Vold -Rotarians were asked to describe the significance of 9/11 to them
    • Guests:  Andre Simonet – he has been to various Rotary Clubs in the area, has traveled to Spain through Rotary, and is aspiring to become a PA specializing in Pediatrics.
    • Guest Edel Fernandez: South Central College Director of Admissions, met with members of STRIVE and was happy to be back visiting Rotary today.
    • Murray Hanson talked about being at the clinic on 9/11 when he heard the news on the radio.  Later watched on tv and described the significance the event had on his life.
    • Lisa Humfeld-Wilson was in Indiana on 9/11 and described all the changes that happened in airports afterwards, including how she remembers her water was tested.  Now you can’t even bring water through security.
    • Paul LaRoche- remembering all those lives lost on 9/11.  Was in 11th grade at FHS and remembers classrooms he was in.  Also talked about the new Public Safety Center nearing completion and Rotarians being able to attend tours sometime in October.  Will be away from Rotary meetings this Fall as he attends a leadership class through Northwestern University.
    • Dick Cook – was at the office on 9/11 and expressed sincere remembrance of all the heroes whom lost their lives during this event.  He also talked about how impressed he is with the Faribault Soccer Little Feet program.  He described all the different participants and how great it is to see so much involvement in this program in our community.
    • George Wickstrom- talked about the FBI investigation led by John O’Neil into 9/11 and how they were attempting to find Bin Laden.
    • Greg Ciesluk reflected on 9/11 and how it awoken him to be thankful for the blessings we have in this country.  9/11 inspired him to reconnect with his brother.   Greg also talked about the men’s chorus he is a part of and how they will be doing a fundraiser at River Valley Church.
    • Guest Edel talked about how on 9/11 he had been in this country for about 1 year after moving from Mexico.  He remembers thinking that it seemed like a movie but quickly realized it was not and the severity of the event.  He has been to the 9/11 memorial and described how powerful it is to see.
    • Laura Bock talked about the Faribault Foundation’s 100 Women Who Care event on October 6th at the Apple Creek Orchard 4-6pm.  Also mentioned the 100 Men on a Mission event on October 24th at 1201 Cannon Circle.  There were informational handouts on the tables.  Please contact Laura for more information.
    • Kymn Anderson gave a shout out to Edel for currently running for the District 19B House of Representatives.   She also talked about how on 9/11 she was at SC College – her first grandchild was 1 year old and she remembers feeling scared for her grandchild growing up in this type of situation.  She is thankful we still have safe living.  Also talked about her son in law whom was in New York on 9/11.
    • Ryan Holmquist – recalls being in 11th grade on 9/11 and what he did that day.
    • Ellie Holmquist – recently got a call from her mom about an accident her father was involved in where he was run over by a combine.  Luckily, he is okay and she is very thankful for how lucky her dad was to get out of the accident with only a bruise. 
    • Theresa Vold remembers that her husband had surgery and they were home on 9/11.  Since they were home, they were watching everything that was on tv that day.
    • Kay Hoaglin was working at the library on 9/11 and remembers how traumatic it was to watch the events unfolding.
    • Dusty Dienst was on duty as a firefighter on 9/11.  They Faribault Fire Dept has held a memorial service every year since for those lives lost on 9/11.
    • George Wickstrom wanted to add that he believes 9/11 was tragic but also unified our country.
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