Bulletin December 4, 2023 (Dec 04, 2023)

The West St. Paul/Mendota Heights Rotary Club

Having fun while making a difference!

Chartered 1990

Co-prez David Miller's corner

The Holiday Letter

It’s December!

Some families send out their annual Seasons Greeting cards with a letter detailing the significant events and occasions that their family experienced in the past year. I thought that I would use this column to give a Seasons Greetings and Holiday Letter from our Rotary Club.

Financially supporting community organizations is certainly a highlight of 2023. We recently donated to ALMAS, YMCA and Town Square TV. Additionally we gave donations to the Two Rivers Student Council sponsored Harvest Pack event and the Two Rivers staff & volunteers recognition event.

Supporting these community organizations was made possible through work and fundraising efforts. Thanks to Robert Gullick for marshalling the Beer and Wine Raffle and to all for selling tickets. Many club members participated in the Prior Lakefest event in July. Kudos to the Prior Lake Rotary Club for the gargantuan effort in holding this two day music festival.

Speaking of work,’ -our Club and related volunteers prepared and served meals with Loaves and Fishes this past year. The increasing demand for these meals has required some ingenuity in filling the containers efficiently. I believe that we have mastered the new process.

As co-president, and I think I can speak for Don McCall, we are blessed with members that “step up” to the plate in getting things done.

We have had excellent speakers and presentations throughout the year because you seek out and schedule these fascinating and committed people that exude passion for their worthy causes.

For some newer members, the motto of our club is “Having Fun While Making a Difference”,

I endorse that and propose “Having Fun While Making a Difference” as our 2024 mission.

Request for nominations from club members - Paul Harris Fellows (from Alan Ruvelson)

According to Rotary International's website, there are 1.4 million Rotarians worldwide. I wondered at how many individuals have been members since Rotary was founded in 1905? (I couldn't find an estimate. B'zillions?) Paul Harris, the Chicago lawyer credited with being the founder, wasn't the first Rotarian. In fact, he was one of four individuals who joined together to start Club #1. So, why is he revered? He put forth the idea and, together with the others, got it going. He was the catalyst (and he stuck with it!). That singular achievement is why the Rotary Foundation (RF) signature recognition society, the Paul Harris Fellow, is named for him.

Most often, Paul Harris Fellowship is awarded to people who have given $1,000 in charitable support to RF. In addition, clubs can award Paul Harris Fellowship to individuals who have contributed significantly to community well-being. From time to time, the Rotary Club of West St. Paul-Mendota Heights has recognized certain individuals and organizations as Paul Harris Fellows by redeeming some of our club's "recognition points" for these awards. We find ourselves in a healthy position currently with many of these points available to award.

Our Board is asking our members to recommend names of those in our community who live out Rotary's values, and who are catalysts for good in this world. (As an example, we have given this award previously to Rob Hanson, the founder and leader of the Two Rivers High School ALMAS Club). At upcoming weekly meetings, we will ask that Rotarians provide suggested names for this special recognition. Submissions can be given to Don McCall, David Miller or Dave Hanson by January 12th. At our January Board meeting, we will review names for submission. Thank you for your thoughtful consideration of this request. If you have questions, please feel free to connect with Alan at aruvelson@msn.com or 651 552-4917.

November 2023 Board Meeting Highlights

Here's some highlights from our November 21st board zoom meeting. Special note: All board members were present.

1 - From our wine and beer raffle we netted cash profit of $5880.92 and $3250 into our club's foundation. Nice job everyone!

2 - We approved the following donation requests:

$500 to Two Rivers High School for Harvest Pack event on November 20th.

$2500 to ALMAS - the Latino group we sponsor at Two River's High School.

$1000 to YMCA (our club member and past president Katie Lowe is director of the Eagan Y)

$500 to Town Square TV (local cable producer where we get some club advertising)

3 - Bob Gullick noted that the past three Rotary years we have given away over $62,000. Sweet!

4 - Community Service - Next Loaves and Fishes is Thursday, December 7th.

5 - Membership and Recruitment - Jennifer Giovinazzo would like to reach out to members and demonstrate how to use Facebook to our club's advantage for advertising.

6 - Our club has Paul Harris points to award. We'd like to use these to honor community members as well as help our club members achieve a Paul Harris recognition award.

7 - Our next board meeting will be on December 19th. Reach out to Co-Prez Don McCall if you'd like to attend the zoom morning meeting.

Something new to meetings

The board would like to have a local businesses present a 3 minute introduction to their company at each meeting.

Please let Dave Hanson know if you get someone and he'll add to the schedule.

One 3 minute presentation at each meeting would be the goal.

Thanks in advance.

Fundraising Ideas

The board is looking for creative fundraising ideas and a team to coordinate activities. Maybe we'll see a pickleball tournament next summer? Please contact any board member if you have some ideas. Thank you! Board members: Don McCall, David Miller, Susan Hommes, Valarie Namen, Alan Ruvelson, Mark Landy or Bob Gullick.

New Members Wanted

Do you enjoy our weekly meetings? Share them with others. Be on the lookout for prospective members!

Club meetings

Posted on May 29, 2023

We meet at 7:30 Wednesday mornings at Saint Anne’s Episcopal Church located at 2035 Charlton Road, Sunfish Lake, MN 55118. Join us for a continental breakfast with good coffee followed by an engaging program.

Dec 06, 2023

Colleen Watson, Minneapolis Art Institute Docent

Photography by Native Americans 1880 to Present

Dec 20, 2023 7:30 AM

Annual White Elephant at St. Anne's

Be ready to have some silly gifts!

Jan 10, 2024

Maria King, District Court Administrator

State of the courts in Dakota County

Jan 17, 2024

Rebecca Gillette

Mapping Prejudice

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Loaves & Fishes this Thursday 12-7-23
St. Matthews Catholic Church
Dec 07, 2023 3:30 PM – 6:30 PM

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Dave Hanson
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