Bulletin October 2, 2023 (Sep 23, 2023)

The West St. Paul/Mendota Heights Rotary Club

Having fun while making a difference!

Chartered 1990

Co-prez David Miller's Corner

“The Great Pumpkin”

As fall arrives, all things autumnal come to mind: Cool nights, cider, admiring & raking leaves and pumpkins. Pumpkins uniquely symbolize the season and the visit to a pumpkin patch to select a pumpkin for a Jack-O’-Lantern is a rite of fall.

The pumpkin that I am nostalgic about is the “Great Pumpkin”. In 1966, the animated film, “It’s the Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown” made its television debut. Fifty percent of American television viewers were tuned in for this episode. It aired on broadcast television from its debut in 1966 until 2020 when it became an Apple TV+ exclusive. You will remember from the storyline that as the other children were collecting their largesse of candy on Halloween, Linus dutifully waited in the pumpkin patch for the “Great Pumpkin” to appear. He was met with skepticism and insults. His sister, Lucy, eventually collects Linus at 4 a.m. and takes him to bed.

There was no confirmed sighting of the Great Pumpkin. Linus remained steadfast, however, in his belief in the Great Pumpkin and writes a letter to the Great Pumpkin addressing his seasonal gift requests (instead of Santa Claus).

The creator of the Peanuts characters, Charles Schulz, modeled Linus’ devotion in part on that of children whose families were too poor to purchase Christmas presents, and the hope that things would be better next year if they maintained faith.

Whomever seasonal magical character gets the credit, as Rotarians, we relish providing the children and families some cheer during the holidays.

Have a great Fall season.

last week's speaker - Mary F. Clardy

Rep. Mary Francis Clardy (House District 53A) represents Inver Grove Heights, Sunfish Lake, Lilydale and part of West St. Paul. She is an experienced educator (employed by the St. Paul School District) and disability advocate. In addition to these priorities, Rep. Clardy told us about several bills she was able to pass this last legislative session. Very interesting presentation. Pictured below with Mary Francis is rotarian Alan Ruvelson.

Beer and Wine Raffle in full swing

Get your raffle tickets to sell from Bob Gullick. Please consider selling 20 beer and wine raffle tickets. Proceeds will go the community and the world on behalf of our club.

New this year: Beer has two winners. 25 grand prize 6-packs; 5 second prize 6-packs. Wine is grand prize 25 bottles; 5 bottles second prize.

Please consider bringing wine and a 6-pack to meetings to give to Bob. Raffle tickets sell for $10.00 each.

September 2023 Board Meeting Highlights

Here are some notes from our Sept board meeting:

1 - Bob Gullick mentioned we have a balance budget. Future donations would come from our reserves.

2 - Loaves & Fishes are October 5th and the 31st.

3 - Highway clean up is scheduled for October 21. AMAS was doing their clean up last week.

4 - Don McCall & David Miller are working on a club social event.

5 - There is a need to disconnect our old Facebook account (anybody?)

6 - Beer & Wine drawing will be November 1.

7 - Our club received a $1500 check from the Prior Lake Music Fest. The board approved working the July 12 & 13 event next year.

8 - We approved the following donations: $395 to send a student to Camp Enterprise; $1,000 extra to ALMAS because of increased enrollment; and $500 for gifts to the Neighbor's Inc. Holiday Gift Program.

Rotary Foundation Giving

From Rotary International: Disasters can devastate a community, leaving people in urgent need of medical care, housing, and other services. Following an emergency like the earthquake in Morocco, your contribution ensures that we can deliver supplies, provide health care, and support rebuilding efforts. By making a donation to our Morocco Earthquake Response Fund today, you can help Rotary members respond swiftly and effectively, bringing hope to those whose lives have been affected by disaster.

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.

Oct 04, 2023

Meet & Greet at the Copperfield Restaurant - 7:30

NE corner of Dodd and Highway 62

Oct 11, 2023

Peter Olson-Skog, Superintendent ISD 197

Upcoming election

Oct 18, 2023

Anne Strootman, Participant & Volunteer Manager

Wilderness Inquiry

Oct 25, 2023

Jon Althoff, President

DCR Chamber

View entire list

Loaves & Fishes 10-05-23
St. Matthew's Catholic Church
Oct 05, 2023 3:30 PM – 6:30 PM

Loaves & Fishes 10-31-23
St. Matthew's Catholic Church
Oct 31, 2023 3:30 PM – 6:30 PM

View entire list

Dave Hanson
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