Jo Atkins, Dakota County Commissioner, was our speaker last week.  Joe was very interesting and enthusiastic!  He told us about what the county does:  county roads; libraries; parks; public safety, etc..  Joe mentioned Dakota County is debt free and has the lowest taxes in MN!  Public safety is enhanced by embedding social workers on domestic issues.  Here's a fun facts:  the county is helping to uncover a stream which runs under the Thompson golf course; a round about is coming to Thompson and Oakdale;  and there are Bison at Spring Lake Park.  Joe also said Radon is a problem primarily in older homes.  You can get a free radon test at the Dakota County Service Center by the WSP Cub Foods.  Joe was a state representative and Rotarian Peter Olson-Skog mentioned he's seen him at several district sporting events.  Thanks Joe for coming!

If there is an organization which you are involved with and it needs financial help, please mention to a board member for consideration.  Board members:  Prez Don McCall, Alan Ruvelson, Bob Gullick, Dave Hanson, David Miller, Mark Landy, Susan Hommes, and Val Namen.

Mark your calendars for July 14th and July 15th from 5:00pm to 9:00pm.  We have a fundraising activity at the Prior Lake Music Fest.  Last year, working one night, our club earned $960.00.

Here's what we did at our January Board Meeting:

1 - Approved a $1500 donation to Neighbor's Inc's general fund.

2 - We have over $10,000 in the bank.

3 - Loaves and Fishes coming up at the end of January:  January 31st and February 2nd.

4 - David Miller is looking into other volunteer events for our club.

5 - There will be a Meet & Greet at the February 1st meeting at The Copperfield.

6 - Mark you calendars for July 14th and 15th.  It's the Prior Lake Music Fest where we can earn money for our club.

7 - We're going to do the Rotary Rose fundraiser in April.  Details finalized at February board meeting.

8 - Look for an Harvest Pack packing event the last week in March.

President Don wisely cancelled our January 4th gathering because of the snow storm! We are now meeting at Neighbor's Inc. on March 1st at 7:30a.m.  Thanks to Susan Schroeder for hosting.  Here's more info:

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.

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