We meet at Noon on Thursday

September 8, 2022

For Those Attending in Person

Buffet Meal

(Zoom Meeting Opens at 11:45)

(Link Sent Thursday Morning)

At

 

 

 

This presentation highlights the process that Essentia Health and the Benedictine Sisters have outlined in their guiding principles for the development of the Hillside Neighborhood and Essentia properties. 

 

By Al Makynen

 

Thursday noon is Rotary time.  You can set your watch, or Fitbit, by it!  The Lyric Conference Center was filled with the sound of the National Anthem as Past President John Baumgarten led us at the piano.  Past Assistant Governor Phil Strom provided a Rotary Reflection on key historical years.  1905 – the founding of Rotary, 1911 - the start of Rotary Club #25, 1987 – our first woman member Bonita Nelson,  1998 – the Club’s first woman president Jan Davis, 2022 the first woman Rotary International President, Jennifer Jones.

 

Past Assistant Governor Phil Strom contemplating his Rotary Reflection

 

 

President-Elect Gary Melander and Jon Ohman kicked off our 37^th Annual Rotary Rose Sale.  The funds raised from prior years for community projects are more than $1.5 Million Dollars.  The formula is clear. The more roses sold at $25 per dozen, the more funds available to the Grants Committee!  Dust off those client lists and start selling.

 

Online sales through the website RotaryRoses.com is an easy way to connect and get those roses sold. The Two Harbors and Ely Rotary Clubs are participating with us.  Rotary Rose Day is Friday, October 14^th.  Sales can be made through October 6^th.  Next week you will see the Billboards around down and see and hear the public service spots on both T.V. and Radio.  Vinod Gupta is leading the effort to sell Rotary Coupons.  This is an important component of the Rotary Rose Sale and generates both interest and additional revenue.

 

President-Elect Gary Melander setting the tone for the next successful Rose Sale

 

President Barb Perrella announced the return of a Club tradition.  Friday Rotary Breakfast.  The first one will be Friday, September 9^th at 8:00 a.m. at the Kitchi Gammi Club.  No need to register.  No program.  Just show up for fun and fellowship.  You order breakfast off the menu with costs ranging from $9 - $13.  Skeeter Moore brought his laptop to the podium in order to register volunteers for the 25^th Annual NorthShore Inline Marathon (he paid a large Work Zone fine).  2,000 skaters will participate on September 17 in the largest skating marathon in the United States. Volunteers are needed on both Friday (Registration and Race Packets) and Saturday (Race Day). Club #25 will have a Rose Sale booth at the race – thanks Skeeter!

 

The program for the day was all about the future growth of our club and our continued ability to impact the community.  Deb Ellingsen, Membership Chair, and Elizabeth Simonson, Rotary Director described for us the current status of the club (107 members) and ways in which we can make a difference by sharing Rotary with others.  The question was asked:  Why did you join Rotary?  Several members answered.  Jena Evans described Rotary as an extension of her family.  Brian Fulda described how he was able to network and meet new people.  Skeeter Moore and Vinod Gupta spoke about a vehicle to provide community service.  The strategy is to have each member identify three people within their social network to invite to a Rotary meeting and to extend an invitation to join Rotary.  The meal charges for the guest are covered by the Membership Committee, there is no cost to the Rotarian.  And for a little fun, those who successfully bring in a new member will be included in a drawing to be held at the end of the calendar year and again at the end of the Rotary year.  We make a difference in our community, and you can make a difference in our club by seeking out those who wish to join us in service above self.

Membership Chair, Deb Ellingsen explaining the membership challenge

 

Elizabeth Simonson getting everyone onto ClubRunner