Past Meeting Notes | Rotary Club of Saint Paul #10

Rotary In Review: CEO/President of the Ordway Christoper Harrington

Posted by Dave Dominick on Apr 02, 2026

President Jason called the 40^th week of Rotary to order. He thanked his meeting crew of volunteers. Immediate Past President Shelly Rucks gave several Irish blessing to our departing Club Administrator Amanda Mai then finished her part of the program with the 4 Way Test.

Past President Heidi Fisher welcomed guests to our Club.

Past President Michael-jon Pease introduced the 12^th CEO/President of the Ordway Christoper Harrington as our meeting program speaker. Chris shared many highlights of the Ordway which included:

Opened in 1985..
217,000 people yearly attend productions..
45,000 youth, teachers and families participate.
Over 400 volunteers are engaged.
Over $400 million is generated in economic impact for St. Paul.

Chris shared the upcoming performance schedule with shows including Dirty Dancing and the Music Man.

Happy Dollars were flowing. Many celebrations and lots of announcements.

Rotary Youth Exchange Committee will be at the next 501 right after the meeting which is April 7 at the Pool and Yacht Club.

Spirit of Rotary nominations are due by June 1^st to immediate Past President Shelly Rucks. Next week's program is Pete Grayson with Camp RYLA.

Meeting minutes recorded by Dave Dominick, Past President.

Rotary In Review: Pollinators, People, and Partnerships

Posted by Lynne Beck on Mar 23, 2026

Rotary Club of Saint Paul

March 17, 2026

St. Paul Pool & Yacht Club

President Jason DeKeuster called the hybrid meeting to order at 5:15 pm. The greeter was Ken Shaefer. Lynne Beck was scribe. The A/V Teach Team was Matt Magers.

Al Zdrazil introduced guests. For the Inspirational Minute, Al talked about winter, how we can’t make it through the weather alone. Neighbors help neighbors. As 1 million committed Rotarians, we can do good. He then led us in the 4-Way Test.

Jason DeKeuster announced Rotarians present who have birthdays in March.

Scott Arndt introduced the speaker Dustin Vanasse, Executive Director of Pollinator Friendly Alliance, is best known as the Founder of Bare Honey, a Minnesota brand that connects consumers to conservation--most notably through solar-based beekeeping. The topic of his talk was Best Practices for Pollinators. In addition to leading a mission-driven company, Dustin has served in public-sector and nonprofits spheres as an Agricultural Marketing specialist and with the Minnesota Department of Agriculture.

Dustin was raised on his father’s cattle ranch near Askov, Minnesota. He was always interested in preserving habitat and restoring wetlands. He became a chef who traveled around the world learning about sustainable agriculture and working with farmers and producers to feature seasonal, locally grown ingredients. With his beekeeping business, Dustin works with farmers and energy companies to create pollinator habitat.

Dustin said there are 400 types of bees in Minnesota. They provide bio-diversity and are critical to pollinating crops. He also works with partners in the St. Croix Valley to protect habitat for beavers. Beavers create wetlands where bees thrive. Pollinator Friendly Alliance creates awareness about protecting the environment for bees and beavers. They have an annual summit year for 700-800 people to share research on habitat restoration.

Dustin mentioned ways we can help:

Plant native pollinator plants and eliminate pesticides.
Volunteer with the Alliance
Like them on Facebook
Form a Rotary Action Group

Al Zdrazil asked for Happy Dollars. Michael-jon Pease and Ken Shaefer attended the President Elect Training. Aaron Gjerde traveled to numerous places, including Japan, Florida, and Belize. Linda Mulhern said Rico’s host family took her to South Dakota over break. Karin Ciano’s father broke his femur but is home from the hospital.

Jason DeKuester announced that the nominations for the Spirit of Rotary Award is due June 1.

Then Jason made the following club announcements:

Signature Lunch: March 24, 2026
InterContinental Saint Paul Riverfront 12:00 - 1:15 pm
Club Assembly
Signature Lunch: March 31 2026
InterContinental Saint Paul Riverfront 12:00 - 1:15 pm
Chris Harrington of The Ordway
501: April 7, 2026
St. Paul Pool & Yacht Club 5:01- 6:15 pm
Peter Grayson on Camp Enterprise and Camp RYLA
Signature Lunch: April 14, 2026
InterContinental Saint Paul Riverfront 12:00 - 1:15 pm
Steve Young and Tara Marshall
501: April 21, 2026
St. Paul Pool & Yacht Club 5:01- 6:15 pm
How Medical Science Works
Signature Lunch: April 28, 2026
InterContinental Saint Paul Riverfront 12:00 pm - 1:15 pm
Camp RYLA

The meeting closed at 6:05 pm.

Lynne Beck Scribe

Rotary In Review: Farewell to Amanda and Doni

Posted by Dave Dominick on Mar 02, 2026

Our March 3^rd 501 meeting called to order by President Jason DeKeuster. Our 501 meeting was ALL ABOUT AMANDA, our awesome club coordinator that is moving to Australia with her husband Doni in April.

Past President Shelly Rucks shared an inspirational moment with an Australian theme and led the Club in the 4 way test.

Screen play writer Michael-jon Pease did an incredible job scripting a skit reflecting on how awesome Amanda is and all that she did for our Club. MJ pulled together a very talented team of actors to carry out this fun skit.

PDG Ken Crabb awarded Amanda with a Paul Harris Fellow. MJ announced that our Club donated a Rotary membership for one year so that Amanda can join a Club when she gets to Australia.

There will lots of happy dollars flowing recognizing Amanda and Doni. Our new club administrator was introduced by Shelly Rucks. Lindsey starts in April and will shadow Amanda for a few weeks.

It was a great night to celebrate Amanda and Doni!

Rotary In Review: St Paul Mayor Kaohly Her

Posted by Dave Dominick on Mar 02, 2026

President Jason DeKeuster called our Signature Luncheon to order. He thanked his meeting support team for their leadership in making this meeting a great success.

The room was packed as Rotarians wanted to meet St. Paul's new Mayor.

Jeff Sulzbach shared a quote on the late Rev. Jesse Jackson and let the Club in Rotary's 4-Way Test Plus 1 which the 5^th point is FUN.

Carolyn Will did a fabulous job introducing St. Paul's new mayor, Mayor Her. Mayor Her shared about her childhood growing up in Wisconsin. Mayor Her shared some of her new changes which included the restructure of the Deputy Mayor role to assistant deputy mayors. She shared her vision for Saint Paul which includes focusing on the nuts and bolts of local government (services, housing etc.) She is also focusing on showing up in the community and listening to the people of Saint Paul.

There were plenty of Q & A questions for the Mayor. She wants to listen when she visits groups. She likes to convene people together. She shared the impact of ICE operations in Saint Paul.

President Jason shared upcoming events which include March 3^rd Amanda and Doni's Farewell; March 10 Explore Minnesota; March 17 Pollinator Landscapes and Thiemeworks for March 24.

With no further business, President Jason rang the bell and wished everyone a great day.

Rotary In Review: St Paul Police Chief Axel Henry

Posted by Dave Dominick on Feb 10, 2026

President Jason DeKeuster called the St. Paul Rotary #10 Signature luncheon on February 10^th to order.

President Jason thanked his meeting helpers John Chandler, Sherry Howe, Rob Thomas, Dave Dominick, Bob Cardinal, and Susan Rostkoski.

Jason reminded Club members that our 501 next week has been cancelled and that our annual meeting with Club #9 is scheduled for Friday, February 20^th at 12 noon - Minneapolis Club. All club members need to pre-register. A link will be sent out.

Past President John Andrews did an exceptional job presenting a memorial for Chuck Dietz. Chuck was a Rotarian for 33 years; had a 41 year career with 3M along plus serving on the 3M board of directors for 17 years. You may have known Chuck through community projects and organizations that Chuck was very active in. Chuck was an incredible Scout volunteer.

Past District Governor Ken Crabb introduced St. Paul's Chief of Police Axel Henry. Chief Henry become a cop in 1995. He started his law enforcement career with Roseville before joining the ranks of St. Paul in 1998. Chief Henry was appointed Chief of Police in 2022.

Chief Henry utilized his time at the podium fielding questions from our Club. Questions centered around reduction of crime and murder rates; perception of crime in the downtown area; update on the K-9 unit; ICE; along with positive youth programs going on in Saint Paul that helps youth from getting into trouble. Chief Henry stated that community trust is so important.

Happy dollars were given in honor of the St. Paul Police Department, our Chief of Police and Chuck Dietz.

President Jason concluded the meeting by reviewing upcoming dates which include: our joint club meeting on February 20th; St. Paul Mayor on February 24th; Farewell Celebration for Amanda and Doni on March 3rd; Explore Minnesota on March 10^th and pollinators on March 17.

A great turnout to hear updates from the Chief of Police. Hope to see everyone in Minneapolis!

Rotary In Review: Early Self-Detection and Prevention of Melanoma

Posted by Dave Dominick on Feb 06, 2026

President Jason DeKeuster called the 32^nd week of his year to order at the February 3^rd St. Paul Rotary 501 meeting.

President thanked his support team of Shelly Rucks, Bill Collins, Dave Dominick, Matt Magers, Ken Crabb and Todd Nicholson.

February birthdays were celebrated with Dave's delicious cupcakes.

Bill Collins led the group with the Four Way Test and shared an inspirational moment during these challenges times in our community.

There were no visiting Rotarians or guests so past president Todd Nicholson's job was pretty easy.

President Jason introduced our speaker Steve Fine, founder and president of the Melanoma Education Foundation. Steve did an incredible job explaining melanoma and the causes of melanoma. His organization is all about educating others.

Our Club had lots of happy members as the happy dollars were flowing quite well. President Jason thanked everyone for attending and adjourned the meeting.

Rotary In Review: Winter Carnival

Posted by Lynne Beck on Jan 29, 2026

Rotary Club of Saint Paul
January 27, 2026
St. Paul Pool & Yacht Club

President Jason DeKeuster called the hybrid meeting to order at 12:22 pm. The greeters were Sherry Howe and Bob Cardinal. Lynne Beck was scribe. The A/V Teach Team was Matt Magers.

Ken Schaefer introduced guests: Laura Nichols-Endres and her daughter Nora; Rico Tanaka, our Rotary exchange student from Nagasaki and her host sister and mother; Jimmy Francis, former Rotarian and Mayor of South St. Paul; and Lindsey Barringer, our new club administrator.

For the Inspirational Minute, Dayle Quigley read two poems that address how to connect with community during these difficult times. She then led us in the 4-Way Test.

Jason DeKeuster gave an overview of Rotary for the Winter Carnival guests. He emphasized how the two organizations have so much in common – they both unite for good. Jason Bradshaw, former King Boreas, said that Saint Paul Rotary has a 72-year tradition of partnering with the Winter Carnival. He introduced Paul Rotary members present who were past members of the Winter Carnival Royal Family. He introduced King Boreas Peter Kenekick and the members of the 2026 St. Paul Winter Carnival Royal Family. They will make 350-400 visits during the year to hospitals, nursing homes, schools, etc. The Royal Family knighted Rico Tanaka “Empress of the Youth Exchange and Educator of the Harding Knights.”

Beth Naughton introduced Sam Cooper, a new member who is the Development Associate for the Minnesota Historical Society. He lives in St. Paul with his wife and young son.

Jason DeKeuster made the following club announcements:

501: February 3, 2026
St. Paul Pool & Yacht Club 5:01- 6:15 pm
Stephen Fine, Early Self-Detection and Prevention of Melanoma
February 10, 2026 Signature Lunch
InterContinental Saint Paul Riverfront
Chief Axel Henry
February 17, 2026 – No Meeting
February 20, 2026
Joint Meeting with Minneapolis
Location and Program TBD
February 24, 2026 Signature Lunch
InterContinental Saint Paul Riverfront
Kaohly Her, Mayor of Saint Paul
March 3, 2026 Signature Lunch
InterContinental Saint Paul Riverfront
Farewell to Amanda Mai
501: March 10, 2026
St. Paul Pool & Yacht Club 5:01- 6:15 pm
Frances Fyten & Nicole Lalum of Explore Minnesota

The meeting closed at 12:55 pm.

Lynne Beck Scribe

Rotary In Review: Camille Davidson of Mitchell Hamline School of Law

Posted by Ken Schaefer on Jan 19, 2026

Rotary Club of Saint Paul. Scribe – January 13, 2026

At 12:17 on January 13th, Jason DeKuester, the St Paul Rotary President, called the meeting to order at the Intercontinental Hotel. Jason led us in the Pledge of Allegiance and thanked the volunteers helping at the meeting:

Jeff Sulzbach and Al Zdrazil - greeters,
Beth Naughton - Inspirational Minute and the Four Way Test,
Jeff Sulzbach - Introducing visiting Rotarians and guests and Happy Dollars,
Our tech team of Andrew Vincelli and Pete Grayson,
Ken Schaefer - the scribe and,
Our club administrator Amanda Mai.

The speakers was Camille Davidson, President and dean of Mitchell Hamline School of Law. Joel Theisen introduced the speaker. Dean Davidson’s presentation covered Mitchell Hamline Law School programs, students and alumni activities followed by a Q&A session. Rotarians were very appreciative of the presentation.

Happy Dollars were led by Jeff Sulzbach that raised funds for Saint Paul Rotary Club Foundation.

President’s announcements:

Upcoming meetings:

Jan 20th - The Knowledge Exodus, Ben Bomar, Lithyus.
Jan 27th - Winter Carnival.
Feb 3rd - Self-Detection and Prevention of Melanoma.
Feb 10th - Chief Axel Henry.
Feb 20th (Friday)- Minneapolis Joint Meeting in Minneapolis.

The meeting ended at 1:10 pm.

Ken Schaefer Scribe.

Rotary In Review: Emily Blomberg of Regions Hospital

Posted by Dave Dominick on Jan 12, 2026

Incoming President Ken Schaefer called the first meeting of 2026 to order on January 6, 2026 at our 501 Meeting held at the Pool and Yacht Club.

Ken thanked our meeting support team of Beth Naughton, Jeff Sulzbach, Dave Dominick, Rob Thomas Michael-jon Pease and Matt Magers.

Inspirational minute was provided by our Chief Boy Scout Jeff Sulzbach where he talked about traditional New Year's resolutions then wrapped up his moment with the 4 way Test.

District Governor Nominee Michael-jon Pease welcomed visiting Rotarians and guests.

Immediate Past President Shelly Rucks introduced our meeting speaker Emily Bloomberg, President of Regions. Emily shared the history, mission, and vision of Regions Hospital. Regions is the 2^nd largest provider for charity care. Last year Regions served over 100,000 patients. Regions has a beautiful birth center and they are remodeling the emergency room area. Emily discussed the challenges of running a hospital and the core focus areas of Regions.

Michael-jon collected happy dollars from our generous Rotarians.

Incoming President Ken closed out the meeting. Our Club is in good hands with incoming President Ken Schaefer. We did miss our President Jason Dekeuster.

Happy New Year St. Paul Rotarians!

Rotary In Review: Service Project With People Inc

Posted by Ken Schaefer on Jan 01, 2026

Happy New Year!

President Jason rang St. Paul Rotary's Club 10 bell for the last meeting of 2025 with a packed house of club members.

Jason thanked his support team of Bob Cardinal, Scott Van, Dave Dominick, Matt Magers, Andrew Vincelli, Todd Nicholson, Brianna Haglin and Amanda Mai.

Brianna Haglin opened the meeting with an inspirational moment centered around new year wishes and thoughts followed by the 4 way test.

Todd Nicholson introduced guests and visiting Rotarians. Judge John Guthmann had a guest the Honorable Judge Richard Kyle.

Our featured program was People Incorporated. Past President Heidi Fisher serves as their organization's board chair. Katherine Voelkers, gift officer for People Inc. shared the mission and vision of the organization. She also highlighted key service areas which includes outpatient mental health, community outreach, children's and school-based services, artability workshops and crisis and residential services. Katherine highlighted the St. Paul Police Partnership. This partnership has reduced arrests and reduced hospitalization of clients involved with a crisis.

People Incorporated provides a training institute to help companies, not for profits and government agencies learn about mental health training, de-escalation and compassion training.

President Jason wrapped up the club meeting with a hygiene kit (assemble kits) service project to help People Incorporated. Over 100 kits were assembled by our AWESOME club members.

Happy New Year St. Paul Rotarians

Dave Dominick, meeting scribe