Past Meeting Notes | Rotary Club of Saint Paul #10

Rotary In Review: Disability Awareness for Business

Posted by Lynne Beck on Sep 12, 2024

President Shelly Rucks called the hybrid meeting to order at 12:14 pm. The greeters were Susan Roskoski and Laura Nichols-Endres. Lynne Beck was scribe. The A/V Tech Team was Matt Magers and Ken Crabb.

Shelly Rucks mentioned that in 2029 Minneapolis will host the International Convention and our Club will be involved. She led everyone in the Pledge of Allegiance and in a moment of silence for former Rotary President Jim Reagan who recently passed away.

Tamara Sparrow gave an Inspirational Minute. She went to the Minnesota State Fair and saw some unique venders and tasted some of her favorite food. Tamara talked about an artist she saw at the fair who shows her works at a gallery in Eau Claire, Wisconsin. She wrote book about uplifting people which we do in Rotary. Tamara then led the club in the 4-Way Test.

John Kupris introduced visiting guests: new members Ben Groves, Helen Wagner, and Judy Hawkinson. Peter Grayson introduced new member Taylor Grayson, his daughter-in-law. She is a leader in the healthcare field at Children’s Hospital and at Lifetime Fitness. She was also a leader as a volunteer at Camp Ryla.

Andrew Vincelli introduced the speaker Randy Bloom who has worked for MSS on Business and Community Partnership Development for over 10 years. He has a BBA from the University of Minnesota and more than 20 years of experience assisting people with disabilities to secure employment and participate in the community. Randy teaches work readiness and job seeking skills for MSS employment program participants and conducts Disability Awareness for Business.

Randy’s topic was “Disability Awareness for Business.” This is the 75th year of MSS which is based on the Eastside of St. Paul. There are now 6 Metro locations that provide person-centered support for over 450 students and adults with developmental and intellectual disabilities. MSS has nine partners such as the counties, state agencies, community organizations, and funders. Minnesota's state agency partnership advances the following “Employment First” outcomes for youth and adults with disabilities.

Work Exploration
Job Seeking Skills Training Job Placement Counseling
Job Support After Hire

MSS day services are living skills training, the arts, community engagement, volunteering, and specialized support. Randy explained how the ADA defines an individual with a disability and the categories of disabilities. People with disabilities are the largest group population (86 million). There are many benefits of hiring people with disabilities: high productivity, tax incentives, compliance with federal contracts, increase taxpayer base, and attract and retain workers in a tight market. Randy listed some myths about people with disabilities and the facts.

There are reasonable accommodations employers can make for people with disabilities. An employer doesn’t have to provide an accommodation unless it is requested by an individual. There are ways to receive funds to pay for these accommodations. He gave tips for recruiting, interviewing and hiring people with disabilities. Finally, Randy listed things to remember:

There are benefits of hiring people with disabilities including productivity and reliability
Disability impacts millions and not all disabilities are visible
Train Hiring Managers on disclosure and accommodations
Educate your workforce about disability, disclosure & reasonable accommodations

During the Q & A session, Randy said there is a long waiting list for MSS services. The people who are in the program are very excited about working and are reliable employees. They are generally referred to MSS by the county offices.

Tamara asked for Happy Dollars. Linda Mulhern was happy that her husband had 2 successful cataract surgeries. Ken Crabb was thankful for the Rotary convention in San Antonio. They worked on a three-year action plan for Rotary. A new book about it will be published soon. Michael-jon mentioned that we will have the opportunity to attend District-run sessions about the plan in the future. There will be more information about dates and locations soon. We will also learn how Rotary has an impact on one million people around the world.

Shelly Rucks made the following club announcements:

5:01: Field Trip September 17, 2024
Bill Zajick, Minnesota China Friendship Garden Society – Please Register!
Signature Lunch: September 24, 2024 12:15-1:15 pm InterContinental Saint Paul Riverfront or online via zoom
Club Assembly
November 5 – no 5:01 due to elections

Service Opportunities

September 29 - October 4 - Carter Work Project, Twin Cities Habitat for Humanity
October 18 – Science Museum
November 7 – Build dressers for Bridging in Roseville, 9:00 am – 12 pm.

The meeting closed at 1:11 pm.

Lynne Beck Scribe

Rotary In Review: Mike Kluznik

Posted by Lynne Beck on Sep 05, 2024

President Shelly Rucks called the hybrid meeting to order at 5:15 pm. The greeter was Beth Naughton. Lynne Beck was scribe. The A/V Teach Team was Matt Magers and Ken Crabb.

Shelly Rucks led the club in the Pledge of Allegiance.

For the Inspirational Minute, Michael-jon Pease read the poem “Home and Love” by Robert William Service that explores the themes of love, belonging, and the deep emotional connections that define our sense of home. He then led the club in the 4-WayTest.

Beth Naughton introduced Shelly’s guests Wolfie and Sue Browenders who traveled with our Rotarians to Japan and our two new members Kathy McCarty and Ben Groves.

Shelly recognized those with birthdays in September. Everyone enjoyed delicious cupcakes by Dave Dominick.

Dick Nicholson introduced our new member Andy Rorvig, a partner in McEllstrem, Fargione, Rorvig and Moe, PA. He also teaches at the University of St. Thomas and Mitchell-Hamline

College of Law and is President of the Ramsey County Bar Association. Andy is also involved in many civic organizations

Shelly Rucks introduced the speaker, Mike Kluznik who talked about “Coming of Age in St. Paul.” He discussed how there are many communities within the larger community of the City, and how each carries history, personalities, and some misconceptions. He is a retired teacher who has two sons and currently lives in Mendota Heights. Mike has written a book about how his family spent years living in poverty in a household headed by a single woman. His father died when his mother was 34 years old with four children 10 and under. They lived in a number of St. Paul neighborhoods: the West Side Flats, McDonough Housing Project, North End, East Side, Summit University, Frog Town, and Crocus Hill. Everywhere they lived, they found community and made a life for themselves.

He told how the West Sides Flats housing was substandard with only a communal bathroom and cold running water and how they received food and clothing donations from the Union Gospel Mission. When they lived in the McDonough Housing Project, they were labeled as project residents. Later, their mother was hospitalized and they had to live in foster homes. Then they moved to an apartment they called the “shack” in a row house on the East Side. Their mother cleaned houses and had other jobs while some of the children had paper routes to make money. Despite all these hardships, all four children graduated from college and earned five graduate degrees. Mike worked his way through the University of Minnesota, taught in Michigan, earned his MA, and taught school and coached in Hastings.

Magic Moment of Rotary

Matt Magers talked about how when he first joined Rotary, he wasn’t sure where he fit in. Then he was recruited to help with technology and found this is his way to serve. He wants to upgrade the technology and is grateful for the donor who purchased the new equipment.

Beth Naughton asked for Happy Dollars. Beth is happy to hear Matt’s story about his Magic Moment of Rotary and Susan Rostoski agreed. Dana Bruce is happy to have help planning the Winter Spark. She said that any who wants to participate is welcome. Ben Grove is pleased to join the organization as a new business owner. Shelly is honored to have 3 new members.

Shelly Rucks made the following club announcements:

Signature Lunch: September 10, 2024 12:15-1:15 pm
InterContinental Saint Paul Riverfront or online via zoom
Randy Bloom, Disability Awareness for Business
5:01: Field Trip September 17, 2024
Bill Zajick, Minnesota China Friendship Garden Society
Signature Lunch: September 24, 2024 12:15-1:15 pm
InterContinental Saint Paul Riverfront or online via zoom
Club Assembly

Service Projects

September 29 – October 4, 2024 Carter Work Project
Twin Cities Habitat for Humanity 9:00 am – 12:00 pm
November 7 – Build dressers for Bridging in Roseville 9:00 am – 12 pm.

The meeting was adjourned at 6:19 pm.

Lynne Beck

Scribe

Rotary In Review: Ray McCoy of MN DEED

Posted by Lynne Beck on Aug 15, 2024

Rotary Club of Saint Paul August 13, 2024

President Shelly Rucks called the hybrid meeting to order at 12:15 pm. The greeters were Jason DeKeuster and Heidi Fisher. Lynne Beck was scribe. The A/V Tech Team was Matt Magers and Andrew Vincelli. Back of House were Beth Naughton and Susan Rostoski.

Shelly Rucks led everyone in the Pledge of Allegiance.

Ellen Kennedy gave an Inspirational Minute. She honored the centennial of the birth of James Baldwin, acclaimed American novelist, short story writer, essayist, and playwright. His novel “Go Tell It On The Mountain” is considered one of the top 100 English-language novels of all time. Ellen read some of her favorite quotes from his writings. She then led the club in the 4-Way Test.

Michael-jon Pease introduced visiting guest Eric Mayne, Founder and Executive Director of Change Drivers, an non-profit that helps New Americans through driving training and integration into the workforce.

Ken Crabb introduced the speaker Ray McCoy, Program Coordinator of Employer Reasonable Accommodation Fund (ERAF). He was a Vista volunteer and was employed by the organization in Pennsylvania. Ray moved to Minnesota to assume the position of Program Coordinator of the newly established ERAF. The organization offers small and medium-sized businesses financial support to accommodate employees with disabilities, reimbursing up to $30,000 per fiscal year for reasonable expenses.

An eligible employer must be located in Minnesota, does not employ more than 500 employees on any business day, and generates $5,000,000 or less in gross annual revenue. Some examples of reasonable accommodations are: assistive technology, captioning services, lifting aids, low vision aids and devises, sign language interpreters, signage, specialized software, noise-cancelling devises, and wheelchair ramp.

Submissions for one-time reasonable accommodation expenses must be no less than $250 and no more than $15,000. Submissions for ongoing reasonable accommodation expenses have no minimum or maximum requirements. The application process requires a proof of purchase. It includes disclosure and internal processing, a consultation which is optional, purchasing accommodations, and the ERAF application submission.

Proof of eligibility is not required at the time of application. If the reimbursement is denial, employers are provided an appeal process. The ERAF Program Coordinator is available for technical assistance and consultation at no cost to employers. Ray answered questions from Rotarians and suggested how we can help spread the word about this program. He explained that his role is marketing and outreach and overseeing the program.

Michael-jon Pease asked for Happy Dollars. Linda Mulhern’s daughter was at the Rotex International Convention in Milan Italy where she met the President who was an exchange student in Minnesota. Ellen Kennedy is very proud of her two children: her son who is having his book of essays published and is getting his PhD at Minnesota State University and her daughter whose 13-year-old son just had his bar mitzvah. Sherry Howe hosted 4 youth exchange students from the Czech Republic this summer.

Shelly Rucks made the following club announcements:

Signature Lunch: August 20, 2024 12:15-1:15 pm
InterContinental Saint Paul Riverfront or online via zoom
Kimberly Sannes, Public Solutions Group
Signature Lunch: August 27, 2024 12:15-1:15 pm
InterContinental Saint Paul Riverfront or online via zoom
District Governor Ed Boeve
501: September 3, 2024
University Club or via zoom 5:01- 6:15 pm
Michael Kluznik
Signature Lunch: September 10, 2024 12:15-1:15 pm
InterContinental Saint Paul Riverfront or online via zoom
Randy Bloom, Disability Awareness for Business
5:01: Field Trip September 17, 2024
Bill Zajick, Minnesota China Friendship Garden Society
Service Projects
- August 30 – EquiMania exhibit at the State Fair from 12:15-2:45 pm. You will receive a free admission ticket to volunteer at the horse exhibit.
- November 7 – Build dressers for Bridging in Roseville at 9:00 am – 12 pm. The meeting closed at 1:07 pm.

Lynne Beck

Scribe

Rotary In Review: District Governor Ed Boeve

Posted by Valdi Stefanson on Sep 03, 2024

At the noon hour on August 27, Past President Michael-jon Pease opened the meeting. He explained that because our club Administrator, Amada Mai, is out-of-country - our current club President Shelly Rucks was fulfilling Amanda duties near the room entrance. Michael-jon Pease began by thanking the meeting volunteers: Greeters Beth Naughton and Dana Bruce, scribe Valdi Stefanson, Inspirational Minute/ 4-way test Ellen Kennedy, and visiting Rotarians/guests/happy dollars Heidi Fisher. Also, a special Thank-You to the technical team of Rob Thomas, Ken Crabb and Matt Magers.

Next up was Ellen Kennedy whose inspirational minute referenced character Harry Bosch that was created by the prolific author Michael Connelly. As a Los Angeles detective, hard-boiled Harry advances justice through collaboration and respect. His character epitomizes our Rotary values.

Guest Lonny Stormo from the Stillwater Sunrise club Grant Team then took the stage with Valdi Stefanson and presented a $ 500 contribution in support of our club’s next grant project in Bolivia --- Greenhouse and Animal Husbandry Demonstration for Rural Bolivian High School. This project will impact over 1,000 Bolivians, advancing education and food security.

Heidi Fisher called for visiting Rotarians and guests. Thereafter, Michael-jon Pease introduced today’s speaker, our 2024-25 District 5960 Governor Ed Boeve.

When Ed Boeve came to the podium, he first commented on RI President Stephanie Urchick’s theme --- the MAGIC of Rotary. As an example, he reminded us of the recent COVID years when lockdowns and cancellations loomed. We Rotarians pivoted to ZOOM meetings and launched into community support projects, oftentimes with new nonprofit partner organizations. Ed recognized our vibrant club Facebook page. Also, our club’s long-term commitment to Camp RYLA.

He spoke of his six objectives for us D5960 Rotarians this year:

Increase net membership by 4%
Don’t forget about polio
Foundation giving of at least $ 500,001
Take care of each other
Move food insecurity response forward
Cultural appreciation opportunities

DG Boeve then mixed it up by “interviewing” St Paul Rotarian Susan Rustkowski. Through pointed questions, Ed probed WHY Susan joined, stayed, and flourished through her club 10 membership. Susan’s answers again illustrated the MAGIC of Rotary.

Heidi Fisher presided over many Happy Dollar participants.

NEXT UP: Details at our website: https://www.stpaulrotary.org/

5:01 Meeting: Sept 3rd 5:01 PM - 6:15 PM
Michael Kluznik --- Flats to the Future
Lunch Meeting: Sept 10th 12:00 PM - 1:15 PM
Randy Bloom --- Disability Awareness for Business
5:01 Meeting: Sept 17th 5:01 PM - 6:15 PM
Field Trip to the Minnesota China Friendship Garden, with the Society’s President Bill Zajick

Respectfully submitted,

Valdi Stefanson

Rotary In Review: The St. Paul Voice

Posted by Lynne Beck on Jul 31, 2024

At 12:15 pm on July 30th, Jason DeKeuster, the President elect for the St Paul Rotary club, 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, Laura Nichols-Endres and Dick Nicholson were the greeters, Tamara Sparrow for introducing guests, Susan Rostkoski for the Inspirational Minute and Four Way Test, our amazing tech team of Matt Majors and Rob Thomas, the scribe, Linda Mulhern, and our club administrator Amanda Mai.

Susan spoke about watching the Olympics and the people who supported the team members in their quest for a medal. She read a poem called ”It Couldn’t be done” about making the attempt and finding that they could tackle the obstacle by taking the steps to overcome the item that “couldn’t be done”. It reminds us of Rotarians that help our community by attempting to overcome the obstacles by working together.

Susan introduced Tim Spitzack, who has 36 years writing, editing and publishing for four local newspapers, the South St Paul Voice, St Paul Voice, Downtown Voice and Lo Voz Latina. He spoke about the viability of community newspapers which have a lengthy history when they were started during the Roman Empire and came into focus with the Gutenberg movable printing press in 1440.

There are two types of newspapers, hyper-local community newspapers which publish for a local community and the reginal newspapers such as the Pioneer Press or the New York Times. Newspapers in general have shrunk by 60% since 2008. The community newspapers cover the news for a particular area with their diverse and timely information. They have two full-time employees and get their leads for stories from people within the community or from the local city council or school board minutes. They contract out the printing and delivery of the newspapers, but also have freelance writers and people who submit photos for the monthly newspapers. The newspapers are free to the public, which numbers around 37,000 people. Ninety nine percent of their revenue comes from advertisers in the local area, which also helps the local population know the vendors in the area. The final 1% in revenue comes from subscriptions, for people that do not live in the area, but they still want the local news. The newspapers are also online via the internet and social media. They took a survey of readers recently and were happy to see that someone responded within 20 minutes of posting the survey.

The largest threats are the internet and social media, which can benefit through their online advertising, the perception that “print” is dead, distrust of media and people who are less community minded.

Newspapers do need advertising to survive with their total market coverage for an area. Local vendors who advertise can also trust the local community that they market their services and products.

Newspapers are important to the community because they help to set the agenda for public policy debates and glue a community together. They encourage regional and economic commerce and encourage the local community as a group.

A certificate was given to Tim for a donation to be set up under his name for speaking to the Rotary club.

There were a few happy dollars, in particular thanking Rotarians for hosting STEP (short term exchange program) students. The club sponsored 9 teenagers from Europe for 48 hours last week along with a number of other Rotary clubs within our district during their two week stay in the area. Tamara Sparrow also promoted the Night at the Gatsby for Landmark Jewelers on Thursday, August 8th from 4 pm to 8 pm.

Upcoming events include the following:

8/6 – President Heidi’s roast
8/13 – Ray McCoy from DEED will speak to the club
8/20 – Kimberly Sannes from Public Solution Group
8/27 – Ed Boeve, the Rotary District Governor will speak
8/30 – State Fair – help with Equi-Mania exhibit
11/7 – Build dressers with the Roseville Rotary Club

The meeting was adjourned at 1:03 pm.

Linda Mulhern

Rotary In Review: Art Theft and the FBI

Posted by Lynne Beck on Jul 25, 2024

President Shelly Rucks called the hybrid meeting to order at 12:17 pm. The greeters were Susan Rostkoski and John Chandler. Lynne Beck was scribe. The A/V Tech Team was Bob Thomas and Andrew Vincelli.

Shelly Rucks led everyone in the Pledge of Allegiance.

Michael-jon Pease gave an Inspirational Minute. He read quotes about the importance of the arts and then led members in the 4-Way Test.

Tamara Sparrow introduced visiting Rotarian Kathy McCarty from the Grand Rapids Club who has moved here and will join the St. Paul Club and guests: Shari Blindt, Michael-jon Pease’s Associate Director and a number of Ellen Kennedy’s guests affiliated with the FBI.

Gabriel Barribeau, recipient of a Rotary scholarship, introduced himself. He graduated from Humboldt High School in St. Paul and will be participating in the ROTC program at Norwich University in Vermont with the goal of becoming an Army officer.

Ellen Kennedy introduced the speaker Deborah Pierce whose topic was “Art Theft and the FBI.” A former school teacher, Deborah retired from the FBI after 27 years and 7 moves. Her jobs included Deputy Assistant Director of the FBI Criminal Investigative Division where she helped investigate art thief and Special Agent in Charge of the Minneapolis Office.

Deborah said the FBI Art Crime Team recovers and returns stolen art. Art thief is the third most lucrative illegal business in the world. Approximately 50,000 art works and artifacts are stolen from galleries, museums, churches, and individuals every year. This includes jewelry, books, statues, guns, religious icons, etc., more than 100 years old. She described some famous examples of high-profile stolen art. The thief of 13 valuable paintings from the Gardner Museum in Boston, an insider heist by a janitor at the Pennsylvania Historical Society, and the famous thief of Dorothy’s Ruby Red Slippers from the “Wizard of Oz” located in Grand Rapids, MN. Many objects are brought back from battle zones by soldiers as souvenirs. To date this year, the FBI Art Crime Team has recovered 20,000 items valued at over $900 million.

Susan Schuster asked for Happy Dollars. Ellen Kennedy is happy for all the networking through Rotary. Dana Bruce announced the Night at the Gatsby at Landmark Jewelers on August, 4-8 pm. Steve Young is going to LA and Sydney, Australia to promote the Vietnamese translation of his book about Henry Kissinger. Carla Hauge is meeting her daughter in Spain.

Shelly Rucks made the following club announcements:

Signature Lunch: July 27, 2024
12:15-1:15 pm
InterContinental Saint Paul Riverfront or online via zoom
Tim and Jake Spitzade will talk about The Saint Paul Voice.
President Heidi’s Roast Tuesday, August 6, 2024
Pool & Yacht Club
501: August 13, 2024
University Club or via zoom
5:01- 6:15 pm
Minnesota Department of Employment
Signature Lunch: August 20, 2024
12:15-1:15 pm
InterContinental Saint Paul Riverfront or online via zoom
Service Projects
- July 27, 2024
  - Playground build at Hayden Heights Parks 8-3 pm
  - Special Olympics Minnesota Regional Metro Bocce Competition, 7-9 am – set up, 12 noon-4 pm – pitch assistants

The meeting closed at 1:07 pm.

Lynne Beck

Scribe

Rotary In Review: Tim Rumsey

Posted by Kenneth Schaefer on Jul 18, 2024

At 5:19 pm on July 16th, Jason DeKeuster, the St Paul Rotary President-Elect, called the meeting to order at the University Club. Jason led us in the Pledge of Allegiance and thanked the volunteers helping at the meeting, Dana Bruce - greeter, Jim Hart - Inspirational Minute and the Four Way Test, Doug Hartford - introducing guests, our amazing tech team of Ken Crabb and Michael-jon Pease, Ken Schaefer - the scribe and our club administrator Amanda Mai.

Jim Hart introduced physician and author, Dr. Tim Rumsey. He reflected on West 7th Community Health from 1870 to present day. Dr. Rumsey spent a half-century proving medical services to St. Paul residents at the Helping Hand Clinic, United Family Medicine and Alliana Health’s United Family Physicians Clinic. The clinics were located along West 7th St. including sites at Mancini’s restaurant and Peter J. King Family Health Center.

Happy Dollars led by Doug Hartford that raised funds for Saint Paul Rotary Club Foundation.

Jason noted the July 27th service opportunity to build a playground as well as upcoming club meetings.

The meeting ended at 6:13 pm.

Ken Schaefer, Scribe.

Rotary In Review: Rebecca Noecker

Posted by Linda Mulhern on Jul 11, 2024

At 12:15 pm on July 9th, Shelly Rucks, the St Paul Rotary President, called the meeting to order at the Intercontinental Hotel. Shelly led us in the Pledge of Allegiance and thanked the volunteers helping at the meeting, Susan Rostkoski and Susan Schuster were the greeters, John Kupris for introducing guests, Tamara Sparrow for the Inspirational Minute and Four Way Test, our amazing tech team of Matt and Rob Thomas, the scribe, Linda Mulhern, and our club administrator Amanda Mai.

Tamara spoke about her many conversations with visitors at her cabin over the 4th of July weekend that wasn’t as warm and sunny as expected and how we are all in the amidst of a lesson and will understand the purpose in time for retrospection.

Sophia Cutrone, our exchange student from Nagasaki Japan will be returning home on Sunday, July 14th and gave her farewell speech to the club. She was excited to talk about her friendships with people from around the world, playing varsity basketball for the Highland Park team and will hold the experience close to her for the rest of her life. She gained confidence and the ability to talk in front of a group of people.

Ellen Kennedy introduced the speaker, Rebecca Noecker who is a third term councilperson representing ward 2 for the City of St Paul. She had been a middle school science teacher with the Teach for America program in Baton Rouge, Louisiana and has also worked for Achieve Minneapolis.

Rebecca spoke about the Preschool Education Levy to go before St Paul voters this fall. Education is very important for children prior to starting kindergarten, yet as taxpayers we only pay for education when children reach five years old and start kindergarten. We need to change our thinking because brain development is critical from birth to age five and access to early education helps to prevent generational problems and change the path of St Paul for the future with early childhood education. As most of us know, childcare can cost approximately $15,000 per year and for low-income families that is an impossible cost to provide quality childcare. Children who are not nurtured with reading books, learning how to count and spell their names by the time they reach kindergarten often fall behind early. State programs for childcare programs can provide partial funding for yearlong programs, but not for an entire year of early childhood education. On average, 50% of children entering kindergarten are not ready. Many cities and counties throughout the country are trying to find programs that will eliminate this disparity. Once a program is found to be effective, the programs tend to cluster within a state. When cities and counties take on the challenges to refine the programs, the states will take action to provide additional funding. With early childhood education, children enrolled have better attendance, better testing results and a better future income. The levy on the ballet will include broad eligibility, especially for low-income children, family choice, the last dollar in and targeted universalism. In other words, St Paul would fill the gap if the state is only able to provide a family with 7 months of funding for childcare with the remaining five months of a full year for a child enrolled. If the levy is passed, it will start with an approximate cost of two million dollars and grow to twenty million dollars in the tenth year. The cost to the average homeowner would be $16.00 annually. The program will service 7000 children during the ten-year period. The city is looking to have the college bound program service the program if the levy is passed, since they have the database of children within the city of St Paul. The county is also at the table with interest if the program works well in St Paul and obviously could be replicated across the state.

A certificate of honorarium was presented to Rebecca by Shelly Rucks.

The next meeting will be on 7/16 and Jason DeKeuster will lead the meeting while Shelly is out of town. Tim Rumsey will speak about his career as a doctor over the past forty years. On 7/23, Deborah Pierce will talk about art theft as a retired FBI agent, which might include information on the “Ruby slippers” theft. Shelly also reminded everyone of Heidi Fisher’s roast on 8/6 at the Pool and Yacht Club. There were many happy dollars contributed today.

The meeting ended at 1:15 pm.

Linda Mulhern, Scribe.

Rotary In Review: Gordon Parks and IR Convention

Posted by Dayle Quigley on Jul 03, 2024

The first meeting of our new president was called to order at precisely 5:15. John Kupris did a great job welcoming members and guests to the meeting. He was doing such a good job he missed the opening. Ellen Kennedy gave the inspirational moment and reminded us all that the magic of Rotary is not a wand with a sprinkling of words but instead the magic comes with every project we undertake, every dollar we give, and every day we live by the four way test.

There were no guests and no visiting Rotarians. Those things happen during a holiday week.

We celebrated 8 birthdays by digging into cupcakes from our club baker Dave Dominick. They were fabulous and quickly devoured. Thank you Dave.

Moving on to the speaker, we were blessed by hearing from Shandyn Benson, principal of the Gordon Parks High School. The St Paul Sunrise Rotary Club for many years supported the Student of the Month (SOTM) at Gordon Parks and when Club #10 absorbed some of those members, the project/partnership was transferred over as well. GPHS is an alternative learning center for 250 students who for a variety of reasons are following behind at there initial High School. According to Shandyn at this time, the main underlying cause is COVID and the loss of in person schooling for more than a year. This is followed by personal trauma, The STOM is chosen by the faculty of the school based on the PARKS Pride values - perseverance, achievement, responsibility, knowledge, and safety. Half way through the year there is a STOM breakfast with the recipients, their families, and members of the St Paul Rotary Club. According to Shelly it's a must not miss event. Prinicipal Berson has great goals for this upcoming year and stated that Rotary's involvement going forward would be greatly appreciated with continued support of the STOM program, exploring project based learning opportunities, and establishing career exploration/internship opportunities.

As Linda reminded all of this, we ought to be back in touch with Shandyn late fall, early winter to look for students to attend Camp RYLA.

Next up at the podium was Shelly talking about the RI convention in Singapore. She obviously had a fabulous time, meeting people from around the world. The two biggest upcoming takeaways were:
1. RI international is moving away from yearly themes and instead looking at 3 year blocks of time to increase our effectiveness.
2. Action Plans for the 4 areas of Impact, Reach, Engagement, and Adaptation. To this end, the Club will be having a fall club assembly that will be focused on just this. As Shelly reiterated. This is not a president of board decision this is and Action Plan that needs to come out of the club itself. Don't shy away from this meeting.

Kerin Ciano got up and introduced her new team lead Joel. Together they hope to offer at least one service opportunity each month. She also stressed that most of us are out there volunteering our time for projects on a regular basis that are not "Rotary related". However, we forget to ask our Rotary friends to come and help us. So if your child is in soccer and they need people to help staff the concessions. Instead of just signing yourself up, open it up to your Rotary contacts. This can include road cleanup, singing or visiting at a nursing home. You got the idea. Many hands make light work.

I think that is it. Have a great 4th of July and stay safe. Remember, alcohol and fireworks do not mix well.
Dayle Quigley

Rotary In Review: Changing of the Guard

Posted by Lynne Beck on Jun 21, 2024

Rotary Club of Saint Paul

June 25, 2024

President Heidi Fisher called the hybrid meeting to order at 12:17 pm. The greeters were Carla Hauge and Sherry Howe. Lynne Beck was scribe. The A/V Tech Team was Ken Crabb and Andrew Vincelli.

Heidi Fisher led everyone in the Pledge of Allegiance.

Doug Hartford gave an Inspirational Minute. He read the poem “Promises to Keep” by William Arthur Ward and then led members in the 4-Way Test.

Doug Hartford introduced visiting guests, Flopsy ,Todd, and Betsy, Thom Farnham’s wife and children.

Bill Collins presented the 2024 Spirit of Rotary Award posthumously to Tom Farnham.

Foundation President Elect Jason Bradshaw introduced the members of the St. Paul Foundation Board of Directors: Vice President Dave Dominick, Secretary Dion Powers, Treasurer Laura Nichols-Endres, John Chandler, Michael-jon Pease, Todd Nicholson, Deb Katzmark, and Heidi Fisher.

Heidi Fisher read the Roll Call of Past Presidents, many of whom were at the meeting. She then recognized outgoing St. Paul Rotary Club Board Members and Officers: John Bennett, Victoria Cammack, Bill Collins, Dave Dominick, Steve Gerber, Aaron Gjerde, Brianna Haglin,

Michael-jon Pease, and Susan Rostkoski.

Outgoing President’s Remarks

Heidi gave some of the Highlights of 2023-2024.

Finalized our event location.
Helped keep our membership stable (126 current active members, 127 in 2023).
Delivered programs that were in alignment with RI – Mental Health.
Delivered scalable and impactful service projects, consistently measured using metrics as a baseline.

Heidi Fisher was presented with the president’s plaque and past president’s pin. Michael-jon Pease presented her with a Paul Harris pin. Heidi presented President Shelly Rucks with the Gavel and President’s Pin.

Carla Hauge introduced the 1155h President, Shelly Rucks.

Introduction of the 2024-2025 Club Board of Directors:

President Shelly Rucks
President Elect Jason DeKeuster
Immediate Past President Heidi Fisher
Treasurer Bo Aylin
Secretary Ellen Kennedy
SGT At Arms Ken Schaefer
Director Emeritus Carla Hauge
Directors: Community Service - Karin Ciano and Joel Theisen; Fellowship & Club Experience - Dana Bruce and Christopher Taykalo; International Service - Melissa Musliner and Kinumo Usuda; Membership – Matt Magers and Beth Naughton; Youth Service - Andrew Vincelli and John Kupris

Remarks from our 115th President

Shelly gave her hopes for 2024-2025. She wants to continue our impact on the community. She also hopes all of us will find and identify what is important to us and engage in it. Finally, that we put service above self.

Doug Hartford asked for Happy Dollars. Shelly gave $115 for all the Rotary Presidents that have preceded her. Jason DeKeuster invited everyone to the Commodore Dinner celebrating his year as the 2024 Commodore of the Minneapolis Aquatennial Ambassador Organization on July 25 at the Metropolitan Ballroom and Clubroom. Jay Pfaender talked about the article he wrote about the Rapidan Dam. Ellen Kennedy is grateful for being on the board of Club #10.

Shelly Rucks made the following club announcements:

501: July 2, 2024
University Club or via zoom 5:01- 6:15 pm
Gordon Parks and RI International Convention
Signature Lunch: July 9, 2024 12:15-1:15 pm
InterContinental Saint Paul Riverfront or online via zoom
Rebecca Noecker, St. Paul City Councilwoman
President Heidi’s Roast
Tuesday, August 6, 2024
Pool & Yacht Club

The meeting closed at 1:05 pm.

Lynne Beck

Scribe