President Todd Nicholson called the meeting to order at 12:16 and led the meeting in the Pledge of Allegiance and reviewed the mission statement. Susan Rostkoski and Scott Van served as greeters, Ellen Kennedy was the online greeter, and Ken Crabb, Dave Wolfgram and Matt Magers served on the tech team.
Rita Dibble lead the Inspirational Minute with a quote on immigrants by historian Oscar Handlin, then Michael-Jon Pease welcomed visiting Rotarians and guests. Ruth Petermann introduced new member Jun Yang from New American Funding.
Nancy Brady introduced Jane Graupman, the Executive Director of the International Institute. Graupman introduced the International Institute and its mission to help newly arriving refugees in Minnesota. She said the organization has been in service for 100 years and recently finished an addition to their building on Como Ave. She said there are 26.4 million refugees in the world each year, and 3 million usually resettle in the United States. She said about 1900 refugees came to Minnesota last year.
Crabb then announced that Rotary would have a booth at the Hmong Chamber of Commerce event on Saturday and needed volunteers from 3:30-6:30. He asked people to contact him if they could help at the booth.
Petermann said the next 501 Inspiration Lounge would be a prospective member reception and encouraged members to invite up-and-coming young professionals to attend. Anyone who brings a guest gets a free drink ticket.
Pease highlighted the upcoming Rotation Day event at Lilydale Park at the Pickeral Lake Picnic area on May 24th at noon. President Nicholson then said there would be no meeting on May 31st for the Memorial Day holiday and encouraged members to nominate someone for the Spirit of Service Award which will be announced on June 25th. Nominations of other Club #10 members can be sent to Dave Dominick.
Pease facilitated Happy Dollard and President Nicholson adjourned the meeting at 1:10.
Respectfully submitted,
Bryan Donaldson