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