Posted by Jeff Benson on Aug 15, 2017
John Marg-Patton opened the meeting with the Pledge and Invocation.
 
Cindy Carlson introduced her guest, R.J Rud, who is studying accounting and finance at the University of Wisconsin and interning at Western Bank this summer.
 
Rotarian Frank Mabley was visiting to promote Arden Hills/Shoreview Rotary’s “Taste of the Hops” fundraiser on Friday August 18th from 5:30PM – 8:30PM.  Join in the fun at Snail Lake Park, 4191 Snail Lake Blvd. in Shoreview.
 
MaryAnn Bawden introduced Rotarian Mary Kurth, Past-President of the Bloomington Noon Rotary Club and Rotarian extraordinaire.  Mary is also the president and chair of “Cargill Cares”, a non-profit group that supports the efforts of Feed My Starving Children, which just so happened to be the topic of today’s program.
 
John Marg-Patton introduced his sister and Arizona resident, Louise.  Louise is here to join John for the Twins-Diamondbacks baseball series this week.
 
Gerry Tietz reminded us of the Rotary Party hosted by John and Marla Ordway on Saturday, August 26, starting at 2PM.  Burgers and hot dogs will be provided but you are welcome to bring salads, appetizers or desserts.  Watch your email for an electronic invitation.
 
NBMV Rotary volunteers were everywhere at the Stockyard Days Celebration last week, most notably at the Parade Hot Dog Feed and the CPY Kiddie Korral.  Jim Kadechka presented Dave Hoel with a “Most Likely to Become a Wal-Mart Greeter” certificate for his tireless efforts to remind parade participants that the Rotary Club provided the hot dogs, chips and drinks at the end of the parade.  Jason Slama was also singled out for his non-stop volunteer presence at the CPY Kiddie Korral.
 
As if on cue, Mary Stewart and a group of CPY kids showed up to thank Rotary, and particularly those individuals who volunteered at the Kiddie Korral, for our support for CPY.  The kids rolled out a huge “Thank You Rotary” banner and distributed treats and other gifts in appreciation of our support.  See photo below.
 
If you will recall last week’s meeting; Mary Ann Bawden warily accepted a giant zucchini which had been raffled off.  It appeared that there may have been an expectation among the bidders that MaryAnn might produce something tasty from the zaftig zucchini.  MaryAnn, as always, rose to the challenge by providing several loaves of scrumptious zucchini bread for dessert today.  I suspect she passed on actually using the “way past its prime” zucchini in favor of smaller, tastier zucchini.  Thanks, MaryAnn, for all you do!
 
Garry Johnson displayed some samples of headwear and pins to identify us as Rotarians at community events.  Garry welcomes your comments on possibilities.  John Marg-Patton reluctantly agreed to model the baseball cap option, below.
 
Paul Fournier announced 19 years of wedded bliss with wife, Chrissy!
 
Mike Neeley attended his 50th High School Reunion recently but was disappointed to find that only old people attended the event.
 
Ed James introduced our speaker, Judy Watke, Development Advisor for the Coon Rapids location of Feed My Starving Children.  Judy began her presentation with some sobering facts about malnutrition.  She noted that 6,200 children die each day from malnutrition and its related diseases and that one in nine children worldwide are severely malnourished.  Feed My Starving Children (FMSC) is working to eliminate malnutrition by providing scientifically designed food packets which can be distributed through well-vetted distribution partners around the world.  FMSC is 100% donor funded and receives no government aid.  Fully 92% of donations go directly to food packs.  The food is packaged by volunteers, aged 5 to 105, keeping the cost down to just 22 cents per meal.  Most packaging is done at permanent locations, but recently the Mobile Pack Program allows FMSC to come to the volunteers, allowing larger numbers of volunteers to participate.  To volunteer to pack food, or just get more information, click here.  Ed James and Judy Watke are shown below.