Meeting Recap - June 28, 2016

Cindy Carlson led us in the Pledge of Allegiance and Sue Ager offered the invocation.

 

Our guest today was Linda Lafond's grandson, Alex.

 

Dana read a few more thank you cards from recipients of trees in our Fourth Grade Foresters tree give-away program.

 

Don't forget that next week's (and future meetings) will be held at "The Exchange", right across the street from our current meeting place.

 

Our Gourmet Appetizer party to benefit Syrian refugee children is on Friday, July 8th, starting at approximately 3PM at John and Marla Ordway's home on White Bear Lake. There are still a few spots left, so call Linda Lafond now if you would like to attend.

 

Next week's program will be Iris McGinnis, filling us in on recent organizational changes at the Community Support Center. The CSC has been supported by our club for several years.

 

August 30th is the date for the US Bank stadium tour. Your ninety-minute guided adventure through the U.S. Bank stadium will give you behind-the-scenes access to the new home of the Minnesota Vikings. Discover the inner workings of the stadium, including VIP-accessible only clubs and suites, the press box, the art collection, team locker room, stadium floor and so much more.  A comfortable Minnesota Coach's bus will load at Beisswenger's parking lot (to be confirmed) at 11:15 AM. A box lunch, prepared by Green Mill, and beverages will be served during ride to stadium.  The tour involves about a one mile walk. Cost of this event is $30.00 per person  Member's lunches will be covered by the club, guest lunches will be $10.  The maximum number for this event is 30 persons.  NBMV Rotarians and guests get priority.  Sign up online here or call Gerry Tietz.

 

Mark Beisswenger is looking for volunteers to work the Rotary Bingo Tent at Stockyard Days. Call Mark or sign up at a Tuesday meeting.

 

Cindy Carlson said that our Syrian Refugee Children's Education Grant will benefit from a space reallocation that will effectively double the educational space available in the school.

 

MaryAnn Bawden was summoned to the podium to celebrate her birthday but, alas, we were a month early. We sincerely apologize, MaryAnn, for trying to age you prematurely.

 

Outgoing President Dana Rebelein thanked Mary Stewart for the decorations and cake to recognize Dana's contributions to the club as President.  Dana recognized the help she has received from club members with personalized gifts for each of us.

 

Paul Fournier will be having aortic valve replacement surgery in August, preventing him from actively participating in his Rotary Co-President role alongside John Risdall until, perhaps, January. Gerry Tietz and Jason Miller stepped up to help John as needed until Paul can return. Someone quipped that it will take three "men" to fill Dana's shoes!

 

Presidents-Elect Gerry Tietz and John Risdall presented Dana with a Past President's Pin and a plaque commemorating her year as President. Dana was treated to a standing ovation. See photo above.

 

Cindy Carlson spoke about the Lakeville Rotary Club's ambitious $200,000 Global Grant Proposal to provide "microcredit" to farmers in Tanzania. The Board acted to support this proposal with a $500 contribution. Tom Hendrickson will be speaking to our club about the proposal.

 

MaryAnn Bawden donated a flag and John Risdall donated a Lindberg styled radio for auction at the meeting, together raising over a hundred dollars for the Rotary coffers.  Thanks John and MaryAnn!