Our guests today were: Mandy Little, Lisa Baker and Arden Hills/Shoreview Rotarian Bill Klumpp.

 

Bill announced that A.H./Shoreview Rotary is hosting a “Taste of the Hops” fundraiser for their Healthy Youth Foundation.  The craft beer tasting event will be held on Friday August 18^th, from 5:30-8:30PM at Snail Lake Park in Shoreview.  Food from local businesses and craft beer from local breweries will be featured.  If you or your business would be interested in helping to sponsor the event, please contact Bill Klumpp wklumpp@comcast.net or 612-669-7609.

 

Jason Slama reported on the Stamp Out Hunger food drive this past Saturday.  Several NBMV Rotarians helped in the effort which is the largest food drive in the nation.

 

Jason also read a few of the many letters from students thanking us for the trees they received in our Fourth Grade Foresters tree give-away a couple of weeks ago.  Jason thanked all those who helped.

 

John Risdall presented a $500 check to Lisa Baker for the Ralph Reeder Food Shelf.  Lisa thanked us for the contribution and all the other ways that we support the food shelf including the Snack Packs we assembled recently.  The Snack Pack project was organized by… you guessed it… Jason Slama!  Is there anything Jason isn’t involved in?  John, Lisa and Jason are shown above.

 

Ed James is organizing a Feed My Starving Children volunteer opportunity. Watch for an email providing registration information.

 

Paul Fournier received a letter from Andrew Gutierrez thanking us for sponsoring his participation in Camp Enterprise.

 

Sue Ager thanked those who attended the Benedictine Gala last weekend.

 

Gerry Tietz thanked Sue Ager for referring him to Prairie River Home Care Services.  Now that Marlys is homebound, Prairie River is providing great care for Marlys and peace of mind for Gerry.

 

Jason Miller reported that Renee is now 12 years cancer free after having stage 4 breast cancer treatments.  Congratulations, Renee and Jason!

 

Cindy Carlson introduced our speaker, Lee Blons.  Lee is the Executive Director of Beacon Interfaith Housing Collaborative.  Beacon is an interfaith collaborative of congregations ending homelessness through housing, shelter and advocacy.  Beacon got its start in 2003 when it opened its first supportive housing development in Minneapolis.  Today, nearly 90 congregations support Beacon in its efforts to end homelessness in the Twin Cities, providing nearly 800 otherwise homeless residents with the certainty of a roof over their heads.  Beacon currently manages 17 apartment buildings and provides support services as an integral part of the housing.  GED’s, Vocational Guidance, Financial Counseling, Employment Services and Mental Health Services are available to residents, improving their chances of becoming self-sufficient and productive members of their communities.  Beacon has an annual budget of 7 million dollars, about half of which is provided by rents and subsidies, with the balance from fundraising and other public support.  To learn more about Beacon Interfaith Housing, click here. Cindy and Lee are shown below.