Bob Barmore called the meeting to order and led the Pledge of Allegiance. Dana Rebelein offered the invocation.

Happy fines were paid for Crissy Fournier’s birthday, for good medical news for Peg Friberg and Renee Miller, and for MaryAnn Bawden and the giant cookies she brought to celebrate her birthday, and for the new member directory, also provided by MaryAnn.

President Gerry said the morning NBMV Rotary Club meetings will begin in September at The Exchange. He asked for more current members to commit to attending morning meetings to interact with new and potential members. Beverly asked us to let her know of potential members who might attend if the meeting is at 7 a.m. instead of noon. She and the steering committee offered to make the contacts.

Geoff Hollimon reminded us of the upcoming opportunity to participate in the Community Partners with Youth fundraiser at Stockyard Days and asked us to sign up for shifts. This replaces the bingo enterprise we operated in the past. The employees of an unnamed business have agreed to take care of the setting-up shifts.

Parade feeder par excellence, George Winiecki, reported that plans are being implemented on schedule for the parade feed during Stockyard Days. This is a singular event unmatched by any other community parade, and we get many expressions of gratitude. If you are new to this signature event of the Club, stay tuned for further details. Otherwise … you know the drill!

Bob Barmore, Director of Administration, announced that John and Marla Ordway have again invited us to a Rotary social at their fabulous home. Yea! The event will take place rain or shine Saturday, August 26th. Hot dogs and hamburgers will be provided. If you prefer to grill something else, just bring it. Also, bring your beverage of choice and a dish to pass. Whooee!

Meg Robertson , Branch Manager of the New Brighton branch of the Ramsey County Library, was the guest speaker. The New Brighton branch is unique in that its collection is not subject to request and shipment to other branches. That means there are always recent acquisitions and best sellers available to be checked out by those who walk in.

The location of the library in the New Brighton Community Center makes it convenient for other users of the Center, including children who think it’s part of the Eagles’ Nest experience. Last year, members of the public logged in 11,000 times from library computers, including those in the NBCC hallway. There were also 10,000 wireless log-ins, and more than 54,000 visitors. 121,748 physical items were circulated, including 54,000 children’s materials.

FYI, the most popular books at this time are non-fiction: #1 Hillbilly Elegy and #2 Al Franklin, and fiction: #1 Camino Island by John Grisham and #2 Into the Water by Paula Hawkins.

Ramsey County Library activities Ms. Robertson mentioned include:  MELSA is working on a world language collection; RCL is reaching out to incarcerated persons and their families with “Parent Read,” where parents are helped to make a c.d. of  themselves reading children’s books which is then sent home to their families, and providing books requested for residential re-entry centers (especially drawing books); pop-up libraries consisting of a table with a canopy and a small collection of materials for check out and  available library cards set up at community events, farmers’ markets, etc. Special activities for children include bookmarks, backpacks with books, literacy toys and information. RCL distributes a newsletter about story times and computer classes. Geoff Hollimon encouraged Rotarians to become Friends of the Ramsey County Library to support the library and receive information about programming and events.  [Ed. Note: when you are at the library, check out the fireplace provided by our own Beverly Aplikowski!]  Meg is shown with Gerry, Jim and Dana below.