Jeff Benson got the meeting started with the Pledge and Invocation.
 
Next week's program will be Jill Brown, Executive Director of the North Metro Mayors Association.
 
Our lone visitor today was Marv Sorvala, from the Roseville club.
 
Margaret Johnson celebrated another birthday yesterday, but was inexplicably absent today, preventing us from sharing birthday wishes and missing the opportunity to wear the Birthday Hat. The hat will be ready for you next week, Margaret!
 
Cor's hip surgery went well and she should be back with us soon.
 
Mark your calendars now for our Summer Social Fundraiser to benefit Kids Alive International. Chef George has graciously volunteered to donate high end appetizers and desserts for this effort. The event will be held at the home of John and Marla Ordway on White Bear Lake, Friday July 8th from late afternoon until early evening.
 
Char and Gerry Samuelson have sold their home and Char will be relocating to a nursing home soon.
 
Amy Wakem reported that we will be handing out tree saplings at two local elementary schools for our Fourth Grade Foresters program this Friday, April 29th. Volunteers are still needed for both locations and, if you haven't participated before, it's easy and fun. If you can help, please contact Amy at 651-636-8337 W or 651-470-7278 H.
 
Amy Wakem will also be representing the club at the Scholarship Awards Programs for St. Anthony Village H.S. on Friday, June 3rd and the Irondale H.S. on May 18th. She would love to have company at these award programs.
 
Jim O'Brien, Dave Hoel, Garry Johnson, Jason Slama, Nils Friberg, Dana Rebelein and Gerry Tietz have volunteered to help site leader Jeff Benson with the Stamp Out Hunger Food Drive to help resupply the 2nd Harvest Heartland food shelf. We'll be helping to transfer donated food from postal vehicles to semi-trailers. We'll gather at Cub Foods (100 West County Road B, Maplewood, MN 55117) at 2:15 on Saturday May 14th and we should be done by 4:00. If you would like to join the group, call Jeff at 763-780-2584.
 
John Risdall reported the he and Jeff Benson represented NBMV Rotary at New Brighton's Volunteer Appreciation Dinner last Sunday. It was a great celebration of the spirit of volunteerism in our community.
 
John Noltner, our scheduled speaker for today, had to cancel because his high school aged daughter's close friend took her own life this week. He has cancelled all appearances this week to support his daughter and her friends. He will reschedule at a later date.