President Gerry Tietz opened the informal meeting with the Pledge and Dana Rebelein offered the invocation.
Today’s meeting was off-site, hosted by Ed James at his party room at “The View”. Ed had several relatives and friends in town (some from as far as Nigeria) and he wanted us to experience a Nigerian meal. His sister, Grace, prepared a delicious traditional meal of chicken, rice, meat pies, plantain and other delicacies. Our thanks to Ed and his family.
President Gerry noted that our Flex Club members have been paying full dues (including prepayment for full lunches) without getting the benefit of the lunch. To remedy this situation, it will be proposed to the Board that lunches be on a pay-as-you-go basis, billed at the end of each quarter. Because the unused prepaid lunches have been a source of significant income for the club ($4000-6000 per year) we’ll need a method to replace that lost income. It will be recommended to the Board to increase quarterly club dues by $40 to make up for the lost income. Those present voiced no objections to the proposal.
Ed James reported that he presented our $1,500 at-large scholarship to Alexander Koester, a St Anthony Village High School Senior. Dana later noted that she had a conversation with a parent who talked in glowing terms about Ed’s presentation, saying that Ed was the only presenter who mentioned “service” in his talk and that he kept his remarks brief. Way to go, Ed! (see photo above)
Jason Slama introduced his girlfriend, Elizabeth. Ed James introduced his family members and guests.
Next week’s meeting will again be off-site at Innsbruck Care Center at Noon, with Nicole Ulrich and Reid Hewitt hosting. Innsbruck is located at 1101 Black Oak Drive, one block West of New Brighton Ford.
The new beds we purchased for Life Prep Academy had not all arrived in time for yesterday’s planned presentation, so the delivery (and presentation) has been rescheduled for next Wednesday, June 13th sometime between 9:30 and 12:30. We’d like to have a big contingent from the club to cement our relationship with Life Prep, so please come if you are able. Cindy will send an email if she is able to provide a better estimate of the delivery time.
Ed James said that the nominations process for Camp Enterprise is underway at Irondale.
Maria, our Norwegian Rotary Exchange Student will likely be arriving in August. We hope to have a big Rotary welcoming party for her arrival at the airport. We’ll let you know when the date is pinned down.
Dave Hoel is looking for golfers to play in a best-ball tourney to benefit UofM pancreatic cancer research. The tournament is at Majestic Oaks on June 22nd starting at 11AM. If you would like to play, or just contribute, call Dave Hoel.
John Marg-Patton reminded us that the Rotary Club Picnic/Bocce Ball Tournament is on July 14th at John and Marla Ordway’s home on White Bear Lake. Come at 2PM and stay until dark.
Gerry Tietz noted that Corporate Designee Nicole Ulrich will swap membership status with Reid Hewitt. Nicole will become the Member and Reid will become the Corporate Designee. Congratulations, Nicole!
Among the Happy Bucks today were:
- Jeff Benson has retired for the second time…he hopes this will be the last time.
- Bob Barmore expects to be a grandpa on July 16th!