Jim O’Brien opened the meeting with the Pledge and Nils Friberg offered the Invocation.
It was great to have Dana able to rejoin us after her recent surgery. Welcome back!
Paul Fournier reported that John is recovering after a stroke and fall that resulted in a broken hip. He is recovering at Langton Lake Place and welcomes visitors in the afternoon only.
President Gerry Tietz had the honor of inducting Nicole Ulrich into the club as a Corporate Designee. Nicole will attend meetings when Reid Hewitt is unable to attend. Gerry, Nicole and Nicole’s dad, Curt Glenna, are shown below.
Egg Hunt Grand Poobah, Dave Hoel, provided last minute instructions for Saturday’s Egg Hunt. If you have volunteered to transport eggs and prizes to the park, please arrive at the North parking garage beneath CU Companies with your SUV or Van at 9:30AM sharp. All other Rotarians should be at Driftwood Park at 10:30AM. The Hunt is a rain or shine event; so if it’s raining or too wet to be in the park, we’ll hold it in the parking lot at the church adjacent to the park.
Bev Aplikowski needs your ticket stubs, with meal choices marked, ASAP. No raffle prizes can be won without your stub and, if we don’t have your meal choice, you may not get the meal you prefer. Please get this information to Bev now!
Ed James reported that April 27th is the date for our 4th Grade Foresters tree give-away in honor of Arbor Day. Several Rotarians will be needed to present the trees and engage the kids in conversation about the value of trees. Talking points will be available for those who need/want them. Classroom visits are planned between Noon and 4PM.
Paul Fournier introduced our speaker, Chelsea Holub, President of the Twin Cities Rotaract Club. According to the Rotary International website, Rotaract Clubs “bring together people, aged 18-30, to exchange ideas with leaders in the community, develop leadership and professional skills, and have fun through service." Chelsea described Rotaract as middle of a continuum, bracketed by Interact at the high school level and traditional Rotary Clubs on the “older” end. As a “millennial”, Chelsea was drawn to Rotaract as a way to be involved with others of similar ages and sensibilities. She offered some thoughts on why millennials might not be attracted to traditional Rotary clubs:
- Time of Day: Tight work schedules for most millennials make noon or morning meetings difficult. Her group prefers 7:00 PM. This allows time to eat at home, rather than spend money on food.
- Location: Country clubs and fancy hotels are avoided, with a preference for less fancy places that are close to public transportation.
- Traditions/Ceremonies: Millennials are uncomfortable with traditions like the Pledge of Allegiance, Invocations, singing, etc.
- Cost: Student loans, low wages, and high housing costs cause millennials to avoid paying for food, if possible. Chelsea suggested that Rotary clubs look at reduced young professional membership dues, pay as you go meals and allowing brown bag meals as ways to attract younger members.
The Twin Cities Rotaract Club is sponsored by the Roseville Rotary Club and meets on the 2nd and 4th Wednesdays of the month at 7PM. One monthly meeting is for mingling and the other features a speaker. Their 2018 fundraiser to benefit Books for Africa is coming up on April 25th, 6PM at Summit Brewing. Sign up for the event by clicking here. Gerry and Chelsea are pictured below.
