President Edeth James' Quote of the Day: “We know only too well that what we are doing is nothing more than a drop in the ocean. But if the drop were not there, the ocean would be missing something.” - Mother Teresa

 

Check your email for a list of important Rotary dates or, if you prefer, you can download them here.

 

Nyle Zikmund introduced Amanda Seim, executive Director of the Runestone Museum.  The Kensington Runestone has been shrouded in controversy ever since its discovery in 1898 by Olof Ӧhman while clearing trees on his farm near Kensington, MN.  The Runestone is covered with Norse Runic symbols that would be typical for the Middle Ages and the artifact has been dated to 1362, one hundred thirty years before Columbus “discovered” North America.  Perhaps because the Runestone contradicts the traditional historical narrative, researchers from around the world have investigated this discovery to determine whether the Runestone is genuine and, if so, how it came to be in Kensington, Minnesota.  Archaeologists, geologists and linguists have spent the last 120 years disagreeing about the Runestone and the only thing that’s clear is that more research is necessary to authenticate the artifact.

 

The Runestone was the museum’s only historical artifact when it opened in 1958, but today the museum has much more to offer.  There are now forty Minnesota artifacts from Middle Ages Nordic explorers including a fire starting steel; the only one on display in North America.  The Museum also has a Children’s Discovery Room where kids can learn history through active play.  The Enriching our Scandinavian Heritage Exhibit focuses on Minnesota’s immigrant history and the First Peoples Exhibit has Native American artifacts including a ceremonial tinkle cone dress; one of only four in existence.  The Fort Alexandria exhibit shows what life in forts was like for the first European settlers, with nine buildings including a stagecoach stop and blacksmith shop.  The museum also has a Minnesota Wildlife Exhibit to round out your visit.

 

Geoff Hollimon reported that the Suburban Ramsey Emergency Coalition is preparing for the “Keep Moving” Virtual Run/Walk, May 9-16.  Registration details will follow.  Total Coalition grants to date are $150,170. 

 

Geoff also said that CPY is working on plans to supplement the District’s summer school effort with half day educational support.

 

Jed Hamoud noted that the Human Trafficking Webinar last Thursday was a big success.  The webinar was very ably hosted by MPR’s Angela Davis and the 198 logins very likely represent a much larger number of participants since a large number of logins had multiple viewers.  Angela Davis will be airing the webinar on her television program soon and we will let you know when it will air.

 

Dana Rebelein reported that the recipients of our “Service Above Self” scholarships have been selected, and we will announce them soon.

 

Don't forget about the "R U Hungry" food collection drive.  New Brighton-Mounds View has partnered with the Arden Hills-Shoreview, Roseville and White Bear Lake Rotary Clubs on this food drive to help those who are hungry due to Covid-19.  Download the brochure for more information.  If you’d like to help, download the sign-up sheet.

 

The Board will meet at 11AM next Tuesday by Zoom.  All members are welcome to observe the meeting.  If you would like to attend, use your link for the regular noon meeting.

 

We’ll be trying out in-person club meetings on May 18^th and June 29^th.  Note that these meetings will be indoors at the Exchange (with social distancing, of course).

 

Edeth reported that, after some negotiation, his daughter secured a full ride scholarship to the University of Minnesota Medical School!