About Rotary Club of Chaska
We are part of Rotary International, a secular, non-political, global network of 1.4 million committed individuals who volunteer their skills and resources to solve pressing issues and address community needs.
 
We meet each Thursday morning at 7:30 a.m. at the Crown of Glory Lutheran Church, 1141 Cardinal Street, Chaska. We'd love you to join us!
 
 
Notes from Our Most Recent Meeting
Chaska Crime Prevention Officer – Martin Godinez
 

Matt Podhradsky introduced Crime Prevention Officer Martin Godinez, who has been part of the Chaska Police Department since 2013, when he was a community service officer. Last year, he replaced the unstoppable Julie Janke who retired and left a huge legacy of community programs for Martin to lead. His growing up in El Paso and a variety of jobs in diverse occupations have given Martin a broad base of understanding human nature and empathy for all parts of our community.

His energy level must be as high as Julie’s was to keep up all the programs that reach out to our community.  These include crime prevention, Safety Camp, Citizen Academy, Sensory-friendly Day, Bus Stop interactions, Heroes and Helpers, Home Alone, Coffee with a Cop, Junior Explorers, Door Signage for 1st Responders, Car Seats, Bicycle Helmets, and a mobile Outreach Trailer starting this summer.

Officer Godinez contact information:

Phone: 952-448-4200

Email: mgodinez@chaskamn.gov.

 

 
Announcements
  • Erin Kerber sent an email about our meeting on May 1. It will be the annual Cinco de Mayo breakfast, held at the Chaska Event Center, starting at 07:15 AM. Our club, together with Carver County Public Health and Latino Voices will honor organizations and individuals who work closely to improve the health and well-being of our Latino community and beyond. RSVP link.
  • Bob Roepke asked for newsletter notice to invite us to a Chaska Community Fund Breakfast on April 30, from 7:30 – 08:30 AM, at the Crown of Glory Lutheran Church. The gathering is to celebrate the power of philanthropy and local impact. This free event is open to the public and offers a unique opportunity to connect with community leaders, neighbors, and changemakers—all while enjoying a delicious breakfast. Dominic Papatola will share insights into the vital role that community foundations play in strengthening and supporting local initiatives. RSVP link.
  • Later in the afternoon, Gretchen Oppriecht led the Chaska High School Knowledge Bowl team north to Brainerd to compete against 17 teams in the top division of the state tournament. After one written portion and five face-to-face rounds, the students from Edina won and the Chaska team achieved a 5th place finish. Link to see the details of the competition: www.tiny.cc/AAAscores and watch for an article in the Carver County Local News.
  • We were invited to participate in a Purse Bingo event at the Waconia American Legion Post 150 to benefit Revitalizing Veteran Dreams – Sunday, April 13; sales start at noon. The location is 4 East Main Street. The group’s organizer is Syn Robertson, who spoke to us in April 2024. Contact (763) 442-0920. Link for details.
  • Matt Podhradsky reminded us of Tree Planting with the Chaska Lions at Community Park (near Clover Ridge) on April 26 at 8:00 AM.
  • Matt also promoted our participation in a group project during Christmas in May on May 3. He promised we would have fun!  Link.
Exchange Student Update - Marcos Alonso
Marcos shared photos from the exchange student group visit to Oahu, Hawaii. We could practically feel the ocean breeze as he remembered the fun of being with other students from Spain as they visited the Pali Lookout, King Kamehameha statue, the Polynesian Cultural Center, a catamaran voyage, and just being young on the beach!
 
International Moment
Neil Wingert provided the flag from the Rotary Club of Agra, India – the location of the Taj Mahal. It was given to him from the manager of a souvenir shop specializing in marble objects inlaid with semi-precious materials that reflect the decorations of the Taj Mahal.
Invocation Schedule
 
April 17, 2025 - Ryan Seibert
April 24, 2025 - Jim Bach
May 1, 2025 - Erika Kennedy
May 8, 2025 -  Bob Chinnock
May 15, 2025 - Cindy Anderson
May 22, 2025 -  Vic Benetti
May 29, 2025 - Bob Moeller
June 5, 2025 - Gretchen Oppriecht
June 12, 2025 - Greg Anderson
June 19, 2025 - Wayne Ward
June 26, 2025 - Mark Omann
 
       
Speakers
Lisa Anderson
Apr 24, 2025 7:30 AM
Carver County Commissioner
Cinco De Mayo Event
May 01, 2025 7:30 AM
Location: Chaska Event Center
Rachel Blydenburgh
May 08, 2025 7:30 AM
STRIVE Scholarship Awards
Chaska Rotary
May 15, 2025 7:30 AM
Committee Meeting & Grant Awards
Dan Keyport
May 22, 2025 7:30 AM
Destination Antarctica
Upcoming Events
Club Executives & Directors
President
President Elect
Co-President
Co-President-Elect
Treasurer
Membership
Immediate Past President
Vice President
Executive Secretary / Director