Nov 14 – Celebrate India, Chaska Event Center, 5:30 to 8:30 PM LINK
Nov 23 – Chaska Tree Lighting, Firemen's Park, 6 to 7:30 PM LINK
Dec 5 – Board Meeting via Zoom
Link to District 5950 Calendar of Events This includes activities and meetings related to Rotary Foundation, Polio Plus, President-elect Education, Camp Enterprise for high school juniors + seniors, Rotary Women happy hour, and Veterans Day.
Link to Southwest Chamber of Commerce Events Calendar This includes business ribbon-cuttings, Carver County Family Resource Center opening, Southwest Christian High School Theatre, group coffee meetings and holiday events and markets.
INVOCATION: Ryan Seibert
ANNOUNCEMENTS
Ken Hiller passed along a message from the Rotary Global Travelers. There will be a week-long trip to Cuba scheduled for February 17-25, 2026. There are currently 4 spots available for this trip. The land cost is $1800 per person double occupancy plus air travel to Havana. The trip is organized by Merna Gill from Tulsa OK. She usually makes 3-4 one-week long trips to Cuba to deliver much needed medical supplies to rural clinics. Contact Ken Hiller at hillbent@comcast.net if you are interested and would like to see the itinerary and full trip information.
Cindy Anderson and Gretchen Oppriecht invited us to visit the Holiday Market at Solseng’s Sun Meadow Farm held on November 8 + 9. Proceeds benefit Rotary’s Youth Exchange program. Hours open Sat: 11 AM – 8 PM; Sun 11 AM – 4 PM. LINK
HAPPY DOLLARS
Gretchen Oppriecht is happy because this was a MEA Day, Gonzalo gave up his morning off to join us, and Neil Wingert relieved her from her gracious and appreciated Futura note-taking and distribution.
ROTARY INTERNATIONAL
Flag Presentation: Ken Hiller presented the HalesOwen Rotary club flag from Birmingham, England. We received a history and overview of their club and its activities. LINK.
STUDENT INTERN – Gonzalo Romero
Gonzalo has finished with the CHS soccer season but is continuing in another group’s practices. He is preparing college applications and is looking ahead toward medical schools.
PRESENTATION: Chaska High School’s Model United Nations Program
Kevin Hegland introduced students from Chaska High School who have recently started a Model United Nations Program. Wendell, Riya and Amy contributed their thoughts and information about their organization which is intended to educate students about global issues and conflict resolution. They use role-play simulations to approach real-world problems and practice collaboration and compromise.
Their activities aim to portray issues from different perspectives and provide its members opportunities for public speaking and courteous debate. The students started their efforts as freshmen and have adjusted their curriculum to provide their understanding of the United Nations, the technical basis for their activities and to enhance their presentation skills. Issues for discussion are less controversial than those included in the evening news, but they realize that processes must be learned before they are mastered.
The program’s goals include:
- Teaching students about diplomacy, cooperation and problem-solving.
- Contribute to school discussions about global issues.
- Help members gain confidence in public speaking and leadership.
- Build empathy, teamwork and diplomacy skills.
- Strive to engage with local organizations and encourage youth participation in service and community events.
A program at Macalester College is planned on November 11, and another is set for YMCA of the North. They requested funding to help them with both events. Our club reached into wallets and came up with $242 for their upcoming event. Our board will consider their larger request at the next meeting.
Photo left to right: Matt Podhradsky, Riya, Wendell, and Amy.
Invocations can be a faith traditional prayer, or a meditation, or inspirational verse or quote. Brief 20 – 30 seconds. Light-hearted is okay. Option: focus on our Mission of Service Above Self. Need an idea – Google Rotary Invocations.
