Matt Podhradsky gave us good news that the Minnesota Twins Community Fund has donated $20,000 to the Miracle Field Foundation.
Jean Heyduck invited us to view the updated Club Website: link. Be sure to thank Jean for her work! Those who have ventured there know the administrative ClubRunner web learning curve is steep!
Bob Chinnock and the STRIVE students and mentors met at the high school after our breakfast and heard from Augustine Kietzer, the Pathways to Careers Program Director from Dunwoody College of Technology. She explained some of their attractive and successful scholarship programs link. For more information: email akietzer@dunwoody.edu; phone 612-381-8160.
Sheryl Hough gave us a “last chance” opportunity to reserve Money Board numbers. If an unclaimed number gets drawn, the total will revert to our general Club fund.
Dan Keyport also offered “better late than never” tickets to the Chaska 100 Tree Lighting event on Dec. 3.
Keith Payne and Michelle Kraus invite members to Zoom into the next club Board Meeting on Friday, December 15, 7:00 – 8:30 AM: Zoom Link. Meeting ID: 873 4149 5653; Passcode: chaska
The Rotary Foundation Annual Report has been published: link. The report provides details about the Foundations expenditures and income. Each of us contribute $71/year through our club dues. The Foundation funds many of its programs from the interest on our donations. Inspiring stories and project summaries are also included in the annual report.
FINEMASTER: George Glaros
George Glaros turned on his holiday lights and illuminated our lack of detailed knowledge about Christmas. Most of us paid our tuition, and no scholarships were provided. Happy Dollars came from George, David Brecht, Mike Fahey and Gretchen Oppriecht.
EXCHANGE STUDENT: Viola Bavastro
Viola shared her opinions about roast turkey and Thanksgiving in her wry and understated humorous manner. She was more adamant about how cold her feet were while attending a Minnesota Gophers football game.
PRESENTATION: Jan Bauer, Consul, UK Government Office Minnesota
As Nate Bostrom gets ready to bid “Cheerio” to his role as our Presentation Program Manager, he introduced the United Kingdom Consul for Minnesota – Jan Bauer. Link to website. Jan quickly noted that she does not act as a British Embassy, so we must look elsewhere for help with items like passports, visas, or travel information. Her Minnesota accent confirmed her American background, and she emphasized her focus on diplomatic, political and business relations between our state and the UK.
Jan reviewed several of the functions in which she has participated – Queen Elizabeth’s Platinum (60 years) Jubilee in 2022, King Charles’ coronation, meetings with US and UK political positions, and business connections in Minnesota. She is currently involved in a project to promote use of the Saint Lawrence Seaway to benefit Minnesota’s imports and exports. The UK exit from the European Union has enabled companies to establish more direct trade agreements across the Atlantic.
Community Event: Heroes and Helpers December 1, 2023
At Chaska’s Target store, our annual holiday present wrapping involved a great group of Rotarians, friends and family. Alongside Chaska Lions, Police Explorer Scouts, and Police Community Volunteers, we wrapped and bagged dozens of presents purchased from funds donated by us and other organizations. Cookies and cakes were provided by the Target store. Police officers helped recipients through their selection processes. Festive bows and bags and many rolls of wrapping paper and tape were artfully deployed in the four-hour event. Participants included Police Chief Ryan Siefert, Sheryl Hough, Vic Benetti and his wife Carol, Neil Wingert and his wife Sarah, Jenny Spalding and her son Ryan and his friend Sam.
Upcoming Invocation
Note from John Roebke: 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. Not a personal talent? Don't wait, tell me NOW, 612-790-7067, john.roebke@live.com. I will be glad to name another. If I forgot that you told me not a talent, please forgive me. Remind me. If not a good DATE, trade with a mate.
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