Invocation: Wayne Ward
Bob Chinnock and Sheryl Hough are asking for help with STRIVE mentors and gift cards (or cash to buy them). The best gift cards are from Target, Starbucks, Caribou, Cooper’s, gas stations, and fast food. Gift cards can be anywhere from $10-$25.The next meeting will be Nov. 9, and the next will be a Dunwoody field trip on Dec. 1.
Gretchen Oppriecht zoomed her notice that Winter is coming and that means our Auction is just around the corner after Thanksgiving on December 15. Now is the time to be imagining the laughter and goodwill of that once-a-year experience and your never-to-be-forgotten auction gift!
In line with that forward-looking vision, Amanda Bloomgren would like to receive requests for seasonal centerpieces, as soon as possible. She will not be able to deliver them on the day of our Auction. Launch Ministry benefited nicely from the 500 visitors and the furry blinking llamas at Llamarama. She thanked Rotarians at the Wine “Tent” and the sponsoring organizations.
FINEMASTER
Celi Haga added to her Master at Arms service by volunteering to be Finemaster. Trivia about Halloween and carved turnips had us spooked, but nonetheless, fines flew from our wallets like bats out of belfries. Happy Dollars were donated by Mike Fahey, Bob Lindall, and Denny Loving.
ROTARY EXCHANGE STUDENT: Natasha Palmelund
Natasha enjoyed traveling to Chicago with her host family. She shared her memories of several museums, the aquarium and harbor, and a unique church service.
PRESENTATION:
Maria’s Voice – Lissa Weimelt, Sara Silva
Steve Mueller introduced two speakers for Maria’s Voice, a non-profit organization whose mission is to create educational programs and partnerships to prevent domestic abuse and assert everyone’s right to a safe home and healthy, equal relationships. In April 2020 Maria Pew was murdered by her husband, and this presentation by her mother and her cousin focused on their efforts to prevent violence and abuse.
After Maria was killed, her family realized they had missed all the common signs of abuse and the husband’s efforts to maintain power and control over his wife.
Lissa and Sara provided data that illustrated the prevalence of abuse and violence, and the associated societal and financial costs. Through education and individual interactions, Maria’s Voice hopes to increase the prevention of violence and abuse.
To help them achieve those goals, we were encouraged to adopt the
Maria’s Voice Pledge: “I believe everyone has a right to live in a safe
home and have equal, healthy relationships. I will speak up and take
actions that help end domestic abuse and promote safety and respect
in our community. I take this Pledge as an Empowered Partner of
Maria’s Voice.”
We were also asked to connect with civic and business leaders to
promote awareness among their personnel, and to share what we
learned today with at least one other person. Sara and Lissa also
encouraged us to look them up on social media, and if possible,
contribute financially to Maria’s Voice.
For more information and contact:
Sara Silva: email sara@mariasvoice.org, phone 612-205-5692
Website: www.mariasvoice.org
Address: PO Box 269, Chaska, MN 55318
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