Welcome to the inaugural issue of the newly formatted Futura! Learn about upcoming speakers and events, last meeting's presentation, and other club updates.
Upcoming Speakers
September
2
Global Minnesota, Mark Ritchie, Pres.
9
MN Public Radio, Duschhane Drew, Pres.
16
Connected Families, Jim Jackson, Pres.
23
MRCI, Tami Reuter, Exec. Director
30
SW Metro Chamber of Commerce, Darren Noble
Upcoming Events
August 26 - New Teacher's Breakfast. Start Time: 7 AM
September 16 - Chaska Rotary Board Mtg. Start Time: 6:30 AM
September 18 - Christmas in "May" Start Time: 7:40 AM (see below)
September 30 - Foundation Recognitions. During regular meeting.
Last Week's Presentation
Maria has followed her dream of working in the Broadcast medium since she earned her college degree from the University of St. Thomas. Starting with the mind-numbing task of monitoring Police radio calls for 12 – hour shifts, Maria built up her personal network within the area and became an award-winning investigative reporter for WCCO and then KSTP networks. She proudly recalled the acclaim for a piece that led to the recall of children’s toys that were manufactured with toxic lead.
At Committee Films, Maria is an Executive Producer, with hands-on involvement in all their projects - independently producing stories for cable TV channels such National Geographic, Travel Channel and History Channel. Committee Films’ production work has progressed from her basement in Chaska’s Clover Ridge to their own building in Eden Prairie. We were treated to a preview of a 12-episode series that will be shown on the History Channel. We should look for the program “I Was There”. Their content will focus on “big events” in history, such as the World War II Battle for Stalingrad. Other ongoing projects are “First Home Fix” for Home and Garden TV and “The Killer Next Door” for Fox Nation. Foregoing the media centers of California and New York, Committee Films works in Minnesota with as much local talent and support as they can get.
In her best Downton Abbey voice, Gretchen Oppriecht shared an email received from a Rotary Club in Chippenham, Wiltshire Vale, United Kingdom. Apparently, the other club was just reaching out to say Hello. It has 44 members and has been chartered since 1949.
Gretchen also thanked the Rotary Board of Directors and welcomed new members Greg Kummer and Cindy Anderson. With COVID-induced attendance reduction and increased food costs, the Board is considering venues for our weekly meetings, including Hazeltine National Golf Club and the Chaska Curling and Event Center.
Members of the board are working on a Grant Submission in partnership with Chaska Parks and Recreation to support swimming lessons.
Matt Podhradsky asked for sponsorships for the Chaska Cares Golf Charity event on Sept. 10. He also invited us to participate in the rescheduled Christmas in May community workday on Sept. 18. Three households needing help from their neighbors have been selected. We will meet at Guardian Angels Catholic Church at 7:40 AM.
