Our next meeting, January 11, will be held at the Chaska Community Center in the Brinck Room, starting at 7:30 AM. No breakfast will be served, so Bring Your Own. The funds normally used for catering will be donated to His House Foundation.
On Thursday, Jan. 11, the South Tonka League of Women Voters is hosting an evening presentation by Susan Segal, Chief Judge of the MN Court of Appeals. Location: Mount Calvary Lutheran Church in Excelsior, at 7:00 PM.
Also on January 11, our club has committed to the annual Labelling of Books that we have purchased for distribution at the Hooked on Books and the Arts event. This is our first TEAM EFFORT of the year, and it usually provokes friendly competition among the participants! Time/place: 3:30 PM at the Family Learning Center room 206B, 110600 Village Rd in Chaska. Contact is Melissa Hansen, HansenM@District112.org.
The Chaska Human Rights Commission is holding a celebration of Martin Luther King Jr. on Monday, January 15 at the Chaska Event Center, 7:45 – 9:30 AM. This event is always full of inspiration and community spirit.
Erin Kerber received a notice that the Rotary Club of Buffalo, MN is searching for host families for individual students, for 3 or 4 days starting July 15. Six to 12 hosts, with 1 or 2 students each will be needed if our club is to participate. Erin is our point of contact for those who are interested in this brief summer experience.
FINEMASTER
George Glaros came back to us refreshed and as demanding as he left in 2023! Today, we were tested on our knowledge of Leap Year – its origins, the Gregorian calendar and other bits that produced many contributions to our blue pig. Happy Dollars came from Kevin Eide and Vic Benetti. Vic announced his retirement and that his business suits are now for sale!
EXCHANGE STUDENT: Viola Bavastro
Viola Bavastro enjoyed Christmas with a visit to Chicago and its Museum of Art. She also spent time in Iowa with her host family. New Year’s Eve included a driving search for a party while listening to the celebration on the radio. At school, Viola is studying US Government and refreshing her years of psychology classes that she completed in Italy. Next semester, she’ll be trying to double-up on classes to obtain a valid diploma that would facilitate attending college in the USA.
PRESENTATION: Jewelie Grape, Rotary District 5950 Governor 2023-24
Our Rotary District Governor Jewelie Grape was able to count us as her 42nd visit within the Rotary 5950 district of 65 clubs. She quickly forgave the missing breakfast amenities, noting many post-Covid challenges for all Rotary organizations. She started her presentation with a review of Rotary areas of focus, including Promoting Peace and Mental Health. These have been added to Empowering Women and Girls, Polio Eradication and Continuity. Jewelie then reviewed initiatives that have been selected for our District: New member orientation, Linked In profiles, monthly Zoom “Staying Engaged” presentations, and a Year of Service that includes one or more Rotary Focus subjects:
Environment
Education/Literacy
Food Insecurity
Homelessness/Mental Health
For more information and examples of Year of Service, refer to the District 5950 webpage link.
For information about the February 8 “Staying Engaged” presentation on North Star Youth Exchange: link.
Our district also hosts Virtual Lunch Learn Zoom meetings. Coming up on Jan. 18: Public Image Hints and Creating a Rotary Club Logo: Link.
Jewelie didn’t have the time in her presentation to invite us to participate in an in-person half-day program on January 27 that will include breakout sessions and member experiences with fundraising and growing club membership. Details on Elevating Impact Together, a Friendship and Funds Fest: 8:00 – 11:45 AM, Plymouth Community Center, 14800 34th Avenue North, Plymouth, MN. Link.
All of these events are included in the District 5950 website pages. Link.
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.
Grape was able to count us as her 42nd visit within the Rotary 5950 district of 65 clubs. She quickly forgave the missing breakfast amenities, noting many post-Covid challenges for all Rotary organizations. She started her presentation with a review of Rotary areas of focus, including Promoting Peace and Mental Health. These have been added to Empowering Women and Girls, Polio Eradication and Continuity. Jewelie then reviewed initiatives that have been selected for our District: New member orientation, Linked In profiles, monthly Zoom “Staying Engaged” presentations, and a Year of Service that includes one or more Rotary Focus subjects: 
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