Learn about upcoming speakers, events, last meeting's presentation, and other club updates.
Upcoming Speakers
Meetings will be at Crown of Glory church, unless noted
December 2025
Dec 4 – Chaska Inn Project (Dave Pokorney)
Dec 11 – Service Learning (Peter Ivy)
Dec 18 – Holiday auction (Sheryl Hough)
Dec 25 – Christmas, no meeting
January 2026
Jan 1 – Happy New Year! no meeting
Jan 8 – To be determined (Greg Anderson)
Jan 15 – Club Committee meetings, Music Fest Recap
Jan 22 – Youth Exchange Program – Erin Kerber + Ane Otsby
Jan 29 – To be determined (Jim Bach)
February 2026
Feb 5 – To be determined (Gary Hardel)
Feb 12 – To be determined (Kevin Eide)
Feb 19 - To be determined (Pat Schaffran)
Feb 26 – To be determined (Robin Nesburg)
Upcoming Events
Nov 23 – Chaska Tree Lighting, Firemen's Park, 6 to 7:30 PM LINK
Dec 5 – Board Meeting via Zoom Workplace app LINK. Meeting ID 873 4149 5653
Passcode: chaska
Dec 6 – City of Chaska Hometown Holiday, Saturday, 2 – 6 PM, downtown Chaska LINK
Dec 13 – Heroes + Helpers, 9AM – noon, Chaska Target store
Link to District 5950 Calendar of Events This includes Dec – May activities and meetings related to Rotary Foundation, Polio Plus, President-elect Education, activities of other clubs, special events.
Special Event: 2024 George C. Klein Memorial Award for Service Above Self
WELCOME: Matt Podhradsky
INVOCATION: Jean Heyduck
INTRODUCTION
Peter Ivy shared his thoughts about the importance of Service and how selfless actions benefit the life and health of the person doing the good work.
Ken Hiller then summarized the history of George Klein and creation of the Award that for forty-five years has helped perpetuate the concept of one person being able to influence the direction of a community.
Erin Kerber directed attention to the attendance of previous awardees.
1982 Tracy Swanson
1990 Bob Roepke
1994 Bob Lindall
2001 Jane + Barry Fox
2008 Dave Pokorney
2013 Sharon + Bob Moeller
2014 Chaska Lions
2016 Gary Van Eyll
2017 Blessed Bee Thrift Store, Sarah Carlson
2018 Marsh Halberg
2019 Jay Molnau
2021 Steve Mueller
2022 Dan Keyport
2023 Chaska Historical Society, Lisa Oberski
PRESENTATION
Co-president Matt Podhradsky presented the 2024 Award plaque to Mary Stapleton. Dave Pokorney recalled Mary’s years of service to Chaska. A video featuring Tracy Swanson, Bob Roepke and Tom Redman provided personal memories of working with Mary, her enthusiasm for helping, and the multiple programs and organizations that benefited from her support.
These included:
First Judicial District Guardian ad Litem. This is a court-appointed advocate responsible for representing the best interests of a minor child or vulnerable individual in legal proceedings.
Judicial Selection Committee
Children’s Justice Initiative
League of Women Voters of Eastern Carver County
Election Judge
Chaska Parks and Recreation
Chaska Planning Commission
School District 112 volunteer
Chaska History Center volunteer
Southern Valley Alliance volunteer
Jonathan Association volunteer
In her remarks, Mary recalled the early days of moving to the newly built Jonathan development and facing a midwestern atmosphere with her New York personality. She warmly remembered community support when her family experienced tragedy. In her humble acceptance of the award, Stapleton shared her wise conclusion that all the efforts of all the people within all the organizations establish the culture of community service. This can provide the basis for individuals to find their own motivation to also contribute.
Fifteen former recipients of the award were present today along with Mary’s family, Rotarians and guests that included Chaska’s Mayor Taylor Hubbard.
Rotary’s Service Above Self Awardees pictured above, Back row L to R: Jane Fox, Barry Fox, Marsh Halberg, Gary Van Eyll, Jay Molnau, Steve Mueller, Dan Keyport, Sarah Carlson, Bob Lindall, Mary Stapleton, Bob Moeller, Sharon Moeller. Front seats L to R: Bob Roepke, Tracy Swanson, Lisa Oberski, Dave Pokorney.
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.
