Invocation: Paul Olson

 

Dave Pokorney asked us to remember what we were doing in 1968, and avoiding the welling nostalgia in some of us, and ignoring the “I wasn’t even born then!” reaction of others, Dave explained that was the year Luke Melchert began his career as a lawyer for the city of Chaska.  Luke celebrates his 84th birthday next week, but his memories of his early years helping the development of Chaska seemed very clear.  He shared details of how he and his brother became the city’s law firm, land acquisition and Chaska’s growth, decisions about supplying electricity, interactions with federal Housing and Urban Development, building the basis of Chaska’s golfing reputation and setting the stage for that city of the future – Jonathan.

Luke shared his perspective that many good things have occurred due to luck, circumstance, and hard work by dedicated people, and that has resulted in Chaska being a great place to live! Luke considers Rotarians Bob Roepke, Bob Lindall and Dave Pokorney among those key individuals contributing their careers to benefit Chaska. 

 

 

Keith Payne entertained us with his creativity and homage to Fathers’ Day by showing celebrity photos that resembled club members. Showing us the likeness of actor John Cusack and then its uncanny resemblance to a photo of himself, he then treated us to paired-up images of Andy Haugen, Nate Bostrom, Peter Ivy, Greg Anderson and Matt Podhradsky. No DNA tests were harmed in this presentation! Happy Dollars were given by Michelle Kraus, Dan Keyport and Ken Hiller. 

 

Vic Benetti let us know that there will not be a Steak Fry at this year’s River City Days.  When that shock had been absorbed by those of us that didn’t know that Vic asked for participation in staffing a Wine Tent that will be our main fund-raising method at the event.  River City Days will be held July 29 + 30. 

Matt Podhradsky asked for a few more folks to provide guidance for the design of the Miracle Field that has been the recipient of several years of Rotary support.  Matt invited us to a planning meeting on June 29, 6-8:00 PM at the Chaska Community Center Lodge.

 

Gretchen is at the Skagway Public Library, on one of their computers, happy to send this publication from Alaska. For more details on her travels, follow her on Face Book. She's hoping to zoom in for Thursday's meeting, but the connectivity is very sketchy here and the library is NOT open at 4:30 a.m. which is 7:30 meeting time.