Erin Kerber reminded us of several upcoming events: Tree planting at Community Park on April 26 at 08:00 AM, Rotary District Leadership training at the Chaska Community Center also on April 26, Cinco de Mayo on May 1 at the Event Center starting at 07:15 AM, and Christmas in May on May 3. Find links in the Futura Upcoming Events section.
Another reminder: Bob Roepke invited us to a Chaska Community Fund Breakfast on April 30 07:30 – 08:30 AM at the Crown of Glory Lutheran church. RSVP link
Matt Szybnski asked us to put aside some time on May 31 to attend a graduation party for Marcos. He’ll share details later.
HAPPY DOLLARS
Ken Hiller led the charge to donate, followed by Dan Keyport, Greg Anderson, Cindy Anderson, Lisa Anderson, Erika Kennedy, and Simon Milankovic.
ROTARY EXCHANGE STUDENT - Marcos Alonso
Photos from Marcos, Part 3! He showed us photos from his road trip to Kansas that included “cowtown,” a candy store and a modern art museum. What will the people in Spain think of us when they see his photos and hear his stories from Hawaii, Colorado, Kansas and Chaska?
ROTARY INTERNATIONAL
Ken Hiller introduced 2015-16 exchange student Simon Milankovic from Croatia, now a medical doctor. Simon shared a video he produced that included photos and video from his experiences in Minnesota and with our Rotary club. He summarized the ten years that have passed and the highlights of his direction in college and choosing the medical profession. He complimented our club as being a model for others. We could say the same about Simon!
Joining his Host families in the photo below, L to R: Greg Anderson, Simon, Cindy Anderson, Ken Hiller, and David Harvieux.
PRESENTATION: Lisa Anderson, Carver County Commissioner
Gretchen Oppriecht introduced her friend Lisa Anderson, who was elected in November 2024 to be a Carver County Commissioner for District #1. Lisa is a
former Chaska Rotarian and is now part of the Chanhassen club. Lisa represents both cities in her non-partisan position and she brings many years of experience on the District 112 School Board. Lisa listed several areas of community concern that are NOT part of her responsibilities, then described many of the county activities that are keeping her busier than she expected.
Revenue sources and expenditure categories gave us colorful graphics to ponder. Lisa also listed the boards, meetings and activities that fill the rest of her waking hours. With only 90 days in the role, Lisa was still able to list accomplishments with a smile, including a mosquito control project that we all could appreciate.
Her list of challenges included the development of the 2026 budget, creating a strategic plan for the Commissioners, assessing the county’s need for facility improvement and maintenance, enhancing mental health services, and surviving the intense road construction impacts on constituent attitudes. Collaboration with other commissioners and organizations will be instrumental in moving the county through the potentially tumultuous times ahead. Lisa will be counting on our support and involvement.
Lisa’s responsibilities:
Committee Appointments:
Association of MN Counties—Health & Human Services Policy Committee
Association of MN Counties Voting Delegate
CAP Agency—Board of Directors
Community Leaders (Eastern)
Joint Ditch #1, #2, #7, #15 #21, #24
Law Library Board
Library Board
Lower Minnesota River Watershed—Liaison
Mental Health Advisory Committee
Mosquito Control District
Riley-Purgatory-Bluff Creek Watershed—Liaison
Committee Alternates:
Carver County CDA
Hennepin Carver Workforce Development Board
MELSA
Lisa’s Contact information: Board of Commissioners web page,
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.
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