Bob Chinnock summarized the STRIVE students’ visits to Dunwoody College of Technology (link) and the Dougherty Family College at the University of St. Thomas campus in Minneapolis (link) on 11/6.
At the upcoming Holiday Market, Gretchen Oppriecht encouraged participation at the Rotary Wine Tent to raise club funds for Youth Scholarships. It’s scheduled on Nov. 9 + 10 at the Solseng Tin Shed (AKA SunMeadow Farm link). Hours on Saturday: noon – 9 PM; Sunday: 1100 – 1600 (European-style time). Please let Cindy or Gretchen know when you can help. The event will offer mulled wine, a campfire, food preparation demonstrations and about 25 artists displaying their crafts.
Ken Hiller presented this week’s club flag from Paris, France (link). In 2018, Ken visited the club at its lunch at Le Meuric Hotel (Wednesdays at 2:00 PM). He enjoyed its upscale cuisine and wine. Ken was also impressed with the hotel’s history and prominence in World War 2. Last week’s flag from the Rotary Klub in Nuuk-Godthåb Greenland (link) was also pinned to the blue mounting sheet.
Matt Podhradsky provided a brief update on the Miracle Field project. The funding has reached $700,000 of the 1-million-dollar goal. Architectural designs are in development, so Matt and his son Lincoln were happy to bring us the news. Corporate sponsors and partnerships are now the primary focus to maintain the project’s momentum.
Sheryl Hough shared her excitement about our Holiday Auction on December 19. For our new members: the goal is to raise substantial money by bidding on surprise packages cleverly introduced with poems, clues, promises or threats. Re-gifting is a popular post-auction activity! Other holiday-centered dates to add to your calendar should include the Chaska Tree-lighting on Dec 8 and Heroes and Helpers present-wrapping on Dec 7, 8:30AM to noon.
ROTARY EXCHANGE STUDENT – Marcos Alonsos
Marcos has become a fan of the Timberwolves professional basketball team after attending games with his host family. Also in the past week, he enjoyed Halloween, going to a movie and playing too many hours of tennis. His positive attitude and energy brightened up the already sunny Sunshine Room at the Crown of Glory church.
HAPPY DOLLARS
No Finemaster this morning. Happy Dollars were donated by Neil Wingert, Ken Hiller, Bob Roepke, Wayne Ward, Gretchen Oppriecht and Greg Anderson.
Bob Roepke introduced Jackie Lara, from the Community Action Partnership (CAP) - a non-governmental organization serving Scott, Carver and Dakota counties. From her slides – the Agency’s Mission: “to assist and empower people to achieve social and economic well-being in partnership with our community.” Its goal: “At CAP Agency, we help people break down barriers by providing the tools and resources necessary to achieve success. We partner with businesses, schools, and other leading nonprofit organizations to create vital and lasting connections. We rely on our generous network of volunteers and donors to support our mission and their neighbors, strengthening our community as a whole.”
Jackie summarized programs offered by the CAP:
· Food and Nutrition – senior meals delivery, mobile food distribution
· Head Start and Early Head Start – education and assistance for parents
· Energy Assistance – promoting the ability to pay for comfortable living
· Thrift Store – located in Shakopee to repurpose items and support programs
· Specialty programs – aimed at specific community needs
· Housing – provides access to safe and affordable places to live
Jackie shared data illustrating the impact of CAP on the residents of the three counties, and the enormous contributions of volunteers. She encouraged our involvement in meal delivery to seniors, donation of money or business products, and spreading the word about CAP’s programs. In December, a Chaska office will be opened on 2nd Street.
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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