May 22-26, 2027 Rotary International Convention in Dubai, United Arab Emirates LINK
May 26-30, 2029 Rotary International Convention in Minneapolis LINK
Link to District 5950 Calendar of Events This includes March – August activities and meetings related to Rotary Foundation, Polio Plus, President-elect Education, activities of other clubs, special events. Note: Incoming President Learning Seminar 3/12-14/26. Grant Management Seminar 3/26/26
Link to Carver County Local News Community Events This includes events and activities such as the Landscape Arboretum, regional parks, Carver County Library, Public Health, Chaska Historical Society, local entertainment, non-profit and church events, and winter events.
Co-presidents Ryan and Matt welcomed our 7 guests:
o Mary Leopold, hosted by Bob Chinnock
o Keith Winters, hosted by Ken Hiller
o Jim Healy, hosted by Phil Solseng
o Julie Grove, hosted by Matt Podhradsky
o Marshall Grange, hosted by Matt Podhradsky
o Bob Swenson, hosted by Bob Roepke
o Kathie Lenzen, hosted by Bob Roepke
Celi Haga rang the virtual bell that started our annual scholarship season and asked for members to join our interview team.
Bob Chinnock asked for spare gift cards to motivate STRIVE students. Our mentors would join the students after our morning meeting.
Erin Kerber is seeking 16 volunteers for Friday, July 10th to provide beverage sales at the Prior Lake Music Fest. Billy Idol will headline Friday’s performances. You get to sit in a chair, under a tent, listen to music, and sell beer tickets! Volunteers will also receive comp tickets to Saturday (Country Night) headlined by Keith Urban.
On March 6, Erin sent an email inviting us to a special breakfast in honor of 2025 George C. Klein Award recipient Cindy Anderson. In George’s honor, this award is presented each year to the person or group in Chaska who best exemplifies our motto of “Service Above Self.” RSVP using this LINKby April 15 for our 7:15 AM meeting on April 30. This breakfast will bring together the wonderful members of our community and club, and we’d be honored to have you join us.
HAPPYDOLLARS
Gretchen Oppriecht smiled as she donated to celebrate a regional win for one of her academic teams. Mike Wentzel, Wayne Ward, Ken Hiller, Dan Keyport and Matt Podhradsky joined her in giving Happy Dollars.
ROTARY INTERNATIONAL: CLUB FLAG
Today’s flag was presented by Robin Nesburg. It found its way here from Nærbø, Norway. Our Exchange student Ane has visited there and described the town as pretty. Robin shared what he had learned of its history, and our meeting guests could better understand more of our club’s international connections.
ROTARY INTERN: Gonzalo Romero
Gonzalo enjoyed a recent DECA competition and the overnight stay at a Minneapolis hotel with several thousand friends. LINK
YOUTH EXCHANGE STUDENT: Ane Otsby
Ane’s past week was full of activities, including an overnight stay on a gymnasium floor during a meeting with current and outgoing exchange students. She also met the challenge of another Quiz Bowl match, attended a school band concert, went ice skating and cheered on the CHS basketball team.
Matt followed her with an overview of our Youth Exchange program and deep relationships and meaningful international connections it produces. Many thanks to Ken Hiller for assembling the photo collage and maps of the incoming students’ and outbound destination countries.
PRESENTATION: All About Rotary - Ryan Seibert, Matt Podhradsky
Ryan and Matt introduced themselves and gave their reasons for joining Rotary.
They took turns describing our programs, activities, and the pleasure of our club’s service to our community. Their comments were backed up by a selection of photos that illustrated our support for STRIVE students, international projects, annual New Educators Breakfast, Hooked on Books, Bountiful Basket, New Beginnings, Auburn Manor, Carver County Local News and civic celebrations such as our Music Fest and River City Days.
Ryan and Matt did their best to mirror the pride and dedication of membership in Chaska’s Rotary. Thanks for inspiring us too!
Our guests were invited to join us in tree planting and Christmas in May.
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.
kfast in honor of 2025 George C. Klein Award recipient Cindy Anderson. In George’s honor, this award is presented each year to the person or group in Chaska who best exemplifies our motto of “Service Above Self.” RSVP using this 
