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 April– August activities and meetings related to Rotary Foundation, Polio Plus, President-elect Education, activities of other clubs, special events. Note: Education for Rotarian Leaders, April 25.
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 Spring events: Bike rodeo, Vehicle Fair, Movie Mondays, Taste of Chaska.
Erin Kerber and Peter Ivy pulled down the newly installed window covers for their first use in providing shade for our projection screen. Many thanks!
Matt Podhradsky promoted participation in Christmas in May on May 2. This will be the 30th anniversary of this community effort to help improve the homes of some of our neighbors. LINK
Jean Heyduck, representing our Charitable Giving Committee, presented grants from our club:
o Syn Robertson accepted $3,000 for Revitalizing Veteran’s Dreams LINK via Facebook. The mission: “Revitalizing Veterans' Dreams does events to bring the community together and provide a safe space for veterans. We raise awareness of veterans' needs through our non-profit and guide them to beneficial organizations to help meet their needs.” Syn was motivated to start this program to prevent isolation after a veteran friend committed suicide. She partners with the Chaska Veterans of Foreign Wars LINK.
o Lissa Weimelt accepted $2,000 for Maria’s Voice LINK. Their mission: “Maria’s Voice creates educational programs and collaborative partnerships to prevent domestic abuse.” Lissa asked each of us to share her materials or message with someone else, to spread the word about her efforts to prevent domestic violence.
HAPPYDOLLARS
Gretchen Oppriecht had mixed emotions for her last Knowledge Bowl competition at the Brainerd state tournament. Matt Podhradsky celebrated his son’s curling competition in Bismark. Ryan Seibert was happy for his 6 years as our Chief and the opening of the new Public Safety Campus. Mike Wentzell joined our glee about our Happy Dollar pig getting a fresh new look. The original was dedicated in 1993 by Rita Schol.
ROTARY INTERNATIONAL: No FLAG today.
ROTARY INTERN: Gonzalo Romero
Gonzalo Romero had a front row view in the Chaska High School cheering section for their basketball team as they won the state championship.
YOUTH EXCHANGE STUDENT: Ane Otsby
Ane also enjoyed her basketball experience watching our state champions win their title. She watched some tennis, went to a concert, and still had time to attend some classes.
A bonus treat today was a visit by Marcos Alonso, our 2024-25 exchange student from Spain. He is in his first year of college studying economics.
PRESENTATION: True Friends, Peter Kelly
Cindy Anderson introduced Peter Kelly, Senior Director for True Friends - a nonprofit organization providing life-changing experiences that enhance independence and self-esteem for children and adults with disabilities. Their programs include camp, respite, retreats, team building, therapy and adaptive riding, and travel; serving over 25,000 individuals annually. True Friends locations include:
Camp Courage in Maple Lake.
Camp Eden Wood in Eden Prairie.
Camp Friendship in Annandale.
Camp Courage North in Bemidji.
Peter is a former member of Edina Rotary and a 4-time exchange student host. His organization has been in action since the 1950’s – originally focusing on victims of the polio virus. It has expanded to serving many more afflictions and challenges. True Friends also has a respite program for caregivers, therapy using horses and day care services.
Cindy’s eldest daughter Jesse works in their Travel program that provides safely managed trips for disabled persons. Camp facilities and staff can also provide corporate retreats and meeting venues. Camp Courage and the Cambria Recreation Center will host an open house on May 4 LINK.
INVOCATION: 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. Schedule Changes? – contact Neil Wingert.
