Erin Kerber presided at this morning’s meeting at the Chaska Community Center.
Erin and Matt Podhradsky reminded us to participate in the Tree Planting Project this Saturday, April 20, at Lion’s Park, starting at 8 AM.
Bob Chinnock asked the STRIVE mentors to meet with the students for a year-end review after the Rotary meeting next week, April 25.
Kevin Eide donated a plate full of muffins in case emergency rations were needed by any of our un-breakfasted members.
FINEMASTER: George Glaros via Erin Kerber
Thanks to the unrelenting mind of George Glaros and his minion Erin, tax-related trivia may have added more pain to our April 15 bruises. Just when we thought we were done, Erin hit us with an underpayment penalty so we had to double our donations!
Happy Dollars were donated by Mike Wentzel and Gretchen Oppriecht. Gretchen was celebrating the 6th place finish by the Knowledge Bowl team in the MN state tournament. The team will burn up more brain energy at the (virtual) National competition this coming weekend.
EXCHANGE STUDENT UPDATE: Viola Bavastro
Viola invited us to attend a performance of her high school play - "The Play that Goes Wrong". She has worked on the Technical Crew for this production, which opens tonight. Tickets are available at the door. A highlight of the past week was also entertainment-related. Viola saw the show presented at Roxy’s Cabaret in Minneapolis. With themes such as Prince and Dolly Parton, the spectacle will be easily remembered by Viola!
PRESENTATION: Syn Robertson – Revitalizing Veterans’ Dreams
Gretchen Oppriecht’s friend Gillian Gale introduced Syn Robertson, a Group Fitness Leader at the Chaska Community Center. Through fitness events as a baseline activity, Syn is committed to preventing veteran suicides, which have been increasing yearly. The focus on veterans is an expansion of Syn’s goal to have fitness be an integral part of everyone’s lives, regardless of current physical condition. She believes this avenue will connect with veterans’ experiences and build supports within our community to benefit the mental health of veterans and their families. Connections have been established with the VFW, American Legion and the Carver County Veteran Services Office.
Syn showed slides of events that have put those goals into actions, such as birthday boxes, post-hospital support, physical test competitions, and potluck food-sharing gatherings. On Saturday, May 25 at Veterans Park in Chaska, starting at 10 AM, Syn has organized the 2024 Memorial Workout of the Day. Link.
Our help was requested for that event and other activities to “Create space for people who feel lost.” Among her efforts to achieve this, Syn also helps prepare volunteers who will be going into the Armed Services (“Boot Camp”) through a fitness improvement program.
In the photo below, L to R: Syn, Gillian, and Gretchen.
Tree Planting Project at Lions Park April 20, 2024
This was a very different day than June 3 last year when our club planted trees. Then, we had sunshine and summer. Today, we had overcast, winds, and occasional flurries. However, we still had Lions, friends, neighbors and a full cast of Rotarians to plant trees to replace those lost to Emerald Ash Borers and other detriments. This project resulted from ideas then actions from Dave Pokorney, Dan Keyport and Luke Melchert. A Rotary grant was added to funds from the Chaska Lions club and the city’s budget. A multi-year plan was developed, and this is the 2nd year of community contribution to ensure of legacy of diverse trees will be present in our parks for generations to come. Today’s goal included planting about 128 elms, maples, oaks, Kentucky coffee, and honey locusts.
We gathered in the shelter building at Lions Park and heard about the successful plantings last year from Public Works foreman Selmer Olson. Then Brian Jung the and Public Works team demonstrated the desired process of filling in the space around tree root balls, then spreading mulch. The city crews had bored planting holes, trees had been placed in the holes, and Bobcats were used to help make everything neat and deliver mulch. Our group included:
Viola Bavastro, her friend Ava, and Celeste Lizin, an exchange student from Belgium brought their smiles and energy.
Interns John Goodman and Sophia Pesina came with friends.
Matt Podhradsky brought his sons Christian and Will.
Erin Kerber
Jean Heyduck
Gary Hardel
Matt Szybnski
Cindy Anderson
Andy Haugen
Robin Nesburg
Neil Wingert and Sarah Carlson
Bob Roepke
Upcoming Invocation
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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