Matt Podhradsky reminded us of the Chaska Cares Golf event on Sept. 6 and asked for sponsors and players to benefit the Miracle League campaign.
Ken Hiller had another communication from Simon Boothman-Milankovic, our 2015-16 Exchange Student. Simon shared his reflection that his time with us made a great impact on his life and contributed to his becoming a physician.
Erin Kerber thanked all the host families for taking care of the 9 North Star Exchange students last week. Jean Heyduck noted her joy in her time spent with our European guests.
Cindy Anderson gave us a Last Call to staff our wine + beverage Pub on Wheels at River City Days – July 26, 27 + 28. Sign up with Cindy 612-386-6156.
Erin also thanked Bob Chinnock and Bob Lindall for arranging our meeting space with the Crown of Glory Lutheran church.
FINEMASTER: George Glaros
George Glaros Came Back to Where he Once Belonged as Finemaster and a Beatles music historian. The questions were posed, but those who couldn’t answer only had the option to Cry Baby, Cry. Many of our younger members looked to the gray-haired ones and said Don’t Let Me Down, or maybe they just shouted for Help! It was a Long and Winding Road until he was finished with us. George did such a good job collecting fines he could not say “You Never Give Me Your Money.”
Happy Dollars were paid out by Andy Haugen, Gretchen Oppriecht and Keith Payne, and Exchange student alumnus Natasha Palmelund gave her parting contribution to our club by collecting the fines. All she could say before she left was “Hello, Goodbye”.
Welcome to the Futura!
Learn about upcoming speakers, events, last meeting's presentation, and other club updates.
Presentation: Superintendent Dr. Erin Rathke, Ed.D. School District 112
Chaska High School Principal and Rotarian Jim Bach introduced the new Superintendent of School District 112, Dr. Erin Rathke, Ed.D. The background of the Watertown, MN native includes educator and administrative positions within the metropolitan area, including her position as the Assistant Superintendent for the past four years. That role has been assumed by Nate Manaen, who also attended our meeting.
Dr. Rathke noted her experience as a school improvement specialist and instructional coach. Reacting to and working through a student-instigated name change of a Ramsey County middle school was a key event that made a lasting impression on her. She has concluded that “Children are the way we change the world.”
Dr. Rathke has been impressed by the productive relationship between the school district and Carver County communities. She anticipates funding issues for the district but wants to establish priorities that reflect a strategic plan. We were asked to help in that regard by posting idea notes on four posters reflecting her interest:
What is great about our schools and school district?
What is on your ECCS wish list?
What should the district prioritize as the budget remains a challenge?
What are three opportunities we have?
In November, she will share the results of her interactions and input from our communities.
A small amount of relief to some of the community’s homeless will soon be provided, thanks to an enormous effort by committed citizens. The West Creek apartment complex has been completed and will be opened to 19 unhoused young people. It is located at 401 Hickory Street in Chaska, across from the school bus depot.
Plans for West Creek have been in the development stages for many years, finally getting funding in 2022. The complex is owned by the Chaska-based Community Asset Fund, a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization and was funded by a combination of state and county funds, as well as local donations and funds awarded by the Metropolitan Council. Dave Pokorney and Bob Roepke have devoted years of organizing and bureaucratic effort to bring the housing solution into reality. Set-up assistance for these furnished apartments was provided on July 23 by Greg and Cindy Anderson, Bob Chinnock, Bob Lindall, Robin Nesburg, Ryan Seibert, Keith Payne, Dan Keyport, Michelle and Bella Kraus, Neil Wingert, Bob and Kathy Roepke, and Dave, Pam and Diane Pokorney. Others who worked at this included Joe Birr, Bruce and Candace Lundgren and Luke Melchert. The ribbon-cutting opening will be held on Monday, July 29, 4 – 6 PM.
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.
Erin also thanked Bob Chinnock and Bob Lindall for arranging our meeting space with the Crown of Glory Lutheran church.
Dr. Rathke has been impressed by the productive relationship between the school district and Carver County communities. She anticipates funding issues for the district but wants to establish priorities that reflect a strategic plan. We were asked to help in that regard by posting idea notes on four posters reflecting her interest: 
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