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.
Ryan Seibert asked us to be a little early next week so we can greet any guests that arrive for our Membership meeting. On Feb. 26, he sent us a revised flyer with the speaker schedule. It is added to this newsletter and follows the Invocation list.
Peter Ivy volunteered to sub for Kevin Hegland as our Sgt. At Arms. Thanks Peter!
Bob Chinnock asked for spare gift cards to motivate STRIVE students.
Ryan Seibert thanked the Hooked on Books volunteers.
Erin Kerber - Our personal Rotary Apparel Store is CLOSING on Monday, March 2. Click here to be taken to the online store.
Even though the sun is our friend after the short days of winter, the Shade Team works hard every morning to provide some shadows to help our media presentations!
HAPPYDOLLARS
Several of the members were happy to share their joy. Knowledge Bowl opportunities and competition with Chanhassen made Gretchen smile. Bob Roepke promoted alumni spirit because the basketball team has done so well. Nate Manaen wished Jim Bach good fortune and well-being in his pending retirement from his principalship.
ROTARY INTERNATIONAL: CLUB FLAG
No flag today.
ROTARY INTERN: Gonzalo Romero
Gonzalo also shared the joy of Chaska’s basketball team success. He’s glad that his Senior picture will not haunt the rest of his days. He’s also getting ready for the DECA competition. We wish him success and a great experience.
YOUTH EXCHANGE STUDENT: Ane Otsby
Ane’s photo of our last snow event will remind her of her fun times in the short days of winter. But she was happier to share the basketball team’s success too and watching a school play.
PRESENTATION: Matthew Schrad – Slam the Stigma LINK
Robin Nesburg introduced Matthew Schrad, the Executive Director of Slam the Stigma. Matt has been working for several years to promote better mental health for high school students.
He is especially glad to open a High School Drop-In Center at 812 Walnut Place, near the Chaska Sarpino’s restaurant, across the road from Firemans Lake. Matt wanted to build a welcoming place for teens and young adults to connect with each other, relax, grab a snack and try to overcome the difficulties within their lives. Personal experiences and statistics on suicidal thoughts have moved Matt to pursue the mission of removing the stigma that prevents people from addressing their anxiety and unhealthy self-perceptions.
Matt raised our awareness of mental health resources such as Thumbs Up LINK and the Carver County Family Resource Center LINK at the Moravian Church in downtown Chaska. Matt pointed out the Center and the Drop-In are not faith-based.
He asked for help by spreading the word about the Drop-in, volunteering or donating to fund counselling sessions.
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.
