Erin Kerber sent an email about our meeting on May 1. It will be the annual Cinco de Mayo breakfast, held at the Chaska Event Center, starting at 07:15 AM. Our club, together with Carver County Public Health and Latino Voices will honor organizations and individuals who work closely to improve the health and well-being of our Latino community and beyond. RSVP link.
Bob Roepke asked for newsletter notice to invite us to a Chaska Community Fund Breakfast on April 30 07:30 – 08:30 AM, at the Crown of Glory Lutheran Church. The gathering is to celebrate the power of philanthropy and local impact. This free event is open to the public and offers a unique opportunity to connect with community leaders, neighbors, and changemakers—all while enjoying a delicious breakfast. Dominic Papatola will share insights into the vital role that community foundations play in strengthening and supporting local initiatives. RSVP link.
Later in the afternoon, Gretchen Oppriecht led the Chaska High School Knowledge Bowl team north to Brainerd to compete against 17 teams in the top division of the state tournament. After one written portion and five face-to-face rounds, the students from Edina won and the Chaska team achieved a 5th place finish. Link to see the details of the competition: www.tiny.cc/AAAscores and watch for an article in the Carver County Local News.
We were invited to participate in a Purse Bingo event at the Waconia American Legion Post 150 to benefit Revitalizing Veteran Dreams – Sunday, April 13, sales start at noon. The location is 4 East Main Street. The group’s organizer is Syn Robertson, who spoke to us in April 2024. Contact (763) 442-0920. Link for details.
Matt Podhradsky reminded us of Tree Planting with the Chaska Lions at Community Park (near Clover Ridge) on April 26 at 08:00 AM.
Matt also promoted our participation in a group project during Christmas in May on May 3. He promised we would have fun! Link.
ROTARY INTERNATIONAL
Neil Wingert provided the flag from the Rotary Club of Agra, India – the location of the Taj Mahal. It was given to him from the manager of a souvenir shop specializing in marble objects inlaid with semi-precious materials that reflect the decorations of the Taj Mahal.
OTARY EXCHANGE STUDENT - Marcos Alonso
Marcos shared photos from the Exchange Student group visit to Oahu, Hawaii. We could practically feel the ocean breeze as he remembered the fun of being with other students from Spain as they visited the Pali Lookout, King Kamehameha statue, the Polynesian Cultural Center, a catamaran voyage, and just being young on the beach!
PRESENTATION: Chaska Crime Prevention Officer – Martin Godinez
Matt Podhradsky introduced Crime Prevention Officer Martin Godinez, who has been part of the Police Department since 2013, when he was a Community Service Officer. Last year, he replaced the unstoppable Julie Janke who retired and left a huge legacy of community programs for Martin to lead. His growing up in El Paso and a variety of jobs in diverse occupations have given Martin a broad base of understanding human nature and empathy for all parts of our community.
His energy level must be as high as Julie’s was to keep up all the programs that reach out to our community. These include crime prevention, Safety Camp, Citizen Academy, Sensory-friendly Day, Bus Stop interactions, Heroes and Helpers, Home Alone, Coffee with a Cop, Junior Explorers, Door Signage for 1st Responders, Car Seats, Bicycle Helmets, and a mobile Outreach Trailer starting this summer.
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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