Welcome to the Futura! Learn about upcoming speakers and events, last meeting's presentation, and other club updates.
Upcoming Speakers
October 21
Growth & Justice, Jane Leonard
28
Esperanza/CAP Agency, Mary Hernandez
Upcoming Events
October 21 - Board Meeting
Last Week's Presentation
Prison Fellowship was founded in 1976 by Charles Colson, a former aide to President Nixon who served a seven-month sentence for Watergate-related crimes. The Christian nonprofit is the nation's largest outreach to prisoners, former prisoners, and their families, and a leading advocate for criminal justice reform.
Mark Delong is the Iowa and Minnesota Field Director for Prison Fellowship. He is a graduate of The University of Northern Iowa and prior to his work with Prison Fellowship he served for 25 years in Sales Management with Kraft Foods and 9 years in the behavioral health arena. He is a past board member of the Iowa Department of Corrections and has assisted with advocacy for felon voting legislation. Mark knows firsthand the power of second chances as he is a returning citizen himself.
Deb Wilken recently joined Prison Fellowship as Midwest Development Director. She recognizes people’s gifts and heart intent, and creates an environment to contribute, collaborate, and see lives changed because of their investment. Before coming to Prison Fellowship, Deb spent more than three decades connecting people with possibilities through organizations like The Salvation Army, as Executive Development and Director, and Jeremiah Program, as National Chief Advancement Officer.
Mark provided data showing the high percentage of Americans who have been or are incarcerated. He explained the Prison Fellowship guiding principles, mission, and vision for the future. Mark and Deb showed a video and described several of the programs they provide for Christian churches, wardens, families and in support of prison and criminal justice reform. Christian beliefs provide the structure for Prison Fellowship activities and training content, but Mark told us they welcome all prisoners and families to take advantage of their programs and opportunities.
More information, resources, and contacts:
www.prisonfellowship.org
For all general inquiries call 1-800-206-9764
For Angel Tree inquiries call 1-800-55-ANGEL (2-6435)
For local volunteer opportunities call 1-800-251-7411
Club Announcements and Updates
FINEMASTER: Ken Hiller distributed playing cards disguised as chocolate bars, but only one table got the treat of having the high Canasta hand. Then jokes were requested, and more tables paid. Happy Dollars came forth despite all the losses, paid by Char Weber, Bill Engelhardt, Wayne Ward, Dan Keyport, Ray Schalow, and Steve Wein.
Gretchen Oppriecht welcomed us to the Chaska Curling and Event Center which will host our next three breakfast meetings (October 14, 21 and 28).
Gretchen also provided Celi Haga with her official Rotary Name Badge.
Volunteer/Sponsorship Opportunities
We are looking for volunteers and sponsors for these upcoming events:
Swimming Lessons (May '22)
Pond Hockey (Jan. '23)
All help and contributions would be greatly appreciated!
Upcoming Invocation
Oct 21: Mark Stapleton
Oct 28: Wayne Ward
Nov 4: Ray Schalow
Nov 11: Greg Kummer
Deb Wilken recently joined Prison Fellowship as Midwest Development Director. She recognizes people’s gifts and heart intent, and creates an environment to contribute, collaborate, and see lives changed because of their investment. Before coming to Prison Fellowship, Deb spent more than three decades connecting people with possibilities through organizations like The Salvation Army, as Executive Development and Director, and Jeremiah Program, as National Chief Advancement Officer.
