REMINDER

Meeting Thurs. May 29th, Stevie's Cafe - 7:00 AM

This week is our Club Assembly (5th week of the month) - please attend and be prepared so we can update our groups and report the progress and activities that each is working on completing.

Last week Cathy hosted our meeting with LaCresha Kolba - "Girl Boss Photography/Star Gazer Farms - What is an Agritourism Business?" She talked about the need for small farms to diversify to survive as a family business. She offers a variety of activities such as overnight stays, small events, date-night stargazing, brunches, and farm-to-table dinners at her farm - Stargazer Farms. She also grows flowers , vegetables, and raises chickens for eggs. She has a photography business and her specialty is storytelling and personal empowerment through photography. She gave out several coupons to members for photo sittings.

1. NEGU/Jesse Reese Foundation update: Our grant application was due on May 30th - Ana completed it and submitted it on May 22nd. Kathy R and committee members are now working on a draft letter to send to other Rotary Clubs for soliciting donations. Since participating in Shark Tank - we won't be eligible to participate for funds next year - but we could participate in supporting other clubs seeking grants.

2. Cumberland Companion Club Update: Another meeting is scheduled for May 28th (Tomorrow!) at Roots in downtown Cumberland to continue discussion regarding a Cumberland companion group to our club. There are also a couple individuals working to identify needs in the Cumberland area.

3. Mark would like members to consider attending the installation of the new DG Glenn Bowers on June 12th.You can check out other upcoming events on the District 5960 website at Rotary District 5960 | Minnesota & Western Wisconsin

4. Our June social event, sponsored by Joe and Bruce, will be Thursday, June 19 at the Enchanted Barn in Hillsdale, with brick oven pizza and music by the Smokin’ Loons. Their open hours are 5 to 11 pm.

5. Ace of Spades is now at $1020. (That’s enough for a Paul Harris award!) This was the second week in a row Joe got to draw, but he did not capture the Ace.

6. CORRECTION: Kiwanis Food Truck at Music in the Park needs help on July 8 and 22nd. Need 3-4 volunteers from 5-8 pm. Let Jason or BJ know if you can help.

The Ace of Spades ....

Still alive at $1020! Who will be the lucky winner? Only 10 cards left.

EXECUTIVE BUSINESS:

Thank you to Jim Stoll (with help from Tyler K.) for stepping up to take on the Treasurer role starting in July 2025.

We held some discussion on the possibility of a two-year presidency.

Group discussed a couple of options for Business Membership. The Membership would be $136 (regular qtr. dues) for one membership (could send whoever they want). If they wanted a consistent second or third member, it will be $50 for each member.

VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES:

Kiwanis Food Truck at Music in the Park - Tuesdays July 8 and 22, 5-8 pm Let BJ or Jason know!
Ruby's Pantry - Next date is Sat. June 21, 2025 - please put it on your calendar.
St. Vincent de Paul meal prep is scheduled for Wed. July 9. Please put on your calendar.

UPCOMING PROGRAMS:

Reminder: please work hard to get a speaker. If you cannot, please let us know at the meeting and we can help you!

May

May 29 - 5th Week meeting, Club Assembly

June Social Activity Planners - Joe E and Bruce G Thursday June 19, Enchanted Barn!

June 3 - Board Meeting

June 5 - Meeting - Clare hosts (Monika working to fill this program slot)

June 12 - Meeting - Mark B. hosts (trade with Tyler)

June 19 - Meeting - Trudy hosts - Lynn Kolpack with the Lumbering Hall of Fame. We will also present the remainder of the funds from the Pat Durand Memorial. Thanks, Don, for helping me get this set up.

June 21 - RUBY's Pantry Volunteer Activity 7 AM

June 26 - Meeting - Jeremy hosts

July Social Activity Planners - Ken P and Kathy R

July 1 - Board Meeting

July 3 - NO Meeting, Happy Independence Day!

July 10 - Meeting - Jason hosts, transfer of gavel

July 17 - Meeting - Dean hosts

July 24 - Meeting - Jim S. hosts

July 31 - Meeting - Club Assembly (5th week of the month)

August Social Activity Planners - Ana and Mike VG

Aug. 5 - Board Meeting

Aug. 7 - District Governor elect Glenn Bowers visit.

Aug. 14 - Meeting - BJ hosts

Aug. 21 - Meeting - Monika hosts

Aug. 28 - Meeting - Mark B. hosts

Please be sure to let me know as soon as you have a program set up so it can be added to our schedule. If you do NOT have a program, please let us know that as well so we can either get a program or some other focus for those attending. If you need a Zoom link, please let Trudy/Joe E. know that as well. Thanks!

ANNOUNCEMENTS:

Be sure to like our Facebook Page! Here is the link:

https://www.facebook.com/share/15USBZqmEm/?mibextid=wwXIfr

DISTRICT/INTERNATIONAL ROTARY NEWS:

A MESSAGE FROM JIM HUNT, DISTRICT GRANTS TEAM LEAD

Shark Tank Success.
The 2025 Shark Tank has rolled to a finish. Shark Tank is an alternate pathway to project funding for clubs that have not brought forward a grant in the last 3 years. Of the 21 clubs eligible for Shark Tank, 3 participated:

Barron County Sunrise – Mobile Joy Jar Factory
Greater Rochester - Seeds of Wisdom in South Sudan Learning Center
Waseca – Rotary Wellness Walk.

These clubs presented to this year’s shiver of 5 Sharks:

Arden Hills / Shoreview
Greater Mankato
Lakeville
Prior Lake
Stillwater Sunrise

The sharks offered a total of $6,950 which was distributed among the three grant proposals. These funds will be matched dollar for dollar with DDF (District Designated Funds) with the result that nearly $14,000 has been pledged to these proposals. An excellent start on fundraising for these clubs.

Save the date! The installation of 2025-2026 District Governor Glenn Bowers will be June 12th, 4:30 to 7:30 PM, at Shoreview Community Center, 4580 Victoria Street N., Shoreview MN. www.ardenhillshoreviewrotary.com

District Celebration of Clubs: Picnic & Awards Ceremony

Rotary District 5960 Celebration of Clubs: Picnic & Awards Ceremony
Hosted by Anoka Rotary
Location: Pavilion #2, Bunker Hills Regional Park, Andover
Date: Thursday, June 5 | 5:00 – 8:00 PM
Registration Link: CLICK HERE

Join fellow Rotarians for an evening of fun, food, and fellowship at the beautiful Bunker Hills Regional Park. This family-friendly event is a great opportunity to relax, connect, and celebrate the impact we’ve made across the district.

New Family Pricing:

Adults: $20 per person
Children: One child free per paying adult (must register)
Additional children: $10 each

Enjoy:

A classic picnic menu featuring hamburgers, brats, hot dogs, potato salad, baked beans, chips, watermelon, and cookies
Meaningful connections with Rotarians from around District 5960
Recognition of Rotary achievements during our awards ceremony
A family-friendly venue with covered seating, clean restrooms, ample parking, and a nearby playground

Save the date and register now to be part of this special Rotary gathering. We look forward to seeing you there.

Respectfully Submitted by:

Trudy (With lots of info help from Monika!)

Hoping you had an enjoyable Memorial Day Weekend - let's take a moment to remember why we celebrate that day.