REMINDER

Meeting Thurs. May 22, Stevie's Cafe - 7:00 AM

Cathy hosts our meeting this week with a speaker (who was also in attendance at our gathering in Cumberland). LaCresha Kolba - "Girl Boss Photography/Star Gazer Farms - What is an Agritourism Business?"

LaCresha Kolba, founder of Girl Boss Photography and Stargazer Farms WI, will share her journey as a multi-passionate creative entrepreneur blending visual storytelling with rural community connection. From empowering women to feel confident and seen in front of the camera, to building an agritourism business rooted in beauty, healing, and local engagement—this presentation explores how creativity, farming, and small business intersect to create meaningful impact. Learn how agritourism works, why it matters, and how photos can transform not just businesses, but lives.

Tyler hosted our meeting last week with Stef Fiedler of Business and Estate Advisors as our speaker. She reviewed information on 'end-of-life' planning. Stef shared many helpful hints including the importance of designating some assets to beneficiaries as payable or transferable upon death. She also mentioned health directives and plans for distribution of personal property distribution such as jewelry, art work, or guns for example - as well as a list of passwords to your accounts.

1. Jesse Reese Foundation update! There was a concern following the presentation about the Jesse Reece Foundation from a Shark who reviewed the Foundation on Charity Navigator. We did get a letter from the foundation insuring all funds raised go to the project. The Foundation is rated a 96% for financial efficiency and sustainability, trustworthiness and committment to government practices and policies. We are going forward with the project.

2. There was a meeting on May 14th in Cumberland regarding a Cumberland companion group to our club. There are two clubs there who recently disbanded (Kiwanis and GAP) . There are a number of individuals who are interested in a service organization - some Lutheran Church members as well, and also involvement from high school students. They are interested in volunteering with minimal meetings... the group is working to determine if they want to be part of Rotary and our group. Mark suggested a possible financial support to help them get started (maybe also funds from the noon club). They will be reconvening in 2 weeks - more info to come!

3. Jim Stoll met with the KC adoption group. They plan to bring the polar plunge idea to the full Knights of Columbus group on Tuesday May 20th. Angie Beranek (former club member) volunteered to work with and chair this project as well if there is interest moving forward. She has many KC connections as well as police and fire dept. and emergency services to help support the event.

4. Clare is not able to set up a program on June 4 - Monika will try to set up a tour of the Aqua Garden in Rice Lake. Eat at Stevies first - then go on tour at 7:30.

5. Dean is still looking for a couple more volunteers for the Bourbon & Spirits event committee. (Sept 25th is the event)

6. Kiwanis Food Truck at Music in the Park needs help on June 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 $980! Who will be the lucky winner? Only 11 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 - Sundays June 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 22 - Meeting - Cathy B hosts

May 29 - 5th Week meeting, Club Assembly

June Social Activity Planners - Joe E and Bruce G

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. 7 - District Governor elect Glenn Bowers visit.

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:

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 Governor-Elect Glenn Bowers invites you to the District 5960 Assembly, a key training event for incoming club leaders.

A strong Rotary club depends on strong leadership. This session will provide essential knowledge, tools, and connections to help incoming leaders succeed. Attendees will have the opportunity to engage with district leaders, including the District Governor-Elect and committee members, who will support club projects and initiatives.

Who Should Attend?
Incoming club leaders (2025-2026), including Secretaries, Treasurers, Membership, Public Image, and Rotary Foundation team members.

Session Details:
The event includes a general session featuring remarks from DGE Glenn Bowers, followed by breakout sessions tailored to specific leadership roles.

Date: Thursday, May 22, 2025
Time: 7:00 – 8:30 PM (via Zoom) Register in advance:
Zoom Registration Link
After registering, you will receive a confirmation email with details on how to join the meeting.

Respectfully Submitted by:

Trudy (With lots of info help from Monika!)

Its graduation season! Congrats to all those grads out there!

Graduation Memes For High School And College Grads Alike ...