REMINDER - Reminder - NO Meeting - Happy Thanksgiving.

We meet next on Thursday, Dec. 12th, 7:00 AM Stevies Cafe.

Reminding everyone we will have our next meeting on Thursday, Dec. 12th. The Board will meet on Tuesday, Dec. 3rd. We are unscheduled on the 5th - and meet next on the 12th. Remember during this time, we are collecting new hats/mittens for the Free Clinic. They can be dropped off at Tyler's workplace, Kilcoyne Memorial Services, 637 N. Main St. (Formerly Skinners).

Last week our guest speaker was Jenifer Mason, director of Benjamin's House with an update on their operation. Jenifer had a great powerpoint and provided some good information and options for future volunteering options. Kathy R. hosted.

OTHER BUSINESS:

Reminder about our social event Christmas Celebration in December. Kathy R. will host a celebration on Wednesday, Dec. 16 at 6 pm. We are calling it Bourbon and Briskit. Club members can bring an appetizer to share and own beverage. Also looking at an opportunity to have a game of some sort where we all throw in $10 and the winner gets to determine where it is donated on behalf of the club. Looking for thoughts and/or other ideas as well.

OLD BUSINESS:

Treasurer Report:

Audit went well - found one minor discrepancy.

Profit from our two recent fundraisers:

Roses - Collected $6300 Costs $1114.26 Profit: $5185.74

Bourbon Tasting - Total Profit $8234.78 Paid out to our non-profits: $1800 Net Profit $6434.78

We are still looking for a new Treasurer starting in July 2025. Kathy will be retiring and won't have the same technology availability. If you are interested please let her or any board member know now - you can get a LOT of training in ahead of time.

Also, if someone is interested in doing some PR (facebook and/or web page) we could use your help!

NEW BUSINESS

VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES:

Ruby's Pantry - Next date is Sat. Dec. 21 - please put it on your calendar.
We will be looking for times/dates locations for Salvation Army Bell Ringing. Look for times soon.

UPCOMING PROGRAMS:

Reminder we began our trial on the new meeting system of two formal meetings per month and one social event. The social event will be planned by two club members as part of the meeting host rotation. Please be flexible and open minded - this is a trial. You will get information each week - you just need to read the bulletin ;-) and mark your calendars! Since the last quarter of the year was not a typical month, will continue trial of this process through the first quarter of 2025 with an evaluation at the end of March.

November will have slight adjustment due to the Thanksgiving Holiday

Nov. 28 - No Meeting due to Thanksgiving Holiday

December will have slight adjustment due to Christmas Holiday

Dec. 3 - Tuesday Board Meeting

Dec. 5 - No Meeting

Dec. 12 - Meeting - Jason S. hosts

Dec. 12 - Rotary Noon Club Christmas Party

Dec. 18 - Social event - 6pm Holiday Party at Kathy R. home. Kathy with help from board and Dean host.

Dec. 19 - No Meeting - social event on 18th..

Dec. 21 - Saturday - Ruby's Pantry

Dec. 26 - No Meeting due to Christmas Holiday

January

Jan. 2 - Meeting - Jim S. hosts

Jan. 7 - Board Meeting

Jan. 9 - No Meeting

Jan. 16 - Meeting - Ana hosts

Jan. 23 - No Meeting - Social Event Mike VG and BJ host

Jan. 30 - Meeting - Monika hosts

February

Feb. 4 - Board Meeting

Feb. 6 - No Meeting

Feb. 13 - Meeting - Mark B. hosts

Feb. 20 -No Meeting - Social Event - Duana B. and Cathy B. host

Feb. 27 - Meeting - Don D. 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:

November is the month that Rotarians around the world take time to celebrate the good work of our International Foundation, which is recognized as one of the most effective and well-managed charitable organizations in the world, with 15 consecutive four-star ratings from Charity Navigator and an A-plus rating from Charity Watch.

Since it was founded more than 100 years ago, the Foundation has spent more than $4 billion on life-changing, sustainable projects. With your help, the magic of the Foundation can continue. A gift to the Foundation’s Annual Fund – SHARE will result in almost half returning to our District to fund projects organized and led by our District 5960 clubs. Last year, over $227,000 was provided in the form of grants to support club projects in our district. (Note: While today is “Give To The Max Day” in Minnesota, it is best both financially and from a recognition standpoint, to make contributions directly to The Foundation – rather than through the Give To The Max program.

To encourage giving during November, matching point incentives will be offered toward receipt of a Paul Harris Fellow awards:

$100 - $364 = 1 to 1 recognition point match
$365 = Receive 635 matching points to earn a Paul Harris Fellow (PHF) award.
Sign up for Rotary Direct with a minimum donation of $30 per month and receive 500 points

Below is a link that will take you directly to the RI website’s donation page. If you have not already set up a “My Rotary” account, please do that first. Instructions are attached. Going through “My Rotary” ensures that you and your club will be properly credited for your contribution. Contributions of any size will help us reach our goal!

https://www.rotary.org/en/donate

Respectfully Submitted by:

Trudy Kroeger