Paula announced the club board accepted with regret Brad Person and Brett Anderson's resignations. Please hold June 25, 2024 for the club's annual Change of Gavel event to be held at Cragun's Golf Resort Pavilion.
Aaron Antony stated the ditch pickup has been rescheduled to Tuesday, May 21st at 5pm. We can also volunteer at the Arb May 17 from 1-4PM or the 18th from 9-noon to help our club reduce our meeting room fees (For each rotarian vollunteering $15/hour or $45 for each shift worked will be used to offset our club room fees.
Peter Nelson explained that last Saturday was cancelled and he is now planning a rotary park work effort this Wednesday 1-4PM and needs volunteers. The job list includes:
Kevin Thesing reminded us that all remaining tickets need to be sold (with the stubs and payment) or returned unsold by Tuesday, May 14. Allie encouraged members and friends to attend Thursday 6-8PM at the curling club. She modeled a diamond earring door prize gifted by Ed Mink, and explained Deerwood Bank will provide 10 $100 cash prizes, plus other door prizes. Chef Mike will be there selling food, and the curling club with have beverages available for sale.
Speakers: Samanta, our youth exchange student presented on her experiences in Brainerd and her travels throughout the country. Her parents are Rotarians and she wanted to be an exchange student since age 11. France was her first country of choice but now after spending time in the brainerd Lakes area she now knows this would always be her first choice because of the many positive experiences she's had
bonding with the other exchange students, wonderful host families, our club members, and the rotary training programs and events.
Initially she thought America did not have a culture but learned it was just different than hers. For example, when she first went to Brainerd High School she was not welcomed but had to take the first step to being accepted. She shared many pictures and enjoyed new experiences like visiting the MN State Fair.
For her the most important part of this year is the people she met and connections she hopes last throughout her life. She encouraged our club's international work in Cambodia and the difference we can make in a foreign country. She shared that an American man started a home for young women aged 13 to 14 with children and the lives he impacted and positive impression he made for American generosity in her city of Peru. When asked want she wants to be she plans on studying international law and helping the world be a better place. She reminded us to visit her family in Peru and thanked the host families and all the club members for their support.
Greeters:
5/21/2024: Paula Persons, Aaron Peterson, Donn Peterson
5/28/2024: Eric Peterson, Bill Potvin, Trevor Pumnea
6/4/2024: Tim Ramerth, Andy Rangen, Rod Rangen
6/11/2024: Adam Rees, Shane Riffle, Jim Roelofs
6/18/2024: Donald Ryan, Dave Schaeffer, Lee Seipp
6/25/2024: NO CLUB Meeting
Upcoming Speakers:
May 21, 2024: Paula - Club meeting date
May 28, 2024: Tristan Borland - Smile again ministry-parents and children who have lost a child or sibling
Jun 04, 2024: Michaela Rai - American Alzheimer’s Association The walk to end Alzheimer’s!
Jun 11, 2024: Carol Johnson - Camp Journey
Jun 18, 2024: Mark Harlow - Harlow Nature Photography
Jun 25, 2024: Paula Chapulis & Adam Rees - NO Noon Meeting - Change of Gavel ceremony & dinner