| Posted by Michael-jon Pease on Aug 17, 2016 |
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This meeting included an Olympics-worthy National Anthem, a spirited report from Emma Mulhern on her experience in Finland, and valuable words about values from District Governor Jim Hunt.
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President Chuck Whitaker called the meeting to order at 12:15
Past President Joe Kovarik led the club in a rousing rendition of the National Anthem, with the gusto of singing from the gold medal platform of the Olympic Stadium. Dennis Boom did the honors at the piano.
Bob Cardinal offer the poem IF by Rudyard Kipling as the inspirational minute.
Nancy McKillips introduced visiting Rotarians and guests. The club applauded greeter Shelly Rucks and scribe Michael-jon Pease.
In his remarks, President Chuck tantalized the club with hints of the upcoming attendance competition with Club 9 across the river. He encouraged attendance at next week’s meeting both for speaker John Suzukida, speaking on America’s Concentration Camps, and for the monthly cash bar, which is being anonymously underwritten by a club member.
Don’t miss your chance to add some of the club’s “legacy items” from old Rotary song books to club flags from around the world, to your private collection for a free-will donation. You may also make a donation. Items are displayed near the check in table.
Thursday’s Fellowship speaker is Deb Voss, Metro State.
Cindy Dupont, Visit St. Paul, asked for early bird Rotarians to help greet inbound Rotary Youth Exchange Student Ririko Nagaishi, who arrives from Japan at 5:43 a.m. on Monday, August 22nd.
Returning Outbound Youth Exchange Student Emma Mulhern shared photos and experiences from her year in Finland. She is a senior this year at Highland Park Senior High School, although she will be taking classes at the U to earn both college and high school credits.
Finland is about the size of Minnesota and Iowa combined, with a population roughly the size of Minnesota. The official languages are Finnish and Swedish. Over the course of its history, Finland has been governed by Sweden at times and by Russia.
Emma spent some time living on a cattle farm in a small town (pop. 10,000). She enjoyed trips to Lapland (to see Santa Claus, the reindeer and the Sami people), Helsinki and St. Petersburg, Russia. She met many other Rotary exchange students from Taiwan, Australia and the United States.
A 9-year hockey veteran, Emma played on a team in Finland, and the Wild sent them all Wild jerseys!
In closing, she shared a photo of a Rotary banner at one of the hockey events she attended, with the headline “Rotary does good.” As a second-generation Rotary Youth Exchange Student, Emma concurred.
Nancy McKillips collected happy dollars from Shelly Rucks (in honor of the upcoming “Rotary After Dark” happy hour at Landmark Jewelers on Thursday, August 25; $52 from Joe Kvarik (in honor of his birthday and his 51st wedding anniversary); Al Zdrazil (in honor of the this weekend’s Japanese Lantern Lighting ceremony at which his Taiko Drum ensemble will play); Jerry Miegs (in honor of the upcoming Rotary International Convention); Kristin Montpetit (who ran the 202 mile marathon from Winona to the Twin Cities!); Debbie Lee (in honor of her Canadian vacation in Alberta, which included the Canada Rotary Park); and Michael-jon Pease (in honor of Emma Mulhern and the many happy dollars her exchange trip generated and the many accomplishments ahead that would generate more, and her eventual Rotary membership!).
Joe Kovarik introduced District Governor Jim Hunt, a Rotarian with many international trips and service projects on his resume.
Hunt first shared the foundation of Rotary’s motto “Service above self”, built on the strategic plan values of Fellowship, Leadership, Diversity, Integrity and Service that grow out of the Four Way Test. He did share that younger members find the word “fellowship” old-fashioned and prefer “friendship.” At each table were word cloud print outs of our clubs values, with the largest words (that had the most votes) being Fellowship, Service, Community and Global. Hunt encouraged members to pair up and share with each other which values on the card meant the most. After two minutes of table talk, he concluded that it is easier than we think to talk about values, but it something we as citizens rarely do. He said that Rotary is good at identifying problems and creating solutions, but we rarely tell anyone about the good work we do, nor do we often talk about the problems and the values at stake.
Hunt then shared the circular flow he sees from projects/outcomes to Rotary’s public image that can drive membership and then funds for the foundation to create more projects.
Rotary’s strategic goal is to end Polio. During RI’s 30 year effort, Polio has gone from 1,000 reported cases per day to fewer than 20. We are two to three years away from having the last two countries in the world declared Polio free, although the response teams and immunization systems we’ve created will need to be maintained at some level to keep the disease eradicated.<
Rotary’s operational goal is membership. As we can see in our own clubs, membership in North American and Europe is flat. The real membership growth in recent years has been in South Asia and Africa.
Respectfully submitted,
Michael-jon Pease
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| Posted by Michael-jon Pease on Aug 10, 2016 |
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We sent Signe Peterson off to represent the club in France as an outgoing Rotary Youth Exchange and heard from our own Larry Morgan about the fascinating history of the Hamm Building (designed by his firm) and the family behind it. The tale included gangsters, kidnapping, gorgeous terra cotta and six beers a day!
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President Chuck Whitaker called the meeting to order at 12:15 and David Laird led the club in America, with Dennis Boom at the ivories.
Past President John Andrews offered a summer camp grace.
Shelly Rucks introduced guests and collected happy dollars from Sarah Kolar (in honor of her upcoming “Rotary After Dark Happy Hour at Landmark Jewelers); Roger Nielsen (in honor of his upcoming Wisconsin BBQ) , Erika (in honor of Signe’s departure wishing her “bon voyage”); Ed Coleman, (in honor of the recognition of Beyond the Yellow Ribbon Project at the Saints game, along with personal recognition of Ed and Mindy Kastelic); Linda Mulhern (in honor of staying in Europe with Rotary host families and the return of her daughter from her youth Exchange Year); Darrell Butterwick (in honor of a 70th wedding anniversary in South Dakota which included an amazing lightning display from the rainstorm 50 miles away).
Signe Peterson, out bound Rotary Youth Exchange student is headed to France in a few weeks to represent us and to learn. Signe is a life-time Saint Paul resident. Through volunteering at the Walker Art Center, she has learned to call both the Twin Cities home. She lives in the St. Anthony Park neighborhood, straddling both cities. Her father is a carpenter and musician, her mother is a dental hygienist and painter. A true liberal arts student, Signe herself has participated in all the arts and enjoys sharing her work and learning from others. Her plan is to dive headfirst into the wider world, make many mistakes and learn from doing and through relationships with those around her.
Next week’s meeting will feature District Governor Jim Hunt.
President Chuck introduced member Larry Morgan, who will speak on the history of the Hamm Building, the Hamm Family itself and the Brewery that build it all.
The Hamm family first came to Saint Paul from Germany in 1856 to open the Sailor's Rest boarding house, Theodore made a loan to a friend who was starting a brewery. When the friend defaulted on the loan, Theodore took it over and became a brewer.
In 1886, William Hamm (second generation), became the first Boreas Rex of the Saint Paul Winter Carnival.
In 1896, the family formed Hamm Realty (now United Properties), still a large landholding corporation, now owned by the Pohlad Group.
In 1899, William Hamm diversified into the cinema business, becoming President of the Northwestern Theater Circuit, running 136 theatres around the Midwest.
In 1931, William Hamm, Jr (third generation) takes over after his father’s death. Two years later, Jr. was kidnapped by the Karpis gang and held for $100,000 ransom.
In 1936, Jr, becomes CEO and appoints William Figge, third generation brewmaster, as President.
The family built their homes overlooking the brewery on Minnehaha, rather than on Summit Avenue. The brewery covered 20 acres of the East Side and employed many workers. 3M and the Whirlpool plant were the other significant employers in the neighborhood.
At its peak in 1965, Hamm’s produced 3.8 mm barrels of beer. The operation was sold to Hublein that year and was closed in 1997. During Prohibition, the brewery produced “near beer” as well as industrial alcohol, syrups and soft drinks.
In 1957 the Hamm’s Bear commercial was rated “most liked” by Television Age Magazine.
Louise Hamm used to make lunch for all the brewery employees every day and she and Theodore hosted a company picnic at their home every summer. Employees were allowed to drink as much as they wanted during work, until they decided to limit it to just SIX PER DAY! (Now there's a new member challenge!)
The Hamm Building at the corner of 6th and St. Peter was built on what the city thought of as “the Cathedral block” – home to three iterations of the Cathedral , as well as a school and the Archbishop’s residence. After the new Cathedral on Summit was finished, the old Cathedral was torn down in 1914. TKDA was hired to build a new department store on that block for Mannheimer’s Dept Store. WWI brought construction to a halt, and after the war, the unfinished building was purchased and completed by Theodore Hamm.
The project was #504 for the company (which numbers their projects consecutively). They just has surpassed project number 16,000!
William Hamm changed the design to include a huge theatre – the Capitol – as part of his theatre circuit.<
The basement was originally home to the St. Paul Recreation Company, which included a bowling alley, boxing ring and pool hall. A famous mob hangout in the 1930's, this area is now Park Square Theatre's Andy Boss Thrust Stage, offices and Vieux Carre Jazz Club.
Respectfully submitted,
Michael-jon Pease
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| Posted by Michael-jon Pease on Aug 02, 2016 |
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The club enjoyed a great conversation with Shaun Irwin AND cookies from Cookie Cart! See what you missed! Also, Blake Davis is stepping down from a fabulous run of leading our Dictionary Project. Please talk with President Whitaker if you can help shepherd this vital and impactful annual program.
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President Chuck Whitaker called the meeting to order at 12:15.
Jerry Faletti, Lethert, Skwira, Schultz & Co. LLP, led the club in singing America the Beautiful with Doug Hartford at the piano.
Jason Bradshaw, Bradshaw Funeral and Cremation Services, offered an inspirational moment about “the time to be happy is now.”
Shelly Rucks, Episcopal Homes Foundation, introduced visiting Rotarians like our old friend Carol Kralichek, and guests of members.
Thanks to Al Zdrazil, MN Attorney General Office (Retired), for warmly greeting at the door, and to Michael-jon Pease, Park Square Theatre, for taking today’s notes.
Shelly Rucks collected happy dollars. President Whitaker reminded the club that membership has its rewards, including beer from Summit Brewing Company for both the new member and the sponsor!
Blake Davis is retiring from his many years leading our Third Grade Dictionary project. Please talk with Chuck if you are interested in taking on this vital and impactful project.
Matt Halley, Cookie Cart, introduced today’s speaker Shaun Irwin, Anderson Agency and City of Lakes Rotary.
To frame his discussion about the importance of relationships in business, civic and personal life, Shaun mentioned that 6+3% of Rotarians join because of a friend.
When Shaun moved to Minnesota in 1987 he only knew one person – his soon to be ex-wife! Desperately in need of work, he applied at Anderson Insurance Agency and almost walked out without a job, until he asked what they were doing with that new computer in the corner. He wound up being the answer to that question and after several years, he realized his dream to buy the company.
He had a rough start toward that dream, excelling instead at drinking. He lost his marriage and almost lost his job before he harnessed the power to change his life.
“Any relationship you want to grow starts with giving” is one of his mantras. To rebuild his life, Shaun started networking and building relationships with all the positive people around him, created a written plan for success. He managed to buy the agency in just five years and has since grown the business five times.
In Shaun’s view, all our technology has created a deeper craving for relationship that only continues to grow. His book Convertible Referrals outlines his business and personal strategy for growing positive relationships based on doing good and giving back with people you know, like and trust. His book can be purchased for a donation of $10-$20 that he matches and all the money goes to Cookie Cart, a youth development and employment program.
The strategy of giving back is true for his company, which tried to help find a major sponsor for a charity golf tournament. When the billion-dollar company turned them down, he asked his staff how Anderson Agency could become that major sponsor, and has since raised tens of thousands for charity through the tournament, growing the business all along the way.
Shaun also offered a tip for growing Rotary. His club, City of Lakes, has had an amazing year of adding members, especially young professionals, by adding an “every other” Tuesday evening “Rotary After Dark” Happy Hour to their standard Wednesday breakfast meeting schedule. The club also sponsors a Rotaract group.
After a brief Q&A, members were invited to peruse Shaun’s book and enjoy a cookie from Cookie Cart.
Respectfully submitted,
Michael-jon Pease
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| Posted by Jodi Erickson on Aug 02, 2016 |
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Shaun Irwin is president of the Anderson Agency, a Minneapolis-based independent insurance agency. His rags-to-riches story is as literal as they come: simply in need of a job to feed his family, he started as the agency mail clerk. Eleven years later . . . fueled by luck, love, friendship, learning, gratitude and the power of referral-based growth . . . he bought the agency.
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A nationally recognized author, speaker, consultant, and consumer advocate, Shaun actively participates in and supports a variety of community and civic organizations. A 3-time National Marketer of the Year, Shaun continues to actively seek to grow the organization on his guiding principle of helping others be successful. He lives near Minneapolis with his wife and two children.
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| Posted by Chuck Standfuss on Jul 27, 2016 |
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Two programs in the Twin Cities work in close collaboration with a shared mission: to increase access to college for lower income students and to ensure that they graduate. College Possible and Wallin Education Partners, represented respectively by Sara Dziuk and Susan Basil King, described for the members of Club 10 "America's Degree Divide" and the local efforts being made to address it.
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President Chuck Whitaker brought the meeting to order at 12:15 p.m. on a sunny summer day in downtown Saint Paul. Past President and past District Governor Joe Kovarik led the assembled Rotarians in singing Let There Be Peace on Earth accompanied by Doug Hartford on the piano. Nancy Brady provided today's invocation. Mindee Kastelic facilitated the introduction of visiting Rotarians and guests. Today's Greeters were Mindee Kastelic and Shelly Rucks.
President Chuck reminded Club 10 members that today is the deadline to sign up for Club 10 night at the Saints game on August 24th. Interested members need to sign up through the Club website or contact member Sherry Howe directly. He then asked Jay Pfaender to provide a preview of next week's meeting: a notebook, a pen and an applicant (a tutorial on referrals based on the book Convertible Referrals written by next week's speaker, Shaun Irwin). Mindee Kastelic collected Happy Dollars.
David Laird introduced today's speakers, Susan Basil King and Sara Dziuk. David prefaced the program by providing context regarding the population of low income and minority students who need assistance with success in college. He also posed two questions to those in attendance: do you know of another effort that provides a greater return-on-investment? As a leader, what can you do to help these programs succeed?
Today's speakers represented College Possible and Wallin Education Partners. These programs believe every student deserves every opportunity to go as far as their talent can take them. However, statistics clearly demonstrate "America's degree divide" by income strata. More than 240,000 lower income students nationally are prepared for college but do not enroll in college. The statistics show that 73% of prepared upper income students graduate from college while only 8% of prepared low income students graduate from college. In addition since 1978, tuition and fees have increased 1,225%. During this same time period food costs are up 257% while the overall consumer price index is up 279%. This has resulted in extraordinary student loan debt.
College Possible and Wallin Education Partners share a mission: to increase access to college for lower income students and to ensure that they graduate. College Possible coaches low income high school students through intensive after school programs. The program has a success rate of 98% of its students admitted to college. Each College Possible student applies to at least five colleges in order to provide a choice of schools for further education. College Possible coaches its students all the way through college. After college, College Possible graduates continue with Ameri-Corps program service.
Wallin Education Partners describes its program as "A Scholarship that Works." The program tries to leverage all sources of financial aid to provide effective financial aid. A one-to-one relationship of an advisor to the student for four to six years is established including Masters-level advisors. The program provides academic, financial, social and emotional support. As a result, the six-year graduation rate for Wallin students is 92%. This compares to a 65% six-year graduation rate for all other students. The collaboration with College Possible has meant that 30% of scholarships have gone to College Possible clients. Remarkably, this college access programming of College Possible and Wallin Education Partners working together costs one-seventh of similar federally funded programs.
President Chuck thanked Ms. Basil King and Ms. Dziuk for their presentation, noted that a donation would be made in their names to the Saint Paul Public Library's "Reading Together" program and presented each of them with a Rotary coin emblazoned with the Four-Way Test. He then led those assembled in a recitation of the Four-Way Test ("Is it the Truth? Is it Fair to all concerned? Will it build Goodwill and Better Friendships? Will it be Beneficial to all concerned?"). President Chuck rang the bell to close the meeting at 1:13 p.m.
Respectfully Submitted,
 Chuck Standfuss, Scribe
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| Posted by John Guthmann on Jul 27, 2016 |
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On July 25 over 65 Rotarians and guests enjoyed Carla Fest, formerly known as the President's Roast. It was a self-catered happy hour event in the Pioneer-Endicott Building Party Room. Delicious appetizers were served along with a special tequila drink called The Carla, and a free beer tasting featuring new brewery and Pioneer Building tenant, 12Eyes Brewing Co.
Carla's family enjoyed seeing Carla get a little hot under the collar when she was exposed as a St. Paul ex-patriot masquerading as a person who lives or works in St. Paul. It was revealed that Carla needed to pass a simple test of St. Paul lore or remain Club 10 President for another year. She passed, but just barely. Lucky break because we auctioned off her wardrobe of dress clothing thinking her Presidency was over. Carla has nothing left to wear but sweats. It was all in good fun, and there was much fun to be had.
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| Posted by Jodi Erickson on Jul 29, 2016 |
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The board of directors has approved the following for membership. If no written objection stating reasons is received by the board from any member of the club within 10 days following publication of the name, the prospective member, shall be considered to be elected to membership.
Josh Windham
Volunteer Services Manager
Union Gospel Mission Twin Cities
Classification: Union Gospel Mission
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| Posted by Jodi Erickson on Jul 01, 2016 |
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Join your fellow Rotarians and guests on Wednesday, August 24th for the Saint Paul Saints game against the Wichita Wingnuts. We’ll be seated at tables on the patio and will have access to the air conditioned Club level and all the goodies available there. The cost is $90 (regularly $120) and includes a wide selection of food items and beer, wine and soft drinks. A full bar is also available. The gates open at 5:30 pm. The first pitch is at 7:05 pm. RSVP online or by calling Sherry at 651 343-4569.
Click Here to Register
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