| 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 Jul 26, 2016 |
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 Leaders of two outstanding programs explain how to help low income, first generation, and minority students gain access to and succeed in college.
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Susan Basil King, Ed.D., Director of Wallin Education Partners
Since 1992, Wallin Education Partners has awarded college scholarships to thousands of promising Twin Cities high school students with financial need. We partner with high schools, colleges, and donors to help our scholars live up to their promise—that they graduate from college, launch successful careers, and ultimately contribute to the future health and vitality of our communities.
Sara Dziuk, Executive Director of College Possible Minnesota
College Possible is making college admission and success possible for low-income students through an intensive curriculum of coaching and support. In her role, Sara is responsible for all day-to-day management and operational issues, leading strategic organizational development, raising funds, coordinating communications and building relationships with partner organizations in the Twin Cities.
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| Posted by John M. Chandler on Jul 20, 2016 |
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At three minutes past 12:15 President Chuck called this week’s gathering and “Battle for the Microphone” to order. Doug Hartford laid down the ivory while Jerry Faletti led us in America the Beautiful. Shelly Rucks delivered an inspirational minute in response to tragedies, national and local, in the last few weeks.
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It was a meeting full of return microphone visits; more on this later. Could it be Rotarians grasping for a lost shaker of salt or one of the special beverages finally revealed when President Chuck’s reign began merely one week ago. He’s already tied Past President Jim Kosmo’s presiding attendance at two meetings. Well done President Chuck!
Erika Schwichtenberg introduced guests but not without Past President Doug Bruce trying to reclaim power (glory) by owning the mic. Luckily Mindee Kastelic had guests to introduce and order was restored.
President Chuck thanked today’s greeters Dion Powers and Heather Christopherson and the scribe John Chandler. He also promoted Carla Fest on July 25.
JasonDekeuster took the stage to promote Rotary Night at the Saints on August 24. He suggested if you like beer and having someone else cook dinner for you, why not catch some Saints baseball while you are at it.
From the floor David Laird promoted Wallin Partners, College Possible, as our July 26 meeting program. There is good news about improving college success – the key word success – for low income and minority students.
Erika Schwichtenberg returned to the mic and was flawless collecting happy dollars. Most notably was a visiting Rotarian named Jamie Buckley. Jamie is kayaking from Lake Itasca to the Gulf of Mexico to raise awareness for the eradication of polio. He began on June 25 and hopes to reach his destination by World Polio Day on October 24. Follow his journey at www.tcozee.com or through his new Facebook page.
David Laird returned to the mic and promoted a tribute to Rotarian Jim Fields for his five decades of Mouldy Figs music. Join them on July 31, 5:30p.m. at Shamrocks. David suggested reservations as a good idea. Contact him at templeton.laird@gmail.com.
Lastly, Mindee Kastelic returned to the mic to introduce today’s speaker, Megan Remark, President and CEO of Regions Hospital. Mrs. Remark’s presentation was titled “Partners in Health” and she provided many wonderful reminders why Minnesota is a great place to live.
In 2015 Regions had 5,100 employees and served 26,000 patients. Mrs. Remark wants to help children thrive. As a Level 1 Trauma Center, they partner with over 22 organizations and provide medical training annually to 3,000 medical professionals. It takes a team.
This was reinforced when Mrs. Remark told the story of meeting a boy named Jack last October. Jack fell out of a tree and had an object lodged in one of his legs. Within three minutes first responders were on the scene and by the time he arrived at the hospital six surgeons were ready. Within one week Jack walked out of the hospital.
The obligatory mission, vision and values were shared. Regions hopes to make good experiences out of times of need.
They insure 1.5 million in Minnesota and Wisconsin, and soon Iowa. Their network includes seven hospitals and 55 medical/dental clinics. Ever aware of their humble St. Paul start in 1872, Mrs. Remark is proud of their 27 St. Paul locations. Did you know the first heart surgery performed in St. Paul was in 1948? Other shared statistics include 83,000 ER visits and 14 million in charity care provided last year. They are first in market share but don’t do transplants.
Opening in spring 2017 is the Health Partners Neuroscience Center.
Regions has many community partnerships. One of their most important initiatives is helping patients within the first 72 hours of being released from hospital care as this is when they are most likely to return to care. Again, it takes a team.
Mrs. Remark addressed challenges and was gracious fielding many questions.
President Chuck, the “Battle for the Microphone” winner, thanked Mrs. Remark for joining us today and closed the meeting with the Four Way Test before adjourning at 1:05 p.m.
Respectfully Submitted,
John Chandler
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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 22, 2016 |
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It is with sadness that we announce the passing of former Club 10 member, Steve Marino. We extend our sincere sympathy to his wife, Renee, and the rest of his family.
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| Posted by Jodi Erickson on Jun 01, 2016 |
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"Carla Fest” begins begin at 5:30 p.m. on Monday, July 25 and will be held in the first-floor party room of the historic Pioneer Endicott Building. The location is Fourth and Robert in downtown St. Paul. The cost is $35 per person. The cost is already reasonable, but get this, the cost includes food AND drinks. Rotarians and their guests can expect a delicious assortment of appetizers ample enough in quantity that dinner will not be necessary that night. As for the beverages, wine and soft drinks will be available. In addition, bartender Bob Jones, the proud Dad, will be serving a light and refreshing alcoholic beverage known worldwide as the “Carla.” Just belly up to the bar and say, “I’ll have a Carla.” If that was not already enough to ensure the time of your life, St. Paul’s newest brewery, and the Pioneer Endicott Building’s newest tenant, 12welve Eyes Brewing Company, will be serving complimentary samples of its beer.
All in all, you will have so much fun that, but for the title of the event, you might even forget that the purpose of the party is to honor our outgoing President Carla. Sign up for the fun and see for yourself how smooth her exit from the presidency will be—or not.
Click Here to Register
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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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