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What is Rotation Day?

When Paul Harris founded Rotary in 1905, meetings were held at the members’ place of business – rotating from member  company to member company – hence the name “Rotary.”  For our club, Rotation Day is an event which brings us back to our “roots” and gives us the opportunity to gain new insights into the vocational challenges and business issues which are unique to our fellow Rotarians.

President Chuck Whitaker announced that Thursday’s speaker will be Mark Moores. 

John Overland reminded us to sign up for Rotation Day, next Tuesday, November 8.  This is a great way to learn about sister club members and their businesses.  Our three options are Visit Saint Paul, Neighborhood House, and Episcopal Homes.  Please register by this Thursday, November 3, on the Rotary Club of St. Paul website or by contacting Jodi.

Doug Bruce reminded us that November is Rotary Foundation month.  To encourage giving to both Rotary International Foundation and to our local club foundation, several promotions are available.  Giving to the RI Foundation – which supports projects around the world, especially polio eradication and clean water projects – you earn points toward a Paul Harris Fellowship (recognizing Rotarians who have given $1,000 or more to RI Foundation).  In November, your points will be matched, meaning a $500 gift earns you enough points for a Paul Harris Fellowship!

For gifts to our local foundation, all donors in November (and this includes our monthly sustaining donors), will be entered into a drawing for prizes including a pearl necklace, rare wines, and entertainment tickets.  Each $25 gift earns you a chance for a prize and $100 earns you five chances.  Please be generous to both foundations this November! Past Presidents Jim Kosmo and John Guthmann gave their donations today!  President Chuck reminds us that we want 100% participation from club members.  Reminder letters were given to those at today’s meeting.  If you weren’t there don’t worry, your letter will be coming!

Kristin Montpetit gave a rousing promotion for our Holiday Party, December 8 at the University Club on Summit Avenue.  This is a great time and lots of fun.  Plus, we hold a silent auction (one of our main fundraisers for the year).  You’ll want to both give and receive – donations for auction items will be accepted by Kristin.  Christmas shopping can be finished that night by bidding high!

Our annual Dictionary Project, now chaired by Steve Gerber, needs volunteers this Thursday at 10 a.m. at JJ Hill Montessori School to hand out dictionaries to 3^rd graders.  Volunteers are also needed on Friday.  Please contact Steve Gerber for details. 

Doug Hartford announced the 15^th Annual Foundation Centennial Celebration of Rotary International Foundation, Saturday November 12 at the Double Tree Hotel in downtown St. Paul.  Earlier that day there will be a food-packing event at Second Harvest Heartland from 1 – 2:30 p.m. Details can be found at www.Rotary5960.org.

Happy Dollars were given by:

Peter Pearson – join his retirement celebration on November 3, 5:30 p.m. at the Wigington Pavilion on Harriet Island,

Scott Van – thanks Ed Coleman for his bobblehead imitation ,

Mindee Kastelic – announced the Chamber Honors Gala this Thursday November 3 from 5:30 to 8 p.m.; three Rotarians have been nominated for the Deubener Award, Matt Halley with Cookie Cart, Michael-jon Pease with Park Square Theatre, and Envision Catering (Billy Givens),

Derek Kaufman – announced that the Dressing Downton exhibit will open this Friday at MoA and run through January 31, 2017, and

Clyde Nelson – gave thanks for the outstanding rose quality this year.

Paul Pearson introduced today’s speaker, Clint Roberts, Coordinator for the Saint Paul European Christmas Market.  Clint is the founder and head of One Simple Plan, a communication and brand engagement agency in Minneapolis.  He is charged with managing and expanding this annual event.  2016 marks the third year for the Saint Paul European Christmas Market; this year it will be bigger and better than ever – double the size from last year, more craft and artisan vendors, new foods and drinks, and more days!  Highlights are local craft vendors and artisans featuring hand-made wares for sale, authentic foods and drink (glühwein), and traditional holiday entertainment for the whole family.  This year’s Market will be featured in USA Today.  The Saint Paul European Christmas Market is primarily funded by individual donations and can always use contributions.  If interested, please contact Nathan Bowie at nathan.bowie@onesimpleplan.com

Where: Union Depot, outside on the East Plaza

When: December 1-4 and December 8-11

            Thursday and Fridays 4-9 p.m.

            Saturdays 11 a.m. – 9 p.m.

            Sundays 12 noon – 6 p.m.

President Chuck thanked our speaker and adjourned the meeting.

Respectfully submitted,

Kathleen Riley