JULY 19, 2016 ROTARY IN REVIEW:
Megan Remark
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.
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