President Jerry called the meeting to order at 12:15. Joe Kovarik and Ed Coleman led the group in song with “This Land is Your Land” with Bill Given on the piano. Bob Cardinal shared an inspirational minute where he read 4 messages from prior Rotary International presidents, highlighting the themes and mission of Rotary. Michael-jon Pease introduced visiting Rotarians and guests.
President Jerry announced the recent passing of Rotarian Bob Knox. Services will be held at 10 A.M on Friday, October 13. Contact Doug Bruce for details. Steve Gerber promoted Thursday’s Fellowship meeting, which will involve packing dictionaries for the annual dictionary project. He reminded the group that while we call this a dictionary project it’s really a literacy project. Our club provides 3000 dictionaries to third graders at 36 St. Paul public schools. Watch for volunteer opportunities when it comes time to distribute.
Jay Pfaender presented the David R and Elizabeth P Fesler Endowment Award, with the assistance of Dave’s widow, BJ Fesler. This award is presented annually to a person consistently demonstrating volunteer leadership in the community. The recipient does not have to be a Rotarian and receives $1000 donated in their name to Rotary International. This year’s recipient is Linda Mulhern, who was recognized for her work with Youth Exchange, RYLA and a variety of other volunteer contributions for the city of St. Paul. Congratulations Linda!
Jay Pfaender promoted next week’s meeting, which will update the club on St. Paul’s World’s Fair bid. Mark Ritchie is slated to speak, unless he is called away to try to further St. Paul’s efforts to get the World’s Fair to our city. Jay says things are moving quickly! We expect an announcement regarding the host by November 15.
This week’s program focused on several members sharing their reflections on the Rotary International Convention. Joe Kovarik, Ken Crabb, Jerry Faletti, and Jerry the quality of the program, the value of the fellowship, and how the Convention builds connections with rotarians all over the world. More than 40,000 people attended the conference in Toronto in June. I’m sure all of these gentlemen would be delighted to tell you more if you have an interest in attending a future conference.
We concluded with the 4 way test.
Respectfully submitted,
