OCTOBER 11, 2016 ROTARY IN REVIEW:
Melvin Carter
President Chuck Whitaker called the meeting to order at 12:15 pm. Jerry Faletti led the singing of America The Beautiful. Nancy Brady gave the inspirational minute. Carla Hauge introduced visiting Rotarians and guests. The greeters were Ed Coleman and Jason DeKeuster. John Andrews invited everyone to the CSA Community Builder Celebration on October 13, at the InterContinental Hotel. There will be appetizers at 5:15 pm and dinner at 6:00 pm. The event will celebrate Hugh Schilling of Horton, Inc. as the 2016 Community Builder.
Scott Van announced that all 1,000 dozen roses for the Rose Sale were sold. He thanked everyone for selling roses.
The Thursday Fellowship meeting will be our annual service project. It will take place in the “training room” at Summit Brewery in St. Paul, courtesy of Mark Stutrud and his staff. It will consist of placing Rotary bookplates in the dictionaries and packaging them for distribution to Saint Paul schools. The site will be available at 7:00 am with pastries and refreshments. We will adjourn at 8:30 and conclude our efforts on October 20 at the same time and location. This project will take place of our weekly Fellowship gatherings. Steve Gerber will be in command.
November 12 will be the 100th Anniversary of Rotary International. There will be a dinner and meeting in Saint Paul and food packing at Second Harvest.
Jay Pfaender said that Steve Young, next week’s speaker, is the news more than any Rotarian in MN. He will talk about the decline of the middle class.
Sarah Kolar announced that the Second Century Society will meet at the Town and Country Club tomorrow at 4:00 pm.
Kristin Montpetit reminded members to sign up for the Holiday Party on December 8. It will take place at the University Club from 6:00 to 9:30 pm. She offered to name the signature drink at the event in honor of the highest bidder, which was $100.
Carla Hauge collected Happy Dollars from a number of members.
Trixie Ann Golberg introduced the speaker, Melvin Carter III, Executive Director of the Minnesota Children’s Cabinet. She talked about the story behind the Minnesota Children’s Cabinet, how it gives young people the opportunity to express themselves. Melvin Carter told about his background in Saint Paul (graduate of Central High School) and at Florida A & M University where he attended on a track and field scholarship. After college he moved back to his hometown and served 6 years on the Saint Paul City Council. As executive director of the Minnesota Children’s Council, he advises the governor and works with other agencies on early childhood issues and investment in young females. He sees the number one priority in the country as the well being of children.
Melvin talked about the Philando Castile case and how it was a tragedy for the community, for everyone involved. People are getting tired of these experiences. As the son of a police officer, he believes it is not a police issue, but sees both sides of it. As the community is becoming more diverse, he wants everyone to be able to participate in dealing with the issues we face in Saint Paul.
President Chuck Whitaker led Rotary members in the Four Way Test and the meeting was adjourned at 1:15 pm.
Lynne Beck
Scribe