Posted by Jeff Benson on Feb 06, 2018

Mary Stewart opened the meeting with the Pledge of Allegiance and the Invocation. 

 

Our visitors today were Mary Stewart’s parents (visiting from Arizona) and North St. Paul/Maplewood Rotarian and Rotary District Board Member, Brian Buchmeyer.  Brian is in charge of medium sized clubs in the District and he was visiting to observe our club and answer questions and/or bring our comments back to the District.

 

Jason Miller presented Jeff Benson with his a Paul Harris Fellowship+7, signifying contributions to the Foundation totaling over $8,000.  See photo above.

 

Dana Rebelein is putting together information on club projects so we can apply to Rotary for club recognition awards.

 

Jason Slama participated in the Polar Plunge for Special Olympics MN.

 

The painting class/wine tasting event has been changed to a sign-making event.  Stay tuned for the date and other details.

 

Last week’s Club Assembly was continued today. 

-Membership:  Beverly deferred to Gerry for a discussion of recent membership development success which seems to be at least partly due to the momentum created by the addition of the breakfast meeting.  Jeff Benson noted that efforts are underway to coordinate Breakfast and Lunch club membership efforts and develop a new member orientation program to increase member retention.

-International Service:  Gerry read a written report from Cindy Carlson and Geoff Hollimon which outlined the projects we support, including: Polio Plus, Costa Rica project, Global Grants programs, Peruvian Project, Guatemala Literacy project, Remember Niger and Rancho Cubando, among others.

-Youth Service:  Jason Slama presented the Youth Service report for Ed James.  Youth Service projects include: CPY Kids Korral at Stockyard Days, Quincy Tree House, Irondale Choir Support, Snack Pack program, Harvest Pack Event with Irondale, High School Scholarships, 4th Grade Foresters and the annual Egg Hunt.  Dennis Connolly reported that our club’s Homeless Youth Initiative will be building a relationship with Life Prep Academy.  Gerry reported that Chris Ledbeter will lead a Financial Literacy class for middle school students at CPY.  Michelle Caron will head up a “Beds for Kids” effort. 

-Vocational Service:  Mark Lampman reported on vocational service.  Among our many vocational service efforts are: Camp Enterprise, Camp RYLA, and Classification Talks.  We also promote vocational awareness with visits to local businesses like CTV North Suburbs and ReStore.  We hope to expand our vocational service reach by taking field trips to Land O’ Lakes and Life Prep Academy.

-Secretary:  MaryAnn Bawden reported that she is cleaning out the Rotary Cabinet.  It’s amazing how much junk accumulates in that cabinet!

-Treasurer:  John Ordway reported that Jason Miller recently prepared a review of club financial procedures and, as a result, we are instituting the following changes:  A second signer for checks, monthly cash disbursements journal, at least two cash counters at the Gold Plate Dinner or other events with cash receipts.  John also noted that he would appreciate some volunteers to handle meeting cash when he is out of town.

-President:  Gerry Tietz summarized the two-day club assembly by expressing his amazement at how many great things our club does each year, and thanked all who work so hard to make it all happen.