Posted by Jeff Benson on Oct 31, 2017
Bob Barmore did double duty with the Pledge of Allegiance and the Invocation today.
 
Our Rotarian guests were Roseville Rotarian Marv Sorvala and NBMV Breakfast Club Rotarians Garry Johnson and Chris Ledbeter.  Sue Ager introduced Innsbruck’s new administrator, Reid Hewitt.  Sue also indicated that she will be terminating her membership as she retires.  We will miss you, Sue!
 
Our Noon meeting next week will be hosted by Mark Lampman at the Habitat For Humanity’s ReStore, 510 County Rd D West, New Brighton, MN 55112.  Here is a map.  Be sure to park in the back lot.  If you haven’t already RSVP’d with your Jimmy John’s lunch choice, call Mark Lampman ASAP.
 
The Irondale Choir is tentatively scheduled to join us at our December 19th noon meeting for their annual holiday concert and Christmas carol sing-along.  Whenever the concert is scheduled, it will be an off-site meeting at a location to be determined.
 
Dana Rebelein passed the hat for the Ralph Reeder Food Shelf this week for the third and final week.  Week one contributions were $181 and week two garnered $89.  This week’s contribution was $216.50, which included $28.50 from Garry Johnson’s closet clearing inspired auction of two briefcases for $28.50.  The three week total was a whopping $486.50, which translates into $3892 of buying power for the clever shoppers at Ralph Reeder Food Shelf.  Well done, NBMV Rotary!!!
 
Jason Slama let us know that local dental offices and businesses will be “buying back” unused or excess Halloween candy, offering cash, coupons or other incentives to get the cavity producing and waistline expanding candy out of your home and into the hands of our Troops and Veterans through the Operation Shoebox program.  Click here to find a drop-off location or find out more about the program.
 
Mary Stewart thanked all who attended or contributed to the CPY Game Night Gala fundraiser.  Preliminary figures show $15,000 in donations with money still coming in.
 
Cor Wilson reminded us that we can view recorded “Candidates Speak Out” and “Candidate Forums” on the CTV North Suburbs Website Elections Page.  You can also watch live election coverage starting at 8:30PM on Election Day.
 
Dave Hoel reported that he has purchased 400 pounds of jelly beans in preparation for our annual Easter Egg Hunt.
 
The club voted to amend the By-laws to reflect the addition of the Breakfast Club.
 
Because today was a 5th Tuesday, our program today was a Club Assembly.
·  Club Treasurer John Ordway reviewed club finances, noting that the club’s annual budget is $70,000, $30,000 of which is from the Gold Plate Dinner which nets $20,000 after expenses.  John also noted that although we attempt to have a balanced budget each year, lower than expected expenses over the last few years has permitted us to run deficit budgets for the last couple of years.  He also reported that the financial impact of the addition of the Breakfast Club is yet to be determined.
·  The Breakfast Club report was presented by new member Chris Ledbeter.  Chris said that attendance at the Breakfast Meeting has been 6-10 people and invitation postcard mailings are occurring each week to promote membership growth.  These invitations will be available at the check-in desk at noon and breakfast meetings to help you invite your friends and co-workers to join us.
·  MaryAnn Bawden updated us on her Secretarial duties.
·  Bob Barmore reported on Club Administration.  He noted that we will have a Holiday party in January and that you should check your email for details about a group trip to see Shen Yun at the Ordway on February 18th.
·  The Rotary Foundation report was presented by Jason Miller.  Jason reminded us that November is Foundation Month.  As in the past, contributions to the Polio Plus fund during November and December will earn matching Foundation points from the club.  Also, the proceeds from any items auctioned off in November will be donated to the Foundation.
·  Garry Johnson (Membership) reported that there are three new members as a result of the addition of the Breakfast Club.  He urged us all to invite visitors to the club and to let him know of any prospective members.
·  Communications/PR Director Mary Stewart is working on improving our visibility by getting articles published in the local papers.
·  Jason Slama, Service Projects Director, reported on various projects, including: The Food Shelf, Egg Hunt, Peace Makers, Financial Literacy Project, ReStore Visit, possible State Capitol Tour, Camp Enterprise, Harvest Pack project, and a Feed My Starving Children event for Quincy House.
·  Geoff Hollimon (subbing for Cindy Carlson) reported on our support for two Global Grants in Guatemala (Nutrition Education and Literacy).  Geoff also updated us on the major damage to seed crops at ECHO following hurricane Irma.  Fortunately the farm buildings are intact.
 
Wow!  It’s amazing what a group of 36 committed Rotarians can do to make their community and world a better place.