Club Information
  JOIN US FOR OUR  MEETINGS EACH TUESDAY FROM NOON TO 1 PM
New Brighton Mounds View

Our Club Motto: Service Above Self

We meet In Person
Tuesdays at 12:00 PM
The Exchange Food and Drink
500 5th Ave. NW
651-348-6289
New Brighton, MN 55112
United States of America
1st and 3rd Tuesdays of the month.
Social Media Links
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Four-Way Test
Rotary's Four-Way Test
Of the things we think, say and do:
Is it the truth?
Is it fair to all concerned?
Will it build goodwill and better friendships?
Will it be beneficial to all concerned?
Home Page Stories
Calendar:
  • June 22 – Mounds View Community Engagement Juneteenth celebration at the Mounds View Community Center from 1 to 3 p.m.  Attorney General Keith Ellison will introduce Natalie Hudson, Chief Justice of the Minnesota Supreme Court. Free ice cream cones!
  • Last day to register for the installation of District Governor, Ed Boeve.
  •  June 29 – District Governor installation, 5 p.m., at Rustic Roots winery in Scandia. Catered by The Lake Elmo Inn. Music by Cattail Moon.
  • July 2 - Club Meeting at noon at The Exchange; program Science from Scientists; board meeting at 11
  • July 28 – Community Support Center fundraiser Walk, 9 a.m. – 1 p.m. at Silver View Park in Mounds View
Notes:
  • D5960 is seeking to meet its Foundation Annual Fund goal by the end of the Rotary year. (June 30) Contributions may be made online, with notice to John O. for Club records. This is the Fund from which we receive numerous matches for our service activities.
  • John J participated in the D5960 Membership training session. He credited Cindy’s successful leadership as our membership chair for the recognition and invitation.
  • We will have new Club management software starting July 1st.  Stay tuned for more information and club training details. 
  • Karen Meyer, Director, and Lynn Isaacson, President, of the Community Support Center (CSC), were present to receive the $6,000 raised for the organization at our Gala. CSC serves New Brighton, Mounds View, Arden Hills and Shoreview, helping people stay in their homes and teaching them how to avoid getting into the same predicament.
  • John O, Cindy, Mary, Nils and Susie are responsible for May and June programs, meeting place set up/take down, and invocation. Let John Johnson and Jason Miller know what the programs will be as soon as you can.
  • Teams for setting up and taking down the meeting site and providing the invocation in the 2024-25 Rotary year are as follows: Sept/Oct Ed, Vichai, Dennis & Jed; Nov/Dec Jason, Jeff, Nyle & George; Jan/Feb Dana, Jim, Geoff, Devin & Natalie; Mar/Apr Charlie, Dave, Paul & Denise, John J & Karen; May/Jun John O, Cindy, Mary, Nils & Susie.
  • Reminder - Indicate on the order form if you prefer coleslaw or salad to fries, and any necessary dietary requirements. Guest meals are $15.
Program:
Be SMART for Kids – Keeping guns away from kids
Jill Chisholm and Suzanne Sancillo spoke on the need for securing firearms so they don’t fall into the hands of kids who can use them to injure or kill themselves or others. Firearms are the leading cause of death among children. Clever, curious children can find hidden guns. More than half of stolen guns are taken from cars.
Be SMART and protect your family: SECURE all guns in your home and vehicles, MODEL responsible behavior around guns, ASK about unsecured guns in other homes and vehicles, RECOGNISE the role of guns in suicide, TELL your friends and neighbors to be SMART.
               They provided information on various devices available for securing guns individually or in numbers, in homes or in vehicles.
Calendar:
  • June 13 – Social outing to the Ordway to see the play, Come From Away. If you haven’t signed up, contact John Ordway ASAP to see if additional tickets are available.
  • June 18 – Club meeting noon at the Exchange
  • June 19 – Mounds View Meet and Greet (See Nyle Zikmund for details)
  • June 22 – Mounds View Kick off (See Nyle Zikmund for details)
Notes:
  • Ineke Faure, Nyle and Theresa Zikmund’s former exchange student from Germany, was a guest at the meeting.
  • Ed James was awarded a Paul Harris pin with one red stone signifying contribution to The Rotary Foundation of at least $7,000.  ED is shown with Foundation Director, Dana Rebelein, below.
  • NBMV Rotary surpassed its goal of raising $3,000 for The Foundation Annual Fund, actually contributing $4,600! This is the Fund that provides matches for District and Global Grants
  • D5960 is seeking to meet its Foundation Annual Fund goal by the end of the Rotary year. (June 30) Contributions may be made online, with notice to John for Club records.
  • We received a wonderful message of gratitude from the mother of one of the Irondale students we sponsored to RYLA (Rotary Youth Leadership Awards). She was excited about the experience’s impact on her son.
  • John O, Cindy, Mary, Nils and Susie are responsible for May and June programs, meeting place set up/take down, and invocation. Let John Johnson and Jason Miller know what the programs will be as soon as you can.
  • Teams for setting up and taking down the meeting site and the invocation in the 2024-25 Rotary year are same as for 2023-24.
  • Reminder - Indicate on the lunch order form if you prefer coleslaw or salad to fries, and any necessary dietary requirements. Guest meals are $15.
  • Although it wasn't announced at the meeting, Edeth James attended the St Anthony Scholarship presentations and is shown below with the recipients of our Service Above Self Scholarships, June McGrath and Alexis Shea-Anderson.
Program:
Minnesota Rally to Read
Tim Reardon shared the numbers demonstrating a serious deficiency of reading achievement among Minnesota children – Minnesota ranks 2nd worst in the country in racial inequities in reading proficiency. 500,000 children K-12 do not read proficiently for their grade levels.
Tim described the negative consequences of not reading for the individual, family and community. There is a strong correlation between 3rd grade reading ability and incarceration for criminal activity later. He stressed the importance of language and literacy development from 0 to 3 years of age. This is the period which could benefit from reaching caregivers, parents, babysitters, etc.
The Monticello Rotary Club learned of reading deficiencies in their own community and decided to take action, establishing the Minnesota Rally to Read program. They are raising funds and seeking a match from the State of Minnesota to implement the Monticello prototype in other communities.  
 
Today's meeting was held offsite at Fire Station 3 of the Spring Lake Park Blaine Mounds View Fire Department.  Fire Station 3 is dedicated to Nyle Zikmund, who was SBM Fire Chief for 12 years.  The building has a large meeting space which is in frequent use because Blaine doesn't have a community center.  The meeting was organized to display and launch Nyle's prize winning hand-built lapstrake skiff.  The original launch location was scrapped due to impending stormy weather and the fire station provided an indoor venue for a meal as well as a conveniently located pond for launching boat, weather permitting.  New Brighton Mounds View Rotarians were joined by many of Nyle's friends, co-workers and family members as Nyle revealed the intricacies of the boat building process and the level of craftsmanship necessary for the project.  Nyle credits master boat builder Phil Winger for helping to make his dream become reality.  When the project required more hands, Maria Petrova and Jeff Benson also worked on the project. Phil and Maria have started a new business in St. Paul called Sheer Craft, combining Maria's architectural expertise with Phil's woodworking skills to offer a wide range of services from boat building classes to custom design-build projects.  You can check out their new space at their open house on Sunday, May 26th from 3pm - 6pm, 1017 Front Ave, St. Paul. Please RSVP at sheercraft.info@gmail.com. 
 
The weather cooperated so we were able to launch the boat, and Nyle displayed considerable rowing skill as he circled the pond.  Once the crowd was certain that Nyle knew how to row and that the beautiful craft was not going to sink, several people took a turn in the boat.  The photos below reveal the functional beauty and old-world charm of an ages-old design that's better than anything available today.
  
 
 
Nyle with wife, Theresa, and Maria Petrov
 
Nyle with master boat builder, Phil Winger
 
Calendar:
  • June 4 – Club meeting at noon (Board Meeting at 11AM)
  • June 13 – Social outing to the Ordway to see the play, Come From Away. If you haven’t signed up, contact John Ordway ASAP to see if additional tickets are available.
Calendar:
  • Friday, April 19, 6:00PM - Gold Plate Dinner at Mounds View Community Center 
  • April 23, CPY Spring Luncheon fundraiser at Christ the King, 11:45 check-in; RSVP cpymn@cpymn.org
  • April 23 – Taste of Shoreview, 5 – 8 pm, Shoreview Community Center, hosted by AH/SH Rotary Club
  • April 24-28 – AH/SH Rotary Mobile Food Pack at Incarnation Lutheran Church, Shoreview
  • May 7 – noon club meeting at the Exchange; Board meeting at 11
  • May 8 – NYFS Leadership luncheon fundraiser, 11:30-1 pm, Vadnais Heights Commons, 655 Co. Rd. E, Vadnais Heights
  • May 21 – Club meeting at noon
  • June 13 – Social outing to the Ordway to see the play, Come From Away. Contact Dave Hoel ASAP with questions and to express interest, as he will be reserving tickets.
Notes:
  • GOLD PLATE DINNER: The amount of increase of individual donations and new donations will be matched by Bell Pole. Also, step up to sell mini-raffle tickets at the event.
  • Charlie, Dave, the Jacobsens and John J. are responsible for March and April programs and meeting place set up and take down.  John O, Cindy, Mary, Nils and Susie have May and June. Please let John Johnson and Jason Miller know what the programs will be as soon as you can.
  • Reminder - Indicate on the lunch order form if you prefer coleslaw or salad to fries, and any necessary dietary requirements. Guest meals are $15.
Program:
       Jennifer Fink, Director of New Brighton Parks and Recreation Department reviewed the major park improvements being implemented in the City and described the incredible number and variety of programs offered. The Department manages 17 Park and Trail sites, the golf course and the Community Center. Some of the changes she mentioned include replacing 4-season buildings with picnic shelters at Sunny Square and Totem Pole and adding pickle ball courts at Totem Pole; adding a picnic shelter and drainage updates at Hansen East; and a new building closer to parking and a ninja warriors battle course at Hansen West; adding parking and improving mobility features at Silver Oaks; and adding a splash pad at Lions’ Park.
        Each week June 11 through August 13, one of the parks will host Park Discovery Days with events for all ages. Each program will have special guests, crafts, games and demonstrations.  Here’s the schedule: June 11, 10-noon at Sunny Square; June 18, 4-6 at Hidden Oaks; June 25, 10-noon at Meadow Wood;  July 9, 4-6 at Driftwood; July 16, 10-noon at Innsbruck; July 23, 4-6 at Brightside; July 30, 10-noon at Vermont; and August 13, 4-6 at Totem Pole.  President John and Jennifer are shown below.
 
 
Calendar:
  • Saturday, April 6, TRASH BASH Community Clean UP hosted by Irondale Earth Club and New Brighton Park and Rec; 11am, back parking lot of Edgewood Middle School; bring bags and gloves
  • Tuesday, April 16 – noon Club Meeting at The Exchange
  • Friday, April 19 - Gold Plate Dinner at Mounds View Community Center – get sponsors; sell tickets; get restaurant gift cards and auction items. Turn in meal choices BEFORE APRIL 10.
  • April 23, CPY Spring Luncheon fundraiser at Christ the King, 11:45 check-in; RSVP cpymn@cpymn.org
  • April 23 – Taste of Shoreview, 5 – 8 pm, Shoreview Community Center, hosted by AH/SH Rotary Club
  • April 24-28 – AH/SH Rotary Mobile Food Pack at Incarnation Lutheran Church, Shoreview
  • May 7 – noon Club meeting at the Exchange; Board at 11
  • May 8 – NYFS Leadership luncheon fundraiser, 11:30-1 pm, Vadnais Heights Commons, 655 Co. Rd. E, Vadnais Heights
Notes:
  • NEED GOLD PLATE DINNER SPONSORS - Please contact businesses or charitably minded individuals to sponsor the Gold Plate Dinner. Or give suggestions to Cindy, Susie or John J. Cindy has provided invitation forms online.
  • Realtor Karen Collins was welcomed as our newest member!  President John, Karen and Membership Director Cindy are shown below.
  • Kalimatou SA Adia Abdou and Ishaou Issoufou, the Niger elementary students we currently sponsor through Remember Niger, sent notes of appreciation with pictures.
  • Charlie, Dave, the Jacobsens and John J are responsible for March and April programs and meeting place set up and take down.  John O, Cindy, Mary, Nils and Susie have May and June. Please let John Johnson and Jason Miller know what the programs will be as soon as you can.
  • Reminder - Indicate on the order form if you prefer coleslaw or salad to fries, and any necessary dietary requirements. Guest meals are $15.
Speakers:
        George Winiecki delivered a graduate-level course on home insurance. He described different ways states allocate losses, different ways regions determine rates, and the effect that major natural and man-made disasters are having on the viability of insurers, homeowners’ rates, and even the availability of insurance. The latter can depend the location and condition of the property, whether single or multiple dwelling units, and prior claims among other things.
        In Florida, disaster claims that exceed the insurer’s ability to pay are covered by Florida taxpayers. If the federal government steps in, we pay.
        Rates are increasing 25% - 100% in Minnesota. Some applicants are denied coverage, and some companies are amending their plans to cover only the depreciated value of roofs rather than replacement value.  Policies are changed to provide high deductibles for wind and hail damage – especially for townhouses, condominiums, etc. In 2022, Minnesota had 25 hailstorms; in 2023, 37 hailstorms.
Reasons why plans can be canceled by the insurance company include non-payment or late payment of premiums, untruth on the application, (ex., coverage has previously been declined or not renewed for the property), multiple claims (2 or more non-Acts-of-God losses), violation of terms such as grills on decks if prohibited, age of property, poor credit, claims history of the property, animal bite claims, or insurance company leaving the area. Coverage can be denied for any reason during the first 59 days of the contract.
        George strongly advised having personal excess liability coverage and very carefully read every word of small print when your policy is up for renewal.
 
Calendar:
IMPORTANT – TIME TO VOLUNTEER – CALL DAVE WITH QUESTIONS OR TO VOLUNTEER --- 612-325-6155
  • Sunday, March 24 – 11:15 pick up eggs and jellybeans at underground storage and transmit them to Mounds View City Hall
  • Sunday, March 24- noon at the Mounds View City Hall across the street from the Community Center stuff eggs with jellybeans and prize slips
  • Tuesday, March 26: teach woodworking at CPY with Jeff Benson
  • Saturday, March 30: 35th Easter Egg Hunt at Driftwood Park. – be at Driftwood Park before 10 a.m.  all hands PLUS on deck! Recruit friends and relatives to help.
  • Tuesday, April 3 – noon Club Meeting at The Exchange; 11:00 Board Meeting
  • Friday, April 19 - Gold Plate Dinner at Mounds View Community Center – get sponsors; sell tickets; get restaurant gift cards and silent & live auction items.
  • April 23 – Taste of Shoreview
  • April 24-28 – AH/SH Rotary Mobile Food Pack at Incarnation Lutheran Church, Shoreview
Notes:
  • NEED SPONSORS Please contact businesses or charitably minded individuals to sponsor the Gold Plate Dinner. Or give suggestions to Cindy, Susie or John J. Cindy has provided invitation forms online.
  • Charlie, Dave, the Jacobsens and John J are responsible for March and April programs and meeting place set up and take down.  John O, Cindy, Mary, Nils and Susie have May and June. Please let John Johnson and Jason Miller know what the programs will be as soon as you can.
  • Reminder - Indicate on the lunch order form if you prefer coleslaw or salad to fries, and any necessary dietary requirements. Guest meals are $15.
Speaker:
                Reid Hewitt, Executive Director of Benedictine Healthcare Center in New Brighton was the guest speaker. Benedictine is a nonprofit health care center under the auspices of the Catholic Church. There are more than 30 campuses with multiple buildings at some of the locations. There are plans to expand the New Brighton operation. 
                Benedictine offers 24-7 skilled nursing care under a Director of Nursing and a Medical Director. Transitional care is provided for qualifying residents who stay an average of 16 days. St. John the Baptist Catholic Church provides spiritual care including communion and last rights for those who request it.
                Reid described the oversight provided through the Corporate Service Center to assure compliance with all requirements and assure the best care, safety and comfort of residents. He opined that nursing homes biggest need is not for more state funding, but for the funding (reimbursements) to come in timely fashion. Reimbursements are not made till more than a year after the nursing homes have incurred and paid the expenses.  
Calendar:
  • March 24- VOLUNTEERS NEEDED: Sunday Noon, Stuff eggs with jelly beans and prize slips at Mounds View Community Center for the Club’s 35th (and last?) Easter Egg Hunt
  • March 19 – Club Meeting at The Exchange at noon – Charlie, Dave, John J and Jacobsens responsible for setup, take down and program.
  • March 26: (TUESDAY) 3:30-5 - volunteers needed to assist Jeff Benson at CPY where he will be teaching woodworking to middle schoolers. No experience necessary, but bring philips screwdrivers if you have any. Contact Jeff with questions.
  • March 30: (SATURDAY) Our 35th Easter Egg Hunt at Driftwood Park. – all hands PLUS on deck! Recruit friends and relatives to help.
  • April 19 - Gold Plate Dinner at Mounds View Community Center – get sponsors; sell tickets; get restaurant gift cards and silent & live auction items.
  • April 23 – Taste of Shoreview
  • FMSC "All Hands On Hope" mobile food pack event at Incarnation Lutheran Church in Shoreview April 24 - 28.  Let's try to put together a group for Thursday in either the 12:30 - 2:30 shift or the 3:30 - 5:30 shift.   If that doesn't work for you, please feel free to sign up for whatever slot suits you best. Our club will likely make a partial or full donation for the supplies packed by each of our club volunteers. See the link below for all the details and to sign up. https://give.fmsc.org/campaign/2404-016ea-shoreview-mn-all-hands-on-hope/c519973
 
Notes:
  • NEED SPONSORS Please contact businesses or charitably minded individuals to sponsor the Gold Plate Dinner. Or give suggestions to Cindy, Susie or John J. Cindy has provided invitation forms online.
  • Charlie, Dave, the Jacobsens and John J are responsible for March and April programs and meeting place set up and take down.  John O, Cindy, Mary, Nils and Susie have May and June. Please let John Johnson and Jason Miller know what the programs will be as soon as you can.
  • Reminder - Indicate on the lunch order form if you prefer coleslaw or salad to fries, and any necessary dietary requirements. Guest meals are $15.
Speakers:
Cindy Carlson shared information from the Board Meeting:
  • The Board voted to allocate $600 as seed money to encourage other Clubs to help provide 30 medical kits to Senitizo for OBGYN emergency surgeries in Central African Republic. When pregnant women incur problems that prevent them from delivering at home, they are taken to the clinic and from there to a hospital that can do surgeries. The hospital does not have adequate supplies to perform the operations, however, so Senitizo assembles kits at $100 apiece containing the sutures, pads, etc.  They need about 30 each year. Cindy will approach other Clubs, many of which have joined with us in previous Sinitizo projects, to purchase 30 kits.
  • We received an invitation to participate in a Mobile Pack (fka Feed My Starving Children),  Wednesday, April 24 through Sunday, April 28 at Incarnation Lutheran Church in Shoreview. Participants are asked donate $60 per person to cover the cost of food they will pack. The Board will consider paying some or all of this for our volunteers from funds budgeted for community service. Advance registration is required. If possible, choose the Thursday slot from 12:30-2:30 or 3:30- 5:30. If not, sign up when you can participate. Sign up for a convenient time.  See the link above.
  • Taste of Shoreview, Arden Hills/Shoreview Rotary Club fundraiser, is Tuesday, April 23 from 5-8 p.m. at the Shoreview Community Center. Admission is $35 per person.
  • The $2,000 we budgeted for CPY will be dedicated to help pay for a larger, newer, low mileage bus they are purchasing.
Mary Jo McGuire, Ramsey County Commissioner and President of the National Association of County Commissioners, gave a very brief overview of areas of focus for Ramsey County, including public health, mental health, infrastructure, climate action, homelessness, development, sustainability and work force issues. These issues are the same in every county nationwide.
 
Honorary member Maryann Bawden brought her signature cookies, and Karen Collins, former Richfield Rotarian, was a special guest.  Edeth forwarded a photo of the group.
Calendar:
  • February 20 – Club Meeting at Noon at The Exchange
  • March 5 – Club Meeting at The Exchange at Noon; Board Meeting at 11.
  • March 30 Easter Egg Hunt – all hands on deck!
  • April 19 - Gold Plate Dinner at Mounds View Community Center
Notes:
  • Board Members and Officers for the 2024-2025 Rotary year were elected. Including President John Johnson, President-Elect Paul Jacobsen, Treasurer John Ordway, Secretary Nyle Zikmund, Club Service Jason Miller, International Service Geoff Hollimon, Membership Cindy Carlson and Susie Risher, Youth Service/Youth Exchange Paul and Denise Jacobsen, Foundation Dana Rebelein, and Communications Natalie Streich. Community Service TBD.
  • GPD Sponsors - Please contact businesses or charitably minded individuals to sponsor the Gold Plate Dinner. Or give suggestions to Cindy, Susie or John J. Cindy has provided invitation forms online.
  • Merchant Minute - Brett Manning will be our guest to talk for 5-10 minutes about his New Brighton business at the February 20 meeting. Suggestions of future Merchant Minute guests should be given to Cindy or Suzy.
  • John J obtained more than a hundred pounds of jellybeans for the Easter Egg Hunt at no cost to the Club!
  • Share the Love - D-5960 will award recognition points for donations to The Rotary Foundation Annual Fund made in February. Gifts of $100 or more will be matched 1 to 1; a gift of $365 will be matched to a Paul Harris Fellowship. Give checks to TRF to John O. in February or donate on your My Rotary Account on the RI website and notify John O for Club records.
  • Charlie, Dave, the Jacobsen’s and John J are responsible for March and April programs and meeting place set up and take down.  John O, Cindy, Mary, Nils and Suzy have May and June. Please let John Johnson and Jason Miller know what the programs will be as soon as you can.
  • Reminder - Indicate on the lunch order form if you prefer coleslaw or salad to fries, and any necessary dietary requirements. Guest meals are $15.
Speaker:
 
Lisa Hayden introduced us to OUR CITY CARES, a program to create a culture of encouragement to combat suicide among high school students. Developed in Washington State in 2017 and implemented in more than 300 schools, the program seeks to normalize mental health conversations and introduce signs of hope through posters, cards, wearables and tokens as conversation starters.  Messages of hope, ex., “You are not Alone,” “Your Life Matters,” attack the perceived lack of hope which can lead to suicide.
 
According to Lisa, 25% of 11th grade students have considered suicide, and 60% are not getting needed care for mental health.  Students don’t know how to access resources, so OUR CITY CARES materials include the numbers for the National Suicide Crisis Lifeline (998), and The Ramsey County Crisis Line (651.266.7878 for under 18 years of age; 651.266.7900 for 18 and older). There is also a drop-in center at 402 University Avenue East in St. Paul which is open from 8 to 5:30.  President John Johnson and Lisa are shown below.
Calendar:
  • March 4 (MONDAY) 3:30-5 - Volunteers needed to assist Jeff Benson at CPY where he will be teaching woodworking to 4th graders. No experience necessary but bring philip’s screwdrivers if you have any.  
  • March 5 – Club Meeting at The Exchange at Noon; Board Meeting at 11.
  • March 19 – Club Meeting at The Exchange at noon
  • March 24 - (SUNDAY) Stuff eggs for the Club’s 35th Easter Egg Hunt – noon at Mounds View Community Center
  • March 26: (TUESDAY) 3:00-5 - Volunteers needed to assist Jeff Benson at CPY where he will be teaching woodworking to middle schoolers. No experience necessary but bring philip’s screwdrivers if you have any.  Contact Jeff to volunteer or ask questions (612-804-2743).
  • March 30: (SATURDAY) Our 35th Easter Egg Hunt – all hands PLUS on deck! Recruit friends and relatives to help.
  • April 19 - Gold Plate Dinner at Mounds View Community Center – get sponsors; sell tickets
Notes:
  • Jason Miller was honored and presented a crystal sculpture and special pin as a Rotary Foundation Major Donor. The award is given when an individual or business has donated $10,000 to TRF. Jason is only the second member of our Club to achieve this honor. CONGRATULATIONS and THANK YOU, JASON!  Jason and President John Johnson are pictured below.
          
  • GPD Sponsors Please contact businesses or charitably minded individuals to sponsor the Gold Plate Dinner. Or give suggestions to Cindy, Susie or John J. Cindy has provided invitation forms online.
  • February donations to The Rotary Foundation Annual Fund are being matched by D-5960 with recognition points. $100 or more 1 to 1, $365 to a Paul Harris Fellowship. Get checks payable to TRF to John O. in February, or donate on your My Rotary Account on the RI website and notify John O for Club records.
  • Charlie, Dave, the Jacobsens and John J are responsible for March and April programs and meeting place set up and take down.  John O, Cindy, Mary, Nils and Susie have May and June. Please let John Johnson and Jason Miller know what the programs will be as soon as you can.
  • Reminder - Indicate on the lunch order form if you prefer coleslaw or salad to fries, and any necessary dietary requirements. Guest meals are $15.
Speakers:
 
          Merchant Minute
 
Brett Manning, Ameriprise Financial Services Advisor with offices in New Brighton, introduced us to the services he provides, including retirement planning strategies, saving for education, retirement income strategies, charitable giving and executive compensation and benefit strategies. He is a Certified Financial Planner and a Chartered Retirement Planning Counselor and holds numerous licenses pertaining to securities and annuities. Brett is familiar with Rotary, as his uncle was a Fridley Rotarian 
Give Cindy or Susie suggestions of other local business people who would like to briefly tell us about their businesses. Brett and Cindy Carlson are shown below.
 
 
Classification Talk
 
Susie Risher, new member, shared stories of her background and previous activities. She grew up in Bismarck, ND, and fulfilled
childhood aspirations to be a mom, teacher and writer plus so much more! In addition to being a mom, she’s very active in her grandchildren’s lives and provides day care when they are not in school. She has published four books, Pink Stars and Angel Wings, The Trust Walk, and Little Spirit Seeker for children, and Gray, a memoir of her father’s experiences, including at West Point and in WWII. She had a radio show and taught writing – journaling and dream interpretation, in Fargo. Susie is a quilter and uses her skills to benefit others, making thousands of masks for National Guard troops, nursing homes and hospitals during Covid-19, and bookmarks and fabric bags for charity fundraisers.
She shares her father’s counsel: Don’t have any regrets.  Suzie is pictured with Dana Rebelein as she receives her Paul Harris Fellowship.
 
Calendar:
  • January 31 – Join the Lions Club Meal Pack, 6-8 pm, 2723 Patton Rd., Roseville. Meals are distributed throughout the region, including at the New Brighton Community Center.
  • February 6 – Club Meeting at noon at The Exchange; board meeting at 11.
  • February 20 – Club Meeting at noon at The Exchange
  • April 19, – Gold Plate Dinner at Mounds View Community Center
Notes:
  • GPD Sponsors: Please give John J, Jason or Cindy your suggestions for businesses or charitable minded individuals to sponsor the Gold Plate Dinner – our ONLY fundraiser. [Remember the days of selling turkey legs, roses, corn on the cob …]
  • Merchant Minute:  Let’s learn more about our neighborhood businesses and let them know more about us. Give Cindy names of area business people who will then be invited to share a meal and spend 5-10 minutes telling us about their enterprise.
  • Charlie, Dave, the Jacobsens and John J are responsible for March and April programs and meeting place set up and take down.  John O, Cindy, Mary, Nils and Susie have May and June. Please let John Johnson and Jason Miller know what the programs will be.
  • Board Members and Officers for the 2024-2025 Rotary year will be elected at the February 6th meeting
  • Reminder - Indicate on the order form if you prefer coleslaw or salad to fries, and any necessary dietary requirements. Guest meals are $15.
Speaker:
  • Craig Schlichting, New Brighton Director of Community Assets and Development, updated us on infrastructure changes/improvements happening, especially along Old Highway 8.
  • The City adopted a Living Streets Policy which includes creating bike lanes and pedestrian sidewalks, trees planted in boulevards, and storm water features to address flooding problems.  
  • An Accessory Dwelling Unit policy is being developed.
  • The City will install nine charging stations for electric vehicles. Installation of the chargers has been delayed by unavailability of needed components.  Craig and President John Johnson are shown below.

President John Johnson’s meeting review.
 
We had a good meeting today.  We heard updates from the Service Directors.  Each gave a quick update in their respective area.
 
ACTION FROM YOU: 
  1. Please consider joining a service area and if you have any interest, please reach out to me or the current Service Area Director.  My phone number is 612.877.1484 or you can reply to this email.
  2. Attend February 6th, meeting to vote / approve service directors.
Service Area Directors are:
 
Jason Miller- Club Service
Edeth Hames- Community Service
Geoff Hollimon - International Service
Cindy Carlson - Membership
Paul and Denise Jacobson - Youth service and Youth Exchange
Dana Rebelein - Foundation
Charlie Longbella - Communications/Website
John Ordway - Treasurer 
 
At today’s board meeting a membership policy change was discussed and approved: Spouses/Partners of current NBMV Rotary Club Members can be a Rotary club member with reduced membership fees of $200 annually ($50 quarterly).  The spouse/partner can hold officer positions within the club.
 
The Irondale Choir concert meeting was a huge success and next year we plan to invite more attendees.  
 
Devin and Cindy will finalize the Gold Plate Dinner menu so invitations and formal communications can be created.
 
John continued to share terrible jokes with the club.  Luckily most people finished their lunch so there wasn’t much food to be thrown at the comedian.
 
Next meeting is January 16th @ noon.  Location is New Brighton Exchange
Calendar:
  • December 19 - Annual Holiday celebration with Irondale Choir, noon @ Mounds View Community Center; guests welcome
  • January 2 – 11 am Board, noon election of 2023-24 officers and Board members. Please contact John Johnson if you are willing to serve beginning July 1, 2024
  • January 6 -  D5960 midterm @ Hamline U
  • January 16 – Club meeting at noon at The Exchange
  • January 31 – join the Lions Club Meal Pack in Roseville, 6-8 pm; details available from Ed James and/or the Jacobsen’s
  • April 19, 2024 – Gold Plate Dinner at Mounds View Community Center
Notes:
  • Community Services Center (CDC) was chosen as the recipient of Fund-a-Cause for the Gold Plate Dinner in April. A ticket for two (2 meals, 1 lottery ticket) will cost $175. For the first time, 6 single options will be available for $120 (1 meal and 1 lottery ticket).
  • Jason, Jeff, Nyle and George are responsible for November and December programs, and meeting place set up and take down. Dana, Jim, Geoff and Devon have January and February; Charlie, Dave, the Jacobsen’s and John J have March and April; and John O, Cindy, Mary, Nils and Susie have May and June. Please let John Johnson and Jason Miller know what the programs will be.
  • Reminder - Indicate on the order form if you prefer coleslaw or salad to fries, and any necessary dietary requirements. Guest meals are $15.
  • Sean O’Brien, real estate agent with Coldwell Banker Realty, was a special guest today.
  • Colin and Tony, Irondale HS students, shared their experiences at Camp Enterprise. Both were energized and enthusiastic about the program, especially the exposure to marketing and business plans. See photo below.
 
Program:                                                             Sylvia’s Children
 
Sylvia Allen is working through matching grants to provide 20 computers and big screens to a school of 1,000 children in Uganda. Of the thousand students, 250 are orphans. She has been working for students there for 20 years, and has encouraged and prepared many to go on to college, some to become teachers.
 
The government of Uganda just raised the education requirement for teachers to a 4-year degree. The computers will be available for teachers who have not achieved that level to take online classes when the students are out of class.
 
Sylvia’s Children focuses on food, clothes, lodging, education, health care and sustainability for the children, the latter by providing chickens, pigs, and coffee trees as sources of income.
Calendar:
  • December 1, 2023 – CPY Winter Gala 6-10 p.m. @ New Brighton Community Center
  • December 5 –11 @ Exchange - Board Gold Plate Dinner Planning, Everyone included
  • December 5 – noon Club meeting @ The Exchange
  • December 19 – Annual Holiday celebration with Irondale Choir, noon @ Mounds View Community Center
  • January 6 - D5960 midterm @ Hamline U
  • April 19, 2024 – Gold Plate Dinner at Mounds View Community Center
Notes:
  • Natalie Streich, was officially welcomed as a new member of Rotary International and of the New Brighton/Mounds View Rotary Club. She is the Recruitment and Retention Coordinator   for the Spring Lake Park, Blaine, Mounds View Fire Department.  Cindy Carlson and Nyle Zikmund are shown with Natalie below.
  • Please join the Board at the Exchange at 11 a.m. on December 5 to discuss the Gold Plate Dinner, including selection of the Fund-a-Cause recipient.
  • Jason, Jeff, Nyle and George are responsible for November and December programs, and meeting place set up and take down. Dana, Jim, Geoff and Devon have January and February; Charlie, Dave, the Jacobsen’s and John J have March and April; and John O, Cindy, Mary, Nils and Susie have May and June. Please let John Johnson and Jason Miller know what the programs will be.
  • Reminder - Guest meals are now only $15. Indicate on the order form if you prefer cole slaw or salad to fries, and any necessary dietary requirements.
Program:                                                           
               
Mike McGovern, Chair of the International Polio Plus Committee of RI, Past-Vice President of RI, and Trustee of the Rotary Foundation, addressed the Club by video recording. Some takeaways:
  • Since RI launched the effort to eradicate polio in 1985, more than 2.5 billion children in 122 countries have received the oral polio vaccine.
  • On one recent NID (National Immunization Day) alone, 40 million children were vaccinated, all funded by RI. We are immunizing 450–500 million children per year.
  • Partners who have joined our effort include UNESCO, WHO and USCDC. There is an Independent Monitoring Board.
  • The Gates Foundation matches Polio Plus donations 2-1 up to $100,000,000.00.
  •  The “Plus” in Polio Plus refers to the use of the connections, volunteers, infrastructure and health care systems developed for polio eradication also being used to fight the Ebola and Covid-19 epidemics.
  • Afghanistan and Pakistan each have “very narrow” areas with polio. Last year, RI funded billboards in Afghanistan urging parents to present their children for vaccination.
  • A country is certified “Polio Free” when there are no cases of wild polio and there is adequate surveillance (labs, medical facilities, etc.) to assure accuracy.
  • Polio workers have been targeted by the Taliban in Pakistan.
Calendar:
  • November 11 – TRF (Foundation) Dinner, 5:30 @ The Marriott NE in Roseville
  • November 21 – noon Club meeting @ The Exchange
  • December 5 – 11AM @ Exchange - Board Gold Plate Dinner Planning, Everyone included
  • December 5 – noon Club meeting @ The Exchange
  • December 19 – Annual Holiday celebration with Irondale Choir, noon at Mounds View Community Center
  • January 6 -  D5960 midterm @ Hamline U
  • April 19, 2024 – Gold Plate Dinner at Mounds View Community Center
Notes:
  • All are encouraged to attend the December 5 Board Meeting to provide input regarding the Gold Plate Dinner, including selection of the Fund-a-Cause recipient.
  • The Board approved contributing the $500 we have budgeted for The Ralph Reeder Food Shelf plus an additional $500 which will be doubled by a Bell Pole match they have secured.
  • Jason, Jeff, Nyle and George are responsible for November and December programs, and meeting place set up and take down. Dana, Jim, Geoff and Devon have January and February; Charlie, Dave, the Jacobsens and John J have March and April; and John O, Cindy, Mary, Nils and Susie have May and June. Please let John Johnson and Jason Miller know what the programs will be.
  • We have sponsored 2 Irondale students at Camp Enterprise this month.
  • Reminder - Guest meals are now only $15. Indicate on the order form if you prefer cole slaw or salad to fries, and any necessary dietary requirements.
 
Program:                                                             The Rotary Foundation
Peggy Strom, a member of the Arden Hills/Shoreview Rotary Club and our Foundation Mentor from D-5960, shared information about The Rotary Foundation (TRF). Here are some highlights:
  • TRF has received the highest rating possible (4 stars - perfect) from Charity Navigator for the last 15 years.
  • CNBC ranked TRF as one of the top charities for changing the world - #3 of 8,000.
  • Rotary International’s goal to eliminate polio from the world is nearing completion, with only Afghanistan and Pakistan reporting new cases.
  • The next major focus of TRF is human trafficking.
  • There are many ways to contribute to the Foundation, including: (1) Make a bequest in your Will, either in the original Will, or by adding a simple Codicil. (2) Write a check payable to The Rotary Foundation and get it to John Ordway. (3) Write a check to the Foundation and send it to Rotary International, telling John you have done so to keep our Club records up to date. (4) Make a gift online and tell John Ordway. (5) Use Rotary Direct to set up monthly contributions with a credit card (minimum $10/month.)
  • Jason Miller is a Major Donor, which means he has given more than $10,000 over time.  Peggy is shown below with Denise Jacobsen and Dana Rebelein.
Cindy Carlson led the meeting today for President John Johnson, who had a business conflict.
 
Our guests today were Brian Novak and former MBMV Rotarian Charlie Hall.
 
The New Brighton Historical Society is hoping to provide a digital archive of its records on a self-hosted website.   The New Brighton Lions Club is providing major funding but there may be opportunities for us to contribute toward this initiative.
 
Our speaker today was Ted Houley, offering an update on the Senitizo Medical Clinic in the Central African Republic (C.A.R.) which we helped to fund through a Rotary Global Grant as well as a District Grant. Central African Republic is one of the poorest countries in the world with an average daily income of just $1.  With poverty comes health problems, especially for pregnant mothers and children.  One of every 100 women die in childbirth and 13 of every 100 children die before age 5. 
 
Senitizo means “Health of the People” in the local tongue, and every effort is made to ensure that the local community plays a major role in running the clinic.  The local community meets monthly to make decisions and all staff (except for Ted) are from C.A.R.  
 
In addition to treating disease, Senitizo focuses on community health education, clean water, vaccinations and a comprehensive maternal health program.  The maternal health program includes prenatal counseling, 4 prenatal visits and nutritional counseling.  Senitizo also has a top-notch midwife.  So far, 60 babies have been born in the clinic but, when there is an obstetric emergency, they have an ambulance that can get the mother to the hospital with a kit of supplies and medication in case hospital supplies are not available.  Eight mothers have been transported to the hospital so far and all have delivered safely.  Since the clinic opened in December of 2021, the clinic has seen over 20,000 patients.
 
An article on Senitizo appeared in the October 15th Pioneer Press.  Follow the link below to read the article.  https://www.twincities.com/2023/10/15/stillwater-native-is-helping-bring-modern-health-care-to-central-african-republic/
 
Ted and Cindy are shown below.
 
Brian Novak was here on behalf of Scout Troop 412 in search of a large storage solution for Troop and Pack materials.  If you might have a solution, please contact Brian at 651-324-2541 or brian.novak414@icloud.com
 
Upcoming Dates
  • November 7 - Noon Meeting at Exchange
  • November 11 – TRF (Foundation) Dinner, 5:30 @ The Marriott NE in Roseville
  • November 21 - Noon Meeting at Exchange
  • January 6 - D5960 midterm @ Hamline U
  • April 19, 2024 – Gold Plate Dinner at Mounds View Community Center
 
Calendar:
  • October 13-14 – Conference of Clubs at St. Olaf in Northfield
  • October 17 – Club meeting at noon
  • November  7 – 11 a.m. Board, noon Club meeting
  • November 11 – TRF (Foundation) Dinner, 5:30 @ The Marriott NE in Roseville
  • November 21 – noon Club meeting @ The Exchange
  • January 6 -  D5960 midterm @ Hamline U
  • April 19, 2024 – Gold Plate Dinner at Mounds View Community Center
Notes:
  • Margie Horning presented a check for the District 5960 matching funds for CPY-STEM Science from Scientists at CPY. Jeff B volunteered the first day, when the scientists included an atomic scientist and a bee keeper.  Sign up online to volunteer.  Dana, Cindy and Margie are shown below.
 
  • Dana Rebelein was proud to present TWO Paul Harris Fellow pins today.  The first was Paul Jacobsen and the second was Edeth James.  Edeth was awarded a five-ruby pin, signifying over $6,000 in contributions to the Rotary Foundation.  Dana is shown with Paul and Edeth in the photos below.
  • REMINDER: The Club will reimburse members who attend the Rotary Foundation Celebration Dinner November 11.. Let Dana know that you (and your guest?) are going so we can sit together.
  • The Board approved contributing $750 to ”Sylvia’s Children,” the North St. Paul/Oakdale/ Maplewood Rotary Club matching grant initiative to equip a computer lab in a school for orphan children in Uganda.
  • Edeth, Vichai, Dennis and Jed are responsible for the program, invocation, raffle, and setting up and taking down the meeting site in September and October. Please let John Johnson and Jason Miller know what the programs will be.
  • Jason, Jeff, Nyle and George are responsible for November and December. Dana, Jim, Geoff and Devon have January and February; Charlie, Dave, the Jacobsen's and John J have March and April; and John O, Cindy, Mary, Nils and Susie have May and June.
  • We will sponsor 2 Irondale students at Camp Enterprise again.
  • Reminder - Guest meals are now only $15. Indicate on the order form if you prefer cole slaw or salad to fries, and any necessary dietary requirements.
Program:
WATER FOR SCHOOLS
     Patty Hall spoke about the Water for Schools matching grant to which we are a contributing Club. Led by the White Bear Lake Rotary Club, the project will provide borehole wells for three primary schools in Iganga District, Uganda. The WBL Rotary Club enlisted 16 Clubs from multiple Districts (13 in 5960) to complete a $23,397 District Grant.  H2O For Life will provide additional financial support.
     The project will provide clean water for the 2400 students in the 3 schools and their families. Handwashing stations and hygiene education are included. There will be a fund for maintaining the wells and training community management teams.
     Ed. Note: Longtime NBMV Club members will recall being involved with Highview Middle School when H2O for Life was started back in the day. The program was featured in an issue of The Rotarian Magazine.  Kudos to Patty Hall and all who started and sustained that amazing NGO!  Patty and Edeth are pictured below.
  
Calendar:
  • September 28 – D5960 Rotary One Summit in Roseville, 5:30-8 p.m.
  • October 3 – Club meeting noon, board 11
  • October 5 - D5960 Rotary One Summit in Stillwater, 5:30-8p.m.
  • October 13-14 – Conference of Clubs at St. Olaf in Northfield
  • October 17 – Club meeting at noon
  • November 11 – TRF (Foundation) Dinner, 5:30 @ The Marriott NE in Roseville
  • January 6 -  D5960 midterm @ Hamline U
  • April 19, 2024 – Gold Plate Dinner at Mounds View Community Center
Notes:
  • We welcomed new member Natalie Streich, Recruitment and Retention Coordinator of the Spring Lake Park, Blaine, Mounds View Fire department.
  • All members are encouraged to attend one of the Rotary One sessions listed above.
  • We are open to suggestions for service or social activities this Fall or Winter. [in addition to the Foundation Dinner] The Club will reimburse members who attend the Dinner. Guests are welcome but won’t be reimbursed. Watch for registration information.
  • Edeth, Vichai, Dennis and Jed are responsible for the program, invocation, raffle, and setting up and taking down the meeting site in September and October. Please let John Johnson and Jason Miller know what the programs will be.
  • Jason, Jeff, Nyle and George are responsible for November and December. Dana, Jim, Geoff and Devon have January and February; Charlie, Dave, the Jacobsen’s and John J. have March and April; and John O, Cindy, Mary, Nils and Susie have May and June.
  • We will sponsor 2 Irondale students at Camp Enterprise again.
  • Reminder - Guest meals are now only $15. Indicate on the order form if you prefer cole slaw or salad to fries, and any necessary dietary requirements.
Program:
 
Irondale High School Principal, Vichai Saefong, gave his Classification Talk. This is the opportunity afforded each Member to share background, interests and vocational information with the Club. [If you have not done one, let John J and/or Jason know.]
 
Vichai’s grandfather supported U.S. troops in Viet Nam during the war. His family escaped from the country after the war and Vichai was born in a refugee camp. They came to the U.S. in 1992 and settled in California. Vichai began working at age 11. He considered attending college at UC Santa Cruz where he could have cheered for the Banana Slugs, but chose Christian Missionary Alliance and studied psychology instead. He has created a Leadership Team at Irondale where they are working with the 1,800 students to create a positive social and educational culture.
“Education is not preparation for life; education is life itself.” 
Calendar:
Notes:
  • All members are encouraged to attend one of the Rotary One sessions (see links above).
  • Q: Do you have suggestions for service or social activities this Fall or Winter? [besides the Foundation Dinner]
  • PDG Gary Campbell and PDAG Sandy Campbell were welcome visitors, bringing lottery tickets for the Anoka Rotary Club fundraiser.
  • Edeth, Vichai, Dennis and Jed are responsible for the program, invocation, raffle, and setting up and taking down the meeting site in September and October. Please let John Johnson and Jason Miller know what the programs will be.
  • Jason, Jeff, Nyle and George are responsible for November and December. Dana, Jim, Geoff and Devin have January and February; Charlie, Dave, the Jakobsen’s and John J have March and April; and John O, Cindy, Mary, Nils and Susie have May and June.
  • We will sponsor 2 Irondale students at Camp Enterprise again.
  • Reminder - Guest meals are now only $15. Indicate on the order form if you prefer cole slaw or salad to fries, and any necessary dietary requirements.
Program:
CPY STEM – Science from Scientists
    Mary Stewart described the educational program for which we have obtained matching grant funds [from donations made to The Rotary Foundation]. Scientists from the nonprofit organization Science from Scientists will visit CPY twice a month for 9 months, bringing equipment for hands-on science experiences for children in kindergarten through 8th grade.
    The objective of Science from Scientists is to teach and inspire the next generation to identify and solve real-world problems by improving STEM literacy, and address the STEM workforce gap. The curriculum meets Minnesota standards and Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS). Disciplines introduced include physics, engineering, anatomy, physiology, chemistry, earth science, life science, technology and scientific practices.
    Mary asks Rotarians and their friends to volunteer to help.
    The $9,000 provided by this grant counts towards CPY’s goal to receive a $100,000 match for money raised between now and the end of 2023. Each $1 we provided for our grant proposal is now worth $4!
President John Johnson is pictured with Mary, below.
Calendar:
  • August 18-19 – Mounds View Festival in the Park
  • August 22 - Peace Talk at 7:30 am on Zoom (20 minutes)
  • September 5 - Noon Club meeting; Board at 11
  • September 28 – D5960 Rotary One Summit in Roseville
  • October 13-14 - Conference of Clubs at St. Olaf in Northfield
  • January 6 -  D5960midterm @ Hamline U
  • April 19, 2024 – Gold Plate Dinner at Mounds View Community Center
Notes:
  • Time to step up and agree to be President Elect to serve as Club President July 1, 2024.  
  • Please share your suggestions for a Club service project in September or October.
  • We served 800 hot dogs with chips and drinks to the Stock Yard Days parade participants. Thanks John and Dana J for your leadership of this successful and much appreciated community service.  In addition to the numerous verbal thank yous at the event, we received a thank you note from Virginia Bjerke of the New Brighton League of Women Voters.
  • Edeth, Vichai, Dennis and Jed are responsible for the program, invocation, raffle, and setting up and taking down the meeting site in September and October. Please let John Johnson and Jason Miller know what the programs will be.
  • Reminder - Guest meals are now only $15. Indicate on the order form if you prefer cole slaw or salad to fries and any necessary dietary requirements.
Program:
 
Create Hope in the World - Make Peace Visible was the message delivered by Patricia McCleese, D5960 District Governor, during her official visit to our Club. Hope blossoms into peace when Rotarians look for problems, promise to help, and keep the promise.
 
This is the first year of the District’s 3-year initiative to create environments where peace can happen – Rotary as an agent of peace, Rotarians as peace builders. Rotarians will intentionally connect Club activities with peacebuilding and share their peace stories within their communities. During this first year, emphasis will be on planting seeds through peace programs. Peace Talks by knowledgeable people will be offered and recorded for potential Club programs. The first 20-minute Peace Talk is August 22 at 7:30 AM on Zoom and will address local and global challenges and prospects of peace.
 
“This is a changing world. The story of Rotary will have to be written again and again.” Paul Harris
 
Cindy Carlson and PDG Patricia McCleese are pictured below.
 
Calendar:
  • August 12 – Stockyard Days Parade Feed, Volunteers needed for 8:45 and/or 10:30 shifts.
  • August 13 – CPY golf ball drop, 3PM @ Brightwood Hills Golf Course.
  • August 15 - Club meeting, Noon @ The Exchange, District Governor visits.
  • August 18-19 – Mounds View Festival in the Park.
  • April 19, 2024 – Gold Plate Dinner at Mounds View Community Center.
Notes:
  • Be sure to come to the next meeting – August 15 – to welcome our District 5960 Governor, Patricia McCleese, when she makes her official visit to our Club. Cookies! Bring a guest.
  • Will you step up? We need a President Elect who will serve as Club President July 1, 2024-June 30, 2025. Job sharing is an option. It is an amazing growth opportunity, with leadership training provided by the District, mentoring by former NBMV Club Presidents, and adulation and appreciation by everyone.
  • We want to do another Club Service project in September or October. Bring your suggestions to the meeting on the 15th.
  • The Club and individual Club members were among those who supported the CSC (Community Support Center) fund drive to prevent homelessness. There were nearly 400 walkers who walked 562 miles in support of CSC's mission. John and Dana Johnson served 280 hot dogs to the hungry walkers.  The Walk raised almost $20,000! It’s not too late to make a personal contribution. Talk to John Johnson (our representative on the CSC Board) or Karen Meyer at staff@communitysupportcenter.org
  • Our matching grant request from D5960 for Science from Scientists, a STEM program for CPY, was approved. Other Clubs are being invited to support the project with the hope and expectation that we will be invited to share their projects.
  • Jason organized us into Club Service teams and distributed the schedule. Each team will serve for two months to set up and take down the meeting site, provide and introduce the speaker/program, give or arrange for someone to give the invocation, greet guests, and whatever else looks needed.  The September-October Team is Edeth James, Vichai Saefong, Dennis Connolly and Jed Hamoud. Let John J, Ed, and Jeff or Dana know what the programs are so they can be included in Club notes and social media.
  • TRF (The Rotary Foundation) news from D-5960: During the fiscal year ending June 30, we raised and donated $416,296 to the Annual Fund, $137,137 to Polio Plus and $145,010 to the Endowment Fund! Part of the Annual Fund donations will return to our District in 3 years as District Designated Funds (DDF) to be allocated for Club local and global matching grant projects and projects initiated by D-5960.
  • Reminder - Guest meals are now only $15. Indicate on the order form if you prefer cole slaw or salad to fries and any necessary dietary requirements.
  • Duane Ager, husband of former NBMV Rotarian Sue Ager, died July 21, 2023. Services are at 11:00 am, August 26 at the Garden Mausoleum, Lakewood Cemetery. 
Program:
New Brighton City Manager Devon Massopust gave his classification talk. Devon became Assistant City Manager in 2017, Acting City Manager in 2019 and City Manager in 2020. He received an undergraduate degree from St. John’s and a Masters degree in Public Administration from Hamline.
His role is to carry out the policy directives of the City Council; for example, regarding licensing, inspections and safety of single family rentals. 
 
Devon shared his guiding principles: Be respectful and honest; collaborate if you can; consensus is hard, but outcomes are better; it’s uncomfortable, but try to be the dumbest person in the room; and there is always something to learn.  Devin and Membership Director Cindy Carlson are shown below.
Calendar:
 
  • July 30, Community Service Center (CSC) Walk,  9-1 @ Silverwood Park
  • August 1 – Club meeting, 12 @ The Exchange; (Possible Board meeting @ 11); Program: new members Vichai Saefong and Devon Massopust Classification Talks
  • August 12 – Stockyard Days Parade Feed, 8:45 or 10:30; let Pres. John know when you will be there
  • August 13 – CPY golf ball drop, 3 @ Brightwood Hills Golf Course
  • August 15 - Club meeting, 12 @ The Exchange, District Governor visits
  • August 18-19 – Mounds View Festival in the Park
  • April 19, 2024 – Gold Plate Dinner at Mounds View Community Center
Notes:
 
Thanks to Jason Miller for his excellent leadership during a year in which we tried new ways of doing things and made the significant change to meeting twice a month. It was a very good year.
 
And welcome new President, John Johnson! We are in good hands and look forward to another year of Service and Fellowship under your watch.
 
 
We welcomed special guests who joined us – Assistant District Governor, Julie Gotham, and Chrissy Fournier, who celebrated her birthday and shared Paul’s ill-fated Rotary Rock Proposal. [Ed. Note: they were beautiful and the proposal was professional, thorough, and a model document. Opportunity missed?]
 
We still need a volunteer to be President Elect who will be President July 1, 2024-25. Job sharing is an option. If you are willing to serve alone or with a co-president, let John Johnson know.
 
NBMV Rotarians generously contributed to The Rotary Foundation during the 2022-23 Rotary year. We sent $4,415 to the Annual Programs Fund, which provides funds for our matching grants, and $3,460 for Polio Eradication. We provided additional support for specific global service projects, including The Guatemala Literacy Program, Senitizo Central African Republic medical housing , Remember Niger Coalition, Hand in Hand – Ukrainian medical supplies, and for numerous matching grant programs headed by other District 5960 Rotary Clubs.
 
Reminder - If you prefer cole slaw or salad instead of fries with your sandwich, a gluten free bun, or no cheese, write that on the meals sign-in sheet.  Guest meals are now only $15.
 

Calendar:

  • July 4 – No meeting – Independence Day

  • July 18 – 11 a.m. Board meeting and 12 noon Club meeting at The Exchange;  Passing of the Gavel from Jason Miller to John Johnson

  • August 1 – Club meeting; (Board meeting?)

  • August 12 – Stockyard Days Parade Feed

  • August 13 – CPY golf ball drop

  • August 15 - Club meeting

  • April 19, 2024 – Gold Plate Dinner at The Exchange

 

Notes:

  • Volunteer Opportunity - Step up to be President Elect for Rotary Year July 1, 2023 to June 30, 2024, to become President for 2024-25. Job sharing is an option. If you are willing to serve alone or with a co-president, let John Johnson know.

  • Special appeal - Donations from District 5960 to The Rotary Foundation are significantly below those of the last fiscal year, seriously negatively impacting the amount of grant money which will be available to us three years from now.  We are especially active with matching grant projects here and abroad, both initiated by us and by partners. If you are able and willing to contribute to The Foundation before the end of the fiscal year; i.e., before July 1, please get a check payable to The Rotary Foundation to John Ordway, 3555 Willow Lake Blvd., Vadnais Heights, MN 55110. If you prefer to pay online, sign in to your account on MyRotary.org and make your contribution to the Annual Share Fund. Then tell John Ordway of your donation for our records.

  • Speaking of matching grant money – Cindy reported that $4,460 in matching funds was approved by the District Grants Subcommittee for our proposal to provide a STEM curriculum for CPY, teaching science through scientists. We will seek participation by other D-5960 Clubs to help reach the $9,000 total cost of the project.

  • Reminder - If you prefer cole slaw or salad instead of fries with your sandwich, a gluten free bun, or no cheese, write that on the meals sign-in sheet.

 

Program:    Lebanon – A Country in Turmoil

 

Jed and Becky Mahmoud described the current state of affairs in Lebanon, having recently returned from visiting family there.  Lebanon has a collapsing economy, political and social corruption, 1.5 million refugees (from Iraq, Africa and, most recently, Syria), high unemployment, runaway inflation, and shortages of supplies and water. Although there is adequate water available, corruption and poor leadership has failed to create the infrastructure needed to get water or reliable electricity to people’s homes.  The February 2023 issue of The Rotarian magazine has an article on Rotary providing $1.7 million dollars in water assistance.

 

There is basically no public education, as the government has not provided sufficient wages for teachers nor appropriately fitted out classrooms. 

 

Iran is sending financial aid to Lebanon as part of its efforts to gain control over the area, strengthening Hezbollah’s  influence in Lebanon.

  Calendar:
  • June 9 – Celebration of Life gathering for Mounds View Mayor, Al Hull*
  • June 20 – Regular noon meeting at The Exchange
  • July 4 – No meeting – Independence Day
  • July 18 – 11 a.m. Board meeting and 12 noon Club meeting at The Exchange;  Passing of the Gavel from Jason Miller to John Johnson
  • August 1 – Club meeting; (Board meeting?)
  • August 12 – Stockyard Days Parade Feed
  • August 13 – CPY golf ball drop
  • August 15 - Club meeting
  • April 19, 2024 – Gold Plate Dinner at The Exchange
 
Notes:
  • At the Annual Meeting, these Officers and Directors were elected for 2023-24: President - John Johnson, President-Elect - YOUR NAME HERE, Secretary - Nyle Zikmund, Treasurer - John Ordway, Club Service - Jason Miller, Community Service - Edeth James, International Service - Geoff Hollimon, Membership - Cindy Carlson, Youth Service/Exchange - Paul Jacobsen, Foundation - Dana Rebelein, Communications/Website - Charlie Longbella. A proposed budget was adopted.
  • Dana is hoping one of you will join her to share the joy and privilege of representing The Rotary Foundation to the Club. No experience required. On the job training.  
  • New initiative: Instead of one member being responsible for getting all speakers, the responsibility for that, for meeting set up and invocation will be shared by all members.
  • Special appeal: Donations from District 5960 to The Rotary Foundation are significantly below those at this time last year. This is important because the funds which are available for our matching grant activities are tied to donations in the 3rd previous year. We are especially active with matching grant projects here and abroad, both initiated by us and by partners. If you are able and willing to contribute to The Foundation before the end of the fiscal year; i.e., before July 1, please get a check payable to The Rotary Foundation to John Ordway, 3555 Willow Lake Blvd., Vadnais Heights, MN 55110. If you prefer to pay online, sign in to your account on MyRotary.org and make your contribution to the Annual Share Fund. Then tell John Ordway of your donation for our records.
  • Susie Risher was welcomed as the newest member of the NBMV Rotary Club. She hit the ground running by volunteering to work with Cindy on Membership! Suzie and Cindy are shown below.
  • We received a very favorable report card for Ishaiou TssouFou, one of the scholarship students we support in Niger, Africa.
  • A call for service project suggestions elicited two: a family scavenger hunt in a park for Rotary-related objects, and small gatherings to make Boomerang Bags – reusable bags for shopping
  • Reminder - If you prefer cole slaw or salad instead of fries with your sandwich, a gluten free bun, or no cheese, write that on the meals sign-in sheet.
  • We still need a President-Elect Nominee for Rotary Year July 1, 2023 to June 30, 2024, to become President for 2024-25. Job sharing is an option. If you are willing to serve alone or with a co-president, let John Johnson know.
  • Keep track of your hours of volunteering as a Rotarian and record them at meetings.
 
*Al Hull, Mounds View Mayor, died recently. The Celebration of his life will be a potluck picnic at Silver View Park, on Friday, June 9, from 3:30 – 8. Burgers, brats, hot dogs, chips and beverages will be provided. Residents may bring salads, hot dishes and desserts to share. We contributed to the cost of food.
IMPORTANT: Contact President Elect John Johnson now and tell him how you are a Rotarian! There are lots of fun “jobs” available – or volunteer to assist someone in a task/event/office. The new Rotary year begins July 1.
 
Calendar:
  • June 6 – Annual meeting at The Exchange at noon, Board meeting at 11 a.m.
  • June 13 – Regular meeting at The Exchange
  • July 4 – No meeting – Independence Day
  • July 18 – Noon meeting at The Exchange; Passing of the Gavel from Jason to John J; 11 a.m. Board meeting
Notes:
  • If you prefer cole slaw or salad instead of fries with your sandwich, a gluten free bun, or no cheese, write that on the meals sign-in sheet.
  • We need a President-Elect Nominee for Rotary Year July 1, 2023 to June 30, 2024, to become President for 2024-25. Job sharing is an option if you have someone with whom to share. Let Jason and John Johnson know that you are willing to step up.
  • Rotarians and guests did good work and had a good time at the Club Service Project at Bridging.
  • Rotarians also helped with the CPY/CtK garage sale.
  • Dave presented the Service Above Self Scholarship at Irondale and raved about the accomplishments of Irondale students who were recognized.
  • Nils has started Cities Cop Church to minister to people involved in police work.  It meets at Bethel College two evenings a month. He is also creating a PTSD support group for the increasing numbers of responders suffering with it.
  • Cindy and Dave asked if there is interest in another outing to The Ordway in early October to see “Come From Away.”   More information will be forthcoming.
  • Keep track of your hours of volunteering as a Rotarian and record them at meetings.
Speaker:
 
Nicole Brinkman, Children’s Librarian at the Roseville branch of the Ramsey County Library, was the guest speaker. She shared stories and photos of the project which was the object of our Fund-a-Cause appeal.
Nicole described the library’s extensive programing for babies and children and identified needs for better and more versatile furniture and storage cabinets.
The Reading Room hosts numerous and varied programs. In one program, caregivers and infants sit on the floor in a big circle. Every caregiver has a copy of the same book, and they read aloud together to the infants. Other examples include instrumental performers, Learning-Tree yoga, gardening, and interactive story time. Community partners (ex., police, fire department and DNR) provide special programs. Homework Help is one of the most frequently requested programs. In November, they visit kindergarten classrooms in Ramsey County and host a kindergarten party.
May 2, 2023 Meeting notes:  
 
OFFICIAL 30-DAY NOTICE: The annual meeting for election of Officers and Board members will take place June 6, 2023, at noon at The Exchange.  Every Rotarian should contact President-Elect John Johnson and let him know how you would like to do your part next year.
 
Calendar:
  • May 9 – 4-6 p.m.  Club service project at Bridging, 1730 Terrace Drive, Roseville. RSVP to Cindy that you will participate. Bring a guest to help!
  • May 11 – presentation of Irondale Service Above Self Scholarship, 5:30 p.m. meet the recipient, 7p.m. awards  ceremony
  • May 16 – Club meeting at The Exchange at noon
  • June 6 – Annual meeting at The Exchange at noon, Board meeting at 11 a.m.
  • July 4 – no meeting, Independence Day
  • July 18 – Noon meeting at The Exchange; 11 a.m. Board meeting
Announcements:
  • Keep track of your hours of volunteering as a Rotarian and record them at meetings.
  • The Gold Plate Dinner was a tremendous success, both as a good time and in funds raised. ($32,000) As our only fundraiser, this supports all of our service projects locally and globally.
Notes:
  • Tenzin Dikhangsar and Elijah Hay, two Irondale students we sponsored to attend Camp RYLA (Rotary Youth Leadership Academy), were special guests. They talked about meeting a variety of young people and developing friendships quickly. Both students mentioned gaining self confidence in public speaking through the experience.  Tenzin and Elijah are shown below with Irondale Principal Vichai Saefong.
  • Vichai Saefong, Principal of Irondale High School, was welcomed into membership of this Club and Rotary International. We enjoy working with Irondale to provide opportunities for the students, including scholarships, RYLA and Camp Enterprise. Students sometimes join us in our service activities, including the Easter Egg Hunt and the feeding of participants in the Stockyard Days parade. Vichai is shown with Club Membership Director Cindy Carlson, below.  
  • Ed James and Cindy Carlson were recognized for significant support of The Rotary Foundation and Rotary’s Polio Plus campaign.  Ed and Cindy are pictured with Foundation Director Dana Rebelein, below.
  • Honorary Club Member, MaryAnn Bawden, was a special guest and treated us to homemade cookies.
  • Keep Jed Hamoud and his family in your thoughts and prayers as they encounter difficulties in Lebanon.
Club Information
  JOIN US FOR OUR  MEETINGS EACH TUESDAY FROM NOON TO 1 PM
New Brighton Mounds View

Our Club Motto: Service Above Self

We meet In Person
Tuesdays at 12:00 PM
The Exchange Food and Drink
500 5th Ave. NW
651-348-6289
New Brighton, MN 55112
United States of America
1st and 3rd Tuesdays of the month.
Interested in Joining?
Contact Membership Director:
Cindy Carlson
ccarlson@western-bank.com
651-290-7867
Bulletins