President Ed’s Quote of the Day: “Happiness is when what you think, what you say and what you do are in harmony.” - Mahatma Gandhi
Treasurer John Ordway reported that, as of today, we have collected over $5,000 in donations toward our No-Plate Dinner fundraiser.
Membership Director Cindy Carlson had the pleasure to induct former Rotarian Gerry Tietz as an Honorary Member of the club. Gerry had been a member since 2004 with 16 years of faithful membership and exemplary leadership. Gerry held several Board positions, was President of the club and even served the District as a Foundation Committee member. Gerry was unable to attend in person because of Covid restrictions at his new residence, but he was able to join us on Zoom. Congratulations, Gerry, on your honorary membership. We miss you and hope you will soon be able to attend an occasional meeting.
We were all saddened at the news that DG Ed Marek’s daughter, Mandy, had passed on after battling breast cancer. Condolences may be directed to:
Ed and Sue Marek
5676 Upper 136th St Ct. W.
Apple Valley MN 55124
Jed Hamoud offered to make contact with the Beirut, Lebanon Rotary Club to see if there is a way we might be of help after the horrendous explosion that rocked the city on August 4th.
Geoff Hollimon reported that the Suburban Ramsey Emergency Coalition has received over $83,000 of its $150,000 donation goal. He thanked everyone for their generous contributions but warned that Fall will bring new challenges as state and federal emergency funding runs out. The Coalition has awarded a grant to the YMCA of Greater Twin Cities to help fund and onsite food shelf at Montreal Courts, and affordable housing complex in Little Canada. The $5,000 grant will provide food to 225 people each month and cooked meals for 120 people each week. The Coalition’s Virtual Run/Walk was a big success with 157 registrations. Registrations netted $2,140 and donations and sponsorships added another $12,843 for a total of $14,943. Well done! The Coalition also received an anonymous $10,000 donation designated for housing assistance for Black or African-American families.
Nyle Zikmund introduced today’s presenter, Michael Wurth, from Urban BoatBuilders. Twenty five years ago a group of community leaders formed the non-profit to address the opportunity gap created by systemic barriers to education and employment. Urban Boatbuilders provides hands-on opportunities to gain technical, social and emotional skills to help young people reach their academic and vocational goals. Urban Boatbuilders has two programs; apprenticeship and partnership.
The Apprenticeship Program is a paid job training program. Applicants must be 16-19 years old and meet criteria for low income or barriers to employment. Pay starts at $9.84 per hour and goes up with additional sessions. Sessions use boat building as the means to build technical, social and career readiness skills. There are also three paddling and camping opportunities each year, including one in the Boundary Waters. Successful apprentices may apply to become Senior Apprentices and, eventually Youth Instructors. Michael noted that 73% of the youth who complete the apprenticeship program are employed.
The Partnership Program is a cooperative program with local middle schools, high schools and youth service organizations to provide academically enhanced boatbuilding skills to youth ranging in age from 12-21. This program serves over 1000 youth per year. The program is on hold during Covid but will continue with safety measures as schools reopen.
Potential volunteers are encouraged to check out Open Shop Night on Wednesdays from 6:30 –9:30PM. These sessions are open to all levels of experience. The calendar and other information are available here.
Urban Boatbuilders will be having a 25th Anniversary Virtual Community Celebration on August 20th from 6:30-7:30 PM. To RSVP or get more information, click here.
See below for group photo of today’s meeting participants as well as a photo of Nyle and Michael.
