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Stories
10.04.2017 & 10.11.2017

 

Picture from October 4th dictionary distribution at Immaculate Conception School in Columbia Heights.
Meeting of 10.04.2017:
24 members, exchange student Pascal Bohner, and guest Jim Cummings, coordinator of the STRIVE program at Fridley High School, heard member Craig Malm describe and show photos and an occasionally hair-raising video of his "Stomp Out Polio" solo backpacking expedition in the Cascade Mountains in Washington State. The strenuous walk, about 60 miles over eight days, included rugged trails uncomfortably close to precipices. Craig also brought his backpack and showed the supplies he toted for the trip.The Polio Plus effort has raised $2,300 to date.
 
Announcements:
  • Tim Blank recruited additional help for dictionary distribution at three Fridley elementary schools and at Immaculate Conception School in Columbia Heights.  The remaining Heights schools will receive dictionaries on Oct. 18.
  • Jim Cummings noted the date of the upcoming STRIVE kickoff meeting at Fridley and invited members to attend.
  • Space remains at the club's table for the Lee Carlson Center Music for the Mind event on Oct. 19. Roy Goslin solicited input on the annual charter dinner. Crooners, last year's site, was suggested. Roy will follow up.
  • Mark Grotewold announced that the 2nd quarter service activity will be assistance at SACA, the local food sheld. Details TBA.
  • Birthday wishes were extended to Pascal, who turned 16.
Meeting of 10.11.2017:
20 members, exchange student Pascal Bohner, who also served as speaker, and guests Brian Rogers of Village Bank (potential member and a graduate of Columbia Heights High School), Al Santaroz and John Gillis of Bikes 4 Kids attended the breakfast meeting of October 11.
 
Pascal showed photos of his family, friends and Rotary exchange students in Germany, described his activities since arriving in August, and answered questions.
 
Announcements:
  • A reminder was issued for the dictionary distribution next week at Columbia Heights public schools and Global Academy, the public charter school.
  • Brian Weierke introduced Al Santaroz and John Gillis from Bikes 4 Kids. He explained that the club's board has approved a partnership with the City of Fridley to purchase the bikes the city collects for a nominal cost and then distribute them to needy kids. Al thanked the membership for its support.
  • Gordy Backlund announced that the Fridley Lions will hold a blood drive on Nov. 2 at Redeemer Lutheran church.
  • Kristen Stuenkel, who chaired the meeting in President Wally Wysopal's absence, announced that the board has approved sponsorship of an outbound exchange student, Skylar Rhoads of northeast Minneapolis, pending acceptance of her application by North Star Youth Exchange.
  • Craig Malm noted that donations to his Stomp Out Polio campaign for Polio Plus are still being accepted.