August 30, 2023
PROGRAM
16 members heard member Bob Olsen and son Chris Olsen describe, their family firm, RAO Mfg., founded in 1920 by Bob's grandfather. The company began as a general machining firm, evolved into a leader in deep drawn metal stamping, and continued expanding, most recently into metal fabrication. Bob worked his way up from production work into sales and contracts, and served as president from 1975 to 2006. Sons Chris and Don provide its current leadership.
ANNOUNCEMENTS
Club President Stephen Keeler and treasurer Greg Schraufnagel described the club's current financial situation, both in the club's account and that of the Healthy Youth Foundation, the 501c3 cooperative of Rotary clubs to which the club belongs. Changes to the club's fundraising strategy are anticipated for next year.
REMINDERS
The Pollination Committee will meet next on Tuesday, September 12, at 7:30 a.m. on Zoom. The Zoom link is https://colheights-k12-mn-us.zoom.us/j/86557933324. Contact organizer Kristen Stuenkel with any questions at stuenkek@colheights.k12.mn.us. Members are welcome to attend.
The next Rotary International Operation Pollination virtual meeting is schezduled for 9 a.m. on Friday, September 22. The link reference is https://tnc.zoom.us/j/99889020630#success.
The club is invited to participate with the city of Fridley and Anoka County on Saturday, September 23, to plant seedlings at Commons Park, 555 61th Avenue NE. Time TBA.
District 5960's 2023-24 One Summit sessions(focused discussions on Membership, Public Image, and the Rotary Foundation) are scheduled for Roseville (September 28) and Stillwater (October 5). Register at ONE SUMMIT | District 5960 (rotary5960.org)
The club board meets next on Wednesday, October 4, at 9 a.m. at Fridley Community Center.
The District 5960 Conference of Clubs takes place on Friday and Saturday, Oct. 13-14 at St. Olaf College in Northfield.
The annual Charter Dinner social event on Wednesday, November 15 at Banquets of Minnesota in Fridley will again feature the Rotary District Governor. The DG for 2023-24 is Patricia McCleese of Rochester.
Additional mentors for Fridley STRIVE students are sought. Contact Steve Klaers at 612-599-8103.
Rotary International produces podcasts on various subjects, available at https://on.rotary.org/3VnjizH.
UPCOMING PROGRAMS: September 6- David Cullen, Acting Public Works Director, City of Columbia Heights, on snowplowing operations; September 13- Jessica Torrey, Anoka Co., on the Anoka County Mobile Crisis Response service; September 20- Holly Schultz of Fridley on dog training; September 27- member Ryan George presents his classification talk; October 4- Kathleen O'Donnell, Director of the Minnesota Multiple Sclerosis Society; October 11- member Vern Hoium on growing up in Columbia Heights.
