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Chris Kolseth Josh Callahan
 
 
January 15, 2025
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Breakfast meetings are on Wednesday mornings at 7:30-8:30 at Shortstop Bar & Grill, 1298 E Moore Lake Dr, Fridley. Drop in! Guests Welcome!
 
Find us online at:https://www.fridleychrotary.org/ and connect with us at fridleychrotary@gmail.com or on Facebook at Fricley-CH Rotary.
 
Joining the FCH Rotary breakfast meetings on Zoom (request by the previous Monday at skeeler@isd14.org):  open the link below, click on Open Zoom Meetings, and follow the prompts.
 
 
 
PROGRAM
 
13 members heard Columbia Heights business owner Chris Kolseth describe his personal background, his business’s (Pizza Man) extensive involvement through participation with and donations to local organizations and individuals, especially ex-convicts who have demonstrated a long-term commitment to an altered lifestyle.
 
UPCOMING PROGRAMS: January 22- Kathleen Moriarty of the Columbia Heights – Fridley Adult Education Center, recipient of our District Grant Project funds, will describe the Center’s activities. January 29- Julia Buckley, Miracle-Ear: Hearing Aids. Feb. 5- the next outing to Columbia Heights City Hall, for a Zoom presentation by Megan Reich about Metro Blooms, Minneapolis nonprofit helping people care for land and water.
 
ANNOUNCEMENTS
 
Mike Oakley announced that the Rotary District ‘Make Peace Visible’ Annual Conference is scheduled for Thursday-Saturday May 1-3 at Mystic Lake Event Center, 2400 Mystic Lake Blvd, Prior Lake. Register at https://makepeacevisible.org/.
 
Bob Tholkes announced that the STRIVE program resulted this year in 6 $1000.00 payouts to Columbia Heights students, and that the inauguration two years ago of the mentor program at Fridley has increased the number of Fridley STRIVE students who complete the program.
 
Members Kristen Stuenkel and Amáda Márquez Simula are attending a Rotary International Operation Pollination virtual conference which coincided with today’s club meeting. They will report next week.
 
REMINDERS
 
The District 5960 Midterm event will take place on Saturday morning, January 18, at Hamline University in St. Paul. Register free at https://www.rotary5960.org/events/
 
The club is purchasing a table for 8 at the Fridley School Foundation’s annual fundraiser on Thursday evening, January 30 at Jax Café. To request a complimentary seat for yourself, contact Stephen Keeler at skeeler@isd14.org. Offer is now also open for your guests.
 
The next Operation Pollination virtual meeting is scheduled for 7:30 a.m. on Tuesday, February 4. Use Zoom reference https://colheights-k12-mn-us.zoom.us/j/89549675071.
 
The club board meets next on Wednesday, February 5 at 9 a.m. following the meeting at Columbia Heights City Hall.
 
STRIVE students will visit Minneapolis College and RAO Manufacturing on Thursday, February 6. Contact Steve Klaers at 612-599-8103 about attending. 
 
The 2025 Golf Classic fundraiser is scheduled for Monday, July 28, at The Refuge Golf Course in Columbus Township.
 
With the club board approving an expenditure in 2025-26 for a Rotary grant proposal, members are encouraged to suggest possible projects for either a district or international grant. Contact Secretary Bob Tholkes at fridleychrotary@gmail.com.
 
The club’s new VENMO account is now in service. To use it for payments to the club, download the VENMO ap and type in Fridley-Columbia HeightsRotaryClub.
 
Rotary International announced that the May 27-28, 2028 (changed from 2029) RI convention will be held in Minneapolis. It will be organized cooperatively by Districts 5580, 5950, 5960, and 6250.
 
Additional mentors for Fridley STRIVE students are sought. Contact Steve Klaers at 612-599-8103.