PROGRAM

 

19 members, including 3 on Zoom, heard City of Columbia Heights Communications Director Ben Sandell describe the results of the community survey conducted recently by the city. The survey used a random sample (by phone) of 400 residents responding to 130 questions; a briefer survey was available online. Normed on first-ring suburbs in Minnesota, the results were above average in most categories, with “good to excellent” ratings of close to 90%. Crime and street maintenance emerged as residents’ chief concerns.  

 

ANNOUNCEMENTS

 

Stillwater Sunrise Rotary Club notified us that drilling has begun on the community well at El Corazo, Nicaragua, a project to which the club contributed. A video is available at https://mail.google.com/mail/u/0/?tab=rm&ogbl#inbox?projector=1.

 

The Zoom meeting of the Operation Pollination group of Tuesday, May 3, reviewed plans at the City of Columbia Heights to promote it “No Mow May” initiative; the City of Fridley has declined to participate, citing its efforts already in place to encourage pollinators. Columbia Heights is also planting Bee Lawns in public spaces and is cooperating with Columbia Heights Lions on construction of a Bee House. Rotary sponsorship of a bench at a pollinator location was discussed and completion of a funding request planned.

 

Mary Anne Rishebarger of the Monarch Sister Schools Program, who did not speak last week as scheduled, was not sent the club Zoom link. Another date will be arranged, probably in July.

 

REMINDERS

 

Rotarians are invited to accompany STRIVE students as they participate in the Kids in Need school supplies distribution event on May 7.  Contact Steve Klaers at 612-599-8103 for information.

 

Scholarship presentation assemblies at Columbia Heights and Fridley High Schools are scheduled for Wednesday, May 11, and Thursday, May 19, respectively. Members are invited to attend the assemblies, at which STRIVE awards are presented. Mark Grotewold has agreed to present the STRIVE scholarships at Columbia Heights. Steve Klaers and Josh Callahan will present at Fridley.

 

The normal weekly breakfast meetings will be replaced on selected dates this summer by lunch meetings at the Refuge Golf Club, 21250 Yellow Pine St NW, Oak Grove, MN, the site of the July Golf Classic fundraiser. Complementary lunches and golf will be provided for invited prospective members. Members who choose to golf after the meeting can do so at a discounted rate of $45.00. The lunches will begin at 11:30. Meetings are scheduled for May 25, June 29, and July 27, with an additional date in August to be chosen. Members are requested to help identify prospective members to invite, particularly owners of local businesses. President Don Archibeque has circulated a list.

 

The next Zoom meeting of the Operation Pollination group will be held on Tuesday morning, June 7, at 7:30 a.m. Contact organizer Kristen Stuenkel with any questions at stuenkek@colheights.k12.mn.us. The link to join the meeting is https://colheights-k12-mn-us.zoom.us/j/86961226644.  

 

Volunteers will be needed for the planned 49er Days Fun Run in June, which Bob Olsen will organize upon his return from Florida.

 

Wally Wysopal and Greg Schraufnagel spoke on the silent auction and about the need for sponsors and golfers for the July 19 Golf Classic, the club’s chief fundraiser.