PROGRAM (Credit: Erik Johnston, guest contributor):
15 members gathered at Shortstop on Wednesday, October 2nd for breakfast and fellowship. Member Gordy Backland gave an encore performance of his talk on the legislative process at the state government level. Backlund filibustered a captive audience about the detailed process used to introduce and approve bills in the legislature.
In program news, member Steve Klaers provided an update on the STRIVE program with a first upcoming meeting on the 9th at Fridley High School at noon for an intro with new potential members.
Member Amada Marquez Simula provided a brief update on Rotary’s Operation Pollination, and previewed an upcoming discussion to be had at the club board meeting on October 9 regarding an endorsement of the program.
ANNOUNCEMENTS
Paul Nealy, Bob Tholkes, and Gordon Backlund plan to attend the District 5960 One Summit event in St Croix Falls on Thursday evening, October 3 (See https://www.rotary5960.org/events/).
Neil Granlund of Heights Next Community Group joined members Amáda Márquez Simula, Kristen Stuenkel, and Bob Tholkes at the Operation Pollination Zoom meeting on Tuesday, October 1. Stuenkel recounted her recent contacts with Chris Stein of the RI Operation Pollination Committee and officials of the Minnesota State Fair Eco Experience about 2024-2025 activities. Potential collaboration with other District 5960 and 5950 (Minneapolis area) clubs was also discussed, and Granlund reported on the status of Heights Next’s Mississippi Watershed Management Organization grant.
REMINDERS
The next club board meeting is scheduled for Wednesday, October 9, at 9 a.m. at Fridley Community Center, 6058 7 St NE. All members are welcome.
The Fridley & Columbia Heights Wandrin’ Rotarians will take two more breakfast jaunts in October. On October 16, members have the opportunity to meet at and tour RAO Mfg’s facility at 6530 James Ave. N. in Brooklyn Center, a follow up to the August meeting at RAO in Fridley. Meeting time will be the normal 7:30-8:30. At that hour RAO Brooklyn Center is a 15-minute drive from our normal Shortstop Bar & Grill location. Carpooling from Shortstop Bar & Grill will be organized if wanted. On October 23 member Brenda Lewis will lead a presentation about and tour of Fridley Public Schools new VISTA alternative learning program, housed across the intersection of Shortstop and Old Central Avenue. Breakfast will be at Shortstop followed by the walk to VISTA.
The annual Charter Dinner will take place on Wednesday evening, November 6, at Banquets of Minnesota, 6310 Hwy 65, Fridley. Doors open at 6:00. District 5960 District Governor Ed Boeve will be on hand. Sign up at a breakfast meeting or contact Scott Lund at 612-860-3235.
Rotary International announced that the 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.
