16 members and prospective members Anna Bottila of Columbia Heights and Rich Coleman and Keith Schoolcraft of Fridley heard Stew Thornley, spokesperson for the Minnesota Department of Health on water issues, and trainee Rebecca Toews provide an update on current water issues, especially the longtime effort to prevent lead content in drinking water from both public systems and private wells.
UPCOMING PROGRAMS: Dec. 18-member Norma Jean Falink and other members will lead an information session on the Rotary Foundation, coinciding with the reception of the district Rotary Foundation’s check in support of the club district grant project. No meeting is scheduled for the week of Wednesday, December 25, Christmas Day. No meeting is scheduled for the week of Wednesday, January 1, New Year’s Day.
ANNOUNCEMENTS
Bellringing! The club’s traditional activity of the Salvation Army will take place today from 4 to 7 p.m. at Sam’s Club 8150 University Ave, Fridley, 90-minute shifts. Enroll with Gordon Backlund for one or more 90-minute shifts at 612-296-0375.
Rotary District 5960 tomorrow evening,
Thursday, December 12, offers a Zoom meeting about membership entitled, ‘What Makes Your Club Irresistible?’, hosted by District Membership Chair David Connelly of Faribault Rotary. Join at
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/83271859893. Meeting ID: 832 7185 9893
Steve Klaers announced that STRIVE mentoring sessions and visits to area colleges will resume in early January.
The club is purchasing a table at the Fridley School Foundation’s annual fundraiser on January 30 at Jax Café. To request a complimentary seat, contact Secretary Bob Tholkes at fridleychrotary@gmail.com.
Member Greg Schraufnagel, former treasurer and current Golf Classic coordinator, tendered his resignation from the club today. New volunteer duties in connection with his childrens’ sporting activities will claim his increased attention. Greg leaves with the club’s thanks for his many contributions during his seven years of membership and best wishes for the future. We hope to see him back in Rotary down the road.
REMINDERS
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. The next quarterly invoice is expected in mid-December.
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/
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.
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.
