15 members and guest Danielle Thompson of Fridley Public Schools participated in a club business session led by President-Elect Paul Nealy which discussed the current member survey regarding the club’s present meeting site and breakfast plan, possible projects for a 2025-26 followup District Grant Project, and progress on identifying a suitable 2024-25 local literacy project in the elementary schools. Nealy reminded that it’s never too early to begin recruiting golfers and donors for the July 28 Golf Classic fundraiser.
UPCOMING PROGRAMS: January 15- Local business owner Chris Kolstad gives his views on it’s role in the community. 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
ANNOUNCEMENTS
The Operation Pollination group met virtually yesterday morning, with Neil Granlund of Heights Next Community Group and Melissa Trent of Columbia Heights High School’s Blooming Heights garden program joining members Kristen Stuenkel and Bob Tholkes. Trent shared a recent study of the value of residential pollinator gardens, and the new garden project in the high school’s courtyard. Stuenkel showed the presentation she and member Amáda Márquez Simula will make at the RI Operation Pollination virtual conference on January 15. Granlund mentioned the recent offer of the established raised-bed garden at First Lutheran Church in Columbia Heights to Heights Next for participation in continuing the garden.
New member Sonja Ketchum of Fridley was officially welcomed to the club, receiving her pin, badge, certificate and informational materials. Welcome Sonja!
STRIVE students will visit Minneapolis College and RAO Manufacturing on Thursday, February 6. Contact Steve Klaers at 612-599-8103 about attending.
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.
STRIVE coordinator Steve Klaers announced a mentors’ meeting with students for tomorrow, January 6, at 9 a.m. at Fridley High School. Contact Klaers at 612-599-8103 about attending.
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, contact Stephen Keeler at skeeler@isd14.org.
The club board meets next on Wednesday, February 5 at 9 a.m.
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.
