PROGRAM

 

20 members, including 8 on Zoom, and prospective Captain Erik Johnston of the Columbia Heights Police Department, heard Rotarian Ellen Kennedy of Mitchell Hamline Law School and Executive Director of World Without Genocide.org, present on her personal experiencies of anti-Semitic abuse, particularly through social media ("doxing"), and explain the missions of World Without Genocide, which works to protect innocent people around the world; prevent genocide by combating racism and prejudice; advocate for the prosecution of perpetrators; and remember those whose lives and cultures have been destroyed by violence. Prof. Kennedy illustrated her talk with images and text of recent notorious anti-Semitic demonstrations and social media abuse. Prof. Kennedy can be contacted for further information at kennedy@worldwithoutgenocide.org. 

 

ANNOUNCEMENTS

 

Golf Classic coordinator Greg Schraufnagel announced that all items (sponsors, golfers, diners, silent auction items) are still sought for the July 19 Golf Classic. Forty golfers are presently enrolled. The Refuge golf course in Oake Grove has been reserved. The event’s site is at Event home page - 2021 Fridley/Columbia Heights Rotary Golf Classic (fchgolfclassic.com). Classic info also now appears on the home page of the club website, fridleychrotary.org. A representative of SACA, the primary beneficiary for this year's fundraiser, is being sought to speak at the Golf Classic dinner.

 

Secretary Bob Tholkes noted that thank-yous have been received from the students completing the STRIVE scholarship program at Fridley High School. President Kelli Bourgeois thanked member Steve Klaers for once again heading up the program, and Klaers noted the assisstance of members John Niewald and Josh Callahan as mentors.

 

Bourgeois also noted that the club will provide an informational table at the Art and Info Fair at the Columbia Heights Jamboree on Thursday, June 24. A few members are needed to staff the table. 

 

Social Committee Scott Lund noted that 21 reservatiuons, hopefully on the way to the desired 40, have been received for the charter dinner on Wednesday, August 25 at Banquets of Minnesota in Fridley. Contact Scott at scott.lund@comcest.net as soon as possible to reserve.

                          

REMINDERS

 

Members may sign up to deliver groceries for SACA on any Saturday in June at https://sacafoodshelf.org/volunteer. If you will be driving, provide your insurance card and driver’s license for SACA to copy for its records.

 

Service project coordinator Mark Grotewold reminded that with the loosening of COVID restrictions other service projects can be planned. Please contact him with your ideas.

 

Installation of 2021-22 District Governor Kenny Klooster of Mankato is scheduled for Friday, June 25, at The Blue Boat in downtown Mankato from 6 to 9 p.m. Appetizers and live music provided.

 

In-person only weekly breakfasts resume as of July 7. President-Elect Don Archibeque has contacted members who have attended regularly via Zoom to personally explain the decision.

 

The club will provide an informational table at the Columbia Heights Centennial Celebration on July 17.