PROGRAM

 

19 members, including 6 on Zoom, and guest Captain Erik Johnston of the Columbia Heights Police Department, heard member Brian Weierke, Director of Public Safety for the City of Fridley, summarize FPD’s 2020 Annual Report. The report outlined the department’s policing strategies, provided call for service information showing year-over-year increases for the past three years, broken down by crime category, detailing the gender, race, and home addresses of arrestees, and noting areas of increased crime, particularly thefts of autos and catalytic converters. Citizen survey results pertaining to police department performance were presented, and Weierke characterized the city’s 45 officers as hard-working and accountable.

 

 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. Sponsorships are up to $1,400.00, and 25foursomes have received. The Refuge golf course 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.

 

Kristen Stuenkel noted that the Operation Pollination group met yesterday morning. The club board will at its meeting next week be asked to endorse the rotary District 5960 Pollinator Pledge.

 

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.

 

As more Minnesotans are vaccinated yet practice pandemic safety, District 5960 is planning an OUTDOOR, FAMILY-FRIENDLY Conference of Clubs on Saturday, June 5th, 10am - 2pm at the Rotary Pavilion in Levee Park in Hastings. Register at:  https://rotary5960.org/event/2021-conference-of-clubs/. President-Elect Don Archibeque has been invited to collaborate on an environment-themed event for the conference with the neighboring Blaine-Ham Lake and Arden Hills-Shoreview Rotary clubs.

 

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.