PROGRAM
12 members and prospective members Rich Coleman and Keith Schoolcraft of Fridley heard Patti Constant of Anoka County and member Ryan George, Fridley Public Safety Director, inform about the county’s Opioid Solutions programs, sharing numbers on the occurrence of opioid overdoses, fatal and non-fatal, the funding by the pharmaceutical corporations liable for the onset of the opioid addiction crisis of programs for its alleviation, and on the specific programs initiated by Anoka County.
UPCOMING PROGRAMS:
Nov. 20- member Norma Jean Falink and other members lead an informational program on the Rotary Foundation. Nov. 27- No meeting- Thanksgiving week. Dec. 4- the club meets at Columbia Heights City Hall, 3989 Central Avenue, to hear a presentation, ‘Art To Change The World’.
ANNOUNCEMENTS
The Operation Pollination group met on Tuesday, November 5, with Columbia Heights High School Ag Specialist Melissa Trent joining members Amáda Márquez Simula, Mike Oakley, Kristen Stuenkel, and Bob Tholkes. Trent reported that the pollinator garden at Columbia Heights High School is complete and in the process of bedding down for the winter. Oakley will sign the Rotary International Operation Pollination resolution on behalf of the club. Stuenkel is in touch with the Eco Experience program at the Minnesota State Fair and plans to participate in 2025 were discussed, as was the Minneapolis-based Blue Thumb initiative, which promotes planting for clean water.
The STRIVE program students will visit Anoka Technical College and Anoka Ramsey Community College on Wednesday, December 4. 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. The next quarterly invoice is expected in mid-December.
The next club board meeting is scheduled for Wednesday, December 4 at 9 a.m. at Fridley Community Center, 6058 7 St NE. All members are welcome.
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.
