PROGRAM

 

16 members, including 4 on Zoom, heard City of Columbia Heights Community Development Director Aaron Chirpich outline the plans for the three mixed-use developments and 29-unit assisted-living building currently under construction or in the planning stage. The developments include market-rate and affordable housing, new retail, an additional city park and event space, an expanded Southern Anoka Community Assistance facility, and the unique City Hall planned for inclusion in the apartment development at 40^th and Central Avenues.

 

NEW MEMBER INDUCTION

 

Gordy Backlund and President Kelli Bourgeois inducted Capt. Erik Johnston of the Columbia Height Police Department as the club’s newest member.

 

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. The Refuge golf course in Oak 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. The Director of SACA, Dave Rudolph, will be attending our golf banquet and will give a short talk. Presently, 52 golfers are expected.

 

Bourgeois asked for volunteers to help staff the club’s table at the Columbia Heights Arts and Info Fair tomorrow at Huset Park from 5 to 730 p.m.

 

Scott Lund announced that 26 members  and guests have signed up for the annual charter dinner on Wednesday evening, August 25 at Banquets of Minnesota in Fridley. Cost is $32 per person for the meal and facility rental. For $17, attendees can purchase a bottle of wine from member Roy Goslin. Contact Scott at scott.lund@comcast.net or phone 612-860-3235 to register.

 

Kristen Stuenkel and Lois McCarron noted that this week is National Pollinator Week, and Stuenkel requested a decision by the club on signing the Mayors’ Monarch 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.

 

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 explain the decision.

 

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