Longtime driving instructor Keith Ternes of Precision Driving Center hit highlights and answered questions about safe driving, focusing on the changes and challenges for drivers over age 55. Precision Driving Center offers cost-free seminars for local groups.
UPCOMING PROGRAMS: March 11—Alicia de la Cruz, local artist. March 18- Club Business Session, President Paul Nealy. March 25- TBA, Ryan George.
ANNOUNCEMENTS
The Operation Pollination group met virtually yesterday morning, with Columbia Heights High School Ag coordinator Melissa Trent and Michelle Spangler of the Mississippi Watershed Management Organization joining members Sarie Cudahy, Amada Marquez Simula, Kristen Stuenkel, and Bob Tholkes. Marquez Simula described her new water education initiative, aimed at publicizing use of the good quality local tap water in place of water in single-use plastic bottles. Trent noted that volunteer opportunities for work at the school’s Blooming Heights gardens are anticipated from late in April forward.
Southern Anoka Community Assistance offers a service activity on Wednesday afternoon, April 1, from 4-6 pm at its new quarters, 3900 California St., Columbia Heights.
REMINDERS
The Rotary billing invoices for the quarter ending Dec. 31 were emailed last week and were due January 15. Treasurer Rottler is available by phone for help with online dues payments. Contact him at 763-670-4259. Payments can be turned in at meetings or mailed to FCH Rotary, 3966 Reservoir Blvd., Columbia Heights 55421.
Steve Klaers noted that the postponed STRIVE field trip to Minneapolis College and RAO Mfg. is rescheduled for Wednesday, March 11, leaving from Columbia Heights High School after the Rotary meeting. Contact Klaers at 612-599-8103 about participating in either or both sessions. Additional mentors for Fridley STRIVE students are sought.
The club board at its meeting yesterday approved sponsorship of the Springbrook Spree fundraiser on Saturday, March 28, 5-830 p.m. The sponsorship includes two complimentary tickets for a dinner. The tickets are available from secretary Bob Tholkes on a first-come, first-served basis at fridleychrotary@gmail.com.
March 28th – Hope Gala @ Alexandra House
Monday April 13th – Area 9 club get-together – Ballpark in Blaine, 10650 Baltimore St NE @ 5pm. Open to all members.
Social Committee Scott Lund is eyeballing a club trip to the popular Gangster Tour in St. Paul for the spring.
The District 5960 2026 Conference of Clubs will be held April 17-18, 2026 at the Hilton Doubletree hotel, St Paul (East). Register at https://www.ismyrotaryclub.org/Register/Index.cfm?EventID=77878439
OUTREACH OPPORTUNITIES: help staff an informational table or assist at club functions:
Saturday May 2nd – Environmental Fun Fair @ Springbrook Nature Center 11-2.
Wednesday, June 17- Columbia Heights Arts and Info Fair, 4-7 pm, Huset Park.
July 16-18 – Fridley 49er Days.
Thursday, July 23 - The Columbia Heights Monarch Festival, at which the club staffs a table, Kordiak Park, 1845 49th Ave NE, Columbia Heights.
The annual Golf Classic fundraiser is scheduled for Thursday, July 30, at The Refuge, 21250 Yellow Pine St NW, Oak Grove.
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.
