PROGRAM

 

Club nonagenarian (I believe) Vern Hoium, a member of 20 years’ standing, kicked off a series of classification-talk encores arranged for the purpose of acquainting relatively recent members with the histories of our long-termers. A resident of Columbia Heights since age 4, Hoium recounted his adventures in the U. S. Army Signal Corps, University of Minnesota law school (while summering as a travel tour conductor), Minnesota State Senate, experience as a lobbyist and member of hospital boards and associations, and co-founding of the Columbia Heights Public Schools Foundation. Hoium enjoys the camaraderie of Rotary meetings and the opportunity to continue serving the community. He married in 1960 and has two daughters, and continues his career as a probate lawyer.

 

The club’s 34^th member, Brad Gudim, was inducted into the club. Gordon Backlund provided reminders about Rotary’s history and purposes and the Rotary Foundation in performing the induction.

 

ANNOUNCEMENTS

 

Bob Tholkes reported that he attended the meeting last week of Elk River Rotary, where he presented the board-approved donation of $500.00 to that club in support of its fundraising for purchase of a transporter for veterans at the Magnus Veterans’ Foundation. Former member Casey Mahon, now of the Elk River club, presented on the project last month. Bob read a thank-you note from Mahon.

 

Thanks to Tholkes, Kristen Stuenkel (and Columbia Heights Public Schools staff), Tim Blank, and Lori Andler (and helpers) at Fridley Public Schools for completing the Dictionary Project this week. Dictionaries have been supplied to both public school districts, Immaculate Conception School of Columbia Heights, and Woodcrest Baptist Academy of Fridley for distribution. In-person distribution to the 3^rd grade classes will hope fully resume in fall 2022.

 

Amada Simula mentioned that the Heights Next community foundation will clean up on Central Avenue this Saturday, the 16^th, and invited members to participate.

 

Stuenkel mentioned that SACA has slots available for delivery of groceries to its homebound clients, also this coming Saturday. If you will be driving, provide your insurance card and driver’s license for SACA to copy for its records. Volunteer at https://sacafoodshelf.org/volunteer.

 

REMINDERS

 

The club is scheduled again to provide bellringing support for the Salvation Army, for 4-hour shifts from 3:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. on Wednesday, Dec. 1; Wednesday, Dec. 8; and Wednesday, Dec. 15 at Sam’s Club in Fridley. Please plan on volunteering for at least one 2-hour shift. Contact Gordy Backlund either in person or at 763-574-0369 to schedule. As of today, three slots for volunteers remain.

 

A musical service celebrating the long life and career in music of Henry Smith, spouse of member Norma Jean Falink, is scheduled (COVID permitting) for Monday, November 22, at Colonial Church of Edina, at 2 p.m.