October 11, 2023
PROGRAM
15 members heard Jenn Thomas of the Anoka County Stories Foundation speak on human trafficking: its definition, sources, cost, victims, an estimated 50 million worldwide. The Stories Foundation with the state Bureau of Criminal Apprehension and a variety of local agencies and partners to increase awareness, promote prevention, and provide outreach, transition, and restoration services. (n.b.: at its meeting following the breakfest, the club board voted $1000.00 to assist the Stories Foundation' fundraising for a new facility.)
ANNOUNCEMENTS
Bellringing for the Salvation Army! Wednesday Nov. 29, Wednesday Dec. 6, Wednesday Dec. 13 4-7 p.m. at Sam's Club, 8150 University Avenue, Fridley. Sign up for 90-minute shifts with Gordon Backlund at 612-296-0375!
The club board in its meeting today approved grants of $250.00 for the Truck & Treat Halloween event in Columbia Heights for Halloween, and $450.00 to assist former STRIVE student Wendy Tocachy.
REMINDERS
The District 5960 Conference of Clubs takes place on Friday and Saturday, Oct. 13-14 at St. Olaf College in Northfield.
The Dictionary Project program will be delayed to late October.
The annual Charter Dinner social event on Wednesday, November 15 at Banquets of Minnesota in Fridley will again feature the Rotary District Governor. The DG for 2023-24 is Patricia McCleese of Rochester.
The Operation Pollination program for 2023 has been concluded, and will resume meeting in early 2024.
Additional mentors for Fridley STRIVE students are sought, and potential mentors next year at Columbia Heights High School are encouraged to sign up early. Contact Steve Klaers at 612-599-8103.
Rotary International produces podcasts on various subjects, available at https://on.rotary.org/3VnjizH.
UPCOMING PROGRAMS: Oct. 18- member Kristen Stuenkel, Columbia Heights Public Schools referendum; Oct. 25- Peggy Strom, The Rotary Foundation; November 1- Stephen Keeler, Club Business Session; November 8- Ryan George, Classification talk.
