“America the Beautiful” rang out as Dick Nicholson led the April 17th St. Paul Rotary Meeting’s opening song. President Jerry Faletti welcomed everyone to the 41st meeting of the year. Michael-Jon Pease shared timely passages from the production of “Diary of Anne Frank” in recognition of Ending Genocide Month in Minnesota. Diary of Anne Frank is an annual tradition at St. Paul’s Park Square Theater, which is the longest running playhouse in Minnesota.
Thank you to meeting volunteers: Dick Nicholson, Piano Player; Doug Hartford, Song Leader; Laurie Murphy, Introducing Guests; and new members Tally Venjohn and Shari Clifford were Greeters. Also, special thanks to Todd Nicholson for coordinating volunteers each week.
All members were invited to attend this week’s Conference of Clubs being hosted by Prior Lake. All Rotary members are always invited and welcome to participate in any District, State or National Rotary convenings. Visit www.rotary.org/myrotary to get connected and learn more about the resources and network that Rotary provides.
This Spring the Fellowship Team is coordinating several Happy Hour gatherings for Club Members and guests. This replaces the Thursday a.m. fellowship breakfasts. Members were invited to mark their calendars for April 19, May 3, May 17 and June 7th. See The Hub for the rotating community locations.
This is Camp RYLA weekend and our Club RYLA team leaders are ready for a full group of campers and counselors. Members are encouraged to join in the fun Sunday morning by signing up or simply showing up for the FMSC pack. Members who want to see more of the action and interact with the RYLA participants are welcome to plan a visit to the Camp. See Jodi or The Hub for additional details.
President Faletti shared an opportunity to host a visiting Japanese teacher, July – November, 2018. Connect with Jodi or Jerry for additional information if you or someone you know is interested in this unique hosting opportunity.
Happy Dollars were gathered by Bob Cardinal on a range of “good news” and “in the news” topics – Lindsay Whalen, trips to Tanzania and parents of RYLA campers. Jay Pfaender promoted upcoming speakers including Art Rolnick and next week’s RYLA program. Members were encouraged to invite guests. Full information can be found at saintpaulrotary.org.
Saint Paul Urban Tennis Board Chair Jack Van De North introduced members to the impressive 26-year history and passion behind SPUT. More than a sports club, SPUT’s mission is service to the youth of St. Paul’s East Side. In the East Side 40% of residents live below 150% of poverty and 42% of these are children. SPUT is housed in the former Eastview Rec Center. In addition to tennis lessons, leagues and clubs, SPUT runs the Warrior Leadership Academy. WLA supports the development of youth through the development of 6 life skills. Known as SPIRIT they are – Service, Perseverance, Integrity, Responsibility, Imagination, Teamwork.
Song Thao, newly appointed President/CEO of SPUT and SPUT alumni, outlined the many ways SPUT impacts the lives of at-risk youth working as a partner with the city, the school district and the families and youth themselves. SPUT both employs youth (over 70 of them) and engages youth as participants. No child or family is ever denied access because of their ability to pay. SPUT is proud to count among its “alumni” St. Paul Mayor Melvin Carter. Song shared his own story of success and the pivotal role SPUT played in his and his siblings lives.
President Faletti thanked and congratulated our guests, noting the similarities of the 6 life skills with Rotary. Appropriately, the meeting closed with the Rotary 4-way test. See everyone next week when we host our 2018 Camp RYLA campers and counselors. A not to be missed energy-infused annual tradition.
P.S. Want to be part of an upcoming meeting or program? Contact Todd Nicholson to learn how to bring your talents to Rotary service.
Respectfully Submitted,
Trixie Golberg
Triumph Electrical Services