SEPTEMBER 29, 2015 ROTARY IN REVIEW:
German Consul General Herbert Quelle

President Carla Hauge mentioned Rotarians in the news. Derek Sharrer, Executive VP and General Manager of the St. Paul Saints, was named American Association Executive of the Year. Bill Givens of Prom Management Group sold its sports catering business.

Scott Van reminded everyone that Thursday is the rose sale pick-up day. They will be at Van Paper Co. from 7-2. There are still 5 openings for selling roses in the skyway: US Bank – Thursday, 3 – 5; Alliance - Thursday, 11-1, 1-3. If you didn’t buy or sell roses, please consider making a $50 contribution to the foundation.

Laurie Murphy mentioned the Dictionary Project. John and Pam Chandler will host people who want to put labels on dictionaries at their house in Mendota Heights on October 1 and 8 (7:30-8:30 am). We will pass out 3,200 dictionaries to 3rd graders in the St. Paul Public Schools.

Ed Coleman announced the date for Rotation Day is October 13. He asked Rotarians three questions: Do you like classic cars? Then you can visit Chuck Whitaker’s Classic Cars. Do you like baseball? Then you can do to CHS Field. Do you like beer? Then you can go to Summit Brewery. What a difficult choice?

Chuck Whitaker stated that anyone who brings in a new member gets a case of beer. The Rotarian also gets a case. Henning Schulze-Lauen announced the speaker for the next meeting, Herbert Quelle, Consulate General Chicago. Jim Kosmo reminded everyone to sign up for the John Guthmann event on September 29th at Park Square Theatre. He then offered the first happy dollar for the high student we sponsored. She received $20,000 to attend Drake University in Des Moines. She has graduated and is now employed by an ad agency and working on her Master’s degree. She would like to go into philanthropy work so if anyone knows of a job in Des Moines, let Jim know. Other dollars were from Steve Young for the round tables he led at the General Assembly of the UN, the President of the West St. Paul-Mendota Heights Club for our support of their golf tournament, and Jennie Lightfoot for her daughter Cheryl’s book about indigenous peoples of the world to be released in October.

Jay Pfaender introduced our speaker, Jon McTaggart, President and CEO of American Public Media Group, the parent company of Minnesota Public Radio, American Public Media and The Fitzgerald Theater in St. Paul. He started by talking about how we have a growing sense of anxiety due to the war in Syria, terrorists, migrants, etc. The country is divided by political ads, an uncertain economy, and limited resources for education and other needs. As a result, people’s confidence is shaken.

Jon likes to see more than this bleak picture. Another reality is that people are living longer, are richer, and healthier. Our standard of living is going up and companies are becoming more global. We have greater access to information. There is real hope, possibilities, and opportunities – a better future.

MPR was created in 1967. Since that time, how we get news has changed dramatically. 2/3 of Americans have smart phones. We have more control of the media and what we consume. We can listen to and watch only what agrees with us. A Pew Research study shows that 20% of the public is on both ends of the political spectrum. The other 80% is moderate. However, the 20% has a greater impact on the 80% because they are more vocal. 19% of adults get information from sources they don’t trust.

MPR has kept true to its mission over its 48 years. New investments are: Doubling down on journalists; more original, in-depth reporting Increasing investigative journalism Focusing on 3 areas: health, education, sustainability Partnering with other news and community organizations Expanding new technology

MPR also strives to inspire people through music and music education. They have invested in programs that inspire kids to love music like Class Notes which pairs professional musicians with classroom students. MPR is committed to solving problems, making our state a better place. MPR believes and values finding ways to change lives and the community.

Carla Hauge led the club in the Four Way Test to adjourn the meeting.

Respectfully submitted,

Lynne Beck