AUG 21, 2012 ROTARY IN REVIEW:
Eric Howell and Jillian Nodland
The meeting was called to order by President Dan McKeown. Past President Chuck Field led the singing of America accompanied by Leon Goodrich on the piano. The invocation was given by Tom Brinsko and new member Mindee Kastelic introduced visiting Rotarians and guests. Today’s greeters were Lynne Beck and Barbara Nichols.
Thursday’s fellowship speaker is new member Scott Howard with Mairs and Power. When Sarah Kolar came around collecting happy dollars Scott threw in $23 as an enticement for members to come hear him speak. 23 is his favorite number and he’s hoping 23 Rotarians will come on Thursday morning, August 23.
Derek Sharrer made one last announcement for this Sunday’s Rotary day at the Saint Paul Saints baseball game. The cost is $17.00 (a $34 value) and includes priority seating, a voucher for a hot dog and soft drink and a Saints cap. Guests are welcome!
We celebrated today with those Rotarians who have birthdays during the month of August.
PDG Ken Crabb introduced Eric Howell, the writer and director of the short film “Ana’s Playground,” and Jillian Nodland, the film’s producer. The film opens in an unidentified, war-torn country with a rag-tag group of children who are playing soccer. When their ball flies over a fence and out of reach, one young girl is forced into a dangerous game with a sniper.
The film, which was shot in the Cedar Riverside area of Minneapolis, was financed through charitable donations of goods, services and cash. Howell says the film is not about politics, it’s about the kids. It received several top honors including Best Screenplay Award at the Los Angeles Short Film Festival, Best Short Film at the Norwich International Film Festival and the Grand Prize at the USA Film Festival. It is intended to entertain, engage and inform. The young actors are all local. The film avoids political or regional stereotypes. Its focus is on the effects of war on children, rather than on the political or racial difference in a particular conflict.
Following a Q & A session, President Dan presented both Eric and Jillian certificates of appreciation indicating that a donation was being made in their names to the Saint Paul Public Library "Read With Me" program and adjourned the meeting.