MAY 20, 2014 ROTARY IN REVIEW:
Derek Sharrer, Saint Paul Saints Baseball
It's the swan song season for the Saints at Midway Stadium. The team's longtime home will soon make way to a new $90 million stadium in Lowertown. Derek Sharrer, Executive Vice President and General Manager of the Saint Paul Saints told the assembled Rotarians about what's happening in the final year at Midway Stadium along with plans for the new stadium set to open next May.
President Jim Kosmo called the meeting to order at 12:15 at the Crowne Plaza Saint Paul introducing Bob Jones on the piano and Chuck Field to lead God Bless America. Bob Cardinal delivered the invocation to begin the day's program. Nancy McKillips introduced and welcomed visiting Rotarians and guests. We welcomed back past member Vicki Gee Teft.
Jill Petzel encouraged all to register for Fellowship Day June 3 at the White Bear Yacht Club with activities to fit all tastes and a unique once a year Rotary outing.
Jay Pfaender noted our June 10 speaker Amy Gage is in the headlines on the topic of Women's equity and advancement a business imperative.
Clyde Nelson reminded members of our great success in this year's Feed My Starving. Food packed will be sent to Guatemala and Afghanistan. $42,000 Rotary invested $42,000 to make the Centennial Project possible. He thanked the many generous Centennial donors.
President Jim reported on the success of Values Day and Education Day. We are anticipating several new member applications due to the many connections made and community visibility. President Jim also noted that the Centennial Campaign will also be supporting one of the RYLA campers we meet last min through a 4 year scholarship.
May Birthdays were celebrated with song, cake and flowers.
President Jim presented Mark Weber Awards for service to four members who made values day happen -- Joe Kovarik, Steve Young, Mindee Kastelic and Carley Stuber.
Happy Dollars were shared.
Mindee Kastelic introduced our program, Derek Sharrer, Executive Vice President and General Manager of the Saint Paul Saints, Take the Last Train to Midway 2014. The program marked the day the Saints will be contending for their 1000 win.
It was noted Chuck Field shared his ball park peanuts tossed out by Derek with Nancy McKillips, clearly a Four Way Test gesture.
Derek shared his background in professional baseball management and the history of Saints baseball over 23 years, including why the Saints were supposed to be in Duluth. Today, the Saints remain committed to what's old and new for the great city of Saint Paul. He shared a long list if noteworthy Saints players who made an impact on both the major and minor leagues.
Derek also shared a list of great game day promotions and some not so great promotions that shall not be repeated. The 2014 season promises a bit of both. Derek finished by reviewing the new ball park plans and thanking all the community members who are making the project happen.
President Jim presented Derek an appreciation certificate and a donation to Saint Paul Public Library Read with Me in his name and thanked all who assisted with the meeting.
President Jim lead members through the Four Way Test and adjourned the meeting at 1:05 pm.
Trixie Golberg, Scribe