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President Jerry Faletti called the meeting to order at 12:15 p.m. Ed Coleman led the members in singing “God Bless America” with Doug Hartford at the ivories. Special note: Dr. Bob Jones has donated his keyboard for the club to use now that the hotel has given up their piano. Those looking to build their resume in piano moving (60 lb only!) are asked to help move the keyboard to and from meeting locations within the hotel. Jon Cieslak offered an inspirational minute (timed to the second!) Bo Aylin introduced visiting Rotarians and guests. Thanks to our today’s greeters: Linda Mulhern and Scott Van, and today’s scribe, Michael-jon Pease. Susan O’Neil, St. Paul Fire Foundation, will be Thursday’s Fellowship speaker at the Boy Scout Office. Please note these upcoming dates: The “Old Timer’s Dinner” (for those in Rotary 20+ years) will be Aug 23 and the Past President’s Dinner will be Sept 13. More information is available on our website. Elyssa Weber, who declined the agenda’s suggested promotion to the US Dept of Education, introduced new member Dr. Meagan Johansen (all are encouraged to call her Meg despite what her nametag says). Meg is a licensed psychologist in private practice working in forensic psychology. Although born in Minneapolis, she and her husband Kaj (pronounced “Kai” for all you non-Danes), love the capital city and make their home in Saint Paul (insert widespread cheers). In addition to outdoor adventures, backpacking and archeology, her hobbies include croquet. She currently serves with club member Michael-jon Pease on the Varsity Blues Croquet team of the University Club of Saint Paul and is captain of the 1006 Society team (the 1006 Society supports the preservation of the Governor’s Mansion). Linda Mulhern introduced outbound youth exchange student Violet Baker, headed to Nagasaki this week for our 43rd year of youth exchange with our sister city and sister Rotary Club. Violet lives in Minneapolis and goes to the lake every day with her dogs Asterix and Appollo (Greek history, anyone?). Born in Alaska, Violet has lived in several US states and loves travel. She volunteers for environmental causes and will carry our club banners proudly to clubs in Japan. Jay Pfaender promoted next week’s program: Steve Osman speaking on Fort Snelling’s Civil War history and his new book, which will be available for sale and signature. Ed Coleman encouraged all to attend Rotary night at the Lynx next Tuesday, with music and pre-party at Wilde Thymes across from Park Square Theatre. Valdi Stefanson gave a shout out for our next generation of Rotarians, our vibrant Rotaract Clubs. Twin Cities Rotaract raised $3,000. With our club as official sponsor, they were able to secure an additional $2,131 in order to purchase 854 books that will be distributed to seven neighborhood sites in the Northside Achievement Zone. These materials will help educate 325 young scholars from local families! The David Fesler Award for volunteer leadership in Saint Paul was presented by BJ Fesler, Jerry Miegs, Nancy McKillips and Jay Pfaender to a surprised and honored Valdi Stefanson. The award presents a $1,000 Paul Harris fellowship in the recipient’s name. BJ spoke about how her late husband David was “born, bred and breathed” Saint Paul. His daily two mile walks (even in record snowstorms, during which he stopped to help the public works department) are more than matched by Valdi’s one way drive of 30 miles to attend our club from Stacy, MN. |
