In review

Posted by Mary Younggren on Sep 13, 2018
The speaker at the Sept. 13 Rotary Club of Edina meeting was Irene Kelly, Rotary District 5950 Governor. She talked about how to "Be the Inspiration" this year in Rotary. 
 
There were numerous announcements on the many activities our club has going on this fall. Top of the list is the Edina Rotary Foundation Fundraiser & Gala! Don't miss out on "Rotary's Got Talent" Sept. 29! We had our last contest running up to the big event—a lip-synching contest! As evidenced in photo at right, our brave contestants gave it their all!
 
Click on the link below for more on the meeting...
 
 
Our “Inspirational Leadership” was called to order by President John Flynn and began with the thoughtful invocation given by Axel Stauer. Guest introductions were given by Frank Cardarelle. Our guests were:
 
  • Laura Hutchison, Don Hutchison's daughter
  • Jack Campbell, son of Katy Campbell
  • Natasha Greiling, guest of Kelly Anderson
  • Tom Niederkorn, visiting from the Apple Valley Club Rotary
  • Maureen Rehfuss, visiting from the Roseville Rotary Club
  • Lindsay Moser, visiting Rotarian from the St. Paul Club #10, and a guest of Don Hutchison
There were numerous announcements: 
 
  • Sam Thompson shared that 18 people attended the first meeting of the Edina Rotaract Club last night! This number was unexpected and encouraging for this new club.  
  • Joe Christensen shared the Peterson Family Christmas event at The Dakota will be on Dec 16 at 6 p.m. and tickets are currently available for the performance. Get yours now, as we expect a sell out!  
  • President Flynn reminded us that the Rotary District fall conference—One Rotary Summit—will be held from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Sept. 22. John asked each of us to consider attending this valuable event.
  • The Rotary Blood Drive will be held on Oct. 25, so be ready to give if you are able. Sign up now so we know we have enough people to donate. Contact Katy Campbell or John Flynn.
  • President Flynn reminded us that our Gala is coming up on Sept. 29th! Kip Peterson queued up the next edition of our “Rotary’s Got Talent” contest with a lip-synching audition. At the Gala, we will see Rotarians are applying their talents to help the world! 
  • Dan Hennen announced the Open Streets on 50th event in Edina will occur on Sept. 23 from 1 to 5 p.m. Dan is looking for volunteers to help at the Rotary booth. Please come out and join for fun!
Past President Jeff Ohe (“OOOOOOHHHHH!”)  introduced the esteemed Past President Steve Slyce, ("If Edina Rotary had a Mount Rushmore, he’d be on it!") as our newest Major Donor to The Rotary Foundation. Steve has given at the $10,000 level. Congratulations to Steve!
 
Our very own Past President and Past District Governor Sandy Schley (who also belongs on our Edina Rotary Mount Rushmore!) introduced our illustrious speaker, Irene Kelly, the current Governor for Rotary District 5950. Irene is the first DG in 35 years from the Eden Prairie A.M. Rotary Club and the first female DG from the Eden Prairie A.M. Rotary Club.
 
Irene’s presentation was entitled “Be the Inspiration.”  She asked, “What role do you play in Rotary?” We, as Rotarians, are her inspiration. Irene loves to cook and she shared her recipe for success in her year as DG. 
 
Like cooking, Irene’s “Rotary Recipe” included five parts:
 
  1. PREPARATION—family and upbringing
  2. INGREDIENTS—passion and purpose
  3. DIRECTIONS—people and positivity
  4. YIELD—Rotarians giving to community. In our District, there are 5,640 volunteers, 27647 hours of volunteer time, valued at almost $900,000!
  5. TIME—the TIME is NOW for Irene’s vision and goals for the year: Irene’s purpose is to connect people with resources. Her goals as DG are 50.3 percent female and diverse members; working to end trafficking in Minnesota; more spending down of District grant money for 5950;  and the Leadership Fellows Program, which will develop mid-career professionals.  
Our District is among the top 10 districts in the world! Irene wrapped up her message by singing to us the lovely ballad, “I Hope You Dance,” by Leeann Womack, adapted to her Rotary message. Ann Platt thanked our inspiring speaker and John Flynn adjourned promptly at 1:30 p.m. with an inspirational quote.