The annual Thanksgiving Baskets celebration was held on Thanksgiving Eve, Wednesday, Nov. 22, when Rotarians, friends and family from both the Rotary Club of Edina and Edina Morningside Rotary Club gathered at Edina Country Club. Noticeably absent was Henrietta the Turkey…
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Host Michael Stanzak welcomed the crowd to his “meeting without an agenda.” Clearly, Michael needs some positive affirmation at home because his invocation included a prayer of thanks for his family who “sometimes criticizes us.” Janet runs a tight ship. No karaoke after 8 p.m. And no rewinding the Key Cadillac commercials more than twice.There were 165 Rotarians and guests at the event—113 from our club, 47 from EMRC and 5 Interact students. Michael said it was a record!
Michael recognized several important contributors to the Thanksgiving Basket event, including:
- Committee members Mary Hustad, Jen Garske and EMRC member Jane Ehresmann.
- Dick Teegen and Thom Winninger for organizing the first event in the late '90s, now responsible for over 1,000 Thanksgiving meals delivered to needy families.
- Jean Morrison (Henrietta the turkey), Dave Hatzung (Maniacal Chef Dave) and Bob Solheim (Mr. Fire) for helping promote the event.
- Jane and Mike Ehresmann for purchasing the oranges and donating the bread for the baskets.
- Scott MacDonald for gathering 80 pies.
- Tom Ries, Erick Ries and Tom Bach for gathering and assembling 80 boxes.
- Ted Field, EMRC member, for collecting mittens and hats to include in each basket.
- Jean and Paul Mooty for their generous donation of wool throws.
- Jen Garske for her organization and administration of the event.
- Mary Hustad— the “Queen” (which confused many of us who thought he was referring to Jeff Ohe)—who was responsible for coordinating the delivery of all 80 baskets.
After captivating us once again with his tale about “A father, a Daughter, and a Dog,” Michael announced the teams and the crowd dispersed to spread holiday cheer and goodwill.
