Knowing that today’s meeting was packed with information, presentations and honors; President John Flynn rang the bell right at 12:30 PM. After everyone was seated and the tasty meal and conversation was underway, the video screen prompted two “Why I love Rotary” segments by Susan Johnson and Heather Hansen. We could hear Susan, but the onscreen portion was having some technical issues. Maybe we will see that next week. Heather certainly is an active Rotarian, and indicated that she was introduced to Rotary by her father, has served on the Board and is passionate about all the youth service programs that Rotary does. Our club is well represented by Susan and Heather.
John gave a shout out to our videographer, Nate, who was taping this special Women in Leadership Award meeting. He also recognized Arthur Rouner as an addition to last week’s tribute to our 50-year veterans of the club. On a sad note, John announced that member, Jim Schwarz, passed away this past week. Our hearts and prayers go out to Radonna and Jim’s family.
John welcomed Jon Barnett to the podium to give the invocation and lead the Pledge of Allegiance, which Jon did in fine and quick fashion. Sutton McGraw introduced a host of guests and visiting Rotarians – always a good thing to bring folks to learn more about what we do. Susan Stiles had two guests: Amy Rolando and Tom Key. Bjorn Freudenthal’s guest was Swedish speaking Finnlander, Peter Rosenberg and Edina Morningside Rotarian, Laura Trout, brought Greg Widner to check out our club. More guests included Skip Thomas’s friend Yuriy Sherayzen; Val Burke’s associate, Leah Bryd; and Mike Martiny’s guest, Mike Nordstrom. Another guest was Andy Goke, who came on his own to check us out. Andy is in the solar and LED lighting field. On top of all these guests, we had a number of visiting Rotarians from other clubs including David and Susan Balderson from Columbia Town Center, Maryland; Gleason Glover from #9; Jacob Stonesifer from Eden Prairie AM and Lynn Anderson from the Crystal/New Hope/Robinsdale Club. Lynn was promoting their fund raiser raffle and Golf Tournament taking place on June 4th. Raffle tickets were passed around.
Bob Perkins then came forward to honor Bonnie Rolstad as our club’s 48th Major Donor. Thank you, Bonnie. As Bob mentioned, it is often easy to get into Rotary, but the key is what happens when Rotary gets into ones heart and soul. Bonnie’s support of the Rotary Foundation and its mission is indicative that Rotary has a special place in her heart.
Steve Slyce reminded the club that next week’s meeting will be held at Peter’s Billiard Distribution Center at 7685 Parklawn Ave, Edina 55435. The warehouse has a display of many antique pool tables and other entertainment items, so you will want to be there for this off-site meeting. While adjusting your calendar, remember the Rotary picnic on June 20th and Nate Wenner was asking for help with the Cornerstone project on June 4th. Joe Mahoney was asking for cars (and motorcycles) for the car show following the 4th of July Parade.
To add to the packed agenda, the local Grants Committee was pleased to honor two recipients with checks to support their important programs. Doug Johnson introduced Jamie Olson, Development and Community Relations Manager for Hope Academy, 2300 Chicago Ave in Minneapolis. Started in 2000, Hope Academy provides a faith-based, holistic education program to some 500 urban K-12 youth, the majority of whom are from poverty-level families and 50% non-white students. Mike Kallas provided the second award to Christina Saunders, who is the executive Director of ACES (Athletes Committed to Educating Students), an out of school program that focuses on using sports as a hook to get low income middle school kids caught up and excited about math and social-emotional learning. Two worthy programs.
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President John then introduced past-president Jennifer Bennerotte as moderator for today’s special program honoring Women in Leadership and featuring the presentation of the 2019 Chrysanne Manoles Women in Leadership Award. Jennifer provided a very informative history of Rotary and the important milestones that led to Rotary accepting women into the organization. A unanimous decision by the Supreme Court in 1989 officially opened the enrollment for women, but Edina had already led the way in 1988 when Chrysanne Manoles joined the Edina Noon Club. The following year, Jean Morrison joined the club and we have been blessed with many women Rotarians since. Jennifer noted that in 2000 there were 20,000 women in Rotary and that in 2010 some 200,000 women help carry out the mission of Rotary. The Chrysanne Manoles Women in Leadership Award was initiated 10 years ago and is given in May of each year, the month of the Supreme Court’s ruling and the month Chrysanne joined Edina Rotary 31 years ago. Chrysanne took the podium and filled us in on her early years with rotary, and how when she joined at the age of 31, the average age of her peer Rotarians was 63; however, she was graciously welcomed by the “old guard”. As many Rotarians today, Chrysanne joined Rotary to give back to the community, and her passion for youth and the youth exchange program was right up her ally for giving back. Chrysanne introduced this year’s recipient, Laura Hope Melton, who has an impressive bio and involvement in affordable housing. Hope is a leading figure locally and within the state as an advocate for affordable housing and the many benefits that it brings to each community. Hope then introduced Lexi Reed Holtum, the 2018 Chrysanne Manoles Women in Leadership Award recipient. Lexi is the Executive Director of the Steve Rummler Hope Network, an organization founded in 2011 by Bill and Judy Rummler, whose son Steve died that year of an accidental overdose of what is called a mixed drug toxicity. Lexi has been with the organization since its inception and has guided the organization to become nationally known for its educational and advocacy programs, and Lexi is a sought-after speaker on opioid and drug addiction. Her organization focuses on prevention, advocacy and prescriber education. Through her efforts, Governor Walz just signed a bill authorizing $20 million yearly for advocacy and public awareness of this wide-spread epidemic. Quite an accomplishment! Lexi recognized our own Sandy Schley as one of her mentors and inspiration for her leadership challenge. Congratulations, Hope, and thank you for your community, state and nation-wide leadership in this field.
Jean Morrison was honored to thank Lexi and her team for their continued and legacy work. President John closed the meeting with this relevant quote: “True leaders understand that leadership is not about them, but about those they serve.”