Josh Sprague, President of the number 1 club in the universe, wrestled a boisterous, engaged crowd to order via the initially confusing but now highly anticipated 'Moon Landing' theme music. Jellyfish would be proud their work lives on long after MTV abandoned music.
Josh recognized Paul Peterson and The Peterson Family for their overdue and richly deserved introduction into the Minnesota Music Hall of Fame. Although many could argue the timing - one year after The Replacements, but only ten years after the iconic Land O'Lakes Choirboys - no one can challenge the joy The Peterson Family have brought to Minnesota!
Josh also gave a short history of Camp Enterprise, which was launched in its current form by Dan Hallberg and Dennis Hikes 39 years ago. The Alexandria Rotary deserves 'founding status' for originally initiating this annual event which bring hundreds of motivated high school students from dozens of schools around the state to grow and practice their leadership and business building acumen.
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Joe Arends led us through the invocation, Pledge of Allegiance, and the 4-way test.
Mike Eckert introduced our guests for the day. Dario, Deitrich, and Scott - welcome to Edina noon, we hope you'll join us again!
Michael Stanzak reminded the club, including many directly (and uncomfortably) by name, of the Thanksgiving basket event on 11/27. It shouldn't take long to build 80 baskets with this level of enthusiasm!
Joe Christensen reminded the club of the 12/5 Christmas Party and the 12/12 Christmas themed meeting. Gordy, get out your red flannels!
Steve Buettner introduced Edina High School Seniors Nicole and Cole, who shared how their experiences in our great community have prepared them for the future.
Nick Van Beek shared his Classification Talk, including a play-by-play of what the leader of Calvary Church really spends time doing.
Susan Stiles recognized 13 Paul Harris Fellow recipients for their continued support of The Rotary Foundation
Susan Stiles gave our keynote, Representative Heather Edelson, an introduction so complete that Brett Edelson learned a few things. Representative Edelson outlined her priorities for District 49A, which include Public Safety and Criminal Justice Reform, Education Finance, and Health and Human Services Policy. After a quick and useful backdrop of 'How Minnesota Government Works' Representative Edelson shared how great Dario really is, the importance of reaching across the aisle, and the challenge of funding schools in a bonding/policy year.
Questions from club members exposed the role Lobbyists play, how great the Edina schools really are, that our taxes fund a great quality of life, a reinforcement of the value from the University of Minnesota, and how the historic Country Club neighborhood might (finally?) be classified as a EPA Superfund site.
Club President Josh Sprague wrapped the meeting by reminding the club of the Veteran's Day event on 11/11 and the joint meeting with Morningside on 11/21. He closed with an inspirational quote from Hubert H Humphrey, a great man who was the 38th US Vice President, a US Senator, but who many know for building a tent for his favorite football team.
It was another excellent meeting, and as we approach Veteran's Day we are reminded that we are the land of the free because of the brave. We are truly lucky and blessed to be part of an amazing community!