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May 7, 2026
Edina Global Scholars Senior Graduation
2026 Recognition and Celebration Program
Doors Open at 12:15 pm -- Program Begins at 12:35 pm
Seating and Meal Service May Be Limited
Stories
May 7 - EHS Global Scholars Senior Graduation Program

Due to additional student and parent guests. Seating and meal service may be limited this week. This week the Edina Rotary Global Scholars program, sponsored by the Rotary Club of Edina and the Edina Education Fund, is designed to help students develop global competency skills, prepare for a global career, develop understanding of world issues and learn to apply academic content to solve social and global issues.

To be a Rotary Global Scholar, a student must take coursework above and beyond graduation requirements, reach the highest level of a world language or already be fluent in a language other than English, be involved in activities of the Rotary Club of Edina, collaborate globally through travel or virtual experiences and complete a capstone course.

The first year of the program was 2021 with seven students earning the Rotary Global Scholar designation. Under the engaged and dedicated work of RCE member, Lindsey Smaka, this program grew to a graduating class of 36 students in 2025 and is anticipated to nearly double in size in 2026. Please join us to honor these bright future leaders of the world.
 

Bridging, May 6 VOLUNTEERS NEED
Six people have volunteered. Please sign up today. The facility really appreciates our organizational help the frees up the staff up to do additional community out-reach. If you can spare only a couple hours, it would be greatly appreciated.  REGISTER for the Bridging Warehouse event on May 6  3pm to 6pm.  Click "Read More" for what we'll be seeing and doing at the facility that furnishes homes with hope.
 
When and where?
Date: Wednesday, May 6
Time: 3PM-6PM
Volunteers: 5-25, 
Location: Bridging- Bloomington 201 W. 87th St. Bloomington, MN 55420 Further details below.
Read more...
Women in Rotary - May 7

Celebrate friendship, connection, and a little fun at our Cinco de Mayo Gathering for Women in Rotary! REGISTER

Join us for a relaxed evening at the home of our Club President, Lisa Walker, filled with great conversation, laughter, and camaraderie as we celebrate the incredible women of our club. Enjoy light bites, drinks, and meaningful connection in a warm, welcoming setting.

 

May 16 Last Day for Rotary Club of Edina Seeks Nominees for Women In Leadership Award

Friday, May 16,  is the deadline for application submissions. The Rotary Club of Edina seeks nominees for the 19th-annual “Chrysanne Manoles Women In Leadership Award.”

Reflecting society in 1905, the Rotary organization was limited to male members and remained so officially until 1989. The forward-thinking Rotary Club of Edina welcomed its first female member, Chrysanne Manoles, a year earlier in 1988. Manoles continues to be active in Rotary. To celebrate the work of women in the community, the Rotary Club of Edina established an annual women’s leadership award in 2008. 

Nominees cannot be current Rotarians and must live, work or volunteer in Edina. Female nominees must demonstrate Rotary’s “Four Way Test” of the things we think, say or do: Is it the truth? Is it fair to all concerned? Will it build goodwill and better friendships? Will it be beneficial to all concerned?

To nominate a woman for the prestigious award, submit a simple form online. Applications must be submitted by Friday, May 16. The 2026 Chrysanne Manoles Women In Leadership Award will be announced at the May 28 meeting of the Rotary Club of Edina.

For more information about the Women in Leadership Award, contact Past President Jennifer Bennerotte, 612-201-3467 or jbennerotte@EdinaRotary.org. Click “Read More” to read the full-article.

Read more...
Grooves & Foods Music Series - Volunteer Sign Up TODAY!

VOLUNTEERS NEEDED - SIGN UP TODAY  REGISTER

We are short of volunteers. Even just one shift will help. Thank you.

POSITIONS STILL OPEN – WATCH YOUR EMAIL FOR INFORMATION CURRENT OPENINGS

Four Weeks of exciting live music under-the-stars at our beautiful Centennial Lakes Park in Edina.

    Tuesday - June 2 - Spinning Wheel Trilogy, Blood Sweat & Tears-Chicago-Tower of Power
    Tuesday June 9 - Classic America Rockers
    Tuesday - June 16 - The Good The Bad & The Funky
    Tuesday - June 23 - From Barry - A Tribute to The Bee Gees
 

May 20 – Fireside Chat

Join your fellow Rotary Club of Edina members and guests for an evening of great conversation, stronger friendships and connections at our Fireside Chat hosted by Geetu Sharma. Fireside chats are a casual and smaller gathering of like-minded Rotarians who get to spend an evening getitng to know each other better outside of our weekly meetings. Thank you to Geetu and Pankaj for hosting!

When: Thursday, May 20,

Where: Geetu & Pankaj Sharma's Home, 5016 Kelsey Terrace, Edina REGISTER

Are YOU interested in being a Fireside Chat Host? We are still looking for hosts! If you are interested, please reach out to Julie Westbrock at jwestbrock@trustpointinc.com.

 

June 9 - PICNIC - Registration Open

 

Welcome New Members

Welcome new members: 

Rahul Mehra, Non-Profit Leadership

Heidi Stinson, Roofing

Alicia Gibson, Education

Will Grishaw, Corporate Leadership

Proposed for Membership - Karla Hult
The Rotary Club of Edina’s Membership Committee recently approved the following applicant. Written objections to the applications below must be submitted before Midnight, Tuesday, May 12, 2026, to Rotary Club of Edina, PO Box 24481, Edina, MN 55424 or emailed to administrator@EdinaRotary.org. 
 
Karla Hult
Classification: Advocate
Sponsor: Catherine Gump
 
Karla Hult is an award-winning journalist who graduated from St. Olaf College and a Master’s in International Affairs from Columbia University, focusing on economic and political development. In 2021, Karla founded So Many Goodbyes, a mission-driven initiative to educate and engage communities around Alzheimer’s and other dementias; she also produces and hosts the weekly podcast Hello Alzheimer’s. Visit Karla's site HERE  Take a listen HERE
Proposed for Membership - Cole Nelson
The Rotary Club of Edina’s Membership Committee recently approved the following applicant. Written objections to the applications below must be submitted before Midnight, Tuesday, May 12, 2026, to Rotary Club of Edina, PO Box 24481, Edina, MN 55424 or emailed to administrator@EdinaRotary.org. 
 
Cole Nelson
Classification: Human Resources
Sponsor: Erica Allenburg
 
Cole Nelson is an executive recruiter with Orion Search Group who specializes in leadership searches in manufacturing, construction and non-profit career fields. He is a “full desk” recruiter focused on winning business and making successful open role placements. Cole pursued a career in professional baseball. Drafted by the Detroit Tigers organization in 2010, he was also a member of the Twins and Braves farm systems. He lives in St. Louis Park. Orion Search Group details found HERE
Proposed for Membership - Eric Eickhof
The Rotary Club of Edina’s Membership Committee recently approved the following applicant. Written objections to the applications below must be submitted before Midnight, Tuesday, May 12, 2026, to Rotary Club of Edina, PO Box 24481, Edina, MN 55424 or emailed to administrator@EdinaRotary.org. 
 
Eric Eickhof
Classification: Real Estate Broker
Sponsor: Lisa Walker
 
Eric delivers a measured, professional approach to help Fulton’s clients meet their real estate needs. He takes great pride in making sure our clients are treated and communicated with in a courteous and timely manner at all stages in their residential real estate experience. Eric leverages his considerable experience to help anyone entering the hectic and complicated real estate market. More about Fulton Realty HERE
Proposed for Membership - Wei Huang
The Rotary Club of Edina’s Membership Committee recently approved the following applicant. Written objections to the applications below must be submitted before Midnight, Tuesday, May 12, 2026, to Rotary Club of Edina, PO Box 24481, Edina, MN 55424 or emailed to administrator@EdinaRotary.org. 
 
Wei Huang
Classification: Investment Management
Sponsor: San Asato
 
Wei Huang manages investments for several single family offices with multigenerational assets and their private foundations. He currently serves as an independent board director for GuideOne Insurance. Having emigrated from Shanghai, China to pursue his American Dream, Wei has no hesitation being a whistleblower on unethical behavior.  
2026-2027 Pick Your Service Committee

It's never too early to choose your 2026-2027 service committee or audit those committees you may be interested in joining.  Print and review the 2026-2027 Committee list HERE.

Upcoming Events
May 28, 2026 - Women In Leadership, Rosie Cataldo, Speaker
May 30, 2026 - John Mazzara Shredding Event
Jun 2, 2026 -- Grooves and Foods Music Series-Volunteer
Jun 9, 2026 -- Annual Picnic, Hughes Pavilion, Centennial Lakes
Jun 9, 2026 -- Grooves and Foods Music Series-Volunteer
Jun 11, 2026 – NO NOON Meeting (Picnic Jun 9)
Jun 16, 2026 -- Grooves and Foods Music Series-Volunteer
Jun 23, 2026 -- Grooves and Foods Music Series-Volunteer
Jun 25, 2026 – Transistion Meeting
Jun 30, 2026 – Grooves and Foods Rain Date if Needed
July – Edina 4th of July Parade / Gerry Norton, President
Sept – Edina Car Show
Sept – Save the Date - Gala
Nov – Camp Enterprise
Meeting Recap

May 21, 2026
Meeting Recap

Speaker: Greg Page, Retired Cargill CEO

 

Delivering the featured presentation of the meeting was Greg Page, retired CEO of Cargill.

Three new members were joyfully inducted at the May 21 meeting:

 Karla Hult, Becky Krieger and Heidi Stinson.

 Two grants were presented by Community Service Committee. 

More photos can be seen on our Facebook page HERE.

 

 

Meeting Duties
May 28 -- Cataldo
 
Front Desk or Greeter
Wilson, Ryan
 
Greeter & Invocation
MacDonald, Scott
 
Speaker Intro/Thank the Speaker
Bennerotte, Jennifer
 
Photographer
Kleber, Rich
 
Jun 4 - Pierce
 
Administration
Michalski, Rebecca
 
Photographer
Hendrickson, Jennifer
 
NEXT MEETING - Thursday, May 21
Speaker: Greg Page, Retired Cargill Chairman and CEO
Doors Open at 12:15 pm Program begins at 12:35 pm
 
Lunch Menu: Greek Salad with Grilled Chicken or Blackened Salmon w/corn salsa & papa bravas potatoes
 
 
 
 
 
DEADLINE for newsletter story and event submission is Monday at 5 pm. RCE Administrator, Becci Michalski, works part time (T-W-Th) and will respond to your inquiries as quickly as possible. Contact her at rmichalski@EdinaRotary.org.