We were treated to a visit from Henrietta, the Thanksgiving turkey, at the Thursday, Nov. 16, Rotary Club of Edina meeting. Henrietta is invited each year by Jean Morrison, and was joined by Bob Solheim and chef Dave Hatzung to promote this week's Thanksgiving Baskets Assembly. And to promote selecting fish for your Thanksgiving dinner!
The program speaker for the was Ravi Norman. Rotarian Mark Stageberg gave his Classification Talk. Jody Kern recapped 2017 Camp Enterprise for the group. And two Edina High School students visited and shared their experience at EHS and future plans.
The program speaker for the was Ravi Norman. Rotarian Mark Stageberg gave his Classification Talk. Jody Kern recapped 2017 Camp Enterprise for the group. And two Edina High School students visited and shared their experience at EHS and future plans.
For more on the meeting, click on the link below...
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We were greeted by Heather Edelson, Fred Sylvester and Josh Sprague. The front desk was in usual working order with Buzz Bainbridge and Jennifer Garske holding down the fort.
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The meeting started with much excitement having the Rotary Club of Edina Big Buffet featuring woodland chicken and pork loin. Many Rotarians filled their plates in practice for next weeks Thanksgiving feasting. At 12:32 p.m. President San Asato announced the start of meeting with lots to do.Our own Gordy Lewis was featured in a story on WCCO Channel 4 news Nov. 10. Gordy flew his 300th Angel Flight. Angel Flight is an organization that provides free flights to people in need. Gordy you are for sure an example of service to others! Congrats!
Birthdays and Rotary Anniversaries were announced. Refer to our website if you want to know the names.
Jody Kern did a nice and short invocation (President San was all smiles), then lead us in the Pledge of Allegiance and Four-Way Test.
Sue Spalding introduced guests:
- Paul Peterson brought his sister, Patty Peterson
- Mark Stageberg brought Linda Coffey (realtor)
- Scott Hawkins brought Jason Wang (personal trainer)
- President San brought First Lady Sheila Asato
Next we had our annual Bob Solheim Thanksgiving Turkey Entertainment. Bob was joined on the podium by “Henrietta the Turkey" (Jean Morrison) and the “Chef” (Dave Hatzung). The skit went way too smooth this year and you could tell they had practiced more then other years. Bob informed us in the last 18 years of Edina Rotary delivering Thanksgiving meals, over 1,500 meals had been brought to families in need. Shout out to Michael Stanzak, who leads this event with all the Rotarians and family members involved.
Steve Slyce announced the Holiday Party at Edina Country Club from 5:30 to 8 p.m. Wednesday Dec. 20. Mike Opitz said it might go longer????
Jody Kern returned to the podium to recap on the 37th annual Camp Enterprise. They had 92 high school students this year and everything was a big success.
Steve Buettner introduced our visiting students from Edina High School: Nancy Sanchez and Josh Felton.
Mark Stageberg gave his Classification Talk. Mark is a trial lawyer, having graduated in 1969 from the University of Minnesota School of Law. Surprisingly, no one applauded when he said U of Minnesota??? Mark is also an author and brought free copies of his book, "Win Some, Lose Some," his life as a trial lawyer. For a moment there I thought you were selling your book, but great move giving them away for free. Welcome Mark!Mary Younggren introduced out speaker, Ravi Norman, CEO of Thor Companies. Ravi leads Thor’s inter-related business activities and subsidiary/affiliates, driving the company’s position as a strategic real estate and construction partner for clients seeking innovative and sustainable solutions in the large context of the built environment.
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Thor companies prides themselves on, “while many real estate companies focus on the initial cost of ownership, Thor companies widens the lens by developing spaces that address the costs and benefits to the most important asset in the building—the people. By factoring in the ongoing maintenance and utility costs, Thor builds energy efficiencies at the outset and creates an environment that enhances staff retention, well-being, and productivity.”
The Thor companies have been involved in big projects in the Minneapolis/St. Paul area, patterning in projects like: US Bank Stadium, TCF Stadium, Minneapolis Central Library, Hiawatha Light Rail Transit, etc.
Scott Hawkins thanked the speaker and President Asato read his quote for the day. The meeting was adjourned on time as usual.
