Cory Hepola is a 3-time Emmy-Award Winning Documentarian & TV Anchor. Growing up in small town Perham, Minnesota, Cory is the Director, Writer, and Host of the popular documentary series – “My Town” – which serves to break down the popular misconceptions with the rural lifestyle showing the opportunity, innovation, and beauty in our small towns & businesses. A Brookshire Company Production, “My Town” was selected into the Twin Cities Film Fest and nominated for 4 regional Emmy’s.
Last Thursday, we welcomed award-winning documentarian & TV anchor, Corey Hepola. Corey remembered how when he was a child his grandmother had a bulletin board in her home. Here she displayed articles that highlighted all the positive work and events happening in her community. As he grew up, he always knew he wanted to be a news anchor and he succeeded in this goal, earning Emmys for “Outstanding TV Anchor” at KARE 11.
As he advanced in his career, Corey realized that he had a passion to help communities tell their story of why people choose to live there. In 2023, his My Town series was born. This series focuses on the decisions people make to be part of their communities and also challenges perceptions many people outside these communities may have about specific areas, towns, or states. As he continued telling these stories, he came to identify a common message across communities: residents feel a deep sense of belonging, connection and involvement that leads to a sense of having made a meaningful life in their community. He concluded by reflecting on the question: What is on your bulletin board? What are the unique and positive qualities that you notice and identify with in your community? Click "Read more" for info on the My Town series!
We need Rotarian VOLUNTEERS for our booth at India Fest! Sign up for a shift HERE!
The Rotary Club of Edina, along with other metro area Rotary clubs, will participate in IndiaFest 2026 to celebrate culture, community and service while showcasing the impact Rotary makes locally and around the world.
The 51st-annual IndiaFest 2026 will take place 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 15, at the Minnesota State Capitol Grounds in St. Paul. Organized by the India Association of Minnesota (IAM), this free public event celebrates India's Independence Day with cultural performances, regional foods, and over 100 festival booths. IndiaFest is IAM’s signature annual event, giving attendees the opportunity to “Experience India in a Day.”
We need volunteers for this year's Car Show! Sign up today, HERE!
Mark your Calendars! The Rotary Club of Edina, with support from the 50th & France Business & Professional Association and Explore Edina, will host the eighth-annual Edina Car Show 12 p.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 20 in downtown Edina. Watch the web and Barker for further event details and volunteer opportunities. Sponsorship proceeds go local community non-profits via the Edina Rotary Foundation with $133,500 raised since 2019.
The Edina Rotary Foundation is accepting applications from non-profit organizations in Edina and its contiguous communities for grants to be used for capital purchases. Applications are due Oct. 31.
Each year, the Rotary Club of Edina raises money at the Edina Car Show and a fall fundraiser to support its projects and award grants. Each year, about $100,000 is raised for the Club’s service projects and local and international grants. Grant applications are available online or by contacting Director Corey Falls, 612-309-8112 or cfalls@mytech.com. Completed applications should be completed online or emailed to Falls. Please click "Read More" for grant details.
We currently need greeters for upcoming meetings! Be the first smiling face seen by Rotarians and guests new to our club! New members and senior active members are encouraged to sign up for these positons. We appreciate your willingness to volunteer you time and welcome people to the weekly meetings. SIGN UP HERE
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.
*Please note: To reduce food waste ECC food service is using current average attendance levels in preparing hot meals and salad options. There may be times your first choice has run out and the remaining option will be the only one available.
NEXT MEETING - Thurs. September 3, 2026
Speaker: Dave Sinykin KFAN on-air host Doors Open at 12:15 p.m., Program at 12:35pm
DEADLINE for newsletter story and event submission is Monday at 5 pm. RCE Administrator, Madeleine Isaacson, works part time and will respond to your inquiries as quickly as possible. Contact her at rotary.madeleine@gmail.com.
Cory Hepola is a 3-time Emmy-Award Winning Documentarian & TV Anchor. Growing up in small town Perham, Minnesota, Cory is the Director, Writer, and Host of the popular documentary series – “My Town” – which serves to break down the popular misconceptions with the rural lifestyle showing the opportunity, innovation, and beauty in our small towns & businesses. A Brookshire Company Production, “My Town” was selected into the Twin Cities Film Fest and nominated for 4 regional Emmy’s.
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 