Greeters at the June 2 Rotary Club of Edina meeting were Meg Boehne and David Clynes, with backup from Bill Clynes. The front desk was handled by Jodie Jennings and Jen Garske.

On the way in to the meeting today, we were reminded of the 10 benefits for attending the Rotary Picnic on Tuesday, June 14. Be there or be square!! It is the last week to register online for the picnic, so please do so by Friday, June 10!

 

The meeting was called to order by President Jennifer Bennerotte. She told us about this year’s major Community Service Signature Project—a refurbishing of the community room at Erik’s Retreat in Edina. Many will be attending the Wine and Appetizers Social to celebrate the project this evening at Erik's Retreat.

Bill Milota gave a moving invocation from the words of Mother Teresa's ”Do It Anyway” prayer, and led us in the Pledge of Allegiance and Four-Way Test.

 

Axel Steuer introduced the many guests, including:

Mike Sitek presented an Edina Rotary Foundation Community Service local grant to Lisa Lane from Open Arms of Minnesota. Open Arms of Minnesota cooks and delivers free, nutritious meals to people living with life-threatening and chronic illness in the Twin Cities such as HIV, MS, ALS and cancer. Startling statistics that 75 percent of the individuals that receive their services are under the poverty line.

Dan Hennen (middle in photo at right, shown  with his father, Lee Hennen, and Rotarian Kenny Smith) gave his classification talk, sharing stories of his career in the military before attending the University of Minnesota (BS) and Hamline University (MBA). He works as a commercial loan developer at VisionBank in St. Louis Park. Dan grew up and still lives in Shakopee, where he ran for mayor last fall. His inspiration for joining Rotary is his father, Lee Hennen.

 

Jon Barnett was providing his alarming talents by performing phone checks and wakeup calls during the meeting!

 

The program speaker was introduced by Hal Harris. Terry Clark is the Chief Marketing Officer of UnitedHealth Group. Terry has been with UntiedHealth for 10 years and has many stories of helping consumers become more aware of products and services. UnitedHealth Group employs more than 225,000 employees around the world. The company is rated 14th in the Fortune 500. The primary demographics are changing with the “Baby Boomers” moving to senior care at a rate of 10,000 per day! With 1,000 babies being born every day, UnitedHealth has born-in obsolescence. Terry estimates that 65 percent of people over age 50 have had at least two chronic conditions that need United Health Care Services.
One of the interesting commercials that Terry had was from the 1950s that showed how doctors prefer smoking Camel cigarettes over any other cigarettes on the market. Boy, have we changed our way of thinking when it comes to heathy! The other commercial showed how fast an injury can happen in the oddest situations (making a meal and dancing). 

 

Chuck Rauenhorst thanked the speaker and shared a little personal story about how well Terry is respected in UnitedHealth and the marketing community. Chuck’s wife works with Terry and is expecting a big raise this month.

 

The meeting was adjourned by President Jennifer with a quote from Eleanor Roosevelt, “The future belongs to the future of your dreams."

 

Register now for the Rotary Club of Edina's annual summer picnic, an event for the entire family!

 

Rotarians are encouraged to bring their significant others, children and grandchild to the picnic, scheduled for 5 to 9 p.m. Tuesday, June 14 at Bryant Lake Regional Park in Eden Prairie. The event will include a catered meal; games such as croquet, bag toss and ladder golf; door prizes; and music. Cost for the picnic for Senior Active and Honorary Members is $19. Adult guests are also $19 and children are $5. Members will be billed with their quarterly dues in July. Those who register before June 1 will be eligible for an extra ticket for a door prize. Register online or by filling out a sign-up sheet at a weekly club meeting.
 

Games and door prizes are needed for the Rotary Club of Edina's annual family picnic. Organizers are looking to borrow a life-sized JENGA game, as well as a game set for ladder golf. The games would be returned after the picnic on June 14.

About 30 $10 gift cards are also needed for door prizes. Please consider donating $10 gift cards for iTunes, PlayStation, local restaurants and stores. If you have a JENGA or ladder golf game to share or to donate gift cards, contact Picnic Committee Co-Chairs Hugh Hadlund or Lisa Walker.  

 

"We wish to thank our Edina Rotary Club for the thoughtful contribution to the N. C. Little Memorial Hospice honoring the memory of our beloved wife and mother, Lois (Lindquist) Clynes.

 

"Lois spent her last few days at the Little Hospice in the expert care and comfort of the dedicated staff and volunteers there. Not only do they they take care of the patient, their care extends to the families and visiting friends."

 

-- Bill and David Clynes

 

The Rotary Club of Edina’s Board of Directors recently approved the applicant below for membership: