The Rotary Club of Edina enjoyed a large turnout on a warm spring afternoon, as we gathered to celebrate the seventh-annual "Chrysanne Manoles Women in Leadership Award" at our meeting. President Jennifer Bennerotte gaveled the meeting to order and Paul Mooty gave a heartfelt invocation describing the many blessings he has received from his membership in our club. Sam Thompson introduced numerous guests and visiting Rotarians.

 

Ron Kalich helped out at the front desk at the meeting, and we were greeted by Rick Burrock, Bill Carter and Bjorn Freudenthal. 

We received thanks from Nicole Mills, Executive Director of Oasis for Youth, who accepted a local grant from Community Service—Local Funding Director Keith Benson on behalf of the Edina Rotary Foundation. Oasis for Youth opens doors to housing, employment, education and wellness for homeless youth in the suburbs. Nicole described the many programs that give homeless youth a better chance every day.

 

Edina Rotarian Kenny Smith gave a light-hearted Classification Talk as he described his many jobs before college, including newspaper delivery (fourth grade), soccer ref, caddie at Interlachen, delivery person and many others. Kenny attended the U of M, had courses in London and in Egypt and finished with a law degree at William Mitchell. He spent time working for both Amy Klobuchar and Tim Pawlenty. His personal interests run the gamut of sports. Kenny is employed at Christensen & Laue, PA in Edina.

A former Rotary Youth Exchange (YE) student, Amy Hobday, gave a lively presentation on her year in the region of Milan, Italy.  Amy was an outbound YE student sponsored by the Edina Rotary clubs in the 2014–2015 school year. Amy described the year as a “re-do of senior year” in high school. Her biggest challenge was to learn Italian on the fly. She noted that although she had earlier attended a French immersion school in Edina, that seemed of little help in mastering this language. Amy described wonderful experiences with three host families and obviously made many friends in her year abroad.

Our Program was presented by Ms. Bennerotte and she introduced Edina Rotarian Chrysanne Manoles, who was the first female admitted to Edina Rotary—in the year 1998. Chrysanne presented the 2016 Award to Ann Swenson, Edina City Council member. Ann has pioneered several important projects for the city including two sculptures—"Spaulding" the dog and "Slapshot," a hockey icon. Ann was also instrumental in 66 West Apartments, supportive housing for southwest suburban youth and young adults who have experiences homelessness. Ann’s many accomplishments were noted by Chrysanne.  

The 2015 Women in Leadership Award winner, Kris Marshall, then gave her thoughts on the past year. Kris noted the top three factors in Connecting with Kids, which she describes as the “deep roots” that make kids successful. They include support from three non-parent adults in the community; peers who are good role models for kids; and three or more hours per week in sports, clubs and organizations. Marie Pribyl thanked Kris for her presentation.

 

Thank You to Ann Swenson (2016 winner) and to Kris Marshall (2015 winner) for their work in the city of Edina!  

 

Join us for the Edina Rotary Happy Hour/Vocational Development Group. The next gathering is Wednesday, June 1, from 5:30 to 7 p.m. at The Mezz, located upstairs in Lunds & Byerly's at 7171 France Ave. S. in Edina. Access The Mezz from the entrance closest to France Avenue (SW corner of the store). Wine and craft beer is available at your own cost. A limited menu may be available, but you can also purchase food in the grocery deli and bring it upstairs.

The event will feature a short social period, with a "formal" program beginning at 6 p.m. Each person will have a brief opportunity to introduce themselves and make new connections. A featured presenter will have 15 minutes to share information that is relevant to his or her profession followed by a short Q&A period. The presenter at the June meeting will be Mike Sitek. Rotary Happy Hour is a collaboration between the Rotary Club of Edina and EMRC. Renee Harberts has recently taken over the planning of the speakers from Kip Peterson. 

Come and check out this Rotary event! 

 

We are heading into the final month of the 2015–2016 Rotary year! Rotarians and significant others are invited to a wine and appetizer social at Erik's Retreat from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. Thursday, June 2. Erik's Retreat was the signature project for the 2015-2016 Rotary year. You are invited to toast the great work done with the Edina Rotary Foundation funds provided to Erik's Retreat with an evening of wine, appetizers and socializing! There is no charge for members or their guests for the event. Rotarians are encouraged to bring their significant other!

An RSVP is required for the event, so please register yourself and your guest online as soon as possible. 

Erik's Retreat is at 3420 Heritage Drive in Edina. There will be signs directing guests to the parking lot, but note that it is the first parking lot on the right after you pass the Erik's Retreat building. For more information on the location or Erik's Retreat, call 612-865-3340.

For questions on the event, please contact Scott MacDonald at scottm@mac-mac.org or 612-868-3200 or Marty Kupper at marty@kupper.com or 952-841-2160.

 

The Rotary Club of Edina’s Board of Directors at its meeting May 19 approved the applicant below for membership: