Gwendolyn Freed, Ph.D., is the twentieth President of Minneapolis College of Art and Design. Dr. Freed has spent her career in higher education, arts, and nonprofit leadership. Previous higher education roles have included Vice President of Institutional Advancement at Cornish College of the Arts, Vice President for Marketing and Communication at Gustavus Adolphus College, and Executive Director of Wallin Education Partners, a college scholarship organization.
The Tommy & Jimmy Show! Member Jim Ryman with nephew and speaker, Tommy Ryman
At last week's meeting, we welcomed professional comedian Tommy Ryman. Tommy fielded questions from his uncle and Rotary member Jim Ryman. He shared his journey to becoming a comedian, including his time on NBC’s Last Comic Standing and how based on his knowledge of Minnesota sports teams’ performance, when he made it to the Semifinals, he assumed it was as far as he could go and had won (cue laughter!) Additionally, he shared how he develops his jokes and how some humor arrives easily through daily life, like his dad's “famous” kale chips that he found far from delicious and other jokes require time, testing and craftsmanship. It was an inspiring and delightful conversation, and we hope to see Tommy & Jimmy touring soon!
Rotary Happy Hours are the first Monday of the month. Join us at "The Mezz" on Monday, August 3, 2026 from 5:30 to 7:00 p.m. Lunds & Byerlys is located at 7171 France Ave, Edina
This gathering is a casual, vocational and business network opportunity centered on featuring an Edina Noon or Edina Morningside Rotary member's career story. Guests are welcome. Personal food and beverage choices are available to order and purchase. Featured speaker is Ben Pohlman, Director of Business Development at All In One Accounting and Ultramarathon runner. Registration is not required.
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.
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 