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Jennifer Smith is speaker at Oct. 27 meeting
The Rotary Club of Edina will welcome Jennifer Smith as program speaker at the Thursday, Oct. 27, meeting. Smith is the founder and CEO of Innovative Office Solutions. She will speak about "Reinvention, Risk and ROL." 
 
Rotarian Ross Peterson will give his classification talk at the meeting.
 
 
Join us for two Fall Fireside Chats this week!
You have two more chances to take part in the annual Fall Fireside Chats! Gordy Lewis will host members at his home tonight, Tuesday, Oct. 25. And Josh Sprague will host the final Fall Fireside Chat on Thursday evening, Oct. 27.
 
The Fireside Chats are informal social exchanges for members to enjoy and learn about Rotary and get to know one another or reconnect. All members are encouraged to attend one or more of the Fireside Chats. New members are especially encouraged to attend and get to know your fellow Rotarians in a relaxed atmosphere.
 
Fall Fireside Chat hosted by Gordy Lewis
7 to 9 p.m., Tuesday, Oct. 25
6824 Chapel Lane, Edina
Registration is still open and Gordy would love for you to attend! Click here to register.
 
Fall Fireside Chat hosted by Josh Sprague
7 to 9 p.m., Thursday, Oct. 27
4720 70th St. W., Edina
Don't miss the final Fall Fireside Chat at the home of Josh Sprague. If you aren't scheduled to be at Camp E, click here to register.
 
Thanks to all four of our hosts for this fall's Fireside Chat gatherings!
 
 
Chamber/Rotary mixer set for Nov. 9
The Rotary Club of Edina, along with the Edina Chamber of Commerce and Edina Morningside Rotary club, will host a mixer for members and prospective members Wednesday, Nov. 9, at the Edina Country Club. The gathering will be held from 5 to 7 p.m. and will be a fun evening of connection and cross pollination.
 
All Rotarians and Chamber members should bring a guest to the gathering. Guests will learn more about these great local organizations, and have a chance to network with membership. This is a great opportunity to meet area business leaders who actively serve our community and learn more about each organization's upcoming programs and activities. Non-members are cordially welcome to attend and see if Rotary or Chamber membership is for you. 
 
Go to the Chamber website and register yourself and any guests. Please register by Monday, Nov. 7.
 
Contact Erica Hollom at the Chamber or Greg Yoch for more details.
 
 
Rotary Veterans Luncheon will be Nov. 11; no meeting Thursday, Nov. 10

Register now for the annual Area 3 Rotary Veterans Luncheon, set for Veterans' Day, Friday, Nov. 11, at Bearpath Golf and Country Club, 18100 Bearpath Trail, Eden Prairie, MN 55347. Registration begins at 11 a.m. with live music, with the luncheon beginning at 11:15 and concluding at 1:15 p.m. 

Our club is one of eight southwest metro Rotary clubs in District 5950 to sponsor this special Veterans Day Luncheon to honor those who have served our country. The keynote speaker at the luncheon will be Brigadier General Sandra Best. She was named the first female general in the history of the Minnesota National Guard earlier this year. Emcee of the luncheon is General Denny Schulstad, U.S. Air Force (retired), a member of the Rotary Club of Edina. 

Each Rotarian may invite up to two veterans as guests of our club, and Senior Active and Honorary Rotarians who are veterans may attend free of charge. Cost for guests that are not veterans will be $25. Payment can be made at the door, or charged on members' next quarterly invoice. Please register yourself and all guests by Wednesday, Nov. 2, so that we have a count for the meeting. Go here to register. The Veterans Luncheon will take the place of our club's regular meeting that week, so there is no additional charge for regular Rotary Club of Edina members to attend. Senior Active or Honorary members who are not veterans will be charged the usual $20.

If you and/or your guests are veterans, we would like a military photo for the slide show, which will be shown before the meeting. Please email photos to President-Elect San Asato. If you have previously submitted photos of yourself or guests for the Veterans Luncheon slideshow, there is no need to send the photo again. 

There is no Rotary Club of Edina meeting on Thursday, Nov. 10. 

For more information about the Veterans Luncheon, contact San Asato.

 
Rotary musical evening planned for Nov. 19
Register now for a musical night out in St. Paul with your fellow Rotarians! The Membership Retention Committee invites Rotarians and guests for a social hour and dinner followed by a St. Paul Chamber Orchestra concert. We will gather at Bonfire Wood Fire Cooking, 850 Grand Ave. in St. Paul at 5 p.m. for the social hour. From 6 to 7:30, we will have dinner at the restaurant, which is only two blocks from the concert venue and is in the premier dining and entertainment area of St. Paul.
 
Then we will walk over to St. Paul's United Church of Christ, 900 Summit Ave., for the St. Paul Chamber Orchestra's "Dvorak's Serenade for Winds" concert, which begins at 8 p.m. The SPCO's wind section is featured in this lively program, featuring works from the late 19th and early 20th centuries. 
 
Cost for dinner and the concert is $52 per person. The social hour will have a cash bar and any food ordered from 5 to 6 p.m. will be at the member's or guest's own cost. 
 
Go here to register soon, as space is limited. Contact Wade Thommen with any questions.
 
 
Letter Bag
Heartfelt thanks to my Rotary friends for the lovely blooming begonia that has brightened my post-op days. I was also deeply touched by the many lovely cards and warm, friendly wishes. Your caring words and thoughtfulness are greatly appreciated.
 
I’m in a boot and on a scooter, but hope to graduate to a lovely athletic shoe soon. I hope to see you in November.
 
With warmest regards and gratitude, 
Colleen Simpson
 
 
In review
 The always effervescent President Ann Platt (definition: lively, enthusiastic; not the giving-off-bubbles, fizzy definition) opened the meeting, with the aid of her capable media and musical side-kick Paul Peterson, by presenting a video of the tremendous service and support the club provides in our community and globally.
 
 
You were greeted by Jack Kennefick, Jody Kern and Jen Tregarthen. Helping at the front desk were Marty Hustad, Susan Johnson and Paul Peterson. Royce Pavelka, Kenny Smith and Greg Yoch helped welcome prospective members to the meeting. 

The invocation was provided Barbara Born, sharing sage words (and a bit of a precursor to our speaker) from the current Minnesota Nobel Literary laureate, Bob Dylan, and his lyrics from “Forever Young." Barbara then led us in the Pledge of Allegiance and the Rotary Four-Way Test.

Ann then stepped back to the podium to introduce our guests on Prospective Member Day, including:
 
  • Greg Fink, guest of David Clynes, and a participant in this year's Camp Enterprise
  • Kim Stoner, guest of Jody Kern
  • Debbie Townsend, guest of Kaylin Eidsness
  • Leah Bryd, guest of Val Burke
  • Chris Amundson, son and guest of Kris Maser
  • Nick Cardarelle, grandson and guest of Frank Cardarelle
  • Lisa Christianson, guest of Mary Younggren
  • Claudio Huerta, Youth Exchange student from Chile and guest of Mike Kallas
 
Club Announcements
 
Rotary Leadership Ethics Seminar
Joe Hayes shared a wrap-up on the Rotary Leadership Ethics Seminar, also known as "Do the Right Thing," that recently took place. Joe noted what a meaningful experience this day is with 65 students actively engaged with 30 volunteers from Rotary, community and civic leaders and school personnel.  The students worked on case studies, had panel discussions and listened to very well-received presentations by Rotarians Brad Beard and Thom Winninger.
 
Joe extended his thanks to all those that made the seminar so successful and noted that he will be seeking a co-chair in 2017—and will do whatever it takes to find one —ethically of course.

Veterans Luncheon
San Asato reminded folks about the Veterans Luncheon on Friday, Nov. 11, at Bearpath Country Club in Eden Prairie. Registration begins at 11 a.m. with live music. Lunch and the program will be from 11:15 a.m. to 1:15 p.m. You can register here. Rotarians are also encouraged to bring up to two past/present military guests for free. Make sure to register your guests as well. And send in photos of yourself or veterans you might be bringing as guests for use in the slide show before the meeting. You can email photo to San. 
 
Camp Enterprise
Ann stated that Camp Enterprise begins on Thursday, Oct. 27, and runs through Saturday, Oct. 29.  Sam Thompson shared they are still in need of mentors.  If you are interested please contact Sam.
 
Thanksgiving Baskets
Ann wrapped up the announcements reminding Rotarians about the upcoming packing boxes for Thanksgiving Baskets, scheduled for Wednesday, Nov. 23, at the Edina Country Club from 11:30 a.m. until 1:00 p.m. Plan to attend this event with your family before the holiday. We were reminded if you know of a person or family who may need some support over the Thanksgiving holiday, contact Mary Hustad or Michael Stanzak.
 
Sam Thompson was then introduced by Ann to present our featured speaker for the day. Sam had the pleasure of introducing our guest speaker, Mr. Randy Stenger. Randy is the founder and CEO of Extreme Sandbox, which he characterized as “a heavy equipment adventure company that lets people play.”

Randy (aka: Peter Pan—“never grow up”) enthusiastically stated that his presentation would focus on:
 
  • How he came up with the concept for Extreme Sandbox
  • His three learnings
  • His "Shark Tank" TVeExperience
He started his presentation with a video of the first minute of when he appeared on the TV show "Shark Tank" in January or 2016. Randy baited the hook (sharks, hook, fishing for money, worth a try) and caught all our attention with that first minute. He then moved into his presentation, leaving those of us not having seen the show and what took place hanging—but more on that later (keep reading if you want to find out the ending).

Randy’s concept first starting percolating in his very active and creative mind when he was driving by a construction site with his three boys and the oldest boy, stated “Wouldn’t it be fun to play on that stuff?” So from the mouth of babes, the genesis for a new concept formulated in Randy’s head.  

Randy had no prior experience with heavy equipment and in fact had been in law enforcement for six years in Colorado and was at that time working for Target management in the Wisconsin area.  But after, as he characterized, some “bar talk” with his brother, Randy felt like it all made perfect sense and jumped into this new venture.

In 2012, he started the business on a part-time basis. Leasing 10 acres of land in Hastings, leasing three pieces of heavy equipment, getting a variance from the city and figuring out the insurance—he began Extreme Sandbox on the weekends.

Eight months later, with business starting to take off, Randy plowed ahead and moved the business into a full-time venture. He bought the 10 acres, built a 6,000-square-foot facility and added additional equipment to the lease. He currently has two sites, the one in Hastings and one north of Dallas on a resort property. Randy shared that they continue to see tremendous growth, with an emphasis on marketing for corporate team building. The company is also currently exploring the possibility of starting a third operation in the Phoenix area.

Randy shared that he has three primary lessons he follows as an entrepreneur and business person:
 
  1. Take Risks—but smart risks, and don’t be afraid to ask.
  2. The Balloon and the Rock Concept—you need to have a balance with the “big-idea," person—the one “lifting-off" who is the visionary or the Balloon. Then the person that keeps things grounded, the concrete—the Rock.   
  3. Understanding Relationships—you need to always look for not only how you benefit in the relationship, but how the other party can benefit from the relationship. You will not succeed if you only think about what you can get out of the relationship.
Randy completed his presentation with an important point about “know your story and be able to tell it well and stand for something.” He stated that he wants Extreme Sandbox to be the Walt Disney of Heavy Equipment. (I knew there was a tie into the Peter Pan concept and Tinkerbell was also effervescent—what synergy to this meeting!)
Also, “Now, the rest of the story." Randy did get two of the “sharks” to bite on his concept when he was on the TV show back in January 2016. Mark Cuban and Kevin O’Leary shared investing a $150,000 to the Extreme Sandbox business plan.

Michael Stanzak thanked Randy for his energy and great entrepreneurial spirit. Ann then closed the meeting with a fitting quote from George Bernard Shaw: “We don't stop playing because we grow old; we grow old because we stop playing.”
 
Meeting Responsibilities
Front Desk
Johnson, Susan
 
Front Desk 2
Stehlik, Bob
 
Front Desk Administration
Born, Barbara
 
Front Desk-Club Service Committee member
Kvale, Deirdre
 
Greeter 1
Lancaster, George
 
Greeter 2
Lewis, Gordon
 
Greeter 3 (new member)
Brewer, André
 
Invocation/Pledge of Allegiance/Four-Way Test
Buettner, Steve
 
Introduce Guests
Younggren, Mary
 
The Barker writer
Harberts, Renee
 
Introduce the Speaker
Murphy, Tim
 
Thank the Speaker
Ohe, Jeff
 
Upcoming Events
Rotary Happy Hour/Vocational Development Group
The Mezz, Byerly's
Nov 02, 2016
5:30 PM – 7:00 PM
 
Edina Chamber/Rotary Prospective Member Event
Edina Country Club
Nov 09, 2016
5:00 PM – 7:00 PM
 
Area 3 Rotary Veterans Luncheon
Bearpath Golf and Country Club
Nov 11, 2016
11:15 AM – 1:15 PM
 
Dinner and St. Paul Chamber Orchestra Concert
St. Paul United Church of Christ
Nov 19, 2016 5:00 PM
 
Thanksgiving Baskets Assembly
Edina Country Club
Nov 23, 2016
11:30 AM – 1:00 PM
 
Rotary Club of Edina Holiday Gift Giving Program
Edina Country Club
Dec 01, 2016 12:15 PM –
Dec 08, 2016 1:30 PM
 
Rotary Happy Hour/VDG (note date change)
The Mezz, Byerly's
Dec 12, 2016
5:30 PM – 7:00 PM
 
Rotary Club of Edina Holiday Party
Edina Country Club
Dec 15, 2016
 
Rotary Happy Hour/Vocational Development Group
The Mezz, Byerly's
Jan 04, 2017
5:30 PM – 7:00 PM
 
District 5950 Mid-Term Assembly
Earle Brown Heritage Center
Jan 28, 2017
 
Rotary Club of Edina Bowling Night!
Park Tavern
Jan 28, 2017 7:00 PM
 
Rotary Happy Hour/Vocational Development Group
The Mezz, Byerly's
Feb 01, 2017
5:30 PM – 7:00 PM
 
Rotary Happy Hour/Vocational Development Group
The Mezz, Byerly's
Mar 01, 2017
5:30 PM – 7:00 PM
 
Joint meeting with EMRC
Edina Country Club
Mar 07, 2017
7:30 AM – 8:30 AM
 
Area 3 Vocational Ethics Day
Edina Country Club
Apr 20, 2017
11:30 AM – 1:30 PM
 
Executives & Directors
President
 
President Elect
 
Treasurer
 
Secretary
 
Past President
 
Club Service (Administration) Director
 
Community Service—Local Funding Director
 
Community Service—Programs Director
 
International Service Director
 
Membership—Recruitment Director
 
Membership—Retention Director
 
Public Image Director
 
The Rotary Foundation Director
 
Youth Service Director
 
Club Administrator
 
Birthdays & Anniversaries
Member Birthdays
William Clynes
November 2
 
Bruce Templeton
November 3
 
Wooj Byun
November 5
 
Ian Colville
November 6
 
Burt Cohen
November 13
 
Les Wanninger
November 13
 
Skip Thomas
November 14
 
Jim Platt
November 17
 
Mary Younggren
November 20
 
John Schwarz
November 21
 
John Buttolph
November 23
 
Kevin Kalal
November 25
 
Raj Kumar
November 25
 
Charles McGoldrick
November 28
 
Don Hutchison
December 1
 
Mitch Robinson
December 1
 
Joe Christensen
December 9
 
Patti Ellingson-Solheim
December 9
 
Denny Schulstad
December 11
 
Wade Thommen
December 25
 
John MacLennan
December 30
 
Spouse Birthdays
Kelly
November 17
 
Laura- Gail Templeton
November 21
 
Pam Schulstad
December 1
 
Casey Garske
December 4
 
Anniversaries
Colleen Simpson
Kirk Simpson
November 24
 
Buzz Bainbridge
Sandy
December 16
 
Jim Roberts
Sherre Roberts
December 29
 
Join Date
Hugh Hadlund
November 1, 2003
13 years
 
Michael Opitz
November 1, 2001
15 years
 
Paul Peterson
November 1, 2012
4 years
 
Jennifer Bennerotte
November 3, 2004
12 years
 
Audri Schwarz
November 5, 1992
24 years
 
David Aase
November 5, 2015
1 year
 
John Mazzara
November 5, 2015
1 year
 
Larry Doty
November 6, 2014
2 years
 
Joe Arends
November 7, 2006
10 years
 
Lloyd Pearson
November 8, 1963
53 years
 
Dick Crockett
November 13, 2015
1 year
 
Bill McReavy
November 14, 1996
20 years
 
San Asato
November 16, 2006
10 years
 
Matt Boockmeier
November 21, 2002
14 years
 
Dennis Hykes
November 29, 1979
37 years
 
Bill Milota
December 1, 1990
26 years
 
Burt Cohen
December 1, 1980
36 years
 
Harry Spell
December 1, 1966
50 years
 
Gordon Lewis
December 3, 1981
35 years
 
John Allen
December 3, 1992
24 years
 
John Flynn
December 7, 1989
27 years
 
John MacLennan
December 7, 1989
27 years
 
Lisa Walker
December 10, 2015
1 year
 
Raj Kumar
December 10, 2015
1 year
 
Brad Pearson
December 11, 1997
19 years
 
Charles Agan
December 12, 1996
20 years
 
John Buttolph
December 12, 2013
3 years
 
Michael Norman
December 15, 1988
28 years
 
Wade Thommen
December 15, 2005
11 years
 
Jack Braun
December 18, 1957
59 years
 
Les Wanninger
December 22, 1988
28 years
 
Arthur Rouner
December 23, 1964
52 years
 
Bob Stehlik
December 23, 1982
34 years
 
Keith Benson
December 23, 2011
5 years
 
Kris Maser
December 23, 2011
5 years
 
Tim Murphy
December 28, 1995
21 years
 
Axel Steuer
December 31, 2003
13 years
 
2016 Edina Rotary Foundation Fundraiser & Gala
"New York State of Mind"
Saturday, Oct. 1, 2016
DoubleTree West, Bloomington
 
Presenting Sponsor
 
Platinum Sponsor
Washburn-McReavy Funeral Chapels and Cremation Services
 
 
Gold Sponsors
Baird
Brandpoint
Faribault Woolen Mill
Grandview Tire & Auto
The Tankenoff Families Foundation
 
 
Silver Sponsors
Cahill Financial Advisors
Christensen & Laue P.A.
EdinAlarm
The Jennings Family Foundation
Jessen Press
Key Cadillac
Les Jones Roofing
North American Banking Company
Peters Billiards
Dr. Steven Veker, DDS—44th Street Dental
Wells Fargo Home Mortgage—Jody Kern
 
 
Bronze Sponsors
Abdo, Eick & Meyers
Edina Liquor
Edina Rotary Ethics Seminar "Do the Right Thing"
ESP
Fairview Southdale Hospital
Handyman Matters
Carl M. Hansen Companies
Hatzung Insurance
Hutchison Financial Advisors
Kallas Law Office
Mac & Mac
Morrison & Associates
Dan & Stacy Mott
Pearson Orthodontics
Bob & Rhoda Perkins
Kip & Rebecca Peterson
Pets Are Inn
SideKick Inc.—Advanced Document Services
Patti & Bob Solheim
Josh Sprague, Sotheby's International Realty
Bob & Vianne Stehlik
Terry & Marilee Stevens
Skip Thomas, Realtor—RE/MAX Results
The Wooddale Team of American Mortgage & Equity Consultants 
 

The Edina Country Club will serve the Edina Rotary Big Buffet at the Oct. 27 meeting. The buffet will feature soups, salads and sandwiches.

The Rotary Club of Edina's Administrator, Jennifer Garske, 
works part-time Tuesday through Friday. To contact her, 
call 612-875-3109 or write to jgarske@EdinaRotary.org.