Rotarians, friends and family will be out ringing the bell at the red kettle this week for the Salvation Army!

 

Rotarians were at the red kettle Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday this week. Make sure to stop by Jerry's Foods in Edina Thursday, Dec. 20, from 2 to 8 p.m. to drop some coins in the kettle! Don't forget to drop by Jerry's on your way to the Holiday Party on tonight—Paul Peterson, Paul Mooty and Marty Kupper will be entertaining the crowds at the kettle at Jerry's starting at 4 p.m.

 

On Friday, Dec. 21, we'll be ringing at Byerly's & Lunds, 7171 France Ave. in Edina. The Rotary ringers will be there from 2 to 8 p.m.

 

Thanks to Dan Hallberg and Wayne Harmon for once again organizing our volunteer ringers and being at every bell hand-off throughout the week! Let Dan know if you have questions. 

 

We'll see you at the kettle! 

 

As most of you know, after almost six years as the Rotary Club of Edina administrator, I turned in my resignation this month. I started this week as the Executive Assistant to City Manager Scott Neal in the Administration Department at the City of Edina. I’m not going very far! And I’m so excited for this new role and challenge, but it is bittersweet. The last six years have been an amazing journey. 

 

I have learned so much; met so many wonderful, supportive, giving people; and learned the true meaning of serving your community, at home and around the world. I can't thank you all enough for your kindness. To be so appreciated while helping others do good works is an amazing gift. I won't forget it, and am so grateful to be able to continue being an honorary member of Edina Rotary. The impact all of you made on my life can't be measured. And to see the impact our club makes in the community is awe inspiring. President John Flynn tells us each week to “Be the Inspiration,” but you all are truly inspiring to me in so many ways. It was incredible to be working for a group of people with such a heart for service, and the organization and hard work to back it up. From Camp Enterprise to the Fundraiser to Thanksgiving Baskets, I am grateful to have been a small part of such big things that help so many. I’m proud to have worked for you, and so proud to be one of you. I know you’ll continue your good work far into the future, lifting up many along the way.

 

You’ll still see me at meetings, though not at the front desk. I’ll miss the warm greetings and smiles on meeting days the most. You made me feel welcome from the first day, and never more appreciated than on my last meeting day.

Thank you so much for the gifts and recognition at last week's meeting. Thanks to all the officers, board members, event chairs and especially presidents who shared knowledge and skills with me, and let me put my own stamp on the position. Thanks especially to Jennifer Bennerotte, who suggested me for this job so long ago, when I wasn’t even sure what Rotary meant. As she always says, “Everything happens for a reason.” And I’m so grateful life took me on this path with all of you.