Leah has been leading Open Arms of Minnesota since 2013, after more than 20 years of nonprofit leadership positions. A nonprofit Executive Director since 1999, Leah has worked in the arts, community education, and reproductive and community health care. She began her career out of college as a victim advocate at a battered women’s shelter – an experience that ignited a deep commitment to justice and access to resources for underserved and vulnerable populations. A mother herself at age 17, who had to ask for help, Leah is committed to ensuring that everyone who asks for help is treated with dignity and respect.

Last Thursday, we welcomed award-winning documentarian & TV anchor, Corey Hepola. Corey remembered how when he was a child his grandmother had a bulletin board in her home. Here she displayed articles that highlighted all the positive work and events happening in her community. As he grew up, he always knew he wanted to be a news anchor and he succeeded in this goal, earning Emmys for “Outstanding TV Anchor” at KARE 11.

As he advanced in his career, Corey realized that he had a passion to help communities tell their story of why people choose to live there. In 2023, his My Town series was born. This series focuses on the decisions people make to be part of their communities and also challenges perceptions many people outside these communities may have about specific areas, towns, or states. As he continued telling these stories, he came to identify a common message across communities: residents feel a deep sense of belonging, connection and involvement that leads to a sense of having made a meaningful life in their community. He concluded by reflecting on the question: What is on your bulletin board? What are the unique and positive qualities that you notice and identify with in your community? Click "Read more" for info on the My Town series!

Join the City of Edina’s Police and Fire departments to help save lives through the Battle of the Badges Blood Drive. During the month of August, the City’s public safety departments compete against other agencies in the Twin Cities metro area to see which can collect the most amount of blood at local blood drives. Edina’s blood drive will take place 11:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 13, at Edina City Hall, 4801 W. 50th St., inside the Council Chambers.

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.

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.