Meeting reflections:

 

Another amazing meeting—a full parking lot, nine guests, two visiting Rotarians, social time to catch up with friends and make new ones, a nice meal and a quality program. Our fearless leader Ann Platt is doing a grand job keeping our train on the tracks. I think I’ll come back next week and maybe bring a friend.

We were greeted by Peter Hoffman and Deirdre Kvale. Mike Opitz helped out at the front desk. The Rev. Tom Cook gave the invocation.

 

Dale Walker introduced the following guests at the meeting:     

 

Each week I am reminded and guided by the gift we receive in the wonderful stories of our presenters. Stories that encourage and help us with perspective and gratitude—they help to make our lives rich. This experience I receive each week is a big reason I frequently try to bring a guest. I gain a lot from my weekly Rotary experience and I want to share this opportunity with others. 

 

We are very fortunate to have Dr. Hannelore Brucker in our community. Wow, what a life story, and what incredible work she has been doing throughout her career treating allergies and helping the afflicted understand their condition. Retired from her practice at Southdale Allergy and Asthma Clinic in October of last year, the loving connection she had with her patients and her pride in their successes overcoming their conditions is easy to see. Hearing her classification talk, I get the sense that although retired, Hannelore has a deep desire of service to others and that she is one very active lady. And now—in addition to our Norwegian master of illusion and presentation, Korean improvisational sax man and our world famous, soon to be back from tour, base guitarist—we now have a harmonica and accordion virtuoso in our midst.

 

We were fortunate to have Dick Schulze present to our meeting as our main speaker. Thanks, Jon Barnett, for setting this up—your thorough introduction rivaled the eloquence and harmonic prose of our dear departed club fixture and Edina institution from years past, John Diracles.

Mr. Schulze very honestly illustrated some of the significant events and lessons learned in his 50 years in consumer electronics retail. Starting with Sound of Music in 1966 to the Best Buy corporation of today, it is easy to see how his infectious enthusiasm rallied the troops to grow a world-class company.

He shared some management styles that he’s found really matter. Reading these now they seem almost obvious, but we all know they are often overlooked.

Mike Sitek thanked Mr. Schulze for the presentation. 

 

I had the opportunity to speak briefly with Mr. Shulze after the meeting. Turns out I tutored his oldest grandchildren in math and science several years back. His face lighting up and the detailed stories of their current accomplishments showed me a gentleman that although a very successful entrepreneur, he has what is most important and very high on his list.

 

I looking forward to next week’s meeting, how about you?

 

 

Rotarian David Aase has announced the birth of a new potential member! David and his wife, Lauren, welcomed their second son, Calvin James Aase, on Aug. 18, 2016. Calvin weighed in at 7 lbs, 13 oz and was 21 inches long. Mother, baby and big brother are all doing well, according to the proud dad. 

 

Congratulations to the Aase family!

 

 

Rotarians are encouraged to participate in the Twins Cities Walk for Water, scheduled for Saturday, Sept. 17, at Upper Landing Park in St. Paul. Registration is at 8 a.m. and the walk begins at 9:30 a.m. 

 

Water Mission is a partner in the walk, along with local corporations Pace Analytical and Pentair. The Walk for Water will raise awareness and funds for the 1.8 billion people in the world that lack access to safe water. Water Mission is a critical partner with the Edina Rotary Foundation for our water sanitation project in Guatemala. 

 

Sign up at www.twincitieswalkforwater.org or by calling 612-656-1105.

 

 

The Rotary Club of Edina’s Board of Directors recently approved the applicant below for membership: