Birthdays:   Linda Willgohs 7/2, Myron Solid 7/12, Jan Stevens 7/15

Next Week: Summer Social on Wednesday, July 22 at the Estensons from 5:30 pm to 8:00 pm – No Thursday Meeting

Last Week:

Karl Gleason, our exchange student to Paraguay during 2003-4, took Rotary’s motto of “Service Above Self” to heart and recently volunteered his efforts to help facilitate organization of a sustainable public health clinic in a small town in western Honduras.  Karl’s work there was done under the auspices of MEDICO, the Medical, Eye, and Dental International Care Organization, a nonprofit humanitarian service organization that has been providing comprehensive health care response since 1990 to over 150,000 people in rural communities in Nicaragua and Honduras.  

In addition to special projects of the type with which Karl assisted, MEDICO sponsors five to seven field teams annually to provide free medical care to people in Honduras. Each team consists of about 20 people and many Northfield area residents have participated over the years.  Dr. Gretchen Ehresmann is currently Board Chair of MEDICO.

Karl, a 2008 graduate of St. Olaf College and son of club member Mark Gleason and Kristi Wermager, will begin graduate work at the University of Texas School of Architecture this fall.

Guests:  Norm and Lynda Peters from MEDICO, Gretchen and David Ehresmann (John Ehresmann).

Rotary Minute:  President Rick shared a nice interpretation of the Rotary cogwheel symbol that is so familiar to all of us.  The 6 spokes represent 6 continents and the 24 cogs represent 24 hours pointing out the constant positive influence of Rotary worldwide. 

Announcements:

On a combined motion by Rossing, seconded by Puczko, an amended Club Constitution was formally affirmed and in addition several amendments to the By-Laws reflecting the recent reorganization of the Board and Committee structure were approved by more than a two-thirds majority.  Thanks to Chris Weber and others involved in updating our official records.

Please welcome Ingrid Sampo and Ivan Imm – the two newest members of our club!

Good progress was reported toward completion of the school project in Bassar, Togo towards which our club has donated funds.

Coming Up:

July 30 – Charles & Chris Skinner: Costa Rica (Gett)

August 6 – TBD (Ellingboe) 

Welcome To Our New Members:

Missi Arens – Matthew Detert – John Fossum – Jodi Fritz

Ivan Imm – David Koenig – Leo Lawlor – Matthew Rich 

Mary Rossing –Ingrid Sampo – Mark Thacher   

Ross Thompson – Therese Whitesong – Colleen VanBlarcom

Today’s Program: Karl Gleason and MEDICO, humanitarian work in Honduras and Nicaragua (Ehresmann)

Birthdays: Orv Marks (7/6) and Candy Taylor (7/7).

Next Week: Romanian Orphanage (Schlichting)

Last Week:

If the United States is to bring some semblance of order and stability to the Tribal Regions that spill over the Afghanistan-Pakistan border — a refuge for Osama Bin Laden and al-Qaeda — it must work with Pashtun tribal leaders and the Taliban. That’s the analysis of Robert Flaten, former ambassador to Rwanda, who spent part of his 32 years of service in Afghanistan and India.

The Pashtun nation is key to the success of any of our military or diplomatic objectives in that region, Bob said, and the Taliban, riding the dual forces of Pashtun nationalism and Muslim fundamentalism, does represent its interests.

Bob characterized the Pashtuns as tough, fiercely independent, deceptive, loyal and hospitable. They number 40 million across Afghanistan and Pakistan. They have been in constant friction with the Pakistan government since its inception and are determined to maintain their independence.

Misguided decisions by past imperial powers divided the Pashtun people between Afghanistan and Pakistan. Attempts by outside powers, the British and Russia in the 19^th century and the former Soviet Union in the 1980s, to tame the region have all ended in humiliating defeats. Many in Afghanistan predict a similar fate for the U.S.

Yet, President Obama has made Afghanistan a pivot point in the pursuit of terrorists. Bob said the decision not to enter the Tribal Regions with overwhelming force, but to employ a strategy of alliance building with tribal leaders is the way to go.

Changing of the Guard: Outgoing President Laurie Williams was honored for her leadership during this past year.  She received a “standing O” and a round of “For She’s a Jolly Good Person.” She said it has been a privilege to serve the club and uphold its rich traditions. She passed the gavel and president’s pin onto our new president, Rick Estenson and wished him well.

Rotary Minute: Rick Estenson chose Mia Farrow’s presentation and his visit to Stonehenge the day before the summer solstice as highlights of the International Rotary conference in Birmingham, England.  This year’s international slogan is: “The future of Rotary is in your hands.”

Guests: Jon Rondestvedt (Brown-Wescott), Dieter Prowe (Prowe), Mary Flaten (Larson) and Matteus (Dilley).

Scholarship Enhancement:  Fred Rogers

Announcements:

There is still time to sign up for the summer social scheduled for Wednesday, July 22, from 5:30 p.m. to 8 p.m. at Kris and Rick Estensons. Look for the signup sheet today.

Vicki Dilley reported that more Rugs for Rotary were sold. Our net is now $2,800.

Coming Up:

July 22 – Summer Social at Estensons

July 23 – no meeting

Welcome New Members:

Missi Arens – Matthew Detert – John Fossum

Jodi Fritz - David Koenig – Leo Lawlor

Matthew Rich – Mary Rossing – Mark Thacher

Ross Thompson – Therese Whitesong – Colleen VanBlarcom

Birthdays: Rotarians across the globe.

Next Week: Karl Gleason and MEDICO, humanitarian work in Honduras and Nicaragua (Ehresmann)

Last Week:

A small town Minnesota kid, after a stopover as football coach at St. Olaf College, ends up coaching quarterbacks for the Washington Redskins in the NFL. How does this happen?

Chris Meidt, son of member Gary Meidt, attributes it all to that Big Coach in the Sky — not Lombardi, the other Big Coach — who, he believes, has a game plan for each one of us.

That plan included a relationship with Jim Zorn, now the Redskins head coach. Chris met Jim through mutual acquaintance Cory Sauter, once a Minnesota Gopher quarterback. Chris was a mentor to Cory; Zorn was working with the Gopher quarterbacks. Despite reservations about leaving St. Olaf and Northfield, Chris and his family made the move to Washington in 2008.

Chris said there are many, many solid NFL players who have character as well as talent. Like everyone else, most are looking for love and discipline, he said. On game days, you won’t see Chris on the sidelines. He’s in the booth topside helping to adjust his team’s offensive schemes.

Paul Harris Fellow - Donna Maus, wife of Richard Maus, was presented with a Paul Harris Fellowship in recognition of her many volunteer efforts in the community.

Guests:  John Rondestvedt (Brown-Wescott), Ivan Im (Whitesong), Larry Jones (Cogan), Donna Maus (Maus), Karen and Chris Meidt and Tom Porter (Meidt).

Scholarship Enhancement:  Pablo Maldonado

Announcements:

Sam Estenson and Ann Stees announced the launch of Gunnar Swanson’s “A Soldier’s Walk for Peace.” He will be walking from Dallas to Minnesota this summer to raise money and awareness of the needs of children in Iraq. For more information, go to warkidsrelief.org/march.

Rick Estenson, our incoming president, reported on the Rotary International Convention in Birmingham, England. He characterized it as inspiring and energizing, and he saw Stonehenge.

We need a couple more long distance counselors for our 10 outbound students this fall. If you are interested, see Linda Willgohs or Tom Durkin.

Vicki Dilley reported that the Rugs for Rotary sale (June 18-20) netted $2,584.

Coming Up:

July 16 – Romanian orphanage –  (Schlichting)

July 22 – Summer Social at Estensons  5:00 – 8:00

July 23 – no meeting

Welcome New Members:

Missi Arens – Matthew Detert – John Fossum

Jodi Fritz - David Koenig – Leo Lawlor 

Matthew Rich – Mary Rossing – Mark Thacher  

Ross Thompson – Therese Whitesong – Colleen VanBlarcom

Birthdays: RuthAnna Miller (6/25) and Richard Collman (6/26)

Next Week: Pushtunistan (Flaten) and Changing of the Guard

Last Week:

For a retired pastor and social worker who says he doesn’t like public speaking, Hugh Kaste sure could have fooled us. With a few deadpan jokes and poignant stories of his long career in the Lutheran ministry and social services, Hugh entertained and informed us with his classification talk.  Along the way, he reminded us of what matters most in life: the relationships we build.

Hugh was born in Fertile, Minnesota, in 1933 and raised on a farm. He and his wife, Lenore, have nine children, 17 grandchildren and six great grandchildren. They don’t call it Fertile, Minnesota, for nothing, says Hugh.

He holds a BA degree from Concordia College in Moorhead, a M. Div. degree from Luther Seminary and a Masters of Social Work degree from the University of Michigan. He spent several years as a pastor — in Minnesota and South Dakota — but found his true calling later as a social worker with Lutheran Social Services.

Hugh and Lenore moved to Northfield in 2002. They have deep roots here. Lenore is a St. Olaf College graduate as are several of their family members. The Kastes love to travel and have one more continent to reach — Antarctica. They spend five months of the year “vacationing” in Sun City, Arizona. Huge joined Rotary in 2007 and looks forward to many more years of service.

Guests:  Inbound exchange students: Elisa and Ryota, Rianna Dilley (Dilley), Lynn Tharaldson (Quinnell).

Scholarship Enhancement:  Mark Thacher

Announcements:

The web site is looking good, thanks to the outstanding work of Ed Lufkin.  Members are encouraged to check out the recent posting about the Rotary project in Bassar, Togo, where repairs are underway for a school building damaged by storms several years ago.

You also will find on our website a draft of the amended by-laws, which are scheduled for a vote at our annual meeting on July 9.

The Bike Tour is behind on corporate sponsorships, so the time has come for all those businesses that received solicitations to respond in the affirmative.

Five volunteers are needed to serve as counselors for the 10 outbound students who we will be sending off in the fall.  Contact Tom Durkin, Candy Taylor, or Vicki Dilley if you are interested in doing this.

Coming Up:

July 9 – Annual meeting

July 16 – TBA

Wednesday, July 22 – Summer Social

Welcome New Members:

Missi Arens – Matthew Detert – John Fossum

Jodi Fritz - David Koenig – Leo Lawlor 

Matthew Rich – Mary Rossing – Mark Thacher  

Ross Thompson – Therese Whitesong – Colleen VanBlarcom

Here is a recent photo from the worksite in Bassar, Togo, where our club has already worked with other Rotary Clubs (Evanston, IL; Charles City, IA; Upper Darby, PA) to raise over $5,500 to repair a school damaged by storms a few years ago. Bassar is a small city in central Togo (West Africa) and our connection originally came from a Peace Corps Volunteer, Jeff Finkelman, who worked with a fellow volunteer (Vonetta Robinson) and the local Rotary Community Development Corps (proto-Rotary club) to help the Central School in Bassar, where two of the main buildings lost their roofs during a violent storm in 2006.

One of the two buildings was repaired last year and this work is being done on the second, larger building. For a very nice YouTube segment on this project, please go to the following link and you’ll see Jeff and Vonetta speak about the project and also hear some nice African music and see lots and lots of photos from the work done on the first building: http://www.youtube.com/rotarybassar

The total cost for this project is $7,500 and more than $5,500 has already been raised, with the Rotary Club of Upper Darby in Pennsylvania already verbally committed to making a contribution in the near future, though the exact amount will depend on how successful their spring fundraiser turns out to be.

This is a club-to-club project. The Rotary Foundation does not pay for construction so no matching grants have been used, but as Jeff and Vonetta make clear on their YouTube video, this school is very important to the community and the repair and improvements (to make the two buildings more storm-proof) and new desks and chairs and blackboards will greatly improve academic opportunities for young kids in Bassar. Between the two building, Rotarians and the family and friends of the Peace Corps volunteers will have raised more than $14,000 for these school repairs. In addition, the Rotary Community Development Corps of Bassar raised over $2,000 for the repairs to the second building through a variety of fund-raising activities, including a car wash/motorcycle wash and other community efforts. This project has united many people for the benefit of local children.

For more information, please contact Charlie Cogan (also a former Peace Corps volunteer from Togo, many years ago, and our club’s coordinator for this project. Email: ccogan@carleton.edu). This project was chosen and supported by the Northfield Rotary Club’s World Community Service committee, chaired by Mark Abbott. If you are interested in serving on this committee, please let President-Elect Rick Estenson know ASAP. If you are not a Rotarian and would like to know more about Rotary’s international outreach, we’d love to tell you more.

Birthdays: Rotarians around the globe.

Next Week: Chris Meidt, Washington Redskins (Meidt)

Last Week:

Kaczmarek, what would that bring on a scrabble board? It is a proper name; probably won’t work. But Virginia works as executive director of the Northfield Area YMCA and brings a breathless enthusiasm to the position.

Her “can-do” attitude was shaped by her tour of duty in the Marine Corp as a diesel mechanic and her time as a single parent, raising two children, while pursuing her education. She earned a B.A. from St. Cloud State University and a M.A. in economics from the University of Kansas.

She found the YMCA immensely helpful to her when she was a young mother and set her sights on a career with the organization.

Virginia came to Northfield from River Falls, and is building programs while the organization continues planning for a building.

The Y has five camps for kids going this summer and has already established a fitness center at the Northfield Retirement Community. She continues to look for opportunities to collaborate with other organizations in pursuit of the Y goals of creating space for family time, youth development, teen support and leadership development.

When she’s not working, she is drawn to the North Shore, mission trips, skiing and writing. She is also looking forward to becoming a grandmother in the next little while. 

Guests: Inbound exchange students: Elisa and Ryota, (Williams), Ivan Imm (Whitesong), Ingrid Sample (Rasmussen), Jennifer Sawyer (Reese) and Minna Ohman, former exchange students from Finland (1985-86) (Covey).

Scholarship Enhancement:  Candy Taylor

Announcements:

The board accepted Frank Grazzini’s resignation. He is returning to his Bloomington Rotary Club.

There will be by-laws to approve at our annual meeting. This was our first notice.

Counselors are needed for the 10 outbound students who will be going will be sending off in the fall. Contact Tom Durkin, Candy Taylor or Vicki Dilley if you are interested in doing this.

Folks are needed to carry rugs June 18, 19 and 20 for the Rugs for Rotary fundraiser. Talk to President Williams if you can help.

The summer social will be held Wednesday, July 22, at Rick Estenson’s place. Be sure to sign up today.

Coming Up:

July 2 -  “Pushtunistan (Flaten) and Changing of the Guard

Welcome New Members:

Missi Arens – Matthew Detert – John Fossum

Jodi Fritz - David Koenig – Leo Lawlor 

Matthew Rich – Mary Rossing – Mark Thacher  

Ross Thompson – Therese Whitesong – Colleen VanBlarcom

Committee chairs or co-chairs are needed on the following committees: Fellowship (co-chair with Jean Wakely), Bike Tour (co-chair with Jack Hoschouer, Local Service Projects and the new Flagship Project. This is your opportunity to get involved in a leadership role.

The new year begins July 1, so please inform Estenson or one of the board members about your committee of choice. We need you! Better yet, we need all of you!

For a complete list of committees and their objectives click here.

The club’s revised organizational chart can be found here.

Birthdays: David Wolf (6/6)

Next Week: Hugh Kaste, Classification (Rasmussen)

Last Week:

State Senator Kevin Dahle (DFL, District 25), and State Representative David Bly (DFL, District 25B), said the $6.4 billion budget deficit cast a long shadow over this past legislative session. DFLers, who control both the House and the Senate, proposed a tri-partite solution: one-third budget cuts, one-third tax hikes and one-third federal stimulus money. They characterized it as a “balanced” proposal, one that would put the state on a sustainable path to prosperity. That ran headlong into the governor’s “no-new tax” pledge. Rep. Bly and Sen. Dahle said the governor’s un-allotment will result in some $500 million in cuts to Health and Human Services and deep cuts in local government aid. They pointed out that despite the governor’s stance, taxes will increase, but that will be in the form of increased property taxes.

Please see this nice little video from Richard Maus.

Special Guest: Today a former exchange student from Finland, Minna (Tarkka) Ohman,, is with us. She lived here in 1985-86. Her host families were Rotarians Myron and Carol Solid and Doug and Ruth Crane, and David and Helen Medin, whose son was an outbound student that year. Keith and Judy Covey were her advisors. She will update us on her life and times since her last visit 10 years ago.

Marston Headley Service Above Self: And the award goes to …….Vicki Dilley and Candy Taylor for their outstanding service to our youth exchange program. Candy has been a member since 2002, Vicki since 2005. Thank you both for your commitment to kids and the Rotary ideal.

Guests: Inbound exchange students: Elisa, Ryota, and Pablo (Williams), Carol Rutz (Will) and Max Oliver (Cogan), Bill Talen (Talen) and Bryce Wahl (Williams).

Scholarship Enhancement: Curtis Tiano, our esteemed treasurer or is he our  “steamed” treasurer.

Announcements:.

Nominations for the 2009 Rotary Good Neighbor Award are now being accepted. Applications are available from Carl Caskey or Emelda Rasmussen.

Thank you cards for our host families were circulated and signed by members during the meeting.

John Ophaug paid tribute to Henry Helgen, former St. Olaf College Dean of Students and a longtime Northfield Rotarian.

Mark Quinnell reported that Matheus arrived safely back in Brazil.

Bryce Wahl, a visiting Owatonna Rotarian, encouraged us to contribute to a water project in Mpanga, Tanzania.

Coming Up:

June 25 – Chris Meidt, Washington Redskins (Meidt)

July 2 – “Pushtunistan (Flaten) and Changing of the Guard

Welcome New Members:

Missi Arens – Matthew Detert – John Fossum – Jodi Fritz

Frank Grazzini – David Koenig – Leo Lawlor

Matthew Rich – Mary Rossing – Mark Thacher

Ross Thompson – Therese Whitesong – Colleen VanBlarcom

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