The Rotary Club of Northfield

Northfield Rotary Cogwheel | 3.4.10

richardsons — Wed, 03 Mar 2010 21:21:48 +0000

Today’s Program: State Budget, Legislative Update with our own Charlie Kyte

Happy Birthday: Tom Stringer (3/1), George Soule (3/3), Kevin Rodgers (3/4, Pat O’Neill (3/5) and Mark Quinnell (3/7)

Next Week: Roberto Pedros Bretos on his exchange year.

Last Meeting:

Kathy Westlund, a nurse with Northfield Hospice, a service of Northfield Hospital & Clinics, said hospice provides in-home care for people in their last stages of life. Usually it is designed for those who will die within six months, if their disease follows a normal course.

Her agency uses a team of professionals — physicians, nurses, social workers, ministers — and volunteers to address the needs of the patient and the family. The hospice nurse is at the center of it all, serving as a case manager. Medicare and most insurance cover hospice services and equipment, Kathy said.

Northfield Hospice works with all of the physicians and clinics in town to serve a 20-mile radius of the community. Besides providing services in people’s homes, they also provide hospice services to those in other locations, such as Reflections on the Three Links Campus, nursing homes, or other private entities.

Every hospice patient’s journey is different, Kathy said. Her program is very flexible. They work hard to listen to the needs and wishes of the patients and their families. “Almost anything can work,” she said, “if you give patients a choice.”

Family disputes can be minimized if people have living wills. She encouraged us all to make one out.

Guests: Beth Kallestad (Kaczmarek), LaNelle Olson and Bill North (Prowe) and Luisa and Roberto (Taylor).

Scholarship Enhancement: David Halsor

Announcements:

Brasil and Back was an unqualified success. It was a great “social” event, the costumes were show stopping, all in all a great marketing opportunity for our exchange program. Best of all it was a financial success. It netted Rotary $7,500, $1,500 beyond our goal. Great work Rotarians!

The district exchange overnight went well Feb. 20-21. Our people received good marks for its use of the senior center and we are invited back.

President-elect Chris Weber said the last two “big ideas” for our local project are still being evaluated.

Charlie Cogan attended the centennial celebration for the Minneapolis and St. Paul Rotary Clubs. Rotary International President John Kenny spoke at the event.

Coming Up:

March 18 – Library Centennial, Margit Johnson, Lynne Young (Lane)

March 25 – Colleen Van Blarcom (Tiano)

April 1 – Manger Inn: Ten Year update, Mike Behr (Caskey)

April 8 – Neil Lutsky, Fountain Pen

April 15 – Mama Tesha, founder and current principal of the primary school, St. Margaret’s Academy, in Arusha, Tanzania and her principal, Mr. Michael Magaya, (Carlson)

Welcome Our Newest Members:

Dayna Clemments

Peter Schmelzer

Northfield Rotary Cogwheel | 2.25.10

richardsons — Thu, 25 Feb 2010 15:08:13 +0000

Today’s Program: Northfield Hospice, Kathy Westlund (Jean Larson)

Happy Birthday: Brad Frago (2/22) and James Schlichting (2/25)

Next Week: State Budget, Legislative Update with our own Charlie Kyte

Last Meeting:

Luisa is one good ambassador for the Brazil chamber of commerce. Her enthusiasm for her homeland is palpable. She extolled its scenic beauty, its cultural amenities and its dominance in the world of soccer.

She talked lovingly of her family back home. Her mother works in a bank; her father works for the post office in another community and comes home on weekends. Luisa has one younger brother, whom she misses dearly.

Her host families — the Scheuermans and the Murphys — have been a source of support for her. They’ve been able to show her a lot of Minnesota, including trips to the Renaissance Festival and a Vikings game. She has been introduced to winter sports, but she indicated that skating might be an acquired taste.

Luisa said she is grateful for the camaraderie with other exchange students. She thanked Roberto for his support. She said the exchange students have been the best part of her year.

President’s Minute — David Brown talked about his entry into Rotary and how the youth exchange program has grown over the last 10 years. Emelda Rasmussen sponsored his membership.

New Members: Dayna Clemments (Blake Abdella) and Peter Schmelzer (Jim Braucher) were inducted into the club. Dayna is the executive director for Rice County Habitat for Humanity. Peter is an architect in town. Welcome.

Guests: Gitta Reppmann and Steffen Kaupp (Yogi), Mark Murphy, Mike and Kelly Scheuerman and Robert and Luisa’s posse (Luisa); Leslie Vanderwood (Will); Helena Kauffman (Gleason) and Doug Weir (Cogan).

Scholarship Enhancement: Mark Thacher

Announcements:

Vicki Dilley and Rick Estenson are attending a conference in Chicago today through Sunday. The topic is youth exchange.

Coming Up:

March 11 – Roberto Pedros Bretos from Spain

March 18 – Library Centennial, Margit Johnson, Lynne Young (Lane)

March 25 – Colleen Van Blarcom (Tiano)

April 1 – Manger Inn: Ten Year update, Mike Behr (Caskey)

April 8 – Neil Lutsky, Fountain Pen

Northfield Rotary Cogwheel | 2.18.10

esse — Wed, 17 Feb 2010 19:20:00 +0000

Today’s Program: Luisa introduces us to her Brazil

Happy Birthday: Kyle Nordine (2/14), Jim Braucher (2/16), Jane Fenton and John Stull (2/18) and Peg Prowe (2/19).

Next Week: Northfield Hospice, Kathy Westlund (Jean Larson)

Last Meeting:

St. Olaf student Subhash Ghimire is losing sleep…. by his own design. He said he gets by on four to six hours a night. He carries a full load of classes, and in his spare time, he is setting up a foundation to create a school for children in his war-torn homeland of Nepal. This political science major’s passion is born of his own experience growing up on Nepal. The civil strife hit close to home. His father was abducted by Maoists and released only after ransom was paid. Some of his cousins endured physical assaults because of their politics.

Subhash benefited from an opportunity to attend a private school in Katmandu. It launched him on a path that eventually found him at St. Olaf College. He has already invested a $10,000 peace prize in a summer camp for children in his hometown in Western Nepal. He assembled a team of nurses, psychologists and volunteers to provide education and support for 42 children during a six-week summer camp. The school is next on his list.

Subhash has vision. He has applied to law school at Cambridge and doesn’t dismiss the idea of a political career one day. If admitted to law school, he plans to defer for a couple of years while he gets his school up and running. This young man bears watching.

International Service Project Report – Mark Abbott reported that over the past year the committee has effectively leveraged $4,000 to boost five international projects. They range from solar power for a medical clinic in Togo to equipment for a neo-natal unit in Argentina.

Guests: Martha Cashman (Rossing), Luisa and Roberto (Dilley), Dana Cogan (Cogan) and Leslie Vanderwood (Will)

Scholarship Enhancement: A humble and hobbled Rob Martin (Achilles tendon injury)

Announcements:

President Estenson announced that Dayna Clemment and Peter Schmelzer have been accepted into the club.

The president acknowledged Sam Gett’s outstanding promotion for our upcoming Brasil and Back.

Mary Rossing and Jean Wakely instructed us on proper attire for the Feb. 20^th event. Basic black seems to work if you have a mountain of accessories. Think Jesse Ventura doing the Samba!

We have a new contract with the Northfield Golf Club. We will continue to meet here at least through December of 2010.

President Estenson said the local “big idea” projects have been narrowed to two: new space for the KEY and the moving of the train depot. No decisions yet. More to come.

Coming Up:

Feb. 20 – “To Brasil and Back Carnival” at the Middle School

Mar. 4 – The State of the Minnesota Budget and the Legislative Session (Charlie Kyte)

Welcome Our Newest Members:

Dayna Clemments

Peter Schmelzer

Northfield Rotary Cogwheel | 2.11.10

esse — Thu, 11 Feb 2010 16:32:06 +0000

Today’s Program: St. Olaf student Subhash Ghimire on Nepal (Linde)

Happy Birthday: Russ Thompson (2/7)

Next Week: Luisa introduces us to her Brazil

Last Meeting:

Steve Lindo of Professional Risk Managers International Association (PRMIA) introduced us to a Northfield-based professional association with members in 190 countries.

Since its inception in 2002, PRMIA’s membership has grown to 65,000. The group has 16 employees, 12 of whom work in Northfield. They have others in the UK, China and France.

The office and serves as a professional resource, setting and maintaining standards for the risk management profession. They provide training, certification, publications and support volunteer-led chapters of their organization around the world. They also consider academics, regulators and other associations among their constituents.

What sets PRMIA apart is its focus on risk. It has global reach and maintains an open forum for the discussion of issues that have a profound effect on our financial infrastructure.

President’s Moment – Mark “that reminds me of a story” Cashman talked about his tenure during 2004-2005. It coincided with the club’s centennial and a new and improved sound system (Can you hear me now?). Mark has since gone on to fill leadership roles at the district level.

Guests: Dayna Clemment (Blake Abdulla), Peter Schmelzer (Braucher), Bud Grimes (Esse), Anna, the Samba instructor, (Dilley), and Winnie Alberg (Alberg)

Scholarship Enhancement: Luisa with a huge assist from Mike Flynn.

Announcements:

David Koenig reported that Monica Cooper is still enjoying her year in Thailand. She experienced some homesickness a few weeks ago when a transitory illness visited her while on a long bus ride, but she is well and enthused and committed to making the most of her experience.

Mayor Mary Rossing added her voice and $100 check to our ongoing infomercial for “Brasil and Back.” She asked that we frame this as supporting an exchange program that builds understanding and transforms lives rather than another opportunity to buy tickets to an event. We are halfway to a sellout, so act now and think creatively about how to move the ducats.

Coming Up:

Feb. 20 – “To Brasil and Back Carnival” at the Middle School

Feb. 25 – Northfield Hospice, Kathy Westlund (Jean Larson)

Mar. 4 – The State of the Minnesota Budget and the Legislative Session (Charlie Kyte)

Welcome Our Newest Members:

Matt Hillman, Northfield Public Schools

Russ Halverson, Halverson Land Surveyors

Joel Walinski, City of Northfield

Northfield Rotary Cogwheel | 2.4.10

richardsons — Thu, 04 Feb 2010 17:49:56 +0000

Today’s Program: Steve Lindo, Professional Risk Managers’ International Association (Koenig)

Happy Birthday: Jean Wakely 2/3

Next Week: St. Olaf student Subhash Ghimire on Nepal (Linde)

Last Meeting:

Ross Thompson spent his youth in Emmons, MN, just north of the Iowa border, and as one of only 22 in his high school class he became very interested in sports, playing 9-man football, basketball and baseball. He lived for a time on his grandparents’ farm before moving into town where his father worked on commercial construction. An adventuresome child, Ross and his buddy once overloaded a man hoist in a grain elevator leading to a very speedy decent from the top!

Ross received his degree from St. Cloud State in finance and economics. During one summer while working at a golf course in Vail, CO, Ross had the memorable task of being caddy for NBA basketball star Julius Irving.

Ross began his banking career holding positions in banks in New Prague and Belle Plaine before coming to Northfield to work for then Norwest Bank. Currently Ross is a commercial lending officer for Community Resource Bank. Ross’ wife Kirsten is a microbiologist at Ecolab and their sons Nolan and Seth keep them busy. We are happy that Ross continues Rotary service having previously been a member of clubs in Belle Plaine and New Prague.

ROTARY NEWS

Guests: Jim Rossow (Wakely), Dorothy Rossing (Mary Rossing)

Scholarship Enhancement: Guest Dorothy Rossing (with #007!)

Announcements:

After 45 years of very active membership, Orwin Marks has transitioned to the status of an Honorary Member. Thanks, Orwin for all your loyalty and contributions to our club!

Recruit your friends! Please get extra tickets for our Feb. 20 winter fundraiser: “Carnival: To Brasil and Back.” The festivities begin at 5:30 pm at the Northfield Middle School and will include food, a marketplace, music and dancing. See you there!

Former club member Rich Kleber will be the new President of the United Nations Association of Minnesota. Bob Flaten and Charlie Cogan are also active in this organization.

Coming Up:

Feb. 18 – Luisa Teixera de Paula, Brazilian exchange student

Feb. 20 – “To Brasil and Back Carnival” at the Middle School

Feb. 25 – Northfield Hospice, Kathy Westlund (Jean Larson)

Mar. 4 – The State of the Minnesota Budget and the Legislative Session (Charlie Kyte)

Northfield Rotary Cogwheel | 1.28.10

richardsons — Thu, 28 Jan 2010 17:28:15 +0000

Today’s Program: Ross Thompson Classification (Weber)

Happy Birthday: Rotarians around the globe.

Next Week: Steve Lindo, Professional Risk Managers’ International Association (Koenig)

Last Meeting:

A home does a lot for people.

Gina Franklin, director of Development for Rice County Habitat for Humanity, said her organization’s housing program is a community builder. By any measure, habitat families benefit. Truancy drops, academics improve, and more kids from these families graduate and go on to college.

The Rice County affiliate has constructed 19 modest, energy-efficient homes since its inception in 1991. They are built with volunteer labor. The organization’s plan is to build four or five a year, going forward.

Franklin said the homes are not given to families. Habitat partners with qualifying families who are willing to provide 350 hours in sweat equity. These families take out a mortgage with zero percent interest, and they go from there.

The need is great, Gina said. More families are qualifying for this program, and their circumstances are more dire than in the past.

She said Habitat for Humanity resonates with the Rotary commitment to service. She encouraged members to get involved. Donated labor, material or money is appreciated, but networking with and advocating for Habitat for Humanity is important, too.

Guests: Dayna Clemments (Blake Abdulla) and Peter Schmelzer (Braucher)

Scholarship Enhancement: Ernie Milbrandt

Announcements:

Fasten your seat belts as we steam down the pike towards our Feb. 20 winter fundraiser: “Carnaval: To Brasil and Back.” This promises to be a high-energy event with Latin music, dancing, food and reflection, all to benefit our exchange program. Tickets are available. Buy them.

Brad Frago and Mark Abbott are looking for one volunteer to chaperone the mid-winter youth exchange overnight Feb. 20-21 in Northfield. The time slot is 5 a.m. to 8 a.m. So if you are an early riser, consider this.

Coming Up:

Feb. 11 – Ron Linde

Feb. 18 – Luísa Teixeira de Paula, Brazilian exchange student

Feb. 20 – To Brasil and Back

Feb. 25 –Northfield Hospice, Kathy Westlund (Jean Larson)

March 4 – The State of the Minnesota Budget and the Legislative Session – Charlie Kyte

Welcome Our Newest Members:

Matt Hillman, Northfield Public Schools

Russ Halverson, Halverson Land Surveyors

Joel Walinski, City of Northfield

Northfield Rotary Cogwheel | 1.21.10

esse — Thu, 21 Jan 2010 03:30:37 +0000

Today’s Program: Habitat for Humanity with Gina Franklin (Kuyper)

Happy Birthday: Mark Abbot (1/17) and Joseph Crippen (1/19)

Next Week: Ross Thompson Classification (Weber)

Last Meeting:

Mark Thacher likes to ski.

He started young, in the shadow of his father. By age 14, this Edina boy was hooked. For the next 14 years, he criss-crossed the country, competing in Alpine ski races. His first year in college, he qualified for the nationals and quit school to pursue his dream of being an Olympic skier.

All of that eventually led him to coaching at Buck Hill for 12 years. Mark worked with a number of very talented young people. “I had a chance to see some kids grow and do well,” he said.

Mark credits his father for any success he has achieved in skiing or in his work as a financial advisor. His father preached discipline, discipline in athletics and discipline with money matters. He encouraged the 12-year old Mark to begin caddying at a local golf course and to save half of every thing he earned.

In 1999, after a stretch in the defense industry and consumer electronics, Mark opened an office for Edward D. Jones in Northfield. In his spare time, he enjoys cycling, skiing and traveling.

He appreciates the camaraderie in Rotary and the opportunity to give back to the community.

Paul Harris Fellowship: Joe Hargis was awarded a Paul Harris Fellowship for his contribution to the Rotary Foundation. He said the club’s generosity and inspiration makes it easy for him to be a member..

Guests: Katie Hargis (Hargis), Robert and Luisa (Quinnell), Jon Snodgrass (Rich) and Troy Ross (Larson)

Scholarship Enhancement: Luisa

Announcements:

Brad Frago and Mark Abbott are looking for a few more volunteers to chaperone the mid-winter youth exchange overnight Feb. 20-21 in Northfield.

John Stull announced that Northfield received a $150,000 legacy grant for the bike trail on the east side of the Cannon River. More to come.

Coming Up:

Feb. 4 – Steve Lindo, Executive Director of the Professional Risk

Managers’ International Association (PRMIA), (Koenig)

Feb. 11 – Ron Linde

Feb. 18 – Luísa Teixeira de Paula, Brazilian exchange student

Welcome Our Newest Members:

Matt Hillman, Northfield Public Schools

Russ Halverson, Halverson Land Surveyors

Joel Walinski, City of Northfield

Northfield Rotary Cogwheel | 1.14.10

richardsons — Thu, 14 Jan 2010 15:07:51 +0000

Today’s Program: Mark Thacher, Classification

Happy Birthday: Curtis Tiano (1/6), Lynne Pederson (1/11) and Rick Esse (1/16).

Next Week: Habitat for Humanity with Gina Franklin (Kupyer)

Last Meeting:

Apparently, not all of Minnesota waters are sky blue.

Beth Kallestad, executive director of the Cannon River Watershed Partnership (CRWP), her organization’s efforts to protect and improve the water quality of the rivers and streams that course a million-acre watershed touching on six different counties.

For the past 20 years, the CRWP has been involved in water monitoring, river cleanup, outreach and education and the initiation of conservation measures such as rain gardens to slow soil erosion.

Beth said point source pollution and agriculture runoff are ongoing issues. But she said she believes productive farms and good water quality are not mutually exclusive.

She is always looking for financial support of the partnership and volunteers to continue monitoring the water quality across the watershed. For more information contact Beth at staff@crwp.net.

Past-Presidential Minute

Brett Reese talked about his Rotary odyssey, first in Moses Lake, Idaho, now his second tour in Northfield. He joined the board in 1998 and served as president in 2003-4. Brett co-chaired the first bike tour with Mike Allen. He said his two trips to Africa, led by Charlie Cogan, sensitized him to the challenges some face to meet their daily basic needs.

New Members: Russ Halverson of Halverson Land Surveyors (Bierman) and Joel Walinski, Northfield City Administrator (Estenson) were formally inducted into the club.

Guests: Tamera Prichard (Prichard), Pam Galle (Fritz), Gina Franklin (Wakely), Luisa and Roberto (Dilley)

Scholarship Enhancement: Jim Pokorney

Announcements:

Vicki Dilley, Kris Estenson, Sue and Mark Quinnell and Mark Abbott received thanks for organizing the winter social at The Grand January 2.

Mark Abbott announced that we will be hosting 60 exchange students from across the district Feb. 20. They will be staying overnight, and chaperones are needed for all hours of the evening and night. Talk to him if you can pull a shift.

Coming Up:

Jan. 28 – President’s council

Feb. 4 – Steve Lindo, Executive Director of the Professional Risk Managers’ International Association (PRMIA) (Koenig)

Feb. 11 – (Linde)

Feb. 18 – Luísa Teixeira de Paula, Brazilian exchange student

Welcome Our Newest Members:

Matt Hillman, Northfield Public Schools

Russ Halverson, Halverson Land Surveyors

Joel Walinski, City of Northfield

Northfield Rotary Cogwheel | 1.7.10

esse — Thu, 07 Jan 2010 15:44:42 +0000

Today’s Program: Colleen VanBlarcom Classification (Tiano)

Happy Birthday: Fred Rogers (1/4) and Ron Linde (1/5)

Next Week: Mark Thacher, Classification

Last Meeting:

The fabulous Troubadours knocked it out of the park again. Under the direction of our own Gehardt Meidt and accompanied by Rhonda Reece, this 25-member men’s chorus treated the club to its traditional holiday concert.

A barbershop quartet warmed up the crowd with “This Little Light of Mine,” “Luigi,” and “Drifting Apart.” The full chorus followed, singing a wide range of genres, including spirituals, novelty numbers and Christmas standards.

They bill themselves as the best senior men’s chorus in Cannon Valley and they, once again, earned that trademark.

Winter Social:

Despite the brutal temperatures or maybe because of them, Rotarians gathered together Saturday at the Grand to celebrate our Youth Exchange Program.

Four of last year’s exchange students — Margie Shuster (Germany), Breanna Tetrault (Poland), Naomi Miessler (Lithuania) and Greta Klawiter (Brazil) — shared their experiences with us. Three of this year’s outbounds — Sam Weaver (Spain), Rachel Stets (Czech Republic) and Sam Estenson (Japan) — joined us over the Internet for a brief update on their experiences.

Paul Harris Fellowship — Art Monaghan was awarded a Paul Harris Fellowship. He attributed his effort to Bob Will’s powers of persuasion. Thank you Art . . . and Bob.

Guests: Jean Mueller and Cheryl Nau (Larson); Russ Halverson (Bierman), Pierre Menard (Weber); Luisa and Rianna Dilley (Dilley).

Scholarship Enhancement: Jean Mueller, one of our guests.

Announcements:

Mark Cashman reported that the youth basketball tournament was a great success. It raised $4,000 and provided a fun, competitive experience for some 200 kids. The Carleton Rec Center, site of the tournament, received good reviews. Mark offered a special thanks to Dale Finger of the Quarterback Club, who donated all of the pork for the sandwiches sold that day, and to our own Colleen VanBlarcom, who donated time, cash and McDonald’s coupons.

Fasten your seat belts as we steam down the pike towards our winter fundraiser: “Carnaval: To Brasil and Back.” According to Tom Durkin, this promises to be a high-energy event with Latin music, dancing, food and reflection, all to benefit our exchange program. Mark the date, Saturday, Feb. 20.

Coming Up:

Jan. 21 – Habitat for Humanity, Gina (Washburn) Franklin (Kuyper)

Welcome Our Newest Members:

Matt Hillman, Northfield Public Schools

Russ Halverson, Community Resource Bank

Joel Walinski, City of Northfield

To Brasil and Back

admin — Mon, 21 Dec 2009 16:50:42 +0000

Saturday, February 20, 2010

Northfield Middle School Auditorium General Admission Seating – Tickets: $20

Doors Open: 5:30 pm
Show: 7:00-9:00pm
Dance Party: 9:00-10:00pm

Download poster »

Northfield Rotary Club & Northfield Public Schools Community Services Division present:

Master of Ceremonies Will Healy
Dandara and the Beira Mar Brasil Big Band Capoeira
Soccer Legend Pele?
Northfield musicians!

Begin the evening with the Cafe Rio Taste of Brasil offering:

BBQ Meat on a Stick, Rice & Beans, Farofa, and Guarana
A Night Market with Beads, Masks, & T-shirts for sale!
Coffee, cookies, & Brazilian candy available at Intermission

Proceeds to Benefit Northfield Rotary Club International Youth Exchange
Tickets available through the Northfield Public Schools Community Services Division – 1651 Jefferson Parkway
Order online / Call 507-664-3649 for more info

Please thank our Sponsors: Bierman’s Furniture, Carlson Capital Management, Countryside Veterinary Hospital, Engage Print, First National Bank, Ed & Carol Fox, Lite Sentry, Monetssori Children’s House, Ness Financial Services, State Farm Insurance, Thousand Hills Beef, The Governance Fund, Wells Fargo Bank