Past Meeting Notes | Rotary Club of Saint Paul #10

Rotary In Review: Park Square Theatre and Downtown Saint Paul

Posted by Lynne Beck on Oct 03, 2024

Rotary Club of Saint Paul

October 1, 2024

President Shelly Rucks called the hybrid meeting to order at 5:15 pm. The greeters were Sherry Howe and Ken Schaeffer. Lynne Beck was scribe. The A/V Teach Team was Matt Magers and Rob Thomas.

Shelly Rucks led the club in the Pledge of Allegiance.

For the Inspirational Minute, Susan Schuster read famous quotes about theater such as “The world’s a stage.” and “The show must go on.” She then led the club in the 4-WayTest.

John Andrews introduced guests Charliey Libra, Operations Manager for Park Square Theatre and Pondie Taylor, board member of Park Square Theatre and History Theatre.

Shelly recognized those with birthdays in October. Everyone sang Happy Birthday and enjoyed delicious cupcakes by Dave Dominick.

Matt Magers introduced our new member Ben Groves, owner of Groves Welding. Ben, who spent 4 years in intelligence in the Army, was deployed to Korea and Bosnia. Then he earned a degree in welding with the GI Bill and has spent over 20 years in metal fabrication. Ben has 3 daughters.

Susan Rostkoski introduced the speaker, Stephen DiMenna, Executive Artistic Director of Park Square Theatre. A recent hire at the Theatre, Stephen has an extensive background in the New York City and Twin Cities theater communities. He has directed Off-Broadway plays at numerous NYC theaters. Locally Stephen is a company member at Pillsbury House Theatre where he has directed productions; was associate artistic director of the History Theatre; has directed at plays at several theaters; and has taught directing, musical theater, and acting. In addition, Stephen is the artistic director of the International Theatre Project.

Stephen gave an update on the vitality of Park Square’s new vision and how it is helping revitalize downtown St. Paul. Park Square’s staff, board, volunteers and theater goers have given their all to ensure that this important cultural icon remains the essential institution it has been for 49 years. During the past few years, audience numbers have gone down for theater companies in St. Paul. He talked about how theaters benefit the economy in many ways by paying actors; purchasing supplies and services; and by bringing people downtown to attend plays, stay in hotels, eat at restaurants, etc. There will be some new residents in the new Hamm Building apartments who may purchase tickets. Through all these activities, the theater community generates about $960,000 a year in revenue for St. Paul.

Park Square is launching a season of 4 plays during 2024-25. They are Holmes/Watson, a world premiere mystery by Jeffrey Hatcher and Steve Hendrickson; The Best Christmas Pageant Ever, the Christmas family classic adapted from the book by Barbara Robinson; The Gin Game by Donald L. Coburn about an elderly man and women who play games of gin in a retirement home; and Between Riverside and Crazy, a comedy/drama by Stephen Adly Guirgis. Park Square also has robust educational programming for young people of all ages, including student matinees, Saturday classes, summer camps, youth performances, and paid mentorship/work readiness programs. New this year, youth who bring a grown up can get a free ticket for the adult.

As artistic director of the International Theatre Project, Stephen has created theater opportunities for young people in several African countries. The results have been very positive; some kids have even raised their test scores by 80%

John Andrews asked for Happy Dollars. John is happy to be blessed with a one-year-old grandson. Doug Hartford thanked Susan for picking up his art and delivering it to the Pine City Gallery. Matt Magers is now an empty nester after his youngest daughter left for the University of Oregon. Michael-jon Pease gave $50 in honor of the 50th Anniversary of Park Square. Dana Bruce is happy that our club will be attending a series of plays as a group at the following theaters: Artistry, Lakeshore Players, Park Square Theatre and History Theatre. Susan Schuster acknowledged the 100th birthday of President Jimmy Carter and all he has done for Habitat for Humanity.

Shelly Rucks made the following club announcements:

Signature Lunch: October 8, 2024 12:15-1:15 pm InterContinental Saint Paul Riverfront or online via zoom
Kerry D’Amato, Executive Director, Pet Haven
Animal Welfare and the first rescue organization in Minnesota
5:01: October 15, 2024
Josh Sprague, Edina Rotary
Guatemala Water Project Highlights and May Visit
Signature Lunch: October 24, 2024 12:15-1:15 pm InterContinental Saint Paul Riverfront or online via zoom
Polio Plus
Signature Lunch: October 29, 2024 12:15-1:15 pm InterContinental Saint Paul Riverfront or online via zoom
Joe Nathan & Khaliq Rogers
Center for School Change
Service Projects
- November 7 – Build dressers for Bridging in Roseville 9:00 am – 12 pm.
- Several volunteer opportunities at the Science Museum. (Check the website.)

Shelly mentioned that the winter social on December 5 with be a fun social time with a silent auction featuring interactive events rather than physical items.

The meeting was adjourned at 6:05 pm.

Lynne Beck

Scrib

Rotary In Review: Club Assembly 9/24/24

Posted by Lynne Beck on Sep 25, 2024

Rotary Club of Saint Paul

September 24, 2024

President Shelly Rucks called the hybrid meeting to order at 12:15 pm. The greeters were Chad Roberts and Heidi Fisher. Lynne Beck was scribe. The A/V Tech Team was Matt Magers and Andrew Vincelli.

Shelly Rucks led everyone in the Pledge of Allegiance.

Ken Schaefer gave an Inspirational Minute. He listed 3 guiding principles from William Bennett, author and former Secretary of Education: Keep an open mind; The moral power of examples; and happiness is like a cat – if you don’t pay attention to him, he will crawl into your lap. He then led the club in the 4-Way Test.

Jason DeKeuster introduced visiting guests Ben Axelrod and Esteban Castillo of Colores, The Wearable Coloring Book organization.

Shelly Rucks introduced two new members: Jeff Sulzbach, Director of Major Gifts at the Minnesota Zoo Foundation and Judy Hawkinson, Director of Philanthropy and Communications at Rethos: Places Reimagined. Both of them have a relationship with Rotary. Jeff belonged to Minneapolis #9 and the St. Louis Park Club. Judy’s father was a member of the Edina Club.

Shelly led the everyone in the Club Assembly. It was an opportunity to exchange ideas and share information about issues that are important to the members. Members were invited to discuss 6 questions. They expressed some of the following ideas:

Question #1

What do members and participants want that the club doesn’t currently provide?

Invite community members to fundraisers
Social times outside the regular meetings
Showcase projects on a regular basis at meetings
Engage more young people (9th-12th grade) in our projects
Members talk about their businesses at meetings
Tell what the foundation is doing on a regular basis

Question #2

What are some club processes or procedures that the club can end?

Question #3

What does the Saint Paul community need that we could address through service projects?

Meet with the mayor and other officials to learn what the City needs
Give people a reason to come downtown – things to do
Youth homelessness

Question #4

Why aren’t we attracting and engaging a more diverse group of members?

Need to each reach out to ethnic communities
Be involved with their celebrations

Question #5

Who are community members we should be including in our activities, and why?

Think about the whole city not just downtown
Social opportunities to meet outside Rotary meetings and projects
Connect with Hmong and Black Chambers of Commerce
Engage in shared service projects
Give people a concrete benefit to joining Rotary
Look at partnering with faith communities
Bring back Rotation Day – to ethnic businesses

Question #6

What are some innovative ideas the club can test, and how might we do that?

Mentorships with young people
Engage more with Rotaract
Explain how we select service projects and how we make them happen
Talk to people and organizations that are new to St. Paul
Connect with schools to let them know about Rotary

Members were invited to submit other ideas and turn them in anytime.

Jason DeKeuster asked for Happy Dollars. Shelly was happy that the hotel accommodated us at the last minute since we didn’t reserve the space. Judy Hawkinson invited everyone to “The Wrecking Ball” event on October 9 at Landmark Center to support Rethos. Dayle Quigley celebrated the end of her term as District Governor by getting a tattoo. Michael-jon Pease talked about the One Summit learning session that he, Shelly and Christopher Taykalo attended. He encouraged people to attend the next one this Thursday in Stillwater. Dana Bruce announced the fun winter event will be on December 5. It will be at Union Depot, catered by the Lake Elmo Inn and include a silent auction featuring mostly activities. Amanda Mai is in rehearsal for “Rent” at Artistry Theater. Ellen Kennedy asked everyone to read the article in the latest Rotary Magazine about Fraidy Reiss whose photo is on the cover. It talks about fighting child marriage. Minnesota is one of 10 states that has a law against child marriage.

Shelly Rucks made the following club announcements:

501: October 1, 2024 University Club or via zoom 5:01- 6:15 pm
Stephen DiMenna, Executive Artistic Director, Park Square Theatre
More theater returns to Saint Paul
Signature Lunch: October 8, 2024 12:15-1:15 pm InterContinental Saint Paul Riverfront or online via zoom
Kerry D’Amato, Executive Director, Pet Haven
Animal Welfare and the first rescue organization in Minnesota, 70 years
501: October 15, 2024 University Club or via zoom 5:01- 6:15 pm
Josh Sprague, Edina Rotary
Guatemala Water Project Highlights and May Visit
Signature Lunch: October 22, 2024 12:15-1:15 pm InterContinental Saint Paul Riverfront or online via zoom
Polio Plus
Signature Lunch: October 29, 2024 12:15-1:15 pm InterContinental Saint Paul Riverfront or online via zoom
Joe Nathan and Khaliq Rogers Center for School Change
November 5 – No 5:01 due to elections
Service Projects
- November 7 – Build dressers for Bridging in Roseville, 9:00 am – 12 pm.
- October 18 - Science Museum of Minnesota, 10 am – 2pm

The meeting closed at 1:20 pm.

Lynne Beck Scribe

Rotary In Review: Disability Awareness for Business

Posted by Lynne Beck on Sep 12, 2024

President Shelly Rucks called the hybrid meeting to order at 12:14 pm. The greeters were Susan Roskoski and Laura Nichols-Endres. Lynne Beck was scribe. The A/V Tech Team was Matt Magers and Ken Crabb.

Shelly Rucks mentioned that in 2029 Minneapolis will host the International Convention and our Club will be involved. She led everyone in the Pledge of Allegiance and in a moment of silence for former Rotary President Jim Reagan who recently passed away.

Tamara Sparrow gave an Inspirational Minute. She went to the Minnesota State Fair and saw some unique venders and tasted some of her favorite food. Tamara talked about an artist she saw at the fair who shows her works at a gallery in Eau Claire, Wisconsin. She wrote book about uplifting people which we do in Rotary. Tamara then led the club in the 4-Way Test.

John Kupris introduced visiting guests: new members Ben Groves, Helen Wagner, and Judy Hawkinson. Peter Grayson introduced new member Taylor Grayson, his daughter-in-law. She is a leader in the healthcare field at Children’s Hospital and at Lifetime Fitness. She was also a leader as a volunteer at Camp Ryla.

Andrew Vincelli introduced the speaker Randy Bloom who has worked for MSS on Business and Community Partnership Development for over 10 years. He has a BBA from the University of Minnesota and more than 20 years of experience assisting people with disabilities to secure employment and participate in the community. Randy teaches work readiness and job seeking skills for MSS employment program participants and conducts Disability Awareness for Business.

Randy’s topic was “Disability Awareness for Business.” This is the 75th year of MSS which is based on the Eastside of St. Paul. There are now 6 Metro locations that provide person-centered support for over 450 students and adults with developmental and intellectual disabilities. MSS has nine partners such as the counties, state agencies, community organizations, and funders. Minnesota's state agency partnership advances the following “Employment First” outcomes for youth and adults with disabilities.

Work Exploration
Job Seeking Skills Training Job Placement Counseling
Job Support After Hire

MSS day services are living skills training, the arts, community engagement, volunteering, and specialized support. Randy explained how the ADA defines an individual with a disability and the categories of disabilities. People with disabilities are the largest group population (86 million). There are many benefits of hiring people with disabilities: high productivity, tax incentives, compliance with federal contracts, increase taxpayer base, and attract and retain workers in a tight market. Randy listed some myths about people with disabilities and the facts.

There are reasonable accommodations employers can make for people with disabilities. An employer doesn’t have to provide an accommodation unless it is requested by an individual. There are ways to receive funds to pay for these accommodations. He gave tips for recruiting, interviewing and hiring people with disabilities. Finally, Randy listed things to remember:

There are benefits of hiring people with disabilities including productivity and reliability
Disability impacts millions and not all disabilities are visible
Train Hiring Managers on disclosure and accommodations
Educate your workforce about disability, disclosure & reasonable accommodations

During the Q & A session, Randy said there is a long waiting list for MSS services. The people who are in the program are very excited about working and are reliable employees. They are generally referred to MSS by the county offices.

Tamara asked for Happy Dollars. Linda Mulhern was happy that her husband had 2 successful cataract surgeries. Ken Crabb was thankful for the Rotary convention in San Antonio. They worked on a three-year action plan for Rotary. A new book about it will be published soon. Michael-jon mentioned that we will have the opportunity to attend District-run sessions about the plan in the future. There will be more information about dates and locations soon. We will also learn how Rotary has an impact on one million people around the world.

Shelly Rucks made the following club announcements:

5:01: Field Trip September 17, 2024
Bill Zajick, Minnesota China Friendship Garden Society – Please Register!
Signature Lunch: September 24, 2024 12:15-1:15 pm InterContinental Saint Paul Riverfront or online via zoom
Club Assembly
November 5 – no 5:01 due to elections

Service Opportunities

September 29 - October 4 - Carter Work Project, Twin Cities Habitat for Humanity
October 18 – Science Museum
November 7 – Build dressers for Bridging in Roseville, 9:00 am – 12 pm.

The meeting closed at 1:11 pm.

Lynne Beck Scribe

Rotary In Review: Mike Kluznik

Posted by Lynne Beck on Sep 05, 2024

President Shelly Rucks called the hybrid meeting to order at 5:15 pm. The greeter was Beth Naughton. Lynne Beck was scribe. The A/V Teach Team was Matt Magers and Ken Crabb.

Shelly Rucks led the club in the Pledge of Allegiance.

For the Inspirational Minute, Michael-jon Pease read the poem “Home and Love” by Robert William Service that explores the themes of love, belonging, and the deep emotional connections that define our sense of home. He then led the club in the 4-WayTest.

Beth Naughton introduced Shelly’s guests Wolfie and Sue Browenders who traveled with our Rotarians to Japan and our two new members Kathy McCarty and Ben Groves.

Shelly recognized those with birthdays in September. Everyone enjoyed delicious cupcakes by Dave Dominick.

Dick Nicholson introduced our new member Andy Rorvig, a partner in McEllstrem, Fargione, Rorvig and Moe, PA. He also teaches at the University of St. Thomas and Mitchell-Hamline

College of Law and is President of the Ramsey County Bar Association. Andy is also involved in many civic organizations

Shelly Rucks introduced the speaker, Mike Kluznik who talked about “Coming of Age in St. Paul.” He discussed how there are many communities within the larger community of the City, and how each carries history, personalities, and some misconceptions. He is a retired teacher who has two sons and currently lives in Mendota Heights. Mike has written a book about how his family spent years living in poverty in a household headed by a single woman. His father died when his mother was 34 years old with four children 10 and under. They lived in a number of St. Paul neighborhoods: the West Side Flats, McDonough Housing Project, North End, East Side, Summit University, Frog Town, and Crocus Hill. Everywhere they lived, they found community and made a life for themselves.

He told how the West Sides Flats housing was substandard with only a communal bathroom and cold running water and how they received food and clothing donations from the Union Gospel Mission. When they lived in the McDonough Housing Project, they were labeled as project residents. Later, their mother was hospitalized and they had to live in foster homes. Then they moved to an apartment they called the “shack” in a row house on the East Side. Their mother cleaned houses and had other jobs while some of the children had paper routes to make money. Despite all these hardships, all four children graduated from college and earned five graduate degrees. Mike worked his way through the University of Minnesota, taught in Michigan, earned his MA, and taught school and coached in Hastings.

Magic Moment of Rotary

Matt Magers talked about how when he first joined Rotary, he wasn’t sure where he fit in. Then he was recruited to help with technology and found this is his way to serve. He wants to upgrade the technology and is grateful for the donor who purchased the new equipment.

Beth Naughton asked for Happy Dollars. Beth is happy to hear Matt’s story about his Magic Moment of Rotary and Susan Rostoski agreed. Dana Bruce is happy to have help planning the Winter Spark. She said that any who wants to participate is welcome. Ben Grove is pleased to join the organization as a new business owner. Shelly is honored to have 3 new members.

Shelly Rucks made the following club announcements:

Signature Lunch: September 10, 2024 12:15-1:15 pm
InterContinental Saint Paul Riverfront or online via zoom
Randy Bloom, Disability Awareness for Business
5:01: Field Trip September 17, 2024
Bill Zajick, Minnesota China Friendship Garden Society
Signature Lunch: September 24, 2024 12:15-1:15 pm
InterContinental Saint Paul Riverfront or online via zoom
Club Assembly

Service Projects

September 29 – October 4, 2024 Carter Work Project
Twin Cities Habitat for Humanity 9:00 am – 12:00 pm
November 7 – Build dressers for Bridging in Roseville 9:00 am – 12 pm.

The meeting was adjourned at 6:19 pm.

Lynne Beck

Scribe

Rotary In Review: Ray McCoy of MN DEED

Posted by Lynne Beck on Aug 15, 2024

Rotary Club of Saint Paul August 13, 2024

President Shelly Rucks called the hybrid meeting to order at 12:15 pm. The greeters were Jason DeKeuster and Heidi Fisher. Lynne Beck was scribe. The A/V Tech Team was Matt Magers and Andrew Vincelli. Back of House were Beth Naughton and Susan Rostoski.

Shelly Rucks led everyone in the Pledge of Allegiance.

Ellen Kennedy gave an Inspirational Minute. She honored the centennial of the birth of James Baldwin, acclaimed American novelist, short story writer, essayist, and playwright. His novel “Go Tell It On The Mountain” is considered one of the top 100 English-language novels of all time. Ellen read some of her favorite quotes from his writings. She then led the club in the 4-Way Test.

Michael-jon Pease introduced visiting guest Eric Mayne, Founder and Executive Director of Change Drivers, an non-profit that helps New Americans through driving training and integration into the workforce.

Ken Crabb introduced the speaker Ray McCoy, Program Coordinator of Employer Reasonable Accommodation Fund (ERAF). He was a Vista volunteer and was employed by the organization in Pennsylvania. Ray moved to Minnesota to assume the position of Program Coordinator of the newly established ERAF. The organization offers small and medium-sized businesses financial support to accommodate employees with disabilities, reimbursing up to $30,000 per fiscal year for reasonable expenses.

An eligible employer must be located in Minnesota, does not employ more than 500 employees on any business day, and generates $5,000,000 or less in gross annual revenue. Some examples of reasonable accommodations are: assistive technology, captioning services, lifting aids, low vision aids and devises, sign language interpreters, signage, specialized software, noise-cancelling devises, and wheelchair ramp.

Submissions for one-time reasonable accommodation expenses must be no less than $250 and no more than $15,000. Submissions for ongoing reasonable accommodation expenses have no minimum or maximum requirements. The application process requires a proof of purchase. It includes disclosure and internal processing, a consultation which is optional, purchasing accommodations, and the ERAF application submission.

Proof of eligibility is not required at the time of application. If the reimbursement is denial, employers are provided an appeal process. The ERAF Program Coordinator is available for technical assistance and consultation at no cost to employers. Ray answered questions from Rotarians and suggested how we can help spread the word about this program. He explained that his role is marketing and outreach and overseeing the program.

Michael-jon Pease asked for Happy Dollars. Linda Mulhern’s daughter was at the Rotex International Convention in Milan Italy where she met the President who was an exchange student in Minnesota. Ellen Kennedy is very proud of her two children: her son who is having his book of essays published and is getting his PhD at Minnesota State University and her daughter whose 13-year-old son just had his bar mitzvah. Sherry Howe hosted 4 youth exchange students from the Czech Republic this summer.

Shelly Rucks made the following club announcements:

Signature Lunch: August 20, 2024 12:15-1:15 pm
InterContinental Saint Paul Riverfront or online via zoom
Kimberly Sannes, Public Solutions Group
Signature Lunch: August 27, 2024 12:15-1:15 pm
InterContinental Saint Paul Riverfront or online via zoom
District Governor Ed Boeve
501: September 3, 2024
University Club or via zoom 5:01- 6:15 pm
Michael Kluznik
Signature Lunch: September 10, 2024 12:15-1:15 pm
InterContinental Saint Paul Riverfront or online via zoom
Randy Bloom, Disability Awareness for Business
5:01: Field Trip September 17, 2024
Bill Zajick, Minnesota China Friendship Garden Society
Service Projects
- August 30 – EquiMania exhibit at the State Fair from 12:15-2:45 pm. You will receive a free admission ticket to volunteer at the horse exhibit.
- November 7 – Build dressers for Bridging in Roseville at 9:00 am – 12 pm. The meeting closed at 1:07 pm.

Lynne Beck

Scribe

Rotary In Review: District Governor Ed Boeve

Posted by Valdi Stefanson on Sep 03, 2024

At the noon hour on August 27, Past President Michael-jon Pease opened the meeting. He explained that because our club Administrator, Amada Mai, is out-of-country - our current club President Shelly Rucks was fulfilling Amanda duties near the room entrance. Michael-jon Pease began by thanking the meeting volunteers: Greeters Beth Naughton and Dana Bruce, scribe Valdi Stefanson, Inspirational Minute/ 4-way test Ellen Kennedy, and visiting Rotarians/guests/happy dollars Heidi Fisher. Also, a special Thank-You to the technical team of Rob Thomas, Ken Crabb and Matt Magers.

Next up was Ellen Kennedy whose inspirational minute referenced character Harry Bosch that was created by the prolific author Michael Connelly. As a Los Angeles detective, hard-boiled Harry advances justice through collaboration and respect. His character epitomizes our Rotary values.

Guest Lonny Stormo from the Stillwater Sunrise club Grant Team then took the stage with Valdi Stefanson and presented a $ 500 contribution in support of our club’s next grant project in Bolivia --- Greenhouse and Animal Husbandry Demonstration for Rural Bolivian High School. This project will impact over 1,000 Bolivians, advancing education and food security.

Heidi Fisher called for visiting Rotarians and guests. Thereafter, Michael-jon Pease introduced today’s speaker, our 2024-25 District 5960 Governor Ed Boeve.

When Ed Boeve came to the podium, he first commented on RI President Stephanie Urchick’s theme --- the MAGIC of Rotary. As an example, he reminded us of the recent COVID years when lockdowns and cancellations loomed. We Rotarians pivoted to ZOOM meetings and launched into community support projects, oftentimes with new nonprofit partner organizations. Ed recognized our vibrant club Facebook page. Also, our club’s long-term commitment to Camp RYLA.

He spoke of his six objectives for us D5960 Rotarians this year:

Increase net membership by 4%
Don’t forget about polio
Foundation giving of at least $ 500,001
Take care of each other
Move food insecurity response forward
Cultural appreciation opportunities

DG Boeve then mixed it up by “interviewing” St Paul Rotarian Susan Rustkowski. Through pointed questions, Ed probed WHY Susan joined, stayed, and flourished through her club 10 membership. Susan’s answers again illustrated the MAGIC of Rotary.

Heidi Fisher presided over many Happy Dollar participants.

NEXT UP: Details at our website: https://www.stpaulrotary.org/

5:01 Meeting: Sept 3rd 5:01 PM - 6:15 PM
Michael Kluznik --- Flats to the Future
Lunch Meeting: Sept 10th 12:00 PM - 1:15 PM
Randy Bloom --- Disability Awareness for Business
5:01 Meeting: Sept 17th 5:01 PM - 6:15 PM
Field Trip to the Minnesota China Friendship Garden, with the Society’s President Bill Zajick

Respectfully submitted,

Valdi Stefanson

Rotary In Review: The St. Paul Voice

Posted by Lynne Beck on Jul 31, 2024

At 12:15 pm on July 30th, Jason DeKeuster, the President elect for the St Paul Rotary club, called the meeting to order at the Intercontinental Hotel. Jason led us in the Pledge of Allegiance and thanked the volunteers helping at the meeting, Laura Nichols-Endres and Dick Nicholson were the greeters, Tamara Sparrow for introducing guests, Susan Rostkoski for the Inspirational Minute and Four Way Test, our amazing tech team of Matt Majors and Rob Thomas, the scribe, Linda Mulhern, and our club administrator Amanda Mai.

Susan spoke about watching the Olympics and the people who supported the team members in their quest for a medal. She read a poem called ”It Couldn’t be done” about making the attempt and finding that they could tackle the obstacle by taking the steps to overcome the item that “couldn’t be done”. It reminds us of Rotarians that help our community by attempting to overcome the obstacles by working together.

Susan introduced Tim Spitzack, who has 36 years writing, editing and publishing for four local newspapers, the South St Paul Voice, St Paul Voice, Downtown Voice and Lo Voz Latina. He spoke about the viability of community newspapers which have a lengthy history when they were started during the Roman Empire and came into focus with the Gutenberg movable printing press in 1440.

There are two types of newspapers, hyper-local community newspapers which publish for a local community and the reginal newspapers such as the Pioneer Press or the New York Times. Newspapers in general have shrunk by 60% since 2008. The community newspapers cover the news for a particular area with their diverse and timely information. They have two full-time employees and get their leads for stories from people within the community or from the local city council or school board minutes. They contract out the printing and delivery of the newspapers, but also have freelance writers and people who submit photos for the monthly newspapers. The newspapers are free to the public, which numbers around 37,000 people. Ninety nine percent of their revenue comes from advertisers in the local area, which also helps the local population know the vendors in the area. The final 1% in revenue comes from subscriptions, for people that do not live in the area, but they still want the local news. The newspapers are also online via the internet and social media. They took a survey of readers recently and were happy to see that someone responded within 20 minutes of posting the survey.

The largest threats are the internet and social media, which can benefit through their online advertising, the perception that “print” is dead, distrust of media and people who are less community minded.

Newspapers do need advertising to survive with their total market coverage for an area. Local vendors who advertise can also trust the local community that they market their services and products.

Newspapers are important to the community because they help to set the agenda for public policy debates and glue a community together. They encourage regional and economic commerce and encourage the local community as a group.

A certificate was given to Tim for a donation to be set up under his name for speaking to the Rotary club.

There were a few happy dollars, in particular thanking Rotarians for hosting STEP (short term exchange program) students. The club sponsored 9 teenagers from Europe for 48 hours last week along with a number of other Rotary clubs within our district during their two week stay in the area. Tamara Sparrow also promoted the Night at the Gatsby for Landmark Jewelers on Thursday, August 8th from 4 pm to 8 pm.

Upcoming events include the following:

8/6 – President Heidi’s roast
8/13 – Ray McCoy from DEED will speak to the club
8/20 – Kimberly Sannes from Public Solution Group
8/27 – Ed Boeve, the Rotary District Governor will speak
8/30 – State Fair – help with Equi-Mania exhibit
11/7 – Build dressers with the Roseville Rotary Club

The meeting was adjourned at 1:03 pm.

Linda Mulhern

Rotary In Review: Art Theft and the FBI

Posted by Lynne Beck on Jul 25, 2024

President Shelly Rucks called the hybrid meeting to order at 12:17 pm. The greeters were Susan Rostkoski and John Chandler. Lynne Beck was scribe. The A/V Tech Team was Bob Thomas and Andrew Vincelli.

Shelly Rucks led everyone in the Pledge of Allegiance.

Michael-jon Pease gave an Inspirational Minute. He read quotes about the importance of the arts and then led members in the 4-Way Test.

Tamara Sparrow introduced visiting Rotarian Kathy McCarty from the Grand Rapids Club who has moved here and will join the St. Paul Club and guests: Shari Blindt, Michael-jon Pease’s Associate Director and a number of Ellen Kennedy’s guests affiliated with the FBI.

Gabriel Barribeau, recipient of a Rotary scholarship, introduced himself. He graduated from Humboldt High School in St. Paul and will be participating in the ROTC program at Norwich University in Vermont with the goal of becoming an Army officer.

Ellen Kennedy introduced the speaker Deborah Pierce whose topic was “Art Theft and the FBI.” A former school teacher, Deborah retired from the FBI after 27 years and 7 moves. Her jobs included Deputy Assistant Director of the FBI Criminal Investigative Division where she helped investigate art thief and Special Agent in Charge of the Minneapolis Office.

Deborah said the FBI Art Crime Team recovers and returns stolen art. Art thief is the third most lucrative illegal business in the world. Approximately 50,000 art works and artifacts are stolen from galleries, museums, churches, and individuals every year. This includes jewelry, books, statues, guns, religious icons, etc., more than 100 years old. She described some famous examples of high-profile stolen art. The thief of 13 valuable paintings from the Gardner Museum in Boston, an insider heist by a janitor at the Pennsylvania Historical Society, and the famous thief of Dorothy’s Ruby Red Slippers from the “Wizard of Oz” located in Grand Rapids, MN. Many objects are brought back from battle zones by soldiers as souvenirs. To date this year, the FBI Art Crime Team has recovered 20,000 items valued at over $900 million.

Susan Schuster asked for Happy Dollars. Ellen Kennedy is happy for all the networking through Rotary. Dana Bruce announced the Night at the Gatsby at Landmark Jewelers on August, 4-8 pm. Steve Young is going to LA and Sydney, Australia to promote the Vietnamese translation of his book about Henry Kissinger. Carla Hauge is meeting her daughter in Spain.

Shelly Rucks made the following club announcements:

Signature Lunch: July 27, 2024
12:15-1:15 pm
InterContinental Saint Paul Riverfront or online via zoom
Tim and Jake Spitzade will talk about The Saint Paul Voice.
President Heidi’s Roast Tuesday, August 6, 2024
Pool & Yacht Club
501: August 13, 2024
University Club or via zoom
5:01- 6:15 pm
Minnesota Department of Employment
Signature Lunch: August 20, 2024
12:15-1:15 pm
InterContinental Saint Paul Riverfront or online via zoom
Service Projects
- July 27, 2024
  - Playground build at Hayden Heights Parks 8-3 pm
  - Special Olympics Minnesota Regional Metro Bocce Competition, 7-9 am – set up, 12 noon-4 pm – pitch assistants

The meeting closed at 1:07 pm.

Lynne Beck

Scribe

Rotary In Review: Tim Rumsey

Posted by Kenneth Schaefer on Jul 18, 2024

At 5:19 pm on July 16th, Jason DeKeuster, the St Paul Rotary President-Elect, called the meeting to order at the University Club. Jason led us in the Pledge of Allegiance and thanked the volunteers helping at the meeting, Dana Bruce - greeter, Jim Hart - Inspirational Minute and the Four Way Test, Doug Hartford - introducing guests, our amazing tech team of Ken Crabb and Michael-jon Pease, Ken Schaefer - the scribe and our club administrator Amanda Mai.

Jim Hart introduced physician and author, Dr. Tim Rumsey. He reflected on West 7th Community Health from 1870 to present day. Dr. Rumsey spent a half-century proving medical services to St. Paul residents at the Helping Hand Clinic, United Family Medicine and Alliana Health’s United Family Physicians Clinic. The clinics were located along West 7th St. including sites at Mancini’s restaurant and Peter J. King Family Health Center.

Happy Dollars led by Doug Hartford that raised funds for Saint Paul Rotary Club Foundation.

Jason noted the July 27th service opportunity to build a playground as well as upcoming club meetings.

The meeting ended at 6:13 pm.

Ken Schaefer, Scribe.

Rotary In Review: Rebecca Noecker

Posted by Linda Mulhern on Jul 11, 2024

At 12:15 pm on July 9th, Shelly Rucks, the St Paul Rotary President, called the meeting to order at the Intercontinental Hotel. Shelly led us in the Pledge of Allegiance and thanked the volunteers helping at the meeting, Susan Rostkoski and Susan Schuster were the greeters, John Kupris for introducing guests, Tamara Sparrow for the Inspirational Minute and Four Way Test, our amazing tech team of Matt and Rob Thomas, the scribe, Linda Mulhern, and our club administrator Amanda Mai.

Tamara spoke about her many conversations with visitors at her cabin over the 4th of July weekend that wasn’t as warm and sunny as expected and how we are all in the amidst of a lesson and will understand the purpose in time for retrospection.

Sophia Cutrone, our exchange student from Nagasaki Japan will be returning home on Sunday, July 14th and gave her farewell speech to the club. She was excited to talk about her friendships with people from around the world, playing varsity basketball for the Highland Park team and will hold the experience close to her for the rest of her life. She gained confidence and the ability to talk in front of a group of people.

Ellen Kennedy introduced the speaker, Rebecca Noecker who is a third term councilperson representing ward 2 for the City of St Paul. She had been a middle school science teacher with the Teach for America program in Baton Rouge, Louisiana and has also worked for Achieve Minneapolis.

Rebecca spoke about the Preschool Education Levy to go before St Paul voters this fall. Education is very important for children prior to starting kindergarten, yet as taxpayers we only pay for education when children reach five years old and start kindergarten. We need to change our thinking because brain development is critical from birth to age five and access to early education helps to prevent generational problems and change the path of St Paul for the future with early childhood education. As most of us know, childcare can cost approximately $15,000 per year and for low-income families that is an impossible cost to provide quality childcare. Children who are not nurtured with reading books, learning how to count and spell their names by the time they reach kindergarten often fall behind early. State programs for childcare programs can provide partial funding for yearlong programs, but not for an entire year of early childhood education. On average, 50% of children entering kindergarten are not ready. Many cities and counties throughout the country are trying to find programs that will eliminate this disparity. Once a program is found to be effective, the programs tend to cluster within a state. When cities and counties take on the challenges to refine the programs, the states will take action to provide additional funding. With early childhood education, children enrolled have better attendance, better testing results and a better future income. The levy on the ballet will include broad eligibility, especially for low-income children, family choice, the last dollar in and targeted universalism. In other words, St Paul would fill the gap if the state is only able to provide a family with 7 months of funding for childcare with the remaining five months of a full year for a child enrolled. If the levy is passed, it will start with an approximate cost of two million dollars and grow to twenty million dollars in the tenth year. The cost to the average homeowner would be $16.00 annually. The program will service 7000 children during the ten-year period. The city is looking to have the college bound program service the program if the levy is passed, since they have the database of children within the city of St Paul. The county is also at the table with interest if the program works well in St Paul and obviously could be replicated across the state.

A certificate of honorarium was presented to Rebecca by Shelly Rucks.

The next meeting will be on 7/16 and Jason DeKeuster will lead the meeting while Shelly is out of town. Tim Rumsey will speak about his career as a doctor over the past forty years. On 7/23, Deborah Pierce will talk about art theft as a retired FBI agent, which might include information on the “Ruby slippers” theft. Shelly also reminded everyone of Heidi Fisher’s roast on 8/6 at the Pool and Yacht Club. There were many happy dollars contributed today.

The meeting ended at 1:15 pm.

Linda Mulhern, Scribe.