President Shelly kicked off the meeting just before 12:15 on Tuesday, February 25. She wished all a happy anniversary, announcing that Sunday was the 120th anniversary of the founding of Rotary in Chicago. Appropriately, February 23 is also recognized as World Understanding and Peace Day. St Paul Rotary started nearly 5 years later on February 19, 1910.
We continued with the Pledge of Allegiance and recognizing Susan Rostkoski for welcoming guests upstairs and directing them to our meeting with Laura Nichols Endres greeting us as we arrived. Rob Thomas and Ken Crabb were our tech team.
Michael jon Pease shared inspiration thought featuring the health benefits of stepping away for technology and into the out of doors and areas like our parks. We followed with the 4 Way test.
President Shelly continued the nature theme and shared that Ben Groves, who made 12 butterflies for our Winter Magic, had donated two more and we would auction them with Happy Dollars.
Jason DeKeuster introduced a guest and colleague of Michael jon’s.
Susan Rostkoski and Susan Schuster have worked together and been long time colleagues in previous roles. Known to each as “the other Susan” Rostkoski introduced Schuster for a presentation on her new role, as of November, with AARP’s Wish of a Lifetime. Wish of a Lifetime is a 501(c)3 and was acquired and is supported by AARP. Susan encouraged us all to reflect both on our lives and those we know who may have a “life changing” wish. She shared that the wishes are significant to the individual with opportunities – not “things” – such as connecting with family and loved ones, renewing or furthering passions, or commemorating service. She highlighted that commemorating service is often thought of as military service, yet it can be service such as our service to Rotary.
Wish of a Lifetime was created to spark hope and joy in older adults (65 and older) by fulfilling a hope or dream. The sharing of the stories is found to also create hope and joy in others. They have just granted their 3,000th wish. One of their largest opportunities and partnership is “Cupid Crew” where a rose is delivered to seniors on Valentine’s Day. Over a quarter of a million volunteers deliver roses across the country to nearly 227,000 seniors; nearly a 1:1 ratio! Susan shared examples of stories (check out all stories on the link) including reuniting two sisters who had not seen each other since the Holocaust, helping grandparents meet their grandchildren and see their son’s home for the first time, supporting a WWII vet revisit Kaneohe Bay after 75 years.
Wish of a Lifetime was started, after seeing the strong respect for elders in Japan, in 2008 as an independent organization. The organization became an affiliate of AARP in 2020 and has been
expanding. Susan’s primary role with the organization is to build awareness – which also builds joy and hope. She conducts 90 minute workshops in communities throughout her multi-state region.
It was an excellent and inspiring twenty-five minutes.
Following questions and thanks to Susan, President Rucks shared that our 5:01s are moving from the University Club to Pool & Yacht on March 18th. With the U Club looking for a new owner, the Board voted to move now. At the UClub, our $200 meeting charge had little it brought; at the Pool and Yacht, we will now have $200 worth of snacks provided. The food will continue to only be a snack, it will at least be provided for us and free Amanda from the task.
Jason D collected Happy Dollars and coordinated the auction for two butterflies donated by Ben Groves and brought $60 each to the Saint Paul Rotary Foundation.
Saint Paul Rotary has long considered RYLA and Education Day as our signature projects. There is an opportunity now for everyone to help with these – at a time that works for you. RYLA is currently looking for members who will reach out to 5950 and 5960 Clubs to encourage sponsoring students to attend camp. There is an outline with Q & A and all the details you might need. In early April they will be asking for Rotarians to call parents and complete the consent forms needed. Reach out to Pete Grayson–– if you can assist. There are also needs for counselors April 25-29.
With bussing and meal costs, our Education Day has become too expensive to do as it has been done. Andrew Vincelli and John Kupris have heard from the school district and local middle school counselors that the recognition we have done for middle school students is important and impactful. With that knowledge, reflective of years gone by when our Club delivered dictionaries to third graders in St Paul, two to three Rotarians will represent the Club and recognize these students at a school assembly in front of their peers. More details will be forthcoming; let John and Andrew know if you are willing to assist.
Sign ups were on the tables for these and for assisting at the Science Museum on March 28 and Central High School’s Career Day on April 17.
Our March 11 meeting already has 40 guests scheduled to attend. President Shelly encouraged us all to attend and welcome guests and potential new members. They will have printed nametags if we have received their name prior to the meeting.
We were reminded that Together People Create Change, across the globe, in our community and in ourself and wished a great week until the 5:01 on March 4.
Respectfully submitted
.png)
