Past Meeting Notes | Rotary Club of Saint Paul #10

Rotary In Review: Farewell to Amanda and Doni

Posted by Dave Dominick on Mar 02, 2026

Our March 3^rd 501 meeting called to order by President Jason DeKeuster. Our 501 meeting was ALL ABOUT AMANDA, our awesome club coordinator that is moving to Australia with her husband Doni in April.

Past President Shelly Rucks shared an inspirational moment with an Australian theme and led the Club in the 4 way test.

Screen play writer Michael-jon Pease did an incredible job scripting a skit reflecting on how awesome Amanda is and all that she did for our Club. MJ pulled together a very talented team of actors to carry out this fun skit.

PDG Ken Crabb awarded Amanda with a Paul Harris Fellow. MJ announced that our Club donated a Rotary membership for one year so that Amanda can join a Club when she gets to Australia.

There will lots of happy dollars flowing recognizing Amanda and Doni. Our new club administrator was introduced by Shelly Rucks. Lindsey starts in April and will shadow Amanda for a few weeks.

It was a great night to celebrate Amanda and Doni!

Rotary In Review: St Paul Mayor Kaohly Her

Posted by Dave Dominick on Mar 02, 2026

President Jason DeKeuster called our Signature Luncheon to order. He thanked his meeting support team for their leadership in making this meeting a great success.

The room was packed as Rotarians wanted to meet St. Paul's new Mayor.

Jeff Sulzbach shared a quote on the late Rev. Jesse Jackson and let the Club in Rotary's 4-Way Test Plus 1 which the 5^th point is FUN.

Carolyn Will did a fabulous job introducing St. Paul's new mayor, Mayor Her. Mayor Her shared about her childhood growing up in Wisconsin. Mayor Her shared some of her new changes which included the restructure of the Deputy Mayor role to assistant deputy mayors. She shared her vision for Saint Paul which includes focusing on the nuts and bolts of local government (services, housing etc.) She is also focusing on showing up in the community and listening to the people of Saint Paul.

There were plenty of Q & A questions for the Mayor. She wants to listen when she visits groups. She likes to convene people together. She shared the impact of ICE operations in Saint Paul.

President Jason shared upcoming events which include March 3^rd Amanda and Doni's Farewell; March 10 Explore Minnesota; March 17 Pollinator Landscapes and Thiemeworks for March 24.

With no further business, President Jason rang the bell and wished everyone a great day.

Rotary In Review: St Paul Police Chief Axel Henry

Posted by Dave Dominick on Feb 10, 2026

President Jason DeKeuster called the St. Paul Rotary #10 Signature luncheon on February 10^th to order.

President Jason thanked his meeting helpers John Chandler, Sherry Howe, Rob Thomas, Dave Dominick, Bob Cardinal, and Susan Rostkoski.

Jason reminded Club members that our 501 next week has been cancelled and that our annual meeting with Club #9 is scheduled for Friday, February 20^th at 12 noon - Minneapolis Club. All club members need to pre-register. A link will be sent out.

Past President John Andrews did an exceptional job presenting a memorial for Chuck Dietz. Chuck was a Rotarian for 33 years; had a 41 year career with 3M along plus serving on the 3M board of directors for 17 years. You may have known Chuck through community projects and organizations that Chuck was very active in. Chuck was an incredible Scout volunteer.

Past District Governor Ken Crabb introduced St. Paul's Chief of Police Axel Henry. Chief Henry become a cop in 1995. He started his law enforcement career with Roseville before joining the ranks of St. Paul in 1998. Chief Henry was appointed Chief of Police in 2022.

Chief Henry utilized his time at the podium fielding questions from our Club. Questions centered around reduction of crime and murder rates; perception of crime in the downtown area; update on the K-9 unit; ICE; along with positive youth programs going on in Saint Paul that helps youth from getting into trouble. Chief Henry stated that community trust is so important.

Happy dollars were given in honor of the St. Paul Police Department, our Chief of Police and Chuck Dietz.

President Jason concluded the meeting by reviewing upcoming dates which include: our joint club meeting on February 20th; St. Paul Mayor on February 24th; Farewell Celebration for Amanda and Doni on March 3rd; Explore Minnesota on March 10^th and pollinators on March 17.

A great turnout to hear updates from the Chief of Police. Hope to see everyone in Minneapolis!

Rotary In Review: Early Self-Detection and Prevention of Melanoma

Posted by Dave Dominick on Feb 06, 2026

President Jason DeKeuster called the 32^nd week of his year to order at the February 3^rd St. Paul Rotary 501 meeting.

President thanked his support team of Shelly Rucks, Bill Collins, Dave Dominick, Matt Magers, Ken Crabb and Todd Nicholson.

February birthdays were celebrated with Dave's delicious cupcakes.

Bill Collins led the group with the Four Way Test and shared an inspirational moment during these challenges times in our community.

There were no visiting Rotarians or guests so past president Todd Nicholson's job was pretty easy.

President Jason introduced our speaker Steve Fine, founder and president of the Melanoma Education Foundation. Steve did an incredible job explaining melanoma and the causes of melanoma. His organization is all about educating others.

Our Club had lots of happy members as the happy dollars were flowing quite well. President Jason thanked everyone for attending and adjourned the meeting.

Rotary In Review: Winter Carnival

Posted by Lynne Beck on Jan 29, 2026

Rotary Club of Saint Paul
January 27, 2026
St. Paul Pool & Yacht Club

President Jason DeKeuster called the hybrid meeting to order at 12:22 pm. The greeters were Sherry Howe and Bob Cardinal. Lynne Beck was scribe. The A/V Teach Team was Matt Magers.

Ken Schaefer introduced guests: Laura Nichols-Endres and her daughter Nora; Rico Tanaka, our Rotary exchange student from Nagasaki and her host sister and mother; Jimmy Francis, former Rotarian and Mayor of South St. Paul; and Lindsey Barringer, our new club administrator.

For the Inspirational Minute, Dayle Quigley read two poems that address how to connect with community during these difficult times. She then led us in the 4-Way Test.

Jason DeKeuster gave an overview of Rotary for the Winter Carnival guests. He emphasized how the two organizations have so much in common – they both unite for good. Jason Bradshaw, former King Boreas, said that Saint Paul Rotary has a 72-year tradition of partnering with the Winter Carnival. He introduced Paul Rotary members present who were past members of the Winter Carnival Royal Family. He introduced King Boreas Peter Kenekick and the members of the 2026 St. Paul Winter Carnival Royal Family. They will make 350-400 visits during the year to hospitals, nursing homes, schools, etc. The Royal Family knighted Rico Tanaka “Empress of the Youth Exchange and Educator of the Harding Knights.”

Beth Naughton introduced Sam Cooper, a new member who is the Development Associate for the Minnesota Historical Society. He lives in St. Paul with his wife and young son.

Jason DeKeuster made the following club announcements:

501: February 3, 2026
St. Paul Pool & Yacht Club 5:01- 6:15 pm
Stephen Fine, Early Self-Detection and Prevention of Melanoma
February 10, 2026 Signature Lunch
InterContinental Saint Paul Riverfront
Chief Axel Henry
February 17, 2026 – No Meeting
February 20, 2026
Joint Meeting with Minneapolis
Location and Program TBD
February 24, 2026 Signature Lunch
InterContinental Saint Paul Riverfront
Kaohly Her, Mayor of Saint Paul
March 3, 2026 Signature Lunch
InterContinental Saint Paul Riverfront
Farewell to Amanda Mai
501: March 10, 2026
St. Paul Pool & Yacht Club 5:01- 6:15 pm
Frances Fyten & Nicole Lalum of Explore Minnesota

The meeting closed at 12:55 pm.

Lynne Beck Scribe

Rotary In Review: Camille Davidson of Mitchell Hamline School of Law

Posted by Ken Schaefer on Jan 19, 2026

Rotary Club of Saint Paul. Scribe – January 13, 2026

At 12:17 on January 13th, Jason DeKuester, the St Paul Rotary President, 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:

Jeff Sulzbach and Al Zdrazil - greeters,
Beth Naughton - Inspirational Minute and the Four Way Test,
Jeff Sulzbach - Introducing visiting Rotarians and guests and Happy Dollars,
Our tech team of Andrew Vincelli and Pete Grayson,
Ken Schaefer - the scribe and,
Our club administrator Amanda Mai.

The speakers was Camille Davidson, President and dean of Mitchell Hamline School of Law. Joel Theisen introduced the speaker. Dean Davidson’s presentation covered Mitchell Hamline Law School programs, students and alumni activities followed by a Q&A session. Rotarians were very appreciative of the presentation.

Happy Dollars were led by Jeff Sulzbach that raised funds for Saint Paul Rotary Club Foundation.

President’s announcements:

Upcoming meetings:

Jan 20th - The Knowledge Exodus, Ben Bomar, Lithyus.
Jan 27th - Winter Carnival.
Feb 3rd - Self-Detection and Prevention of Melanoma.
Feb 10th - Chief Axel Henry.
Feb 20th (Friday)- Minneapolis Joint Meeting in Minneapolis.

The meeting ended at 1:10 pm.

Ken Schaefer Scribe.

Rotary In Review: Emily Blomberg of Regions Hospital

Posted by Dave Dominick on Jan 12, 2026

Incoming President Ken Schaefer called the first meeting of 2026 to order on January 6, 2026 at our 501 Meeting held at the Pool and Yacht Club.

Ken thanked our meeting support team of Beth Naughton, Jeff Sulzbach, Dave Dominick, Rob Thomas Michael-jon Pease and Matt Magers.

Inspirational minute was provided by our Chief Boy Scout Jeff Sulzbach where he talked about traditional New Year's resolutions then wrapped up his moment with the 4 way Test.

District Governor Nominee Michael-jon Pease welcomed visiting Rotarians and guests.

Immediate Past President Shelly Rucks introduced our meeting speaker Emily Bloomberg, President of Regions. Emily shared the history, mission, and vision of Regions Hospital. Regions is the 2^nd largest provider for charity care. Last year Regions served over 100,000 patients. Regions has a beautiful birth center and they are remodeling the emergency room area. Emily discussed the challenges of running a hospital and the core focus areas of Regions.

Michael-jon collected happy dollars from our generous Rotarians.

Incoming President Ken closed out the meeting. Our Club is in good hands with incoming President Ken Schaefer. We did miss our President Jason Dekeuster.

Happy New Year St. Paul Rotarians!

Rotary In Review: Service Project With People Inc

Posted by Ken Schaefer on Jan 01, 2026

Happy New Year!

President Jason rang St. Paul Rotary's Club 10 bell for the last meeting of 2025 with a packed house of club members.

Jason thanked his support team of Bob Cardinal, Scott Van, Dave Dominick, Matt Magers, Andrew Vincelli, Todd Nicholson, Brianna Haglin and Amanda Mai.

Brianna Haglin opened the meeting with an inspirational moment centered around new year wishes and thoughts followed by the 4 way test.

Todd Nicholson introduced guests and visiting Rotarians. Judge John Guthmann had a guest the Honorable Judge Richard Kyle.

Our featured program was People Incorporated. Past President Heidi Fisher serves as their organization's board chair. Katherine Voelkers, gift officer for People Inc. shared the mission and vision of the organization. She also highlighted key service areas which includes outpatient mental health, community outreach, children's and school-based services, artability workshops and crisis and residential services. Katherine highlighted the St. Paul Police Partnership. This partnership has reduced arrests and reduced hospitalization of clients involved with a crisis.

People Incorporated provides a training institute to help companies, not for profits and government agencies learn about mental health training, de-escalation and compassion training.

President Jason wrapped up the club meeting with a hygiene kit (assemble kits) service project to help People Incorporated. Over 100 kits were assembled by our AWESOME club members.

Happy New Year St. Paul Rotarians

Dave Dominick, meeting scribe

Rotary In Review: Chief Rondo

Posted by Ken Schaefer on Dec 10, 2025

Rotary in Review: Medaria Arrandondo

At 12:17 pm on December 9, Jason DeKuester, the St Paul Rotary President, 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 Endres-Nichols and Todd Nicholson, greeters;
Carolyn Will - Inspirational Minute and the Four Way Test;
Doug Hartford, introducing guests and Happy Dollars;
Matt Magers and Rob Thomas, the our tech team;
Ken Schaefer - the scribe; and,
Amanda Mai, our club administrator.

The speaker was Medaria Arrandondo, former Minneapolis chief of police aka “Chief Rondo” Jim Hart introduced the speaker. Chief Arrandondo spoke about leadership and service.

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

Announcements:

Carolyn Will provided an update on RYLA and asked for volunteers.
Ben Groves provided an update on service opportunity at Merrick.
Jason Dekuester noted the Grand Old Day parade is on January 24th. The club will participate.
Jason Dekuester noted Washington Technology high school is starting an Interact club
District 5960 mid-term meeting is Saturday January 6th
Club Member, Pete Grayson, will serve as a future District Governor
December 30th is People Inc project.

The meeting ended at 1:15 pm.

Ken Schaefer, Scribe.

Rotary In Review: Foundation Update and Paul Harris Auction

Posted by Linda Mulhern on Nov 17, 2025

At 12:12 pm , Ken Schaefer, the President-elect, called the meeting to order at Intercontinental Hotel, Ken thanked the volunteers helping at the meeting, Heidi Fisher was the greeter, Shelly Rucks for her introduction of guests and Happy Dollars, Pete Grayson for the Inspirational Minute and Four Way Test, he spoke about Veteran’s Day which was established after World War 1 and how only 1% of the population has served in the military and thanked everyone for their service which included a number of St Paul Rotarians, our amazing IT tech team of Rob Thomas and the scribe, Linda Mulhern.

Michael-jon Pease spoke to the club about the St Paul Rotary Foundation which is run by the Board of Directors and it has distributed money for the following projects over the last year:

Centennial Scholars = $20,000
Camp RYLA - $6500
International Grants - $6000
Speaker Honorariums - $2500
Gordon Parks High School - $750
Education Outreach - $12000
Service Projects - $1000
Cleveland Circle - $800

The international global grant to Bolivia has impacted over 9,000 people in 3 villages and has improved their standard of living with the dam built, the use of new greenhouses and increase in animal husbandry. Our Centennial Scholar fund is doing well and could potentially increase funding for youth outreach. The club has distributed $250,000 in scholarships over the past 15 years. Currently, the club has 49 members or couples willing to donate from their estates for the St Paul Foundation, so the impact for our area is significant. To become a member of the Elmer L Andersen Fellows (St Paul Rotary Foundation), an individual needs to donate $1000 to the foundation, in which donations can be made on a monthly or annual basis, so think about donating.

Paul Kotz spoke about the Rotary Internation Foundation. He is the team lead for the international grant team. When money is donated to RI, the funds are invested and after three years, the money is returned to the district for distribution. Everyone is able to submit a proposal for a grant and will be assigned a mentor from our district, so if you see a need, think about what needs to be accomplished in our area or even if you travel abroad and see a need, think about how money can be used to improve the lives of others. Many people are concerned about the fundraising that is needed within the district, but again a mentor can help. As an example, if a project needs $12,000 to be funded, only $6000 needs to be fundraised from other clubs within the district to be matched. Paul spoke about a clinic in Rwanda that needed medical equipment which was done by local fundraising, along with the Global Grant to buy the equipment within Rwanda. The RI Foundation has a four-star rating for charities and a 100% approval through Charity Navigator. Please start thinking about how we can impact both the local community and the world if you see a need. Both Valdi and Paul are ready to help you get the grant proposal written!

Brianna Haglin – Wanted to do some fundraising for Paul Harris Awards and noted that Paul Kotz (received 2 as well as the Polio Plus award), Carla Hauge, Laura Nichols- Endres, John Guthmann and Karin Ciano have been awarded the Paul Harris Awards over the last couple of years. Brianna asked for contributions if a new Rotary member was willing to donate the first $100 toward the Paul Harris award and the following people can now claim to be Paul Harris award winners: Helen Wagner, Rob Thomas, Saint Riewestahl, Tamara Sparrow, Morgan Ritchie, Rob Mairs and Alison Rempel Brown. We were able to raise $7000 for Rotary International in just over 10 minutes!

There were a number of Happy Dollars donated today including new volunteer activities to be started at the Science Museum noted by Ken, Dana noted that Saint had joined the committee for the Winter Spark (on 12/4), Pete was just happy, Linda had a great meeting with the Växjö (Sweden) club last Friday and Saint is teaching a new class.

Upcoming meetings:

11/18 – Pool and Yacht Club with Frank Burns
11/25 – No meeting due to Thanksgiving
12/4 – Winter Spark at the Union Depot
12/9 – Intercontinental Hotel – with Chief Rondo
12/16 – Pool and Yacht Club with On the Art of Living
12/23 – No meeting due to Christmas holiday

Volunteer Opportunities include helping working at the YMCA tree lot, please contact David Dominick and the Rotaract Feed My Starving Children packing event on 11/12 at 7:15 pm.

The meeting was adjourned at 1:09 pm.

Linda Mulhern