Past Meeting Notes | Rotary Club of Saint Paul #10

Rotary In Review: Thought Design and Cities After a Pandemic

Posted by Valdi Stefanson on Nov 12, 2024

At the noon hour on November 12, President Shelly Rucks opened the meeting, noting that it is week 20 of the club’s 115th year! He explained that because our club Administrator, Amada Mai, is absent, she and Carolyn Will managed the sign in at the room entrance. Thanking the meeting volunteers, she included: Greeters Jason DeKuester and Carolyn Will, scribe Valdi Stefanson, Inspirational Minute/ 4-way test Steve Young, and visiting Rotarians/guests/happy dollars Jeff Sulzbach. Also, a special Thank-You to the technical team of Rob Thomas, and Matt Magers.

Next up was Steve Young whose inspirational minute referenced our Thanksgiving month of November. He quoted our forefather politicians who dedicated the third Thursday of the month as a day of gratitude and Thanksgiving.

Jeff Sulzbach led introductions of a fellow Rotarian and five visitors at today’s meeting. Thereafter, Steve Young made introductory remarks about speaker Professor Tom Fisher, whose latest assignment is the Director of the Minnesota Design Center. A prolific author, Tom has written 12 books and 450 articles. Pursuant to today’s topic, Tom’s recent book relates to what the COVID-19 pandemic will likely mean for cities - and downtowns - going forward – titled, “Space, Structures and Design in a Post-Pandemic”.

He focused on St. Paul’s downtown area and noted common issues that face cities worldwide these days. His theme is that design rethinking allows us to vision downtown differently. That is, reframe our thinking and make creative policies. Concentrate on St Paul’s uniqueness and assets, rather than ruminating about negative trends. What are these “assets”? (1) State capitol and permanent presence, (2) Committed corporate community, (3) Growing number of downtown residents, (4) Location on the Mississippi river, (5) Large number of college students per capita, (6) Entertainment and sports venues.

Tom suggests that we quit using the old-fashioned term “downtown”, because it is not relevant anymore. The traditional commuter lifestyle is gone. Develop ideas and policies to draw people into the city – to live – to work – to micro-manufacture. After all, today 60% of all jobs can be done anywhere. Create flexible zoning to allow entrepreneurs to use now-empty spaces. Conversion of vacant office space to housing. Promote startup business ventures. Another excellent idea is to harvest the research work already done at the University of Minnesota to create incubator spaces that will result in less brain-drain and entrepreneurial investment in St. Paul. Also, brand the downtown and incentivize it to capitalize on the six asset bases listed above.

Next, Jeff Sulzbach presided over many Happy Dollar participants.

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

5:01 Meeting: Nov 19th 5:01 PM - 6:15 PM
Heidi Fisher and Jason DeKeuster
Lunch Meeting: Nov 26th 12:00 PM - 1:15 PM
Abul Sharah, International Village Clinic
5:01 Meeting: Dec 3rd NO MEETING
Instead, sign up for the WINTER MAGIC event Thursday, Dec 5th at Union Depot
Lunch Meeting: Dec 10th 12:00 PM - 1:15 PM
St Paul Rotary Foundation Annual Report

Last, see our club website and Facebook page to learn of service and volunteering opportunities in the next few weeks

Respectfully submitted,

Valdi Stefanson

Rotary In Review: Center for School Change

Posted by Lynne Beck on Nov 01, 2024

Rotary Club of Saint Paul

October 29, 2024

President Shelly Rucks called the hybrid meeting to order at 12:15 pm. The greeters were John Chandler and Al Zdrazil. Lynne Beck was scribe. The A/V Tech Team was Andrew Vincelli.

Shelly Rucks led everyone in the Pledge of Allegiance. She then announced longtime Rotarian Chuck Roach is in his final days of life.

Bob Cardinal gave an Inspirational Minute. He read some inspiring quotes from British playwright George Bernard Shaw and led the club in the 4-Way Test.

Bo Aylin introduced a Rotarian from the Forest Lake Rotary Club.

Susan Rostkoski introduced the speakers Khalique Rogers and Joe Nathan. Khalique was recently named by the Twin Cities Business Journal as “one of 50 African Americans you should know in the Twin Cities.” A graduate of Gordon Parks Academy and St. Paul College, he was named a member of the Humphrey Institute Policy Fellowship. He has used his experience as a homeless youth and this issue to co-author articles in the Star Tribune, Pioneer Press, and MinnPost. Rogers has testified in the Minnesota Legislature and helped convince legislators to allocate millions of dollars to reduce homelessness. He was recently named Executive Director of the Center for School Change. Joe Nathan was been a public school teacher, administrator, researcher and advocate for more than 50 years. He has testified numerous times in the Minnesota Legislature and coordinated a project led by then Governor Bill Clinton and Governor Lamar Alexander. He helped write the Charter Public School legislation. Nathan was a columnist for the St. Paul Pioneer Press for many years and has appeared on more than 300 radio and television shows. He’s founder and now Senior Fellow at Center for School Change.

Khalique and Joe presented an interesting program called “Optimism and Opportunity in Public Education.” They talked about how they worked on moving through legislation that provides millions of dollars to help public schools create and expand programs in which students learn construction skills as they build homes for low-income Minnesotans and those who are experiencing homelessness. They showed photos of homes that students from GAP high school built and renovated. These projects teach workforce development skills, benefit the community, and transform the lives of the students and recipients of the houses. Many corporations and nonprofits are sponsors of and partners with the program.

Khalique gave a personal example of how he led a project that was a transformative experience for him. When he was a student at Gordon Parks Academy, he noticed some land behind the school that was not used for anything constructive. He worked with others for years to design and raise funds to transform the empty space into a playground and park called Midway Peace Park for the community. This lesson taught him how to get things done to achieve goals.

Now he works with students to help them learn how to write and pass bills that benefit the community. As a result, now schools can apply for up to $100,000 from the Minnesota Housing

Association to start a program tailored to their particular situation. For example, Anoka-Hennepin High School is using funds to build a house. We need to encourage schools to apply for funds. Another important piece of legislation is the Consumer Action Service which mandates that all 9th graders take a class in financial literacy. There is strong data that students who take these classes have a better chance of graduating and attending college.

The speakers discussed some opportunities for Rotarians to encourage and assist young people. For example, we can publicize that grants are available to produce homes or sponsor students for the November 23 meeting at the State Capitol with Legislators.

Magic Moment: John Andrews was inspired by Past President Chuck Roach. When he moved to St. Paul to become the CEO of the Northern Star Council, Boy Scouts, he had no choice but to join the Rotary Club of Saint Paul. There has always been a strong connection between the two organizations. The council and the club were both founded 97 years ago.

Bo Aylin asked for Happy Dollars. Bo’s son’s cross country team made state. Jerry Meigs, former Past President and Rotary International board member, is recovering from a stroke and doing well. Ken Crabb announced that this is the last weekend to see the play “Holmes/Poirot” at Park Square Theatre. There is a Rotary group going Friday November 1, and dinner at Wrestaurant at the Palace, for those interested.

Shelly Rucks made the following club announcements:

November 5 – No 5:01 due to elections
November 7 – Build dressers for Bridging in Roseville
9:00 am – 12 pm.
Signature Lunch: November 12, 2024 12:15-1:15 pm InterContinental Saint Paul Riverfront or online via zoom
Tom Fisher, Impact of Pandemics on Cities
501: November 19, 2024 University Club or via zoom 5:01- 6:15 pm
Camp RYLA and the impact we have on students
Signature Lunch: November 22, 2024 12:15-1:15 pm InterContinental Saint Paul Riverfront or online via zoom
Abul Sharah, International Village Clinic

The meeting closed at 1:14 pm.

Lynne Beck Scribe

Rotary In Review: The Guatemala Experience

Posted by Kenneth Schaefer on Oct 17, 2024

At 5:14 on October 15, 2024, Shelly Rucks, the St Paul Rotary President, called the meeting to order at the University Club. Shelly Rucks thanked the volunteers helping at the meeting, Patrick Brault - greeter, Susan Schuster - Inspirational Minute and the Four Way Test, Al Zdrazil introducing guests, our tech team of Ken Crabb and Matt Magers and Ken Schaefer - the scribe and our club administrator Amanda Mai. And Shelly led Four Way Test and the Pledge of Allegiance.

The speaker was Josh Sprague, a Past President of the Rotary Club of Edina. Introduced by Ellen Kennedy.

Since 2017, Josh has traveled every 2 years to the Coban region of Guatemala to work on water service projects. First with a team from St. Patrick’s of Edina followed by Rotary affiliated trips. In 2019, he led the first Rotary-sponsored water service trip with 32 participants from 6 different District 5950 clubs. The group assembled and delivered 659 household water purifiers (funded through a District grant) to remote mountainous villages, or aldeas. In 2021 and 2023, Josh returned with Rotarians to complete two more cycles of this project, again delivering 650+ purifier units each time and impacting thousands of households in need. 2025 marks the fourth bi-annual cycle for this project and will involve assembly and delivery of 654 purifiers to a new cluster of villages. 2025 project funding comes from District 5950 and the Rotary Clubs of Edina, Edina Morningside, St Paul, Lakeville, Maple Grove, and Buffalo.

Michael Olesen presented a magic moment. He described a school in rural Guatemala. There is also a woodworking business in the community that brings jobs to the area. The next step is establishing a permanent solar power system.

Shelly noted upcoming meetings, events and service opportunities:

October 22 – Polio Plus.
October 29 – Center for School Change.
November 5 – No meeting as its election day.

Announcements:

Winter Magic invitations mailed out. Online registration is encouraged.
The club’s files containing the club’s history are stored at the Midway YMCA and Van Paper. Need club volunteers to assist collecting items. Please reach out to Shelly to help.
If you are interested in a club activity or service project, please contact Shelly. Also, provide her general feedback. Shelly@Rotary.org.

The meeting ended at 6:25 pm.

Ken Schaefer, Scribe.

Rotary In Review: Pet Haven

Posted by Linda Mulhern on Oct 10, 2024

At 12:15 pm on October 8th, Shelly Rucks, the 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, Deb Katzmark and Andrew Vincelli were the greeters, Susan Rostkoski for introducing guests, Pat Hartford for the Inspirational Minute and Four Way Test, our amazing tech team of Matt and Rob, the scribe, Linda Mulhern, and our club administrator Amanda Mai.

Pat offered a short and important inspirational minute and led the group in the four-way test.

Beth Naughton introduced our newest member, Kathy McCarthy. She grew up in Minnetonka and graduated from Iowa State. She had been active with the Grand Rapids Rotary Club for 12 years, along with her husband Randy, who has passed away. They have two sons. She originally set up the two Maid of Scandinavia Stores and had a bookstore in Grand Rapids before moving back to the Twin Cities

Susan Rostkoski introduced our speaker Kerry D’Amato, the executive director of Pet Haven who lives in the Cathedral Hill neighborhood. The mission of the organization is to help save pets and help people with pet adoptions.

The organization was founded in 1952 based on a foster based adoption idea. “Shelter stress” is often exhibited by animals brought to the shelter and the idea is to foster better behavior for shy or aggressive animals which are harder to place by providing a “foster family” that can deescalate the stress and provide the animal with better behaviors prior to a good adoption for others. It was the first organization to allow animals to be brought home with certified volunteers. They also were the first organization to require neutering and spaying animals when they are juveniles, ie puppies and kittens. When Kerry started with the organization 5 years ago, they found homes for animals virtually, but then looked for a building in the Frogtown/Rondo area and found a 5000 square foot building on Minnehaha with a dog park in the back. Their current annual budget is $735,000. This year they have received approximately 1000 animals from around Minnesota and have likewise been able to have 1000 animals adopted. The average stay of an animal is 45 days, with a return rate of approximately 2%. A good adoption organization is happy if they have a return rate of 10% or less, so they are beating expectations! They have also given out 150,000 pounds of animal food to homeowners that have requested help. It should be noted that animal food costs have gone up 43% over the last 4 years. Pet Haven also has started a new program called “Get them all Home”, every animal that is adopted receives a chip and if the animal is found can be brought to Pet Haven and can wait for the homeowner to retrieve it at no cost. Pet Haven will also help owners to repair fences if that is what is required to prevent an animal from wandering from their home. Vaccinations are offered at a low cost of $22 for cats and $35 for dogs. The organization has worked hard to increase foster families and were able to increase the number of “cat” foster families from 200 to 600 by talking with the Somali families in the area. They receive funding from foster families along with grants written for funding and approaching other organizations that are not familiar with Pet Haven. Kerry stated that any money donated to a pet rescue organization should be able to list their board on site, and it should have a veterinarian also noted on the board. They should be able to also list the number of intakes, adoptions and animals euthanized, along with all of the testing done for the animals received.

Shelly gave a certificate of appreciation and noted that money will be donated to youth leadership for her time at the meeting.

Happy dollars included, Doug Hartman will have a gallery show in July for his pictures, Kathy McCarthy who went on a road trip to the West Coast and as able to learn about how all animals big and small are cared for at the Portland Zoo, Karin Ciano received her flu and Covid shots and gave a shout out to the painters of the door at Fort Snelling. Other items noted by members included clean-up in South Carolina, hoping that a friend’s home will not be damaged in Sarasota Florida with the up coming hurricane and as well as the number of people evacuating from Tampa.

Other volunteer activities include fundraising on 10/19 for the Leukemia society at the Intercontinental Hotel, 10/27 for the celebration of Halloween at Hallie Q Brown Center and the Bridging event with the Roseville club on 11/7.

The upcoming meetings will be Tuesday, 10/15 to learn more about the Guatemala Water project, 10/22 for Polio Plus, 10/29 for the Center for School Change, and 11/12 for Thought Design. The next joint meeting with Minneapolis will be held in St Paul on 2/11/25 and the speaker being Andrea Raffo, Senior VP for the Federal Reserve. Also the Rotary Internation Convention sponsored in Minneapolis will be moved up from 2029 to 2028, with more details coming as to help needed for a successful convention.

The meeting was adjourned at 1:12 pm.

Thanks

Linda Mulhern

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