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Meeting of February 7, 2018
 
17 members slipped and slid their cars to the breakfast of February 7, and were rewarded with a fine presentation by John Emery of the Islamic Resource Group of St. Anthony Village. Emery's interesting personal background and review of the basics of Islamic culture and religion provoked discussion and questions.
 
President Wysopal reviewed the club board meeting of February 1, at which donations to the Bikes for Kids project with Fridley Public Safety and to Alexandra House for a table at its gala were approved, purchase of logowear (aprons) for use during club service activities endorsed, and the club's practices regarding billing member breakfasts discussed. He also announced that the February 14 meeting would be a "Fast for Hope" breakfast with a different, limited menu.
 
Steve Klaers announced the final STRIVE field trip of the year, on March 9.
 
Craig Malm announced that volunteers will be sought to fit bike helmets at the Bikes for Kids distribution on April 21. Members volunteered on the spot.  
Meeting of February 14, 2018
18 members, exchange student Pascal Boehner, visiting Rotarian Kyle Sabor, President of the Rogers, MN, Rotary Club, and guests Jim Cummings (supervisor of the Fridley High School STRIVE program), Fridley STRIVE student Levi Huff, Mike Smith of Totino-Grace High School, and Dr. Don Blakeslee, Fridley dentist, heard speaker Dave Newman (photo) of the Fast for Hope community development program describe the program's principles, operations, and benefits for the Nicaraguan community with which it has cooperated over the past several years.
 
A "Fast for Hope" breakfast was served, with fruit and oatmeal substituting for the club's usual fare.
 
President Sabor invited members to participate in the Rogers' club own golf classic this summer, and was invited to our club's event in July.
 
President Wysopal mentioned the district grants training meeting to be held February 17 and asked that at least one member attend.
 
Steve Klaers provided further information on the STRIVE field trip of March 9, which will visit North Hennepin Technical College and Hennepin Technical College, and which will leave from Fridley High School at 10:00 a.m.
 
Patti Halvorson handed out flyers for the Lee Carlson Center Chili Cook-off and Beer Tasting on March 22 at Springbrook Nature Center.
 
Meeting of February 21, 2018
 
15 members heard speaker Amy Lucht, founder and director of CARE Resource Connection, describe the volunteer organization's purposes and functions. The group aims to fill gaps in post-crisis care and to provide care resource information to those in need. It cooperates with police and fire departments and the Red Cross in Anoka County.
 
President Wysopal issued a reminder of the Lee Carlson Center chili cook-off on March 22 and modeled the logowear aprons newly obtained for club members at our service activities. 
 
Gordy announced that Fridley 49er Day will take place on Saturday, June 16. The club operates a wine tent in cooperation with the Fridley Lions' Club at the event.
 
Roy Goslin, newly returned from South Africa, mentioned the annual Charter Dinner social activity. Finding that there is sufficient interest in holding a self-catered event, Roy will explore dates and venues and provide further information.
Meeting of February 28, 2018
 
17 members, exchange student Pascal Boehner, and outgoing Anoka County Commissioner Jim Kordiak listened to Chris McArdle & Donna Pruido of the Salvation Army offer their thanks to the club for the annual bell-ringing service project. The amount raised since 2015 was enough to provide 383 hot meals or 3 days of groceries for 85 people or new coats for 75 people in need. Chris then proceeded to elaborate on all the programs that the Salvation Army offers: food shelf support, drug and alcohol rehabilitation, rental assistance, utility assistance, and youth services to name a few.
 
Pascal gave an update on his experience. This particular day was his 200th day in the U.S. He had also gone sledding at 2:00 a.m. Currently his shoulder is healing well and he plans to participate in track this spring.
 
Announcements:
  • Preparation for the Chili Cook-off for the Lee Carlson Center on March 22nd will begin at Greg's house on March 21st. Assistance is needed for chopping.
  • The March 2 Columbia Heights Business Council meeting is open to all.
  • March 24th is the Hope Gala and there are still 6 spots available at the Rotary table. If interested contact Toni.