banner
November 14, 2018
 
Newly-elected Anoka County District 4 Commissioner Mandy Meisner of Fridley (holding banner) addressed the club today and posed with members afterward for a group shot. The meeting's other speaker, Scott Carlson, is at right.
 
No meeting on November 21 due to Thanksgiving.
20 members and guest Jim Nelson of Fridley heard speakers Mandy Meisner,  the newly-elected Anoka County District 4 Commissioner, speak about the challenges of her new position. She urged contact with her through the Facebook page in her name.
 
The group also heard Scott Carlson (originally scheduled for Dec. 12), author of Twin Cities Beer, speak about his recently-published book.
 
Meeting Responsibilities November 28: Sergeant At Arms- Paul Westby. Invocation- Steve Klaers.
 
New member Steve Drost of Fridley, a financial planner for Affiance Financial of St. Louis Park, was inducted by President Josh Lund.
 
Fridley Police is collecting winter clothing for kids until early December.
 
Norma Jean Falink and Amada Marquez Simula commented favorably (on everything except the noise level in the room) on the District Rotary Foundation Celebration on Nov. 10, which attended along with Gordon and Linda Backlund. The club will hear more about the Foundation from District Chair Gary Campbell on Nov. 28.
 
Donations are sought for the Metro North Adult Basic Ed winter clothing distribution program in our service area. They will be accepted all through the winter. They can be brought to the breakfast and given to Kristen Stuenkel or Toni Craft.
 
Marquez Simula announced that the annual Taste of Columbia Heights event will take place from 6 to 9 pm on Friday, November 16, at Murzyn Hall. Admission is free; food samples are $2 each.
 
Scott Lund reminded that the new City of Fridley municipal complex opened on Nov. 13, with an open house scheduled for Saturday, Nov. 17.
 
Steve Klaers reminded that the first STRIVE field trip, to Anoka Tech, takes place on Thursday, Nov. 29. Volunteers to accompany the trip are sought. 
 
Scott Lund also reminded that the club's quarterly service project will be on Thursday, Dec. 4: food sorting at Southern Anoka Community Assistance in Columbia Heights from 3:30 to 5:30. A signup sheet will be provided at the Nov. 28 breakfast. A holiday gathering will follow; it has been moved from Sarna's Grill to Crooner's of Fridley.
 
The club will provide bellringing services for the Salvation Army on Dec. 5, 12, and 19 at Sam's Club in Fridley.
 
Marquez Simula also noted that the club's contribution will be noted at the HeightsNEXT Pet Beds event on Dec. 8 at the Columbia Heights Public Library.
 
(Steve K.) The STRIVE students will participate in the Kids in Need inventory on Saturday, Dec. 15. Volunteers for the outing are sought.