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This Week's Lunch Program: April 2, 2018
 
CR Rotary Foundation Grant Lunch
 
 
Recipients of the 2016 CR Rotary Foundation Rotary grant award program.  The 2018 program will be held on April 2, 2018.
 
On Monday, April 2nd CR Rotary will hold its annual grant recipient luncheon to recognize those groups that received funding through the CR Rotary Foundation.  Due to the generosity and efforts of club members and the broader community, the CR Rotary Foundation will award over $23,000 in grants in 2018.  According to some long-time members, this is the largest amount distributed in club history. 
 
We hope that all grant recipients and club members (including honorary) will come out and join us for this important occasion to celebrate all of the hard work of Coon Rapids Rotary to provide these critical grant dollars.
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A Coon Rapids Rotary Salute:
Special thanks to Margie Rask, Shelley Gunn and Dave McCauley
 
 
Margie Rask (R) serving a meal with fellow Coon Rapids Rotarians last year at the Stepping Stone Emergency Shelter in Anoka.  Margie joined the club on March 1, 2013 and is stepping down as club president on April 2nd. 
 
 
Shelley Gunn posed for a photo on initiation day: July 19, 2017.  Shelley is stepping down as Club Secretary on April 2nd.
 
 
Dave McCauley representing Coon Rapids Rotary at a Coon Rapids Community Scholarship Association event in 2016.  Dave has been in involved in Coon Rapids Rotary since 1988 and is transitioning to an honorary membership starting this month.
 
 
This week marks a rather bittersweet occasion for Coon Rapids Rotary.  Margie Rask (Club President) and Shelley Gunn (Club Secretary) have accepted new jobs and are leaving the club; their last meeting is this Monday, April 2nd.  Dave McCauley, the wearer of many hats (most recently Club Administrator) has announced plans to become an Honorary Member and reduce his role in club operations, effective this month. 
 
All three have truly lived up to the motto of “Service Above Self” and Coon Rapids Rotary is grateful for their contributions to the club and community.  On Monday, April 2nd we will take a few moments to recognize their service.  In addition, a happy hour is planned for Wednesday, April 4, 2018 at Alloy Brewing (2700 Coon Rapids Blvd.) at 5:00 PM – we hope you can join us.
 
To Margie and Shelley: Farewell and we wish you all the best in your new career endeavors.  Please know that the Rotary door is always open and we hope that you will come back and join us for lunch or a special event.  To Dave: Thanks for all of your service to Coon Rapids Rotary and we hope you don't stray too far - your knowledge and insights on all things Rotary is truly appreciated.
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A Plan for the Future:
Board to discuss current vacancies on April 16th
 
There are discussions at the board level about filling the vacancies left by Margie Rask and Shelley Gunn.  Part of the plan will likely involve existing committee members shifting into the open board seats; meaning that vacancies will be created in other areas – namely club service and club speaker programs.  More information will be provided following the April 16th board meeting. 
 
This will be a critical time for other Rotarians to step up and answer the call to take on leadership roles.  The success of our club depends on engaging more members in what we do.  We also need to re-examine membership recruitment due to the recent departures.  It represents both a challenge and an opportunity that I believe this club can and will meet.  More to follow in the weeks and months ahead. 
 
GF
 
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Conference of Clubs / District 5960 Annual Meeting
April 19-20, 2018: Mystic Lake Center, Prior Lake, MN
 
Every year, District 5960 holds a Conference of Clubs.  This year’s event will be held on April 19-20, 2018 at the Mystic Lake Center in Prior Lake.  The event includes education sessions on a variety of topics, including: Human Trafficking; Foundation Giving - Quality Fundraisers; Public Image Best Practices; Group Cultural Exchange; Youth Service; International Service - Sustainable Products; Vocational Services and much more. 
 
In addition, District 5960 also holds its annual business meeting on April 20th @ 3:30 PM.  Our club is entitled to send 2 electors to vote on district legislative matters.  If you are interested in participating in the annual meeting, please contact Grant Fernelius.  There are credentials that must be signed and sent along.  Otherwise, there is still time to register for the event. 
 
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Birthdays & Anniversaries
Member Birthdays
Jon Schmidt
June 6
 
Anniversaries
Bobby Keene
Marge Keene
June 15
 
Howard Helgen
Kari Helgen
June 21
 
Grant Fernelius
Nancy Fernelius
June 22
 
Nick Bednarczyk
Kari Bednarczyk
June 24
 
Erik Hegg
Kirsten Canterbury
June 25
 
Executives & Directors
President
 
President-Elect
 
Treasurer
 
Secretary
 
Past President
 
Director - Speaker Programs
 
Director - Public Relations
 
Director - Rotary Foundation
 
Sergeant-at-Arms
 
Upcoming Lunch Programs
Jun 11, 2018
American Refugee Committee's Uganda Rotaract Project Update
Jun 18, 2018
Personal Story: Life & Culture
View entire list
Rotary Links
Rotary International
District 5960
Anoka Rotary
Blaine-Ham Lake Rotary
Brooklyn Park Rotary
Fridley-Columbia Heights Rotary
Ramsey Rotary
Russell Hampton
National Awards Services Inc.
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