We pledge ourselves to: "Create Hope in the World". We will accomplish this by reaffirming our mission to inspire leaders with passion to serve humanity, strengthen youth for tomorrow's leadership and dedicate ourselves to enhancing lives in our world. Before we speak, act, or make decisions, let us pause and ask ourselves: Is it the truth? Is it fair to all concerned? Will it build goodwill and better friendships? Will it be beneficial to all concerned? These are our compass and will ensure that our actions are filled with integrity and genuine care.
Inspiring leaders with passion to serve humanity; strengthening youth for tomorrow's leadership and enhancing lives in our world. trouble
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Last Time We Met 1/15/2026
Our meeting was held at Rockwoods and was led by President Cal Portner. We recited the Pledge of
Allegiance.
Attending
Melanie Clemons, Julie Fish, Neil Gagnon, Heather Kliewer, Mark Kuyava, Cal Portner, Bob Maxwell,
Debbi Ryberg, Bruce Tyler, Ben Zawacki
Guests - No Guests
Rotary Moment – Cal outlined the 4-Way Test and the step-by-step process and how it relates to our
everyday lives. We need to think outside the box and solve problems. He gave the example of being at
the airport and picking up your baggage in the past. Traveler’s would have to wait quite a while to pick
up their luggage. The solution was moving baggage claim further away from where the terminals are.
Club Engagement – How many iconic cartoon characters of all time can you name? Heather and Tom won with listing 29 characters. Some included: Tom, Jerry, Sylvester the Cat, Tweety, Tasmanian Devil, Sponge Bob, Beavis and Butthead, Smurfs, Cinderella, Barney, Dora the Explorer…..
Program
Tom Kerber –
Freedom Aviation Network
First organization of its kind to transport survivors of human trafficking and their advocates to safety.
Established in 2020
Founded by Stephanie Lemar (Captain of Go Jet Airlines) and Jared Miller (life-long
philanthropist)
Based in Nashville
43 states are involved so far
54% of survivors stated that transportation is one of the biggest barriers to reaching safety
They’ve had 93 mission requests
Flown 123 passengers
They have 64 Anti Human Trafficking partners
167 Active Pilots
Rotary is one of their partners.
Tom is going to see how we are involved
Club News and Updates Mark - spoke about mock interviews at ERHS in February. If you’re interested in volunteering, please see Mark. He also emailed out the link to volunteer this morning. Cal – Spoke about how next week is a board meeting (1/22) and a Club Assembly on 1/29.
Birthdays – 1-13- Tove Lichty
1-31 – Bob Maxwell
Delights and Dilemmas Cal – Fined Neil for leaving his briefcase last week at the meeting. He told us about his Alumni Hockey
game in New Ulm where his team won 10-3. They had over 700 spectators! Neil- Thanked Cal for the fine. He’s excited to go ice fishing with a group of 10 from the Bank of Elk River
this weekend in Lake of the Woods. Julie – Thanked Jim Boyle from the Star News for the nice article. She’s also thankful for her retirement! Tom – Told us about his step father-in-law had been battling cancer the past three years, started to
decline quickly and passed away yesterday. Bob – Celebrated the Gopher win at the Bowl Game.
Card Draw – No winner
We recited the Four Way Test
Cal’s Quote of the Day: I drive way too fast to worry about cholesterol.
Last Time We Met 1/8/2026
Our meeting was held at Rockwoods and was led by President Cal Portner.
We recited the Pledge of Allegiance.
Attending Melanie Clemons, Glen Ertel, Julie Fish, Neil Gagnon, Heather Kliewer, Mark Kuyava, Dr. Laura Dockendorf, Cal Portner, Alan Sakry, Joe Stremcha, Bob Maxwell, Bruce Tyler, Mike Zeman
Guests Ryley Rydell – ERHS Junior – Camp Enterprise Ryan Rydell – Ryley’s dad, Minnetonka Rotary Member Tom Ryan – Feed My Starving Children Kizzy – Feed My Starving Children Ryley Rydell –
Ryley Rydell – ERHS Junior – Camp Enterprise
Camp Enterprise Junior at ERHS, attended Camp Enterprise Nov. 6-8th. The Camp taught her about leadership, teamwork, more about herself. First day they had activities for the group. They had a company challenge for the groups. They were to create a company – she was elected CEO and realized she needed to guide her group, keep them focused, listen and prioritize. She learned she had to trust her team, use their strengths to succeed and if you make mistakes, to adjust. Their team developed Vital Air – a medevac drone for organ transport.
Program Neil introduced Tom Ryan & Kizzy from Feed My Starving Children Tom is part of the MN Council, volunteers and is on the Speaker Series for FMSC, Kizzy is new to the Speaker Series and is shadowing Tom today. • FMSC was established in 1987. • Over 6,200 children die every day from malnutrition or hunger. Half of the deaths of children under the age of five are due to malnutrition. • FMSC is a Christian Non-profit, but you don’t need to be Christian to volunteer or receive the donations. • FMSC donates to over 100 countries around the world. • They believe hope starts with food. Their pillars are Feeding Kids, Feeding Spirits, and Empowering Communities. • FMSC is completely donation-funded. They purchase the raw materials, volunteers pack them, and deliver them to where they are needed. They have a 98.9% delivery success rate. • They have permanent and mobile packing facilities. Volunteers pack 6 bags to a box and 36 boxes to a pallet. • They follow all FDA guidelines. • You can sign up as an individual or as a group.
Club News and Updates
Mark spoke about the Literacy Project and how he received 23 apology letters from the students of Parker Elementary School for acting “rowdy,” and a thank you letter as well from the teachers.
Julie – handed out old Rotary clips from Jim at the Star News Theresa – Asked for a volunteer to join the Grant Committee – Joe Stremcha stepped up!
Birthdays – No birthdays today
Delights and Dilemmas
Julie – Thank you to Ryley and Camp Enterprise. She’s also a graduate. She’s also thankful for her retirement!
Theresa – Thankful she saw her daughter for a week over the holidays and gets to see her again next week. Mike – Thanked Ryley, and also the Swim Team and their HS Records Ryan Rydell – Thankful for Camp Enterprise, also the Broomfield Rotary where he just won a 1972 Mustang from a Raffle drawing. He’s the president-elect for the Minnetonka Rotary.
Heather – Travelled to GA to visit Harper, the newest granddaughter. She was able to spend time with five of her grandchildren and some family! Squatch Game Saturday night where the proceeds will go to CAER
Cal – Going to New Ulm for the 50th Anniversary of Hockey. Seven of his classmates will be playing in the game. Happy how fun the Holiday Party was and that he has recovered from Influenza A.
Card Draw – No winner
We recited the Four Way Test
December 11, 2025
Today our meeting was run by President Cal Portner.
Attending
Dirk Barrett, Julie Fish, Neil Gagnon, Tom Kerber, Heather Kliewer, Mark Kuyava, Cal Portner, Pete Reiner, Joe Stremcha, Nicole Wojcik, Bob Maxwell, John Osterman, Bruce Tyler and Stewart Wilson
Club Engagement
Cal handed out a slip of paper listing A-Z with lines that follow. We broke into groups of three and the race was on to see who could fill out the sheet the fastest. Each letter list a Christmas item to match that letter. Team Joe, Pete, Stewart one the contest and received a box of pralines to share. Team Nicole, Neil, Julie came in second and won a box of Ferrero Rocher candies to share.
Rotary Moment
President Cal called up Rotarian Julie Fish to receive her most recent Paul Harris Fellow pin. This is her fifth PHF. Four under her name and in 2013, she gifted one to an amazing community member - Jane Houlton for all she has done! That was the year Julie jumped into Lake Orono for Shiver Elk River. Funds raised were for Jane’s PHF. Julie reports the secret to attaining them is to participate in the opportunities to donate $365 but receive 1000 points to earn a PHF.
Program
Dirk Barrett arranged our program and introduced us to Lance Lindberg, Elk River Historian, also comedian, also real estate agent for Keller Williams. Lance chatted with us about his history of coming to Elk River, Minnesota from California. His grandparents lived in Elk River and were aging. They asked Lance’s parents if they would buy their home on Lake Orono. Lance shared that he met John Osterman on the street and John showed him about town, and showed him to a huge hole, a crater perhaps that was made when the dinosaurs were killed off. Turns out to be the Handke “pit”! At this location, many folks came and went. A place for football, baseball, skating, hockey, lots of kids and adults spent time there. Lance attended Elk River High School. He shared that he was not the greatest student and shared experiences in French and German Clubs. He talked about the old trailer park in Elk River, where Walmart not resides. He shared that this park was Elk River’s first community! Elk River also had a nuclear (atomic) power plant. He has great memories of the Sherburne County Fair and remembers his first time there and seeing the carnival workers with all the missing teeth. His mom told him that they had their teeth pulled to save on toothpaste. The DNR exhibit contained fish from Lake Orono (carp, bullheads, eel pout, cowheads)! Similar to the State Fair exhibit of fish in Minnesota lakes. He continued on with many more stories! Fun program, Dirk!
Back to President Cal . . . Up Next
Reminder 12/18/25 is our evening SOCIAL! at 5:30 at Cowboy Jack’s in the backroom!
12/25/25 and 1/1/26 – No Meetings
1/8/26 – Neil Gagnon will present Ryley Rydell from Elk River High School who attended Camp Enterprise
1/15/26 – Tom Kerber
Delights and Dilemmas
-Bob Maxwell was delighted that 24 years ago on 12/7, he was brought back to life when he survived a heart issue. He owes a lot to God, his family and his Rotary family. With tears in his eyes, he thanked us for all we have brought him through the years. He was also delighted to share that he attended Phantom of the Opera with his daughter, family and friends. Final delight was that the Vikings won the game last Sunday!
-Cal Portner had an IOU to share a story about his wife and daughters attending Phantom of the Opera and a debacle with his wife’s phone locator! Funny story!
-Julie Fish had a delight buck for having the opportunity to watch Frosty the Snowman and The Grinch (original) with her parents and it was their first time seeing them. They are 93!! She also had a very delightful $20 to share with the group that in 20 days, she will be retiring!
-Nicole Wojcik was delighted for Bob’s story – we are blessed to have him; delighted to have attended a convention in Stillwater for work where she learned a new skill with dryer balls!
-Stewart Wilson was delighted to tell us that he was in Elk River instead of Florida this time of the year because yesterday, he officially retired from the Board of Directors at the Bank of Elk River after 50 years of service!
-Dirk Barrett was grateful that Bob Maxwell being here with us today!
-Tom Kerber had a delight for all of the snow we have received! He is hitting the snow trails this weekend!
Card Game – our guest drew a 6 of diamonds. No winner!
Together we recited the 4 Way Test of the things we think, say and do!
Closing thought
It’s all fun and games till Santa checks the naughty list!
Elk River Rotary Meeting
Date:12-4-25
Location: Rockwoods Bar & Grille, Otsego
Attendance: Melanie Clemons, Dr. Laura Dockendorf, Julie Fish, Neil Gagnon, Heather Kliewer, Cal Portner, Debbi Ryberg, Salan Sakry, Joe Stremcha, Michael Zeman, Glen Ertel, Bob, Maxwell, John Osterman, Bruce Tyler
Guests:
Logan Van Deusen and Caleb Healey were introduced as Melanie’s guests and marketing job-shadow students for the day.
Cinnamon Glassbrenner - School Fundr
Aaron, Trisha and Eva Kallunki – Student of the Month
Rotary President Cal called the meeting to order at 12:03 p.m and kicked off with some light-hearted banter about “bad news” (bills being due) and “good news” (it’s Christmastime!).
Question of the Day
What city, state, or country would you never visit again — and why?
Members shared a variety of colorful answers, including:
Lanesboro, MN – Surprise Amish community shutdown at 6 p.m. left one hungry Rotarian wandering for food.
Kremmling, CO (“The Kremlin”) – Described as a ghost town with no one around.
Waterloo, IA – One hockey tournament was enough.
Somerset, WI – A notoriously tiny, not-so-favorite hockey rink.
El Salvador / Guatemala trip (1991) – Hair-raising roadside drop-offs and unsafe-feeling travel.
San José, Costa Rica – Stark contrast between “haves and have-nots” made the visit intense and uncomfortable.
Torreón, Mexico – Large industrial city with “not much there” once the local connection had moved away.
Mexico City (1968 student year abroad) – So many wonderful memories that the member prefers to preserve them rather than go back and change the picture.
North Battleford, Saskatchewan – Endless, flat winter driving, nothing open until late morning, and careful fuel planning needed.
Rotary Moment
A brief Rotary Moment highlighted recent youth engagement:
Members shared about visits to local schools where students especially loved the jokes and interaction.
Handed out our Becky and Lin's Apple Orchard Park by Andrew J. Shoup.
Camp Enterprise dates were announced for November 5–7 next year, with a student scheduled to come speak about their experience at a future meeting.
A QR code is available for those who still need to sign up for upcoming Rotary volunteer opportunities.
Student of the Month – Eva Kallunki
We welcomed our December Student of the Month, Eva, along with her parents, Aaron and Trisha.
Eva is a National Merit Semifinalist/Finalist and is involved in:
Math Team
Red Cross Club (she serves in a leadership role)
She is currently organizing a Red Cross blood drive on December 31 at Central Lutheran Church and invited Rotarians to consider donating.
When asked about her future plans, Eva shared that she hopes to study Biomedical Engineering, with a focus on cardiovascular engineering and regenerative medicine.
She expressed deep appreciation for her parents, noting her mom’s consistent support and her dad’s help with tough decisions.
Program – Cinnamon Glassbrenner, School Fundr
Melanie introduced our speaker, Cinnamon, a longtime friend from junior high, college, and the TV/radio world. Cinnamon has been working in school fundraising for over 10 years and now works with School Fundr, an online fundraising platform.
Why Online Fundraising Works
Cashless & Convenient:
People rarely carry cash or checks anymore—phones do it all.
Donors can give quickly via mobile, anywhere they are.
Tracking & Transparency:
Automatic receipts, thank-yous, and reports make audits and record-keeping much easier.
Helps reduce opportunities for fraud or “missing money,” which has been an issue for some PTOs/PTAs.
Expanded Reach:
Instead of going door-to-door to sell products, students can reach grandparents, relatives, and friends across the country.
Social media and email drastically expand the donor base.
Automation Helps Volunteers:
Pre-written email templates, reminder cadences, and automated analytics help combat volunteer burnout.
She emphasized that online tools don’t replace storytelling — you still have to clearly explain:
What you’re raising money for
Why it matters
How it will make a difference
About School Funder
Similar to GoFundMe in look and feel but designed specifically for schools, teams, and youth groups rather than crisis situations.
Tip-based model:
Donors are invited to leave an optional tip to support the platform.
Schools keep 100% of donations, minus standard ~3% credit card processing fees.
No contracts, no deposits, no startup fees.
The platform:
Builds a custom landing page for the team or group
Sends a 5-email “drip campaign” to each student’s list of contacts
Provides analytics and reporting
Offers customer support along the way
Currently used in about 40 Minnesota schools and ~400 campaigns, with especially strong traction in:
Greater Minnesota
Lower-income districts like Minneapolis, where keeping nearly all funds makes a big difference.
For younger students (K–2), parents still play a key role by entering emails and sharing links/QR codes with family and friends.
Announcements
Groovy Holiday Party
Date: Wednesday, December 18
Time: 5:30 p.m.
Note: No noon meeting that day.
Theme: “Groovy” holiday fun — Julie and the committee promised a hip, fun Christmas gathering.
Programs:
12-11-25 Dirk Barrett – Lance Lindberg, an Elk River Historian
1-8-2026 Neil Gagnon
1-15-2026 Tom Kerber
1-22-2026 Board Meeting
Taste of Elk River
Heather reported on a meeting with Katieat Furniture & Things Event Center.
The last summer concert will be August 6, so Taste of Elk River is penciled in for Thursday, August 13, in the Fieldhouse and adjacent flex space.
Everyone is excited to be back to a Thursday night event, and Katie is enthusiastic about helping create another great experience in the new space.
Birthdays
We celebrated several birthdays between now and the next few weeks:
Marv Sarvola– December 2
Alan Sakry – December 6th – sang to Alan
December 24th – Tom Kerber
December 26th – John Osterman
Delights & Dilemmas
John O:
Shared a delight: this marks the 30th anniversary of his Christmas caroling/Salvation Army bell-ringing tradition.
The group will be singing at Cub from 2–5 p.m. on December 19. Everyone is welcome to come sing, give, or both.
Melanie:
Thankful for guests Cinnamon, Logan, and Caleb.
Shared joy over the 10th year of the Community Thanksgiving Dinner, which served 300+ people and collected $625 in donations that are being given to CAER — a wonderful “pay it forward” ripple effect.
Reported success at Santa in the Park / Fill the Fire Truck, raising about $580 and collecting bags of toys.
Debbi:
Grateful to Heather for the ride and also for finally getting her second cataract surgery done.
Lord of Glory on County Road 15 is hosting “Breakfast in Bethlehem” — a free community breakfast event with crafts, nativity displays, and a live nativity. All are welcome, especially families with young children.
She will miss next week’s meeting due to traveling to Central Missouri for a goddaughter’s wedding and is looking forward to time with family.
Glen:
One member shared returning from a cruise with a close call getting back to the ship at 4:31 p.m. when all-aboard was 4:30 p.m.
The captain’s response: “We didn’t leave you. You left us.
Card Draw – No winner
Closing – 4-Way Test & Thought for the Week
The meeting closed with the Rotary 4-Way Test:
Is it the TRUTH?
Is it FAIR to all concerned?
Will it build GOODWILL and BETTER FRIENDSHIPS?
Will it be BENEFICIAL to all concerned?
Thought for the Week:
“Get your facts first, then you can distort them as you please.”
— Mark Twain
Last Time We Met 11/20/2025
Our meeting was held at Rockwoods and was led by President Cal Portner.
We sang My Country Tis of Thee in remembrance and to honor Bill Yueill’s passing this past Saturday.
Attending Wade Bastian, Melanie Clemons, Julie Fish, Neil Gagnon, Tom Kerber, Heather Kliewer, Mark Kuyava, Cal Portner, Debbi Ryberg, Alan Sakry, Joe Stremcha, Nicole Wojcik, Bob Maxwell, Bruce Tyler, John Osterman Guests Dan Cibulka,Sr. Water Resource Specialist David Wick, District Technician
Club Engagement
What is the best cereal of all time? Cap’n Crunch, Peanut Butter Cap’n Crunch, Frosted Flakes, Apple Jacks, Cheerios, Grapenuts, Frosted Shredded Wheat, Reese’s Puffs, Golden Grahams, Rice Krispies -with butter, marshmallows in a pan Count Chockula, Oatmeal
Rotary Moment
We honored John Osterman as a 5-time Paul Harris honoree!!!! John’s devotion and donations to the Elk River Rotary Club have allowed us to carry out several programs and projects throughout the years, help organizations and charities, give away scholarships, help with the eradication of Polio and provide a great Alto singing voice, to name a few.
Program
Dan Cibulka, Sr. Water Resource Specialist for the Sherburne County Soil and Water Conservation District, and David Wick, District Technician, spoke about how this district was formed in 1944 after the Dust Bowl Era. Dan spoke about Sherburne County’s forests, wetlands, prairies, lakes, and rivers. The areas of work are agricultural, education, outreach, and being a community resource. They work a lot with landowners, farmers, and schools. They also put together podcasts, webinars and newsletters. They talked about the species that can kill trees, aquatic erosion, wetland conservation, and monitoring our water sources to keep them clean. They work on stormwater projects to localize flooding and run-off. They work on shoreline erosion & sediment that infiltrates our lakes and rivers. They’re currently working on a carp project, as they can be detrimental to our water and aquatic ecosystems. They worked on the William H. Houlton Conservation Area – 180 acres of prairie planting, they use a natural restoration approach to benefit the wildlife habitat and water quality. They also worked on the Varty Prairie Project and turned ½ acre section into prairie grounds, the Union Church Stormwater Project – installing a French drain and rain garden, and the Rolshouse Urban Habitat, creating a pollinator habitat for bees and butterflies. David talked about funding, applying for grants and helping landowners apply for grants, he talked about the issue with Emerald Ash Borer – which has been an issue since 2022. He also spoke about Oak Wilt and how he meets with a lot of homeowners as an Arborist giving them advice on their trees and land. For more information - SHERBURNE SOIL AND WATER CONSERVATION DISTRICT - Home
Club News and Updates Mark spoke about the Literacy Project next week at our local elementary schools (Nov. 24 – 26th). Be prepared to tell a joke suitable for 3rd graders.
Julie – It’s going to be a ’60s theme with a contest for best-dressed and last to arrive.
December 18, 2025 - Julie Fish - SAVE THE DATE FOR OUR HOLIDAY EVENING SOCIAL - Cowboy Jacks - Back to the 60's Theme -
Look forward to seeing your best 60's.
Let Julie know if you will be coming.
Birthdays – We sang to Nicole (backwards)
Delights and Dilemmas
Bruce – Friends of Sherburne County Wildlife is looking for a Treasurer. If you’re interested, reach out to Carol. Also there are still over 20,000 sandhill cranes there. Heather – She celebrated the wonderful CAER Gala, her granddaughter being born, her son getting married and it’s Give to the Max Day – so please consider donating as Cornerstone is matching up to $25,000!
Debbi – One cataract surgery done!
Nicole – Mark and her went to Florida, were able to visit with friends, meet the baby, found a local bar and grill called Coco’s!
Tom – youngest son competing in DECA competition in Maryland this week!
Cal – Thankful for Mark stepping in last week as he got held up in a mediation.
Card Draw – Tom won! $81.50
We recited the Four Way Test
Words of Wisdom: To be yourself in a world that is constantly trying to make you something else is the greatest accomplishment
Dear Rotarians,
It is with a heavy heart that I share that our dear friend Bill Yeuill passed away last Saturday.
Please keep Bill and his family in your thoughts and prayers.
Cal
Last Time We Met 11/6/2025
Our meeting was held at Rockwoods and was led by President elect Mark Kuyava.
We recited the Pledge of Allegiance.
Attending
Melanie Clemons, Dr. Laura Dockendorf, Julie Fish, Neil Gagnon, Tom Kerber, Bonnie Koste, Mark Kuyava, Joe Libor, Garrett Prehatney, Debbi Ryberg, Joe Stremcha, Theresa Slominski, Bob Maxwell, Bruce Tyler, Glen Ertel
Guests
Zack Carlton – City of Elk River
Sandy Meulners – Landscape Architect
J. Bryan Calva – City Council
Club Engagement
If you were to time travel would it be to the past or future?
11 said back
6 said to the future
1 said to stay here
Program Zack and Sandy talked about our Historic Water Tower and the future plans to make it more of an
engaging space for our community. They spoke about how it was painted to its original colors 5 years ago and is now on the Historic Registry. Sandy spoke about the goals for the water tower, making it a welcoming community space, designing it for all ages and abilities to interact with the space. It will include walking paths, with story-telling markers talking about the history of Elk River the pathways, flowers, a water feature, swinging benches, café tables for people to sit at, benches and artwork. They are pursuing grants and hoping businesses or community members will adopt a tree or bench to also help fund this project.
Club News and Updates Mark spoke about the Literacy Project and how the books are all stickered and ready to be distributed to the local elementary schools Nov. 24 – 26th by Rotarians that have signed up to read. Be prepared to tell a joke suitable for 3rd graders.
Julie - Save the date December 18th for the Rotary Christmas party and 65 years celebration! It’s going to be a ’60s theme with a contest for best-dressed and last to arrive. Theresa mentioned Rudolph the Red Nose Reindeer, The Grinch and Peanuts Christmas movies all premiered during the ‘60s
as well.
Delights and Dilemmas Julie – joyfully welcomed great-grandniece number 32! Bob – Flew smoothly back and forth from Florida.
Debbi – That Rob got a 10-point Buck deer hunting, she’ll be having cataract surgery next month, she got her official Rotary license plate in the mail, she’s hosting Thanksgiving this year, and she just completed her radiation for her breast cancer (diagnosed this summer). Theresa – is grateful for the vision of the new Water Tower space! Tom – wife’s cousin came into town, and that’s why his wife, Nora, was able to come to lunch today!
Card Draw – No winner today, over $120 in the pot!
We recited the Four Way Test
Words of Wisdom: Always remain unique, just like everyone else.
Last Time We Met 11/6/2025
Our meeting was held at Rockwoods and was led by President Cal Portner. We recited the Pledge of Allegiance.
Attending
Melanie Clemons, Julie Fish, Tom Kerber, Mark Kuyava, Pete Reiner, Debbi Rydberg, Theresa Slominski, Bob Maxwell, John Osterman, Alan Sakry, Joe Stremcha, Bruce Tyler, Stewart Wilson, Mike Zeman
Guests
Indira Sivaraj – ERHS Student of the Month, Ramya Sivaraj, Grace Dols and the DECA Executive Team
Student of the Month
FirstMike Zeman introduced the ERHS Student of the Month, Indira Sivaraj. Indira is in NHS, Math Club, Swimming, and Violin (12 years) is a National Merit Semi-Finalist. Her proudest accomplishments are volunteering and giving back to the community. Her parents are her biggest inspiration and role models. She plans on double-majoring in college in Engineering and Music
Club Engagement
What is a purchase you immediately regretted?
Lululemon Stock, an ugly coat, a car, stocks, Sirus FM, a carnival ride ticket, $2,000 worth of pots/pans from the State Fair.
Rotary Moment
Cal shared photos from his trips to Savannah, GA, Des Moines, IA, Idaho and Saskatchewan and the different Rotary Memorials.
Program
Grace Dols and the ERHS DECA Executive Team shared the incredible opportunities DECA provides students in leadership and career development. They highlighted the various levels of competition—from Districts and State all the way to the International Career Development Conference (ICDC)—where students apply their skills in real-world scenarios.
Through DECA, members gain hands-on experience in marketing, sales, finance, public speaking, and project management. They also collaborate with local businesses, participate in community initiatives through DERBA, and volunteer at events such as Downtown Trick-or-Treat, serving Veterans at the Lions Club, and helping at the Thumbs Up 5K Walk.
To support their activities, students manage and sell merchandise at the DECA Depot, The Lodge (FTCEC), and the Swaggon—DECA’s mobile retail cart that travels to games and school events. Each year, they lead Tackle Cancer efforts, helping raise awareness and funds for important causes. This year’s campaign supported lung cancer research, with proceeds donated to the Randy Shaver Cancer Research & Community Fund.
With the football team heading to State, the DECA team is already gearing up to design and sell spirit merchandise for students and the community.
Club News and Updates
Mark spoke about the Literacy Project and how the books are all stickered and ready to be distributed to the local elementary schools Nov. 24 – 26th. They can still use a few more volunteers, so please email Mark
Save the date for December 18 at Cowboy Jack’s Rotary Christmas party and 65 years celebration! It’s going to be a ’60s theme with a contest for best dressed and last to arrive.
Delights and Dilemmas
Julie – joyfully welcomed great-grandnephew number 31 into the family! She also handed over $5 to John after losing their friendly wager—she thought Monticello would beat the Elks in football… but the Elks triumphed!
John – pulled a few more cards for the card draw and is looking forward to cheering on the Elks as they face Minneapolis Washburn this Saturday.
Bob – is celebrating the Gophers' big win and is heading to Florida this weekend to visit his ailing aunt.
Theresa – is excited that Danielle will be home for a week over the holiday. She enjoyed a recent trip to her alma mater, NDSU, with her sister and was able to visit her niece, who is studying to become a pilot. She also shared her gratitude for Indira and the DECA team’s visit.
Mike – expressed gratitude for the recent NHS Induction Ceremony, the choir and band concerts this week, the Elk River Football Team advancing to Section Finals, and thanked Indira and the DECA students for joining.
Alan – returned from a road trip to Kansas where he attended a baby shower and shared his appreciation for all DECA does.
Ramya (Indira’s mom) – thanked the community, school staff, teachers, and Principal Mike Zeman for fostering such a supportive and welcoming environment.
Cal – shared that Katie will be taking a break from Rotary to focus on family, and Heather will be stepping in to lead the Taste event—and will do an outstanding job. He also mentioned traveling with his family to hockey games and proudly celebrated his nephew, who scored four points in River Falls last weekend!
Card Draw – No winner today, over $100 in the pot!
We recited the Four Way Test
Last Time We Met 10/30/2025
Our meeting was held at Rockwoods and was led by President-Elect Mark Kuyava. We recited the Pledge of Allegiance.
Attending Julie Fish, Neil Gagnon, Mark Kuyava, Tove Lichty, Dr. Laura Mullennex, Pete Reiner, Debbi Rydberg, Theresa Slominski, Ben Zawacki, Glen Ertel, Bob Maxwell, John Osterman, Bruce Tyler
Program Today was Club Assembly and we had a project of putting the stickers in the books we will be distributing to the Third Graders on November 24, 25, and 26, times TBD.
Club Engagement How many languages do you know how to say “Hello” in? Collectively, we could say it in five: English Hello, Hawaiian-Aloha, Spanish-Hola, Italian-Chao, and French-Bonjour. Mark shared several from around the world.
Club News and Updates
A veterans’ benefit sponsored by Beyond the Yellow Ribbon will be held at Aegir Brewery, Sunday, November 2 from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. It will feature a beer release, a “pay it forward” beer program, live music by Betty and Axel, military-themed music and trivia, the Nitro’s Mac Shack food truck will be on site, and the Minnesota Vikings game on a big screen, all to support the Beyond the Yellow Ribbon organization which helps local veterans, service members, and their families.
The Taste Signature Recipient will be awarded a flat $10,000 instead of a percentage of the profits. The change was made to be able to announce the award early on, instead of waiting to announce the amount several weeks after the event when all the funds and expenses have been tabulated. This change should help with promoting the Taste event and we will be able to have the big check presentation a week or two after the event.
We have a Camp Enterprise candidate from Elk River and will be contributing $500 towards their attendance.
Bob Maxwell updated the website with current Taste, Bowling, and Highway cleanup pictures. Debbi will soon have updated information regarding the grants request process and dates on the website.
Rotary cleanup last week went well. Ten Rotarians picked up 15 bags of trash.
Save the date for December 18 at Cowboy Jack’s Rotary Christmas party and 65 years celebration! There will be a social committee meeting for planning next Tuesday, November 4, 5:30 p.m. at Cowboy Jack’s.
Membership Chair Laura Mullennex formally inducted Ben Zawacki into our Rotary Club. Welcome Ben!
Fundraising Opportunities Delights and DilemmasBruce Tyler told of a camper fire across the river from them because of an explosion. They called 911 and with the bridge out the Fire Department could not get there before it burned completely. There was one person there but was able to get out safely.
Theresa Slominski was delighted to be here today, and delighted to be spending the weekend in Grand Forks, ND with her youngest sister, Chrissy, to attend UND vs UMD hockey games.
Tove Lichty was delighted to be here today, and to be attending the CAER Gala tonight.
John Osterman was delighted to have participated in the mock interviews at Elk River High School.
Neil Gagnon had a delight that his dishwasher was replaced this morning, and a dilemma that his dishwasher is still not working and it might be an electrical issue instead.
Julie Fish was delighted for celebrating her mother’s 93rd birthday, attending a St John’s Rugby game of her great nephew (which they won) and are the Minnesota Rugby champs and now will be attending the championship game in Missouri, and a good luck buck for the upcoming Monticello vs Elk River football game.
Card Draw – No winner today We recited the Four Way Test
We recited the Four Way Test
Last Time We Met 10/16/2025
Today our meeting was held at Rockwoods and was led by President Cal Portner.
We recited the Pledge of Allegiance.
Attending
Melanie Clemons, Dr. Laura Dockendorf, Glen Ertel, Julie Fish, Neil Gagnon, Heather Kliewer, Mark Kuyava, Robert Maxwell, John Osterman, Cal Portner, Garrett Prehatney, Debbi Ryberg, Alan Sakry, Joe Stremcha, Bruce Tyler, Stewart Wilson
Guests Attending
Tracy Larson, CEO Guardian Angels
Club Engagement
Trivia of Favorite Movie Quote of All Time
Diamond Team won – Stewart, Heather and Debbi
Program
Tracy Larson – CEO Guardian Angels
GA Mission is to provide exceptional health care, housing and supportive services to seniors and their families in the spirit of God’s love.
60th Anniversary in 2026
Started at Holy Trinity Episcopal Church
Now over 500 employees
713 residents
11 different resident facilities
Partner with Catholic Charities for Meals on Wheels
Care Center has 120 beds, 24/7 nursing care, transition care, outpatient rehab
Own Guardian Angels by the Lake, Engel Haus, Riverview Landing, Pullman Place, Lake Orono Twin Homes, Guardian Oaks, Evans Park and Angel Ridge
There’s a shortage of nurses, bringing some in from Kenya
They provide wellness centers, salons, different events, busing to and from venues, pickle ball, yoga
To donate or volunteer log onto: www.guardianangels.org
Club News and Updates:
Strike Out Poliowith John Osterman - Julie, Bob, Nicole, Heather, Debbi, Rob, Pete, Neil and Melanie went! Raised $1,552!!
Sending first student to Club Enterprise! Julie was the first student to go to this camp!
10/22/25 – Mock Interviews at ERHS, volunteers needed. See Debbi.
10/23/25– Adopt A Hwy Clean Up, start around 3:30 behind Olde Main Eatery. Mark sent out the sign up sheet, clean up from 4-6 p.m, 10 signed up so far. Need about 5 more if possible. Family/friends welcome.
Upcoming Programs & Events:
10/23/25 – Board/Committee Meeting
10/30/25 – Club Assembly
11/6/25 – Mike Zeman – Grace Dols, DECA, ERHS
11-13-25 – Cal Portner – City of Elk River Communications Team
11-20-25 – Wade Bastian – Dan Cibulka – Senior Water Resources Specialist for Sherburn County Sil Water Conservation District
11/27/25 – Thanksgiving Holiday – No Meeting
12/4/25 – Melanie Clemons – Cinnamon Glassbrenner with SchoolFundr/Hometown
Delights and Dilemmas
Julie – Club Enterprise Student, parents celebrated 74 years of marriage, Monticello HS beat Elk River Elks in football
John – 61-27 Elks won vs. Cretin Durham Hall, 1st playoff game against Cambridge next Saturday
Bob – Celebrating 33 years ago that Mighty Ducks premiered with Emilio Estafez and Brian Maxwell
Stewart – Happy to be back, thank you Guardian Angels
Heather – her partnership with Guardian Angels and CAER
Glen – Guardian Angels and his mom was there, he visited her on his motorcycle, took her for a ride and all the other women were jealous ��
Cal – Visited Iowa to attend the minor league Wild Team, visited his brother, ran into Nick Zerwas
Card Draw – No winner today
We recited the Four Way Test
Pearls of Wisdom:
I think it’s wrong that only one company makes the game of Monopoly (Steven Wright)
Tom Kerber – 
granddaughter. She was able to spend time with five of her grandchildren and some family! Squatch Game Saturday night where the proceeds will go to CAER 
President Cal called up Rotarian Julie Fish to receive her most recent Paul Harris Fellow pin. This is her fifth PHF. Four under her name and in 2013, she gifted one to an amazing community member - Jane Houlton for all she has done! That was the year Julie jumped into Lake Orono for Shiver Elk River. Funds raised were for Jane’s PHF. Julie reports the secret to attaining them is to participate in the opportunities to donate $365 but receive 1000 points to earn a PHF.
Lance Lindberg, Elk River Historian, also comedian, also real estate agent for Keller Williams. Lance chatted with us about his history of coming to Elk River, Minnesota from California. His grandparents lived in Elk River and were aging. They asked Lance’s parents if they would buy their home on Lake Orono. Lance shared that he met John Osterman on the street and John showed him about town, and showed him to a huge hole, a crater perhaps that was made when the dinosaurs were killed off. Turns out to be the Handke “pit”! At this location, many folks came and went. A place for football, baseball, skating, hockey, lots of kids and adults spent time there. Lance attended Elk River High School. He shared that he was not the greatest student and shared experiences in French and German Clubs. He talked about the old trailer park in Elk River, where Walmart not resides. He shared that this park was Elk River’s first community! Elk River also had a nuclear (atomic) power plant. He has great memories of the Sherburne County Fair and remembers his first time there and seeing the carnival workers with all the missing teeth. His mom told him that they had their teeth pulled to save on toothpaste. The DNR exhibit contained fish from Lake Orono (carp, bullheads, eel pout, cowheads)! Similar to the State Fair exhibit of fish in Minnesota lakes. He continued on with many more stories! Fun program, Dirk!
delighted to share that he attended Phantom of the Opera with his daughter, family and friends. Final delight was that the Vikings won the game last Sunday!
We honored John Osterman as a 5-time Paul Harris honoree!!!! John’s devotion and donations to the Elk River Rotary Club have allowed us to carry out several programs and projects throughout the years, help organizations and charities, give away scholarships, help with the eradication of Polio and provide a great Alto singing voice, to name a few. 
Dan Cibulka, Sr. Water Resource Specialist for the Sherburne County Soil and Water Conservation District, and David Wick, District Technician, spoke about how this district was formed in 1944 after the Dust Bowl Era. Dan spoke about Sherburne County’s forests, wetlands, prairies, lakes, and rivers. The areas of work are agricultural, education, outreach, and being a community resource. They work a lot with landowners, farmers, and schools. They also put together podcasts, webinars and newsletters. They talked about the species that can kill trees, aquatic erosion, wetland conservation, and monitoring our water sources to keep them clean. They work on stormwater projects to localize flooding and run-off. They work on shoreline erosion & sediment that infiltrates our lakes and rivers. They’re currently working on a carp project, as they can be detrimental to our water and aquatic ecosystems. They worked on the William H. Houlton Conservation Area – 180 acres of prairie planting, they use a natural restoration approach to benefit the wildlife habitat and water quality. They also worked on the Varty Prairie Project and turned ½ acre section into prairie grounds, the Union Church Stormwater Project – installing a French drain and rain garden, and the Rolshouse Urban Habitat, creating a pollinator habitat for bees and butterflies. David talked about funding, applying for grants and helping landowners apply for grants, he talked about the issue with Emerald Ash Borer – which has been an issue since 2022. He also spoke about Oak Wilt and how he meets with a lot of homeowners as an Arborist giving them advice on their trees and land. For more information - SHERBURNE SOIL AND WATER CONSERVATION DISTRICT - Home 
Nicole – Mark and her went to Florida, were able to visit with friends, meet the baby, found a local bar and grill called Coco’s! 
The Taste Signature Recipient will be awarded a flat $10,000 instead of a percentage of the profits. The change was made to be able to announce the award early on, instead of waiting to announce the amount several weeks after the event when all the funds and expenses have been tabulated. This change should help with promoting the Taste event and we will be able to have the big check presentation a week or two after the event. 
Save the date for December 18 at Cowboy Jack’s Rotary Christmas party and 65 years celebration! There will be a social committee meeting for planning next Tuesday, November 4, 5:30 p.m. at Cowboy Jack’s. 
