Last Time We Met 3/13/2025
.jpg) Today our meeting was held at Rockwoods and was led by President Heather Kliewer. We sang and recited the pledge: 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.
Attending Wade Bastian, Melanie Clemons, Julie Fish, Neil Gagnon, Thomas Kerber, Heather Kliewer, Mark Kuyava, Joseph Libor, Dr Laura Mullennex, Debbi Rydberg, Theresa Slominski, Joe Stremcha, Nicole Wojcik, Bob Maxwell, John Osterman, Bruce Tyler
Guests Attending Mark Dickinson, Elk River Fire Chief and Kaitlyn Hennes, Administrative Assistant Elk River Fire Department Program Joe Libor introduced the Elk River Fire Chief, Mark Dickinson, who gave an update on the Fire  Department. He was last here six years ago when he first started as the Fire Chief. There has been a restructure and reorganization of the department, a new fire station (Fire Station 3) added on the East side of town, an update and remodel of Station 2, and a new aerial fire truck ordered since he came. The Fire Academy has been very instrumental in training fire fighters in the area, not just Elk River, which has proved beneficial as they assist each other on fires outside our community. They have some training resources at Fire Station 3 and a burning trailer. A study was done in 2018 and again in 2023 identifying that Station 1 has reached the end of its useful life and will need to relocate that facility somewhere - still central to Elk River. They have a potential of 60 fire fighters, and they are at 51 now so are continually looking to expand their numbers. The next hiring Expo is April 24 and is a great introduction to what a fire fighter is and helps take away fears and misconceptions of the job. Community outreach is very important to the department, whether it is education in the schools, safety within the community, or social media education.
 There is a boot hockey charity event at the Kiser Arena March 30 at 3:30, police against fire, and benefiting The Boys and Girls Club and Soldier 6.
Board & Committee Updates and Reports
Tom Kerber will be presenting next week, and the following week will be our Board meeting.
Fundraising Opportunities
.jpg) Happy Birthday – we sang the regular way to Melanie Clemons
Delights and Dilemmas Heather Kliewer was  delighted that her daughter, Cheri, had surgery on Saturday and feels like a million bucks now! She was also delighted with her parents’ celebration of their 50th anniversary last weekend.
Bob Maxwell was delighted to have the Police Chief in a few weeks to present, which will be after the police and fire charity hockey game.
Nicole Wojcik was delighted to have had an awesome Florida trip and the family she went to help with is doing well. She is also delighted to be singing the national anthem at the Zimmerman Archery Tournament this weekend.
Theresa Slominski was delighted with the sunshine and warm weather today!
Julie Fish had a dilemma that her vehicle tabs were $500 and delighted that her license was renewed at the Wright County Licensing Center which is a very nice facility, and they even have a drive-thru!
Neil Gagnon was delighted to be traveling to Florida next week.
 Card Draw – no winner this week
 Pearls of Wisdom: “Wherever you go and whatever you do, may the luck of the Irish be with you.” Irish Blessing
Last Time We Met 3/6/2025
Today our meeting was held at Rockwoods and was led by President Heather Kliewer.
We sang and recited the pledge:
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 bebeneficial to all concerned? These are our compass and will ensure that our actions are filled with
integrity and genuine care.
Attending
Dirk Barrett, Roger Clemons, Julie Fish, Neil Gagnon, Katie Harstad, Thomas Kerber, Heather Kliewer, Bonnie Koste, Mark Kuyava, Cal Portner, Debbi Rydberg, Theresa Slominski, Marvin Sorvala, Joe Stremcha, Nicole Wojcik, Bob Maxwell, John Osterman, Bruce Tyler
Guests Attending
Colton Hanson, grandson of Bob Maxwell; Alec Plaisted, partner of Plaisted Companies
Bob Maxwell introduced his grandson, Colton Hanson, who was able to accompany him since he had no school today.
Program
 Bonnie Koste introduced Alec Plaisted, a partner in Plaisted Companies, overseeing Sales and Marketing, the Landscape division, and a member of the Leadership Team.
Plaisted Companies was founded in 1990 by his father, Todd Plaisted. They created a custom blend of sand for Princeton Golf Course bunkers and grew very quickly after that and now serve around 325 golf courses in the tri-state area. They expanded into peat harvesting, horticulture special blend soils, engineered soils and environmental solutions, custom blended soils, landscape supply for outdoor spaces, boulder acquisitions, homeowner-friendly loading bins with online ordering capabilities, a fleet of trucks that deliver any way you want, and
propane delivery in the winter months. They are very proud of their reputation for innovation, reliability, and customer service in their company of about 150 employees with Alec, his brother, and his father at the helm. They hope to continue their growth with acquisitions, adding salespeople, and building partnerships, and feel that their engineered soils and horticulture blends have a lot of growth opportunity.
 Board & Committee Updates and Reports
Mark Kuyava with Service Projects provided an update on the Adopt A Highway project and we are
waiting on a sign to designate our area along Highway 10 from approximately Dairy Queen to the 101
overpass. We are required to clean twice a year and may clean three times a year in spring, summer,
and fall.
Debbi Rydberg with the Donations Committee updated that emails have been sent to the non-profits
they had in their database to let them know how to apply for grants and the timeline. Joe Stremcha will
send out the email to survey the club on the focus for donations and awarding the grants.
Katie Harstad is still looking for a co-chair to help with the Taste. She is interested in any feedback from
past weeks since she has been gone. If you haven’t signed up for an area of the Taste to help with yet let
Katie or Heather know.
Julie Fish noted that Terry Bizal has been removed with regret from membership and Mike Zeman has
been added.Cal Portner provided a website update that is mostly backend changes that he is working on with the
changes that RI had implemented. He is looking forward to having news updates on the website.
Next week we have Joe Libor bringing the Fire Chief, Mark Dickinson, for his program.
Fundraising Opportunities
Happy Birthday – no birthdays today
Delights and Dilemmas
Heather Kliewer was delighted that Endless Poxybilities volunteered to epoxy the new floors in the CAER garage for free and it looks beautiful! Her parents are celebrating their 50th wedding anniversary this
weekend. She had a dilemma that her oldest daughter, Cheri, is in the hospital with an infected kidney
stone that turned sepsis, trying to stop the infection and return her to health.
Nicole Wojcik was delighted that she had been skiing over the weekend and only fell twice. She was also
at the State Capitol yesterday for Minnesota Community Education Advocacy Day and was able to meet
with representatives and senators. Haley is coming home today through Saturday. She is taking an
“emergency” trip down to Florida to help her friend out who is expecting their second child in a few
weeks and has had a sick child in the hospital with severe pneumonia last week. Finally, she will be
singing the national anthem again for the Zimmerman Archery Tournament.
Theresa Slominski was delighted that her husband had a successful trip to Colorado last week with his
siblings and mom to clean out his brother’s condo, and for the boys’ state hockey tournament -
especially with East Grand Forks playing so well last night.
Marv Sorvala was delighted to be up her for a week and practice using his Michigan snow scoop.
Bruce Tyler was delighted to share a very serious announcement that he and Cassy invested in a dozen
eggs and placed them in their safe deposit box to see what happens.
 Bob Maxwell was delighted to share that Colton’s brother, Chase, was in a basketball tournament in
Farmington and played against Kevin O’Connell’s son and he was gracious enough to take a picture with
their team.
Julie Fish was delighted with her Florida Keys vacation, for Marvin having to shovel while he was back,
and for the Three Rivers’ Bargo at the Buff.
Debbi Rydberg was delighted to have been at the Laundromat and needed quarters and only had a $20
bill so she has lots of quarters – a throwback to Marilyn – and so two dollars in quarters for her cat Dale
who was “nosey” and fell into the toilet, and the Chambers’ Groovy Gala (a throwback to the 70s) on
March 27 which she hopes to see many of us attend.
Katie Harstad was delighted to be back after having a crazy couple of weeks: her family is back down to
one sport instead of three, she made it through the hockey sections week, she got influenza A in the
process, and she was presented with the President’s Award for marketing at the Lions Club. She is
excited to go on a field trip tomorrow to the State Hockey Tournament.
Card Draw – no winner this week
Pearls of Wisdom:
“The beauty of daylight-savings time is that it just makes everyone feel sunnier.” Ed Markey
Last Time We Met 2/20/2025
Today our meeting was held at Rockwoods and was led by President Heather Kliewer.
We sang and recited the pledge: 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.
Attending
Dirk Barrett, Wade Bastian, Melanie Clemons, Roger Clemons, Neil Gagnon, Heather Kliewer, Mark Kuyava, Joseph Libor, Tove Lichty, Dr. Laura Mullennex, Cal Portner, Pete Reiner, Debbi Rydberg, Alan Sakry, Theresa Slominski, Joe Stremcha, Bill Yueill, Bob Maxwell, John Osterman, Bruce Tyler
Guests Attending
Gavin Schmidt, Student of the Month, and Candace Schmidt, his mother; Mike Zeman, Principal Elk River
High School
Program
 Mike Zeman introduced Gavin Schmidt, the Student of the Month, a senior at Elk River High School.
Gavin is a senior leader in the building, captain of the football team, runs track, and is a bleacher leader
of winter sports. He plans on attending the University of Minnesota Duluth to play football and his major
is still undecided. His favorite classes are yoga and weightlifting, and his favorite teacher was his third-
grade teacher. His hero is his dad who is a hard worker and very disciplined, and Saquon Barkley.
Heather Kliewer presented the amended bylaws reflecting the regular meeting schedule change. We
had a quorum and so a motion was made by Debbi Rydberg to accept the change of the bylaws,
seconded by Pete Reiner, and the motion passed.
Board & Committee Updates and Reports
The Donations Committee presented Categories with descriptions to use for the applications and asked
for feedback on them. The categories align well with Rotary International: Economic Empowerment,
Environmental Preservation, Lifelong Learning, Health Welfare and Wellness, and Youth Enrichment.
Once the categories are finalized, Joe Stremcha will be sending out the information from the Donation
Committee for the club to help prioritize the funding focus, via an email to vote.
The Taste of Elk River signature recipient was discussed. The organizations submitted were CAER,
Magnus Foundation, Three Rivers Foundation, Main Street Family Services, and Hoodlums. The
discussion centered around having a single signature recipient or have it be a general fundraiser and
spread the wealth to more organizations through the Donations Committee grants. We will allow some
more time for members to think on this topic before deciding. Joe will include this information in the
email he sends.
February is “Share The Love” month for Rotary General Foundation. Your donations made through “My
Rotary” can be matched with Paul Harris points. Be sure to set up your “My Rotary” account if you have not already.
Next week, February 27, 2025 is the Board Meeting. There will be no student of the month in March.
Fundraising Opportunities
Happy Birthday – We sang Happy Birthday to Dirk Barrett, a horrible version at his request.
Delights and Dilemmas
Theresa Slominski was delighted the steamer people came and unfroze the sewer at her cabin this past
weekend.
Mike Zeman was delighted that the Elk River wrestling team was going to the State Tournament this
year, for the first time in 23 years! They upset the 1st, 3rd, and 4th seeds!
Neil Gagnon was delighted for his trip to Mexico and had a wonderful time and was glad that the plane
landed upright on its wheels.
Wade Bastian was delighted with the warmer weather and hopes to have his maple taps in next week.
Roger Clemons had delights and dilemmas as there was car trouble over the weekend, and his furnace
locked up over the weekend but is working now.
Robert Maxwell was delighted with Gopher football and basketball, and for the Squatch hockey team
that his having a great season.
Tove Lichty was delighted to have been in Arizona last week for a partner meeting and found out that
she was recognized in the Forbes top women wealth advisors. Congratulations Tove!
Melanie Clemons is delighted to be back after being sick for two weeks, her daughter is now driving with
her drivers permit, and her son is graduating this year and so it has been an emotional roller coaster.
Heather Kliewer was delighted that her granddaughter Maddie turned 1 February 8, for her trip to
Cancun last week, and the CAER Trot O’ Gold 5k March 15.
Card Draw – Tove Lichty was the winner this week!
Pearls of Wisdom:
“Never put off until tomorrow what you can do the day after tomorrow just as well.” Mark Twain
Last Time We Met 2/13/2025
 Today our meeting was held at Rockwoods and was led by President-Elect Cal Portner. We sang and recited the pledge: 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.
Attending Wade Bastian, Thomas Kerber, Cal Portner, Pete Reiner, Debbi Rydberg, Alan Sakry, Theresa Slominski, Joe Stremcha, Bob Maxwell, John Osterman, Bruce Tyler
Guests Attending Jessica Ovall, CAER; Tim and Michelle Hiller.
The Car Clinic Program - Tim Hiller presented for The  Car Clinic, a non-profit ministry in Elk River that provides vehicle repairs and maintenance for people in financial need. They provide free labor, discounted parts, and a 27-point inspection, along with a meal while the repairs are being completed. Typical recipients are single parents, seniors, disabled individuals, veterans, or anyone who is in a season of financial distress. Tim told the story of how he felt called to provide this service even though he had no idea how it was going to work and he had limited mechanical experience. He felt this has been a walk of faith where God provided the resources over the years, and in March they will celebrate their 20-year anniversary. Kare 11, Land of 10,000 Stories, made a story in 2017 that really grew their business. 'Car Clinic' tends to cars and their owners | kare11.com They have grown from providing the service a few times a year to 8-10 cars one Saturday a month in their home garage and are booked for six months out. They also take car donations and fix them up and give them away to people in need and help other individuals start car clinics. Tim would like to find a garage building so that he can do the work Monday through Friday because they have so much need. He would like to also be able to fix cars at a reduced rate to provide income for the free services he is providing. He is looking for help with fundraising, grant writing, donations, and property or low-rent facility to take it to the next level. Donations and information can be found at tim@thecarclinic.org and www.thecarclinic.org.
Board & Committee Updates and Reports Debbi Rydberg reported that Rotary has placed an ad in the Community Guide to recruit members and make Rotary more visible in the community, as well as a Taste update. She also reported that the applications will be updated on the website for organizations to apply for donation requests.
Fundraising Opportunities – none
Delights and Dilemmas
Debbi Rydberg was delighted with a wonderful trip to Texas, has new floors in some of her house (thanks to Dirk Barrett for help with that), attending a conference on AI and ChatGPT, gave herself a fine for having her name badge in her car instead of on her person, and glad to be back to Rotary after being gone for a while.
Wade Bastian was delighted to have seen a segment on Good Morning America on the 150th anniversary of Boy Scouts and the name change to Scouting America. Tom Kerber gave himself a fine for being late and was delighted with The Car Clinic that happens to be on the same street he lives on.
Bob Maxwell was delighted that his knee issues seemed to be resolved with a cortisone shot and found out that D3 Elk River players were recognized at the hockey arena when he found his son’s name on a plaque along with all the other D1 and NHL players that were recognized.
Joe Stremcha was delighted that his dogs were at the groomers today, and his stepbrother and wife have a new son, Emerson, born at 4:30am and his mom is flying in today to see the new baby.
Theresa Slominski was delighted to have The Car Clinic here today, to attend the Squatch game with her son and have some quality time with him.
Card Draw – no winner this week
- None
“Pearls of Wisdom: eave nothing for tomorrow which can be done today.” Abraham Lincoln
Last Time We Met 2/6/2025
Today our meeting was held at Rockwoods and was led by President Heather Kliewer. We sang and recited the pledge: 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.
Attending Julie Fish, Neil Gagnon, Katie Harstad, Thomas Kerber, Heather Kliewer, Bonnie Koste, Mark Kuyava, Cal Portner, Pete Reiner, Theresa Slominski, Nicole Wocjik, Bill Yueill, Bob Maxwell, John Osterman, Bruce Tyler
Guests Attending - No guests today
 Program Today Katie Harstad led a discussion on the Taste of Elk River 2025, which will be held Wednesday, August 13 at the Furniture & Things Event Center. Katie stated for 2026 we may need to explore alternative venues than the main ice, due to the time it takes to remove the ice and then restore the ice. There is a huge demand for ice time and it is very expensive to remove, and they are missing out on revenue opportunities of $250 per hour when the ice is out. That is an amount that cannot be recouped with day venues on the dry surface. There will be an alternative entrance at the side rather than over the steps this year. We are doing paper and digital tickets this year. Katie asked for help on committees for the Taste as it is our biggest fundraiser of the year. She asked for help with asking sponsors, asking restaurants, creating the sponsorship package, beverage assistance with John O (and learning that piece as well), games and fundraising (asking for items or alternative ideas for use of wheel), ticketing, marketing, and entertainment/music. Today Katie emailed a google link for a spreadsheet that tracks everything related to the Taste event. Everyone can use this spreadsheet to share information and if you are not able to access it you can send information to Katie at tasteer@rotaryelkrivermn.org and she will update. This will be a great tool for providing information year over year. Slips of paper were provided at the meeting to nominate an organization to be the Signature Recipient, and an email will also be sent to everyone so those not in attendance are still provided an opportunity to submit a nomination. Once nominations have been collected, there will be a vote via an email google form.
Board & Committee Updates and Reports
Salk STEM Middle School is looking for History Day judges February 19, 20 and 21. Heather provided a QR code to register or the website is https://forms.gle/RpCwsHRgDo77YGce7.
Our bylaws need to be updated for the meeting change from every Thursday to the 1st, 2nd, and 3rd Thursdays with the 5th Thursday designated as club assemblies. We need to have a quorum and so this will be on future meetings’ agenda.
 Mark Kuyava gave an update on the Adopt a Highway project. Our club will be responsible for the section of Highway 10 that starts approximately at Dairy Queen and stops just before GRE, on both sides of Highway 10. The sign will say “Sponsored by Elk River Rotary” and will be installed in about three months. More information to come for the first cleanup, likely in May.
Fundraising Opportunities
Delights and Dilemmas
Heather Kliewer was delighted with her granddaughter, Maddie’s, first birthday on Saturday. She is also delighted to be going to Cancun next week. Bonnie Koste was delighted to be here, delighted to be back from vacation in Mexico, and the Pond Hockey Tournament at Handke Pit on Saturday with any proceeds going to Three Rivers.
Tom Kerber was delighted to have completed a bucket list item by participating in a Polar Plunge for the Special Olympics down in Maple Grove. He also had a dilemma that his wife’s cousin (who is like a sister to her) was dying of blood cancer at 47 and they will visiting her this weekend.
Theresa Slominski was delighted with the Squatch game/Rotary social on Friday.
Neil Gagnon was delighted to be going to Puerto Vallarta, Mexico on Monday.
Katie Harstad had a dilemma that she will be gone the next three weeks from Rotary because things will be so busy at the F&TEC.
Nicole Wocjik was delighted to practice self-care on Tuesday morning for a massage, and the in-laws visited on Sunday to watch church on their 85” big screen TV.
Happy Birthday – none
Card Draw – no winner this week
Pearls of Wisdom: All you need is love, but a little chocolate now and then doesn’t hurt.
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