Rotary Club of Eden Prairie (AM)MEMBER HANDBOOK

(Board Approved 11-19-13)

Welcome to the greatest non-profit organization in the world, Rotary! We are so glad you have joined our Rotary Club of Eden Prairie AM to help make a personal difference locally and globally!

TABLE OF CONTENTS TOPIC PAGE

1. Welcome and Overview of Rotary’s Purpose …………………………………. 12. History of Rotary International, District 5950 and Eden Prairie AM Rotary ……… 23. Membership

a. Benefits and Expectations …………………………………………………... 3b. Membership Process ……………………………………………………… 3c. Meeting Format …………………………………………………………….. 4d. Attendance Requirement and Makeup Options ………………………. 5

4. Club Operationsa. Board of Directors and Duties …………………………………………… 7b. Budget & Funding Process ……………………………………………… 8

5. Lines of Service (Rotary Motto: “Service above Self”) a. Club Administration………………………….......................................... 9b. Public Relations .................................................................................. 10c. Membership ……………….......................................………………....... 11d. Service Projects……………….......................................……………….. 12e. Vocational Service/ New Generations……………………………………. 13f. The Rotary Foundation and International Service ………………...…… 15

6. Past EP AM Rotary Presidents ……………………………………………………. 177. Major Efforts throughout the Years.................................................................. 17

Rotary is an organization of business and professional men and women united worldwide who provide humanitarian service, encourage high ethical standards in all vocations, and help build goodwill and peace in the world. (Rotary is a non-religious, non- political organization.)

The Object of Rotary is to encourage and foster the ideal of service as a basis of worthy enterprise and, in particular, to encourage and foster:

• The development of acquaintance as an opportunity for service;

• High ethical standards in business and professions; the recognition of worthiness of all useful occupations; and the dignifying by each Rotarian of his or her occupation as an opportunity to serve society;

• The application of the ideal of service by every Rotarian to his or her personal, business and community life;

• The advancement of international understanding, goodwill, and peace through a world fellowship of business and professional men and women united in the ideal of service.

THE FOUR WAY TEST….. of the things we think, say and do...1. Is it the TRUTH?2. Is it FAIR to all concerned?3. Will it build GOODWILL and BETTER FRIENDSHIPS?4. Will it be BENEFICIAL to all concerned?

1

OVERVIEW OF ROTARY

A Brief History of Rotary International by Dean EdstromRotary International was founded in 1905 when four men began meeting in the office of a Chicago attorney, Paul P. Harris. The name “Rotary” was adopted because the meetings of the group “rotated” among the places of business of the members.

With these small beginnings, the Rotary group grew, adopted projects benefiting the Chicago community and extended the idea of Rotary to other locations. By 1910, the Minneapolis and St. Paul Rotary Clubs became the 9th and 10th clubs in Rotary. In 1911 Rotary became international with establishment in Winnipeg, Canada. Shortly thereafter, Rotary rapidly spread around the world. This great international organization now boasts over 1.2 Million members in 33,000 clubs located in over 200 countries and geographical areas. In February 2010 Minneapolis Club #9 and St. Paul Club #10 celebrated 100 years of service.

Rotarians everywhere are united by the Rotary ideal of “Service Above Self”.

For more information about Rotary International, visit the website: www.rotary.org and you can visit the learning site at www.rotary.org/elearning.

District 5950 Organization

Rotary International governs and communicates with Rotarians throughout the world through a network of Districts. The Eden Prairie Club is one of 65 clubs in Rotary District 5950 (which is one of 5,290 Districts worldwide). Districts are administered by a District Governor, other District officers, committees, and a permanent paid executive secretary, assisting the Governor and staff.

A District Governor must first have served as a Club President prior to being selected to serve as Governor. The District responsibility is primarily to see that clubs within its administration are informed of Rotary International objectives and participate as much as possible in International and District-wide events. The District has the responsibility for training and indoctrination of in coming and present club officers. Members are encouraged to serve on the District staff to further their understanding of Rotary.

A more complete summary of District organization can be found in the District 5950 Directory published annually by the District Governor and distributed to the clubs through the Club President, or on-line at: http://www.rotary5950.org/.

Eden Prairie A.M. Rotary Club History:

The Club was officially chartered on June 15, 1976. The District Governor’s Special Representative Don Brauer of Edina and sponsoring club representatives Dr. John Wright of Hopkins and M.E. “Skip” Lane of Edina found 31 business and professional men in Eden Prairie who became the charter members of the club. The club first met at a restaurant in Powers Dept. Store, then to Mr. Steak for a few years (now the location of Buca’s), and in 1985 to Castle Ridge Nursing Home for a short stay, then on to Flagship Athletic Club for about ten years. When Flagship remodeled in 1997, the club moved temporarily to St. Andrews Lutheran Church and then on to Bearpath Country Club for several years. In 2005 the club moved to our present location, Biaggi’s Ristorante Italiano in the Eden Prairie regional shopping mall.

The Club has produced one District Governor, Dean Edstrom, and two Assistant District Governors, Jerry McCoy (2005-06) and Irene Kelly (2011-12).

A list of former Club Presidents and their year of service (with major service projects over the past years) is included near the back of this handbook. Working together, the group helped found the Eden Prairie Community Foundation, the Eden Prairie Crime Prevention fund, and many community supports that are still here today.

2

HISTORY OF ROTARY INTERNATIONAL, DISTRICT 5950, & EDEN PRAIRIE AM ROTARY

Club RosterThe club publishes a list of its members with join date and classification which is given to new members. Additional information, including photos, addresses, businesses, phone and fax numbers, is available to members online at www.epamrotary.org Members are provided password-protected access to the ClubRunner site where additional information is kept about members, committees, projects, etc.

Benefits and ExpectationsBENEFITS: Current members shared what they see as values of being a Rotarian:

I am constantly awed by being part of a global organization that has such significant impact in the world and MY community. I also treasure the relationships I have built and the opportunity to be in relationship (and work) with others who have a heart for community & world improvement.

Fellowship, keeping abreast of what's happening in our community, getting to know community and business leaders.

An opportunity to meet weekly with community leaders and business leaders. Opportunities to serve our local community and the world community. Timely and informative programs.

We're a great group of people with a common vision of action and stewardship towards the greater good.

By giving of ourselves... we receive much more than we give. Rotary is a great group of people and we can have fun while we are doing.

Connecting with the community in a way not accessible to the average person, Service opportunities.

Making a difference in the world in excess of what I could do on my own

EXPECTATIONS: Regular attendance at meetings: The minimum attendance requirement to maintain active status

in Rotary International is 50 percent. Also, an active Rotarian may not miss four consecutive meetings. However, a Rotarian may make-up a missed meeting by attending any one of the 33,000 weekly Rotary Club meetings around the world, including online forums as well. A meeting makeup will also be granted for participation in various Club and District opportunities, as further outlined in the Club Section. (See makeup options in the website or the weekly bulletin.)

Involvement in at least one line of service. (See options by line of service later in handbook), Payment of dues and meal costs which will be billed quarterly plus other options listed on

Estimated Membership Costs (on website and listed in appendix) Contribution to the Rotary Foundation each year. The amount you select is entirely up to you.

Prospective Member Process or New Member Recruitment Procedure & Classifications:

In order to join the Eden Prairie Rotary Club, a candidate for membership must be approved by the Board of Directors. A prospective member is invited to attend a meeting as a guest of the club at which time they are given a “Prospective Member Packet”. If there is interest on the part of the prospect to become a member, he/she attends three subsequent meetings as our guest. The purpose of the four get-acquainted meetings is to give the prospective member an opportunity to experience Rotary before actually joining.

If the prospect would like to become a member, he/she is invited to complete a member profile application after the third attendance. Applications may be obtained from the club website: www.epam rotary.org . The completed profile with sponsor form is submitted to the Club Executive Secretary who emails it to the Board for approval at their regular meeting on the third Tuesday of the month.

The motion for approval should contain a recommended vocational classification. It is the general recommended policy of Rotary International not to have more than 10% of the club’s active members with the same vocational classification in order to maintain the Rotary Club as a balanced cross section of the business community. Upon approval by the Board, the candidate is invited to join Rotary and an induction ceremony is scheduled during a regular meeting. Meals and dues are billed to the new member quarterly.

3

MEMBERSHIP

Membership TypesActive:Any person possessing the qualifications set forth in the Rotary Constitution may be elected to active membership. Members should be adult persons of good character and good business, professional and/or community reputation,

(1) engaged as a proprietor, partner, corporate officer, or manager of any worthy and recognized business or profession; or

(2) holding any important position in any worthy and recognized business or profession or any branch or agency thereof and have executive capacity with discretionary authority; or

(3) having retired from any position listed in sub-subsection (1) or (2) of this subsection; or

(4) being a community leader who has demonstrated through personal involvement in community affairs a commitment to service and the Object of Rotary; or

(5) having the status of Rotary Foundation alumnus as defined by the board

And

having his or her place of business or residence located in the locality of the club or the surrounding area. An active member moving from the locality of the club or the surrounding area may retain membership in the club where the member’s board grants such permission and said active member continues to meet all conditions of club membership.

Honorary Member:A person who distinguishes him or herself by meritorious service in the furtherance of Rotary ideals and those person considered friends of Rotary for their permanent support of Rotary’s cause may be elected to honorary membership of a club. The honorary member is exempt from paying dues and attendance requirements and cannot vote or hold office. Such members do not hold classifications, but will be entitled to attend all meetings and enjoy all the other privileges of this club. Honorary membership terminates each year on June 30 but may, by resolution, be continued from year to year.

Senior Active:Active members can become senior active members when their age plus their years of membership (in one or more clubs) is equal to 85 years or more. At that time, their attendance is excused and they are only asked to pay quarterly dues plus the costs of meals for the meetings they attend.

Such member must notify the Club Secretary in writing regarding the desire to be excused and receive Board approval. Senior active members do not hold a classification.

Corporate Membership:In Oct, 2013, the Board approved a corporate membership that will be piloted with up to 3 businesses this year and then re-evaluated. Key differences are that:

A corporation may become an EPAM Rotary Member with the same status each of us holds as individual members;

Corporate Members will go through the same Club Board approval process as individuals; One Primary Voting Member will be selected by the corporation; Additionally, up to three Alternate Members (from that corporation) will be selected to attend

meetings when the Primary Member is absent or whenever the Corporation deems it advisable; Attendance requirements will be at 75% for meetings and makeup credits. Only the name of the Primary Voting Member will be counted on our EPAMRC roster. Club communications will go to all Primary and Alternate Members … allowing us to network with

many more people; Alternate members will be encouraged to participated in at least one committee and contribute to

the Rotary Foundation. The Corporation will be billed for at least one weekly breakfast ($13) plus additional breakfasts if

there is more than one attendee from that Corporation Member; Corporation dues will be the same as individuals which is $55 per quarter ($220 annually).

Meeting Format4

7:00-7:10 Members who are assigned to be greeters or sergeant-at-arms (who staff the check-in table) arrive by 7:10 am. to prepare for members’ arrivals.

7:10-7:30 Members arrive, get their badges, check in, choose if they will purchase raffle ticket(s), get food from the buffet, and find a place to sit where they can meet and talk with different Rotarians weekly.

7:30-7:40 Members enjoy breakfast and sharing on a personal level with others at their table

7:40-8:30 Club president calls the meeting to order People stand and recite the Pledge of Allegiance Invocation is offered by a club member* Everyone recites the Four-Way Test (which is posted on a screen for all to see) ”Sergeant at arms” member* announces who is visiting the meeting Announcements are shared by the president and/or members who requested New members are inducted and/or High School team captains are introduced One club member gives a ”vocational” about his/her life* The main speaker is introduced by the president, program chair, or another member and

presents for between 20-30 minutes before taking questions. A raffle item donated by a member* is given away to a lucky raffle ticket buyer.

*Club members are assigned to various duties on a rotated basis (once a year or less) and they are asked to switch turns with another member if they will be gone when assigned.

Attendance and Makeup Meetings

Benefits of Attendance1. Fosters fellowship among club members.2. Provides opportunities to meet new people and reconnect with long-time friends.3. Keeps you current on club, district and Rotary International news and events.

Attendance RequirementsAs explained in the Standard Rotary Club Constitution, each member needs to meet the following requirements:

1. Attend or make up at least 50% of your Rotary Club meetings in each half of the year. 2. Attend at least 30% of your club’s meetings in each half of the year. For example, if your Club

holds 26 regular weekly meetings in 6 months, you must attend at least 8 meetings.3. A member may not miss or fail to make up four consecutive meetings.4. You should be present for at least 60% of a club’s meeting for it to count towards the attendance

requirement. For example, you would need to be present for at least 36 minutes of a 60 minute meeting.

NOTE: Club members with 100% attendance on an annual basis will be recognized by the club for their achievement.

Attendance Credit/ Make-up MeetingsThere are many ways that you can still receive attendance credit if you cannot attend your club meeting. Attendance credit may be given to a member who misses a club meeting if, within 60 days before or after the missed meeting, the member meets one of the following conditions and reports it to the club secretary:

1. Attend at least 60% of the regular meeting of another Rotary Club or a provisional Rotary Club. Or, is present at the usual time and place of another club’s regular meeting and that club is not meeting. You can make up at any of the 29,000 weekly Rotary Club meetings being held throughout the world, which allows you to:

a. Meet a new group of Rotarians.b. Observe how another club operates.c. Share information about your club.

To find another club, use the Rotary’s on-line “Club Locator” (www.Rotary.org) or Club Runner. Be sure to

5

ask the club secretary of the visited club to sign a make-up card or note as proof of your attendance. A signed document ensures that your club gives you either a service credit (for attendance) or a meal credit (if you paid for a meal while attending.)

When attending a Rotary Club meeting outside of District 5950, it is traditional that a member exchanges a club flag with the host club. Members can obtain a flag from the Sergeant at Arms or President. Members bringing back a flag may add them to the Club’s collection which is displayed periodically.

2. Attend a meeting of a Rotaract or Interact Club, Rotary Community Corps, or Rotary FellowshipMaking up your meeting with a Rotaract Club, Interact Club, Rotary Community Corps, or Rotary Fellowship is a great way to explore and find out about these programs. To locate these meetings you can contact your:

a. Club leadersb. District Rotaract Committee Chairc. District Interact Committee Chaird. District Rotary Community Corps Committee Chaire. District Rotary Fellowship Committee Chair

3. You can also make-up meetings at one of the following district or RI meetings.a. District Conferenceb. District Assemblyc. District Committee meeting (at the request of the District Governor)d. RI Committee Meetinge. RI Conventionf. Rotary Institute

4. Participation in club-sponsored event or service project is a great way to support the service work of your club and make-up a meeting. Check with your club Secretary to see if these or other Club events may count as make-ups:

a. Club service project (such as Meals on Wheels, Park Cleanup, STRIVE, Bulletin writing, etc.)b. Club sponsored community eventc. Other meetings or events as authorized by the Club Board

5. Attend a club board or service committee meeting with authorization of the club board. Serving your club through holding a seat on the club board or in an assigned club committee can count as a make-up, if authorized by the board.

6. Participate in an E-club meeting for at least 30 minutes.

7. Attendance Exemption:Attendance requirements are excused for a member’s protracted illness with approval by the Board. Members can request a leave of absence for up to 12 months and would only need to pay dues and not cover meal costs during the leave. The Leave of Absence policy is posted online.

Attendance is excused for a senior active member who by adding the a) aggregate of the member’s years of age, and b) years of membership (in one or more clubs) is equal to 85 years or more. Such member must notify the Club Secretary in writing regarding the desire to be excused and receive Board approval.

Failure to meet Attendance Requirements:Failure to meet the attendance requirements may result in termination of membership, if the member fails to:

a. Attend or make-up at least 50% of club meetings in each half of the year. b. Attend 30% of their own club’s regular meetings in each half of the year. c. Attend or make-up four consecutive meetings. (Article 11, Section 4 of Club Constitution)

6

CLUB OPERATIONS

Officers, Directors, Executive Secretary - Positions and Duties:

President:• Develop the agenda and chair the regularly scheduled monthly Board of Directors’ meetings.• Organize and conduct the weekly Club meetings.• Assist Directors with committee chair assignments for the year and monitor committee progress.• With Club Treasurer input and Board of Directors approval, develop, implement and monitor the Club’s financial budget.

President- Elect:•Interface with District 5950 in new officer training programs, attend district-sponsored training sessions and serve as District liaison to Club.

President-Elect Nominee:• Assume oversight of membership development, orientation, and retention.

Treasurer:• Disburse checks as required and authorized by the President and approved by the Board of Directors. • Reconcile and report the financial activities of the Club’s account to Board of Directors at regularly scheduled meetings and to membership annually (or as often as required).• Prepare quarterly membership dues statements using attendance summaries provided by the executive secretary.

Club Secretary:• Attend all Board Meetings and keep minutes.• Notify President of members with attendance deficiencies; follow up with members whose attendance is in need of attention. . • Monitor and sign reports prepared by Executive Secretary for Club, District and RI. (Membership roster, quarterly membership dues statements, District attendance / membership reports due on 5th of each month, new members, terminations, changes in status, semi-annual report to RI Due 7/1 and 1/1).

Directors:•5 members serve as Directors now with responsibilities for Club Administration, Membership, Public Relations, Service Projects, and The Rotary Foundation.• Assume oversight responsibility of certain committee assignments as agreed upon with the President. Typically, responsibility is divided by avenues of service. • Attend all regularly scheduled Board of Directors meetings and advise the President on matters germane to the Club at Board of Directors meetings.

Immediate Past President:• Advise the current president on issues and items impacting his administration that carry over from the previous administration.• Attend all Board of Directors meetings for the year following his/her term as President.• Lead member meetings in the absence of the President • Chair the officer selection committee for the next Rotary year and present that selection to the Club membership for approval before the last meeting of December.

Executive Secretary:• The executive secretary is a Rotary member hired for a part-time paid position, responsible to:• Input weekly attendance and makeup credits on ClubRunner and in Excel and inform Secretary if members are falling behind in attendance.• Process membership changes (forms, nametags, lists, etc.) • Prepare semi-annual Rotary International and monthly District 5950 attendance reports• Send weekly financial reports and quarterly attendance reports to treasurer to assist with billing • Update the ClubRunner website to support members and officers and inform website visitors.The primary role is to support the Club Secretary and, to some extent, the Treasurer.

7

BUDGET AND FUNDING PROCESS

Dues and Invoices:Quarterly dues are billed to a member’s account after the member is inducted into the club, with the first quarter being prorated as needed. A portion of each member’s dues supports the club, a portion supports Rotary District 5950 and a portion supports Rotary International and Rotary magazine. Invoices are mailed quarterly to members who pay by check. Members who have given the treasurer credit card authorization will receive an emailed receipt after the invoice is processed.

Meals and other voluntary purchases by a member are also billed quarterly. For 2013-14, quarterly dues are $55 plus meals are $13.00 per week charged in advance, resulting in a quarterly bill around $220. However, credit for a meal(s) is given when you have attended another Rotary Club’s meeting and provided a make-up slip to the Sergeant at Arms. The Executive Secretary will notify the treasurer and you will receive a meal credit on the next quarterly billing. Failure to pay dues within 30 days is subject to a written notification of the amount past due, which will result in termination of membership if not paid. Then, if the dues are not paid on or before 10 days of the written notification, membership will be automatically terminated. (See separate anticipated costs sheet.)

Effective January 1, 2012, a husband and wife who are both members will receive a discount of $100 off the second membership and will be billed for 85 meals rather than 100 for the year.

Budgeting:Each year the incoming president is responsible for submitting a budget of revenues and expenses for the ensuing year to the board of directors for approval, ideally in June. By early May the Treasurer starts drafting the budget spreadsheet using prior year financial data as a means to estimate the ensuing year. The President and Treasurer work together to revise the budget before it is presented for Board approval. They write off uncollectible debt and reverse the liability for scholarship awards that haven’t been redeemed within the 12-month period after they were granted.

Scholarships that have been awarded but not used 12 months after granting are cancelled. In the past some Strive scholarship recipients have decided to pass on attending college thus requiring reversal of the accrual. The EPHS STRIVE coordinator administers the awards and should be contacted each June to find the status of any unused scholarships. Occasionally a Golden Eagle recipient receives a full scholarship which under this circumstance would not require us to pay our award.

The club has historically maintained a minimal cash reserve. The reserve balance is maintained should the club decide to undertake a fund raising event that requires substantial upfront funding requirements or in the case of extenuating circumstances fiscal challenges.

Grant Process: The process for grants is to have the requesting organization complete a Grant Request form that is accessible from our website homepage. The club’s Grant Review Committee reviews and recommends grants using established criteria. The board has established a policy of reviewing grant requests on a semi-annual basis with Nov. 15 the deadline for December grant review and May 15 the deadline for June grant review. Committee recommendations are presented to the Board of Directors; if approved, then the EPAM Rotary Foundation funds the grant requests.

EPAM Rotary Foundation: A submission to the IRS was made September 27, 2011 to create a Foundation. Its name would be the EPAM Rotary Foundation. The principal reason for having our own foundation is to facilitate with fundraising. Many organizations that consider sponsoring our fundraising endeavors require that the requesting entity be an approved Section 501(c)(3) tax exempt organization. The IRS approval process usually takes six to 12 months

8CLUB ADMINISTRATION –Jay Simpson, 2013-14 Director

We have fun, build lasting friendships, and make sure that our club functions well.

Speakers:Speakers are suggested by members and passed on to the program chairperson for scheduling. Topics vary but are generally informative in nature to the general membership; they are not to be “sales pitches” for commercial establishments nor “pitches” that are political or religious in nature. A “pitch” from a non-profit for club participation is not uncommon, even acceptable; however, contributions from the club to non-profits are only made after approval by the club’s Board of Directors.

Invocation Scheduling and Procedures:An invocation follows “The Pledge of Allegiance to the U.S. Flag” at every meeting. The invocation is scheduled on a rotating basis among members. Members who are unable to attend a meeting when they are scheduled to offer the invocation should swap their schedule with another member in advance. An invocation petitions or invites the presence, help, and support of God into our meeting, personal relationships, and every aspect of our time together. Think of the invocation as a prayer invitation to God. Be sensitive to the varied and ecumenical faith backgrounds in your prayers. For example, you may close with words like “In Your Name we pray” or “In Our Lord’s Name” ...rather than “In Jesus’ Name”. Members and guests of non-Christian persuasions then may feel comfortable saying “Amen” to this prayer in this setting. Prayers may refer to common concerns shared by all on a societal, local, or personal level, for example, a current event related to global peace or hunger or the illness or hospitalization of a member. Inspirational readings from Scripture or other sources are fine or you may feel comfortable writing your own prayer thoughts.

The District has asked clubs to make a special effort to consider issues related to human affairs during the course of a meeting. Religious beliefs, propriety of humor, comments concerning race, ethnicity, life choices, sexual orientation, age, disability and elements of common respect must be considered throughout club meetings -- especially in comments made from the podium.

Sergeant-At-Arms Duties: The Sergeant-At-Arms is responsible for setting up and taking down the registration table. The table should be set up at least 15 minutes before the meeting begins. The member sign-in sheet and nametag box should be conveniently located for the members. Visiting Rotarians, paying and non-paying guests should be welcomed, given nametags and introduced. Visiting Rotarians are required to pay for their meal and should be given a make-up card. At the end of the meeting, a deposit slip should be made out for all fines, guest fees, and raffle proceeds collected, and should be deposited in the club’s bank account. The attendance sheet for the day should be given to the club Executive Secretary. Other duties of the Sgt. At Arms (or student interns) may include assisting the President by making the room ready for the meeting - setting up the flag and bell, checking the sound system, getting audio-video equipment for the guest speaker, providing a club flag to a member and distributing the bulletins.New members are scheduled for two weeks soon after joining so that they can meet all members of the club. Other members are scheduled so that there are generally two people working together.

Vocational:By way of introduction to the membership, a new member of the Eden Prairie A.M. Rotary Club is asked to make a three-to-five minute vocational presentation shortly after joining the club. This presentation should include interesting items about the member’s life journey including his/her vocation, family, upbringing, expectations, etc. It is also an opportunity to share information about his or her product or service. Older members also offer vocationals on a rotating basis in order to re-introduce themselves to newer members.

Door Prize:The weekly door prize is a fundraiser for the club. Each week a member is asked to donate a gift of at least $25 in value to be raffled to the members. Chances are $1 each, or three for $2, and a member may purchase as many chances as they would like. In selecting a door prize to donate, members should keep in mind the gender and age differences of the club members and try to offer something they would personally enjoy receiving. Like the invocation, the door prize responsibility rotates among the members

9

in alphabetical order. Members who are unable to attend a meeting when they are scheduled to offer the door prize should swap their schedule with another member

Happy Bucks or Misc. Fines: “Happy Bucks” encourage members to contribute money for an opportunity to express happiness for successes with business, children, family, friends, health, vacations, sports, etc. These can range from $1-$5-$10-$20-$100+ depending on the occasion and the donors’ generosity. Occasionally, a member cites how happy another member is or should be thereby bringing light to that member’s good fortune and increasing the dollars collected. All proceeds go to the Rotary International Foundation which are tracked and reported in the donors’ names.

Fund RaisingIn order to be able to support community, national and international projects, club fundraising is necessary. In addition to the weekly club activities to generate funds (listed under Club Operations), this section offers a sample of the types of activities the club has sponsored to raise money. Projects change as members see new needs and learn of new fundraising ideas.

Vino Classico with a Beer Chaser:The Vino Classico event is held on the second or third Saturday in October in conjunction with the City of Eden Prairie’s liquor stores. This is our largest fundraiser and is open to the public. It is a good way to expose our club to potential members. Our club relies on all of its members to make it a success through ticket sales, Silent Auction donations, helping at the event, etc.

4th of July Golf Ball Drop:The City of Eden Prairie has hosted an annual fireworks display at Round Lake for 3-4 years. We have a booth that sells tickets for the ball drop and bottles of water for Safe Water – Africa. Numbered golf balls are sold in advance as well as at the concession booth and drooped from the ladder of a fire truck at a designated time. The ball closest to the center of the Rotary wheel target wins a prize. There have been three prizes in decreasing order.

New Fundraising Committee:In 2013-14, our president-elect will be meeting with a new committee to develop additional or alternative fundraising ideas.

Grants Review Committee:In 2012 the grants review committee started reviewing grant requests semi-annually, after the Nov. 15 deadline and after the May 15 deadline. In 2012-13, grants were provided to: Teens Alone, TRAIL, and Let’s Go Fishing.

Club Bulletin:Each week club members as well as other interested individuals are sent an electronic bulletin which features notes and pictures from the last meeting, speaker information and reminders for the upcoming meeting, and the duty roster for 3 weeks. This all comes together thanks to a group of Rotary volunteers who are scheduled on a rotating basis to write up meeting notes, the club photographer who takes photos of the speaker and other special honors, and the bulletin editor who combines them on our website and sends them out, generally on Fridays. Members who do not receive the electronic bulletin weekly are asked to notify the executive secretary.

Public Relations Committee:Members help strategize and implement public relations and communications ideas that help members

10

PUBLIC RELATIONS – Jeanne Zetah, 2013-14 DirectorWe communicate so that members and the general public are informed about and engaged with Rotary.

stay informed and engaged as well as promote the good work that Rotary does in our community and the world. The P.R. Committee is willing to help other committees market their programs and events and have posted a list of Marketing Ideas to the website. All Rotarians are asked to help spread the good word about Rotary and share interesting ideas or P.R. items they get when visiting other clubs. Event Outreach:Our club has display materials that can be taken to events to promote our club and Rotary in general. It includes a banner with our club’s name, the Rotary boards (outlining Rotary purposes, 4-way test, etc.) , club brochures, Rotary International brochures, calling cares offering a free breakfast, the SafeWater Plus pull-up display, etc. Please let the PR chair know if you’d like to use them at your event. Social Media:Club members are encouraged to LIKE our public Facebook page for “Rotary Club of Eden Prairie AM” which was started in summer, 2012. We post photos from past meetings, upcoming events, and special news to this Facebook site at least weekly.

Website:Members are given a login and password to access club information at: www.epamrotary.org. At this site, they can update their member profile, find contact information for other members, see the news from recent meetings, learn who is scheduled to speak in the future, sign up for committees or club events, link to District 5950 to find local makeup meetings, link to Rotary International (which requires a different RI password) sites to find makeup meetings around the world or to donate to The Rotary Foundation online. Members needing help to access or having idea on ways to improve the website are advised to contact the executive secretary.

Recruitment, Orientation and Mentorship:This committee develops plans to recruit new members to our club and provides an individual orientation, semi-annual new member gatherings and a mentorship program to help new members establish their Rotary connections.

Retention/Engagement of MembersThe club provides many ways for members to get involved in meaningful service opportunities that make a difference to our club, our community and the world. At the annual club assembly, areas of need are presented each year and members complete an annual Involvement Survey to indicate the ways they’d like to be involved that year.

Rotary CaresThe club extends support to club members who may be experiencing an illness, death in the family, a disability of some sort, as well as celebrates happy occasions such as births and weddings. If you know of club members who could use the support, please inform the Rotary Cares chairperson.

Social Activities (fun activities for all members and spouses):A Member Survey was conducted in 2011 to get feedback on current social activities and new ideas. Additional ideas will be implemented this year based on the member interest.

Swallowship: Monthly happy hour gatherings bring together members, significant others, friends and prospective members to get to know each informally. Gatherings are in the bar area at Biaggi’s, 5:00 – 6:30 which alternate so that we meet on a Wednesday one month and on a Thursday the next month.

Golf Outing:Starting in Sept., 2011, our club invited members, spouses, friends and potential members to enjoy an

11

MEMBERSHIP –Roger Jorgensen, 2013-14 DirectorWe recruit, orient and engage members in meaningful ways while having fun

afternoon of lunch and golf at Bent Creek Golf Course. Prizes were given for highest scores, lowest scores, etc. The event moved to Island View Golf Course in Waconia in Sept., 2012 and in Aug. 2013, companies were asked to pay $100 for hole sponsorships.

Progressive Dinner:The Progressive Dinner is a couples social event in Feb. where Rotarians and their spouses/guests socialize over appetizers and dinner at one member’s home (6-10 people per home) followed by all participants meeting for dessert and coffee at another volunteer’s home. Those hosting dinners are given funds to purchase the food and wine as is the person who hosts everyone for desserts. Rotarians who participate are charged an amount to cover the dinner and desserts. In 2013 the cost per person was $30 with dinner hosts being reimbursed $25/person they served and dessert hosts getting $5/person.

Mystery Night: Mystery Night is a fun evening planned by two members. In the past, members who sign up in advance are billed a special assessment of $35-$50 per couple. Members then meet at a designated location, get on a bus, and go to dinner and/or a special event. Only the two members of the Mystery Night committee know the final destination. Guess sheets as to the final destination are sold while in route. Anyone who guesses the destination before the bus arrives gets the pot of money collected for the guess sheets. Usually the clues are vague and unreliable, or just too hard, but it’s all for fun. Spouses are invited.

Other Special Events:In 2012 the club went to a MN Twins Game together. In future years the social committee could choose to organize a group outing to a different sporting event, a concert, or play for just members, or with spouses/significant others, or with families.

Boy Scouts:Our Rotary Club is the sponsoring organization for the Boy Scout Troop of Eden Prairie. We are the original financial support for starting the troop. Over the years, our club has included the Boy Scouts to participate in our fundraisers. This has helped them earn additional money for their troop.

Beyond the Yellow Ribbon:Our club has had a member on the planning committee for this community-wide effort to support veterans and military personnel and their families. On Nov. 16, 2013, Eden Prairie will celebrate being designated the newest Beyond the Yellow Ribbon community. Our club has provided some funding for this and future grants may be submitted for additional funding.

Community Education Partnership Breakfast:Since 2011, our club has provided funds to help sponsor the speaker at the spring Community Education Partnership Breakfast which brings together leaders and active citizens from the city, school district, churches, agencies, non-profits, civic organizations, parent groups, and high school students. One of our Rotarians is on the planning team for this community-building event and several others help facilitate small group discussions at the event

Feed My Starving Children:Each year we get club members, friends, and family together to pack meals for a great cause, usually in February. After donning our hairnets and aprons, we enjoy fellowship as we pack meals to be delivered to those in need located in third-world countries. Typically, we make a donation to Feed My Starving Children in lieu of our dues for that morning’s breakfast.

Meals on Wheels: The Meals on Wheels program serves a nutritious, hearty hot meal to Eden Prairie residents Monday

12

SERVICE PROJECTS – Laurie McKendry, 2013-14 DirectorWe address local needs and work with our community to bring lasting improvements.

through Friday. Our Club has committed to deliver meals to these homebound individuals every fifth week which requires 15 volunteer-drivers and two coordinators during the week (3 drivers per day). The weekly time commitment over the lunchtime period generally does not exceed 50 minutes. The Rotarian-volunteer picks up meals at the Garden Room entrance at Eden Prairie City Hall, delivers the food to various homes, and returns the hot/cold delivery bags back to the Garden Room.

Park Clean-up:In April our Club participates in the park clean-up sponsored by the City. A liaison from the club works with the city, is assigned a park, and recruits members to participate on the designated Saturday. We invite Boy Scouts, Interact and Strive participants to make it a combined service project.

PROP (People Reaching Out to Other People):PROP provides food shelf, financial and other resource support and referrals to families and individuals in need in our community. We donate backpacks, school supplies, and money for their Back to School Drive. We also register Rotarians who are willing to provide holiday gifts for children, families, or senior citizens in need. In the past our club has contributed funds to PROP annually; starting in 2013-14, we will review grant requests from them to meet for community service needs.

PROP Shop:The PROP Shop provides high-end thrift store items for sale as well as free household and clothing items for clients of PROP. Our club has provided funding for specific needs in the past such as: purchasing beds for low income families, donating Hats and Gloves through the Warm Hands, Warm Hearts Campaign, and cash donations.

Relay for Life Breakfast:When the American Cancer Society holds the “Relay for Life” fundraiser in July, our Club sponsors breakfast for team members who have been walking during the night. It usually consists of bagels, cream cheese, bananas, juice and sometimes coffee. It is coordinated with the Relay for Life leadership.

Salvation Army Christmas Bell Ringing: During the Christmas season our Club signs up for a day of bell ringing to raise funds for the Salvation Army.

Camp Enterprise:Camp Enterprise is organized by Rotarian volunteers from several clubs to provide a 3-day interactive experience for high school students to study the workings of the free enterprise system. Our club funds 1-3 Eden Prairie High School students to attend this offsite weekend in October or November. Information regarding registration is sent in early September to the Club President. Students are selected by the Camp Enterprise Committee and the school’s Business Department Rotary contact. Afterwards, students make an appearance at a Club meeting to relate their experiences.

Early Childhood Initiative:Our club is developing a new partnership with the Eden Prairie Schools Early Childhood programs to provide volunteers to assist in preschool classrooms to build school readiness skills in young children.

Eden Prairie High School - Career Speakers

13

VOCATIONAL SERVICE – Jan Eian, 2013-14 Pres. Elect Nominee We volunteer our professional skills to serve others and promote integrity in everything we do.

NEW GENERATIONSWe work with young people to help them become the next generation of leaders, visionaries,

and peacemakers.

Rotarians sign up if they are willing to be a career speaker, judge business or marketing projects, or conduct mock interviews at the high school for various business or career classes. This gives members a chance to discuss their vocation, its rewards and challenges, and its educational requirements with young people considering different careers. The EPHS Business Department contacts Rotarians to schedule individuals during the year.

Strive Program:Since 1997 the Strive Program has targeted Rotary resources, both volunteer time and funds, to help high potential, high barrier juniors and seniors at Eden Prairie High School (EPHS). The Rotary Strive coordinator and the EPHS Strive coordinator plan the yearly schedule with topics, speakers, field trips to colleges, etc. Strive mentors meet with the students at the high school approximately every third Friday morning to provide additional adult support to their student mentees. Student interests, personal work habits and post high- school graduation goals are then reviewed with the Strive program students, mentors, and the high school’s Strive coordinator. A special breakfast meeting with the Club is planned for early May to recognize Strive participants.

Strive Scholarships from Rotary: Each year the club awards college scholarships of $500 - $750 per student to worthy EPHS Strive graduates, to an aggregate total of $5000 - $7500. The Scholarship committee which includes the EPHS Strive coordinator selects candidates based on their personal accomplishments and community service activities. The awards are forwarded from our Treasurer directly to the student’s college of choice. Students attending Normandale Community College or Hennepin Technical College have their scholarships matched by the respective college foundation in their second semester.

New Generations

Interact Interact is a service club for youth ages 12 to 18 and part of Rotary International. Our goal as a club is to strengthen our relationship with the Interact Club at the high school to help bridge their interest in giving back to the community from Interact or Rotary as adults. Initiatives that may help strengthen the relationship include (1) inviting Interact students to club events including meetings, (2) Rotarians speaking at interact club meetings, (3) Rotarians volunteering to speak on their vocation at high school business classes.

RotaractRotaract is an international program for men and women age 18 to 30 – Rotary for young adults. Our club is exploring how to encourage more young adults to get involved with Rotary and possibly join clubs designated for this age group. “Above and Beyond” Awards Dinner: This Recognition Dinner honors Eden Prairie High School seniors who have overcome great obstacles in life and who are succeeding in their personal lives and educational endeavors. The purpose of the event is to tell the stories of those students who typically are not told. Students and their parents/guardians are invited to dinner in April or May. Members of the School Board and school staff are also our guests.

Golden Eagle Awards: Each May the Eden Prairie Rotary Club presents a Golden Eagle award to the top male and top female scholar-athlete in the current graduating class at Eden Prairie High School. The award is calculated using a weighted average for GPA and athletic achievement during the students’ entire high school career. The top ten male and top ten female candidates and their families are invited to a special Rotary meeting where the winners are announced. Winners receive a $1000 scholarship to the college of their choice. Budget for this event including awards, scholarships and meals, is about $3,000.

Rotary Readers:Rotary Readers is a program where Rotarians volunteer to work with kindergarten and 1st grade students that may need additional assistance with reading skills throughout the school year.

Student Ethics Luncheon:

14

An Ethics Day Luncheon is held each year for high school students and Rotarians from the southwest Rotary Clubs. The objective is to teach students the proper way to conduct oneself as an adult in the business world. The Eden Prairie High School Strive coordinator is the primary contact to recruit students for this event. Club members help facilitate table discussions with EPHS students who attend.

InternsOur club has involved Eden Prairie High School seniors as interns who assist the president with preparation for and assistance at Rotary meetings. They have also helped with other special projects such as Facebook, website design, and outreach to younger members.

Friendship Exchange: Rotarians also visit other countries and meet with and stay with Rotarians while there to establish international friendships and exchange of ideas. Club members have gone on Friendship Exchanges to Australia in March 2012, to India in Feb. 2013, and a trip is being planned to Honduras in Feb., 2014 and to Nepal and Bhutan in March 2014.

Model United Nations:This program offers young adults from different countries a model program similar to the United Nations. It was held in Romania in August. 2013.

Rotary Youth Exchange Program:Each year in August the Eden Prairie Rotary Club hosts a new foreign exchange student who has been selected to stay in our community by the District youth exchange committee. The club’s responsibility is to see that the student is matched with three host families during the year and that the student is well cared for during his/her stay. The host families serve as the student’s family support system during the student’s academic year. To be eligible for the exchange program, a student may not attain the age of nineteen prior to or during his/her stay. For the 2013-14 school year, our Club is hosting a student from India. Eden Prairie students are also eligible for an outbound exchange program and need to apply in October for the following school year. Students in Europe typically graduate from high school a year earlier than US students and usually take advantage of the youth exchange program after their high school graduation. Members are encouraged to include our Exchange Student in their family activities. Host families are needed, so if you have an interest, we encourage you to seek more information from the Rotary Youth Exchange Committee Chairperson.

World Affairs Seminar:Our club is exploring sending students to the World Affairs Seminar which is held in June.

The Rotary Foundation, organized as a non-profit charitable corporation, grew out of an idea promoted in 1917. Today the Rotary Foundation, managed by Trustees appointed by Rotary International, stands as Rotary's most powerful instrument for international understanding, good will and peace.

The principal programs of the Rotary Foundation include its six areas of focus: its District, Global and Packaged Districts Grant programs, Vocational Training Exchanges, Peace Fellows Scholarships, and the Polio Plus Program. Through these efforts, Rotary provides medical services, the means to improve nutrition, educational opportunities and a wide variety of other types of assistance, in many cases directly utilizing the skills of volunteer Rotarians.

The Polio Plus program was initiated in 1985 as an effort to eradicate polio and five other vaccine-preventable diseases before the end of the century in cooperation with the governments of many countries, the UN World Health Organization, and other international organizations. By the time Polio is

15

INTERNATIONAL SERVICE – Jared Chester, 2013-14 President-electWe meet humanitarian needs around the globe and promote world understanding and peace.

THE ROTARY FOUNDATION – Chuck Martz, 2013-14 DirectorWe meet humanitarian needs around the globe and promote world understanding and peace.

eradicated Rotary International will have contributed $ 1.2 Billion dollars.

Campaign CommitteeRotarians are encouraged to give charitable contributions to the Rotary Foundation each year. Pledge cards are handed out in the fall and returned to the Rotary Foundation director by mid-December. Donations can be made by check or online at The Rotary Foundation. Rotarians who give $1000 are given the distinction of being a Paul Harris Fellow. Those who pledge to give a $1000 each year become part of the Paul Harris Society.

World Community ServiceOne of the unique aspects of Rotary as a service club is its emphasis on international service.Some international service projects are club has been involved with in recent years include:India (1) International Village ClinicProvided mobile clinics to the poor northern provinces in India by donating funds to projects sponsored by Bloomington Club(2) Nari Gunyan School for GirlsProvided funds to help buy bus to transport girls to school.

Honduras - Have completed 5 projects: ( Cheryl Schraeder, Mark and Corrine Lewis (and others?) have visited to take supplies)(1) safe water for SOS Village/home to 120 children(2) provide medicines for International Health Service medical mission / served more than 10,000 people (3) provided a 15-passenger van for Helping Honduras Kids/home for 26 children, schools 80 children, and provides food and clothing for approximately 200 children (4) provided library and school books for 3 schools which 80 plus children attend (5) sent a 40-ft container to Honduras (20 pallets of food from Feed My Starving Children, 32 cases of powdered milk, school supplies, clothing, shoes, computer equipment and other humanitarian items.

Chimbote, PeruProvide equipment and supplies for a vocational training program to help poor people gain the training necessary to break the cycle of poverty. Latest Project Grant request is with the Rotary Foundation for matching funds.

Africa(1) Safe Water in eastern Africa For several years, club members have participated in service missions to Africa tied to the Safe Water project as well as educational support projects(2) Peace House AfricaProvide funding for a school located in Tanzania. The children live at the school and get educated in college prep courses.(3) HeshimaSchool for disadvantaged special needs children in Africa.

Rotary Peace Fellowships The Rotary Peace Fellowship is the premier educational program of The Rotary Foundation and supports Rotary’s mission to advance world understanding, goodwill, and peace. It is intended for individuals who have chosen a career related to international relations, peace, and conflict resolution; who have work experience in these areas; and who have a commitment to community or international humanitarian service and working for peace. Applicants should consider these objectives carefully before applying. Two types of fellowships are offered: a master’s degree program and professional development certificate program. For more information and application, go to: https://www.rotary.org/myrotary/en/document/881

Vocational Training TeamsA vocational training team (VTT) is a group of professionals who travel to another country either to learn more about their profession or to teach local professionals about a particular field. Under Future Vision, Rotary Foundation district, global, and packaged grants all support VTTs, but each grant type has different requirements. For more information, go to: https://www.rotary.org/myrotary/en/document/9526

16CLUB PRESIDENTS WITH YEAR OF SERVICE

WORLD SERVICE PAST for Education and Health Needs1) Our club, with additional support from the Rotary Foundation, purchased a pick-up truck for a Laotian refugee camp in Thailand. We participated with the Minnesota Medical Volunteers and the McKnight Foundation in the purchase of a vehicle for the transport of medical personnel in Laos. We have also helped sponsor our former President, Hakon Torjesen in his mission to rebuild a teaching medical clinic in Uganda and a medical mission to Haiti. 2) We have provided school supplies and school furniture for the school district in Morelia, Mexico a contact made by former club President George Sandell, when he was the leader of a Rotary Foundation Group Study Exchange in Mexico. 3) We have also contributed to the support of the Mother’s Club of Haiti, a self- help organization designed to teach basic health and literacy and to provide low interest loans to Haitian mother’s to help establish their own business. 4) From 1994-97 the club supported the efforts of member Jerry Turner and the Wooddale Church’s ministry in Santiago, Guatemala by providing Spanish language textbooks, solar cooking ovens, and funds for habitat, a library, and a sewer system. 5) Safe Water Plus – water & sanitation in Haiti: We worked with our District supporting an effort to provide clean water to those in need. 6) Minnesota Health Volunteers: Former Club President Hakon Torjesen and his wife were members of the Minnesota International Health Volunteers, our club with additional help from the Rotary Foundation and the Minnesota Medical Volunteers to establish and support a health clinic in Uganda shortly after that country had been devastated by dictatorship. Eventually the clinic was successful enough to secure permanent funding from USAID. Our club has sponsored two vans for medical transportation. In 2002/2003, our club was responsible for being the leading donor for a $15000 project to fund 15 pediatricians through their residency training.7) Group Study Exchange: George Sandell served as Leader of our District’s GSE to Mexico in 1997. In May 2010 we hosted a GSE group from Africa. In May 2013 we hosted a GSE group from India8) Wheels for the World Provide used wheelchairs from the US to other countries. We provided funds to help ship wheelchairs.

FROM SERVICE PROJECTS:

76-77 John Wright 93-94 Ted Allen 10-11 Irene Kelly77-78 Skip Lane 94-95 Jeff Olson 11-12 Bob Starr78-79 Dave Speed 95-96 Pat Richard 12-13 Jane McGinty79-80 Dean Edstrom 96-97 Bud Baker 13-14 Craig Blixrud80-81 Tim Pierce 97-98 Dick Pryse81-82 Don Opheim 98-99 John Wilson 82-83 Paul Fjare 99-00 Jim Bissonett / Gary Bergren / Dan O’Brien / Joe Stoebner83-84 Roy Terwilliger 00-01 Arne Fjelland84-85 David Anderson 01-02 Andy O’Brien85-86 Merle Gamm 02-03 Mark Lewis86-87 Hakon Torjesen 03-04 John Nord87-88 Bob Lambert 04-05 Jerry McCoy88-89 Russ Chance 05-06 Robb Hiller89-90 Dan O’Brien 06-07 Frank Sherwood90-91 Gary Bergren 07-08 Greg Albrecht91-92 George Sandell 08-09 Dr. Melissa Krull92-93 Jim Bissonett 09-10 Josh Dirlam

17

MAJOR EFFORTS FROM PAST YEARS

ABD Foundation (A Brighter Day Foundation)The ABD Foundation was a non-profit organization that recruited minority High School girls from inner cities across the US, and enrolled them in Eden Prairie High School. Generally, they were high achieving students in need of a new setting so that they could maximize their academic potential. Students lived together in a house in EP, with full-time house-parents, and additional volunteer hosts and supporters. The Rotary Club provided both financial support, as well as many hours of volunteer help from its membership. The students were guests at one of our weekly meetings, and regularly participated in some of our service projects and/or outreach programs geared toward HS students. Each fall the ABD program sponsored a Fun Run/Walk which was started by a Rotarian and his wife.

Legacy Project Committee: During the 2012-13 year, our club partnered with the city and with the Eden Prairie Noon and Edina Noon Rotary Clubs to write a grant to meet a community need and to help Rotary become more visible in the community. With the help of a Rotary district grant to match funds supplied by the three clubs, and with the donated services of city staff and Rotarians, funds were secured to commission James Gabbert to create the moving sculpture, “Soaring Bird: Peace through Service” and install it by the entry of the Eden Prairie Community Center.

The Eden Prairie Community Foundation: The Eden Prairie Community Foundation (Foundation) is a non-profit, 501(c)(3) organization founded in 1981 by several members of the community including a number of Rotarians. Its purpose is “Enriching our community through philanthropy, collaboration and leadership” by supporting the philanthropic interests of donors and meeting community needs. Rotarians have continuously served as members and leaders of the Foundation’s Board of Directors. For many years the Foundation sponsored a Ball and in 2013 started an “EP Gives” event to celebrate the Eden Prairie community and raise funds for Foundation purposes. Since 1981, the Foundation has raised over $1 million. Though the benevolence of the Foundation does not carry the Rotary logo, the Foundation is, and has always been, very much an Eden Prairie Rotary partner. Rotarians also support the general purposes of the Foundation through contributions to its annual Century Club membership campaign.

Warm Hands, Warm Heads, Warm Hearts: The Warm Hands, Warm Heads, Warm Hearts Project (originally “Hats for the Homeless”) was launched in 1993 by a member of the Edina Morningside Rotary Club.  Since then, the project has expanded to include hats and mittens for children in need from all walks of life, with sources of distribution that include schools, churches, shelters, and other organizations. For many years, our club provided funding and distributed the gloves and hats through the PROP Shop.

FROM VOCATIONAL SERVICESt. Andrews Job Transition: Our club has donated funds to the operation of the weekly Job Transition Support group at St. Andrew Lutheran Church in Eden Prairie which has been providing support to unemployed/ underemployed adults for many years.

Prairie Fest: Prairie Fest is an annually occurring weekend for Central Middle School students held off-site. The purpose is to promote healthy life-styles and healthy attitudes toward peer-pressure, drug and alcohol use, etc. One of our EP Rotary members and his wife initiated the program in the community. The club used to contribute $500 per year as needed toward expenses of the program, which was administered by Eden Prairie Schools Community Education staff, working collaboratively with city of Eden Prairie staff, youth ministers, and other community volunteers.

Eden Prairie Schools: A variety of grants have been given to recipients in the Eden Prairie School system including special funds for additional library resources. We also join with the Eden Prairie Noon Rotary Club for their reading program called “My Book Day,” which provides every Eden Prairie first grader with his/her own book, library card, and experience of being read to by community leaders and Rotarians at a fun event in early May.

18