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Police Chief Mike Meehan & Club News

Our Rotary Program on Tuesday, September 1^st was South Lake Minnetonka Police Department Chief Mike Meehan. The Chief gave a captivation presentation about our communities’ police department and didn’t hold back any punches. He reported that the department had now increased to 16 officers this year and there were three recruits in training. Unfortunately there has been a 25% turnover this year and more turnovers next year. However, over all the culture was good within the department.

The Chief hit the main topics straight on and started with the pandemic protocols and noted that the departmen

t is practicing safety to the personnel by wearing masks and safe distancing where possible. On medical emergencies the police may stay outside unless needed by the medics. The chief talked about the current civil unrest and that the department is currently in the planning stage with other communities to deal with civil unrest. The SLMPSD will protect its citizens and their property while protecting peoples 1^st Amendment Rights to protest. However in police work there are many independent variables and anything can happen in a heartbeat as we have seen in the past year. All of the officers take part in a 40 hour training program in Crisis De-escalation and the department has been doing this for the past 5 years. This is a huge commitment of time and resources but absolutely necessary for officers using the best practices of restraint and Body Cams since 2017 ensures a record of any active calls and the videos cannot be altered and are saved according to MN State Guidelines. Our police are also following all the MN Police Reform Legislative Requirements.

Chief Meehan moved on to talk about the Joint Powers Agreement that sunset in 2023 which serves Shorewood, Excelsior, Greenwood and Tonka Bay. Each of the Mayors sits on the Police Commission and makes policy and funding decisions. Renewal of the JPA is political and financial and two of the Mayors are not seeking re-election which further complicates the coming negotiations that will start in 2021. At that the Chief opened to Q&A which was most enlightening and we were able to hear from the police’s perspective what we don’t hear in the media coverage in current unrest. The Chief noted that recruitment is more difficult due to current view of police by the public causing reluctance to go into law enforcement and the competition of larger cities for the best candidates because of funding and benefits.

That being said he feels that we have attracted some really good new officers and that the SLMPSD enjoys great support from the community. The Chief feels that the public is not getting the most reliable information from the media and one only needs to look at the booking reports to see what is at root of the unrest and that Defunding is frustrating and in the end the police are called to handle the toughest incidents where Social Workers wouldn’t go near and that 99.8% of calls are resolved without violence. It was a good discussion and great to get the Chief’s perspective on the issues facing law enforcement. Ben Franklin probably said it best, “Men’s opinions are like their watches, all are right but none are the same.”

After thanking Chief Meehan President Kate took us through some Club business including that she will send the results of the Club Survey to all the members as we will Zoom our meetings through October, Karen Frazier will contact members we have not seen on Zoom to see what is going on with them and also to get them technical help if needed; that the Board approved a grant for $2,000 to Resource West for Warm Hearts and Hands and Christmas gifts for Teens. We will have a Highway Clean-up on Tuesday, September 22^nd at 9:00 AM and sing-up on-line to kfrazier@usjet.net; and Social Gathering at Excelsior Brew on Tuesday, September 29^th at 5:00 PM. Steve Frazier gave a golf update – The on-line Rotary Auctions starts September 1^st – 15^th at BirdEase.com/rotaryclassic/ and we have 117 golfers and need 27 more and members can sign-up online at BirdEase.com/rotaryclassic/.

President then reviewed the upcoming calendar of events: Sep 01, 2020 12:00 PM - Chief Meehan, , South Lake Police Department Sep 08, 2020 12:00 PM - NO Member Lunch Meeting Sep 15, 2020 11:00 AM - Rotary Golf Classic at Deer Run, NO Member Lunch Meeting Sep 22, 2020 – Highway Clean-up at McDonalds at 9:00 AM Sep 29, 2020 – Club Social at Excelsior Brew at 5:00 PM Oct 06, 2020 12:00 PM - Jill Holter’s “Get to Know Me” Oct 13, 2020 – No Member Lunch Meeting Oct 20, 2020 12:00 PM - Tom Gump - District 5950 Governor

Dr. Dennis Peterson - Minnetonka Superintendent of Schools

Excelsior Rotary Meeting on August 18, 2020 with Guest Speaker Minnetonka Superintendent Dr. Dennis Peterson

President Kate Wilinski called the Zoom Club Meeting to order with 20 members in attendance. Dr. Tyronne Carter was the Opening Marshal and led us in the Pledge and 4-Way Test.

Tim Litfin introduced our speaker Dr. Dennis Peterson, Minnetonka Superintendent of Schools by saying that Dr. Peterson has been superintendent since 2001 and has helped our district and its students to become the top school in Minnesota and in the top tier in the nation. Tim said that “Minnetonka is a great place to work” and that Dr. Peterson is a tireless worker.

Dr. Peterson open his remarks by saying that he has been a Rotarian for 40 years and always enjoys coming to speak to

our club because of the unique leadership of our club members. He noted that this year is the most unusual ever to plan for and the School Board adopted a hybrid plan from a list of 7 options on August 7^th to deal with school opening this fall. Our district was better prepared than most because on 9-12^th graders all had iPads last spring when the pandemic hit and the district was able to swing into e-learning or distant learning immediately and teachers were able to adapt instruction quite well. A number of committees met all summer in preparation for the fall opening in anticipation of the Governor’s guideline’s for on-site and remote learning. Basically the hybrid plan overview is:

The District's plan honors the state’s recommendations to have younger students in class as much as possible, and it recognizes that secondary level students are more equipped to be self-sufficient in e-learning, so there will not be as much of a time commitment from parents to assist with e-learning.

Students and staff in grades K-3 will be in their home schools every day at the same times as in past years.
Students in grades 4-5 will be relocated to the high school building and will be assigned rooms throughout the school. Students in those grades from all elementary schools will be at the high school for four days per week. One day per week, Wednesday, will be virtual. Their starting time will be roughly 8:00-8:10 a.m.
Students in grades 6-8 will remain in their respective middle schools, with half of the students coming in two designated days each week and alternating with the other half of the student body for two opposite days. One day per week, Wednesday, will be virtual for all, with opportunities for individual students to access assistance and support. Middle school times will remain the same as in past years.
Students in grades 9-12 will be virtual for four days per week. One day per week, Wednesday, students may come to Minnetonka High School for MAST and for some in-building classes with elements that cannot be easily done at home (such as labs, MOMENTUM, Minnetonka Research, VANTAGE and more). There will also be other help sessions and opportunities to meet in person or virtually with counselors and social workers.
In all grades, the District will honor IEPs and 504s, and provide additional support for our students who receive special education services and for other students who need a higher level of support.
Social distancing will be enforced at all times in our school buildings, and masks will be required for everyone, unless the student or staff member meets an exemption requirement.

Dr. Peterson ended by saying that Minnetonka Schools will continue to prepare options for additional hybrid or fully open options that could be used as health conditions improve, as well as the possibility of another closure. Because of the fluid nature of the COVID-19 pandemic, the District's plan may shift throughout the year. At that point he opened the floor to Q&A.

Club Announcements:

Bob Boyer Birthday is on August 20^th and that our club’s wheelchair is now in full use by Opportunity Partners and they are thrilled to have the use of it.
President Kate called on Steve Frazier to give a Golf Fundraiser update and he told members that he had sent them an email that morning outlining three important deadlines and to get Hole Sponsorships in by August 31^st, Auction items in by Friday, August 21^st to John Ferm’s business, “Rare Coins” at 449-2^nd Street in Excelsior and to fill out the on-line information for the virtual auction starting on September 1^st, and that we still need golfers!
Kate called on Dick Glover to discuss how we will deliver the STRIVE Program for Minnetonka H.S. Seniors and Dick noted that the mentors will meet with the principal and come up with either a meet in person after school plan or some type of Zoom experience.
Karen Frazier outlined two options for the September Highway Clean-up: Option One is to have members sign-up for an area and do it at their own convenience any time during the 3^rd week in September and bags could be picked-up at John Ferm’s Rare Coins Shop. Option Two is to Meet at McDonalds using social distancing and clean on a designated day. Karen will get back to members after she hears from MN /DOT about their guidelines.
Molly Swenson is planning on a Happy Hour event at Maynard’s and details will be forthcoming!

Upcoming Club Programs:

Sept 1^st – Board of Directors Meeting followed by South Lake Police Chief Mike Meehan
Sept. 15^th – Golf Event
Oct. 6^th- Board of Directors Meeting followed by new member Jill Holter’s Bio
Oct. 20^th – District Governor Tom Gump

New Member Induction by Tim Litfin:

Jill Holter – Mom of 6 children, ICA’s Community Relation Director, Grad from Minnetonka and U of M, loves food and preparing it.
James Gresham – Mtka. resident, 3 grown children, retired, has a farm in Iowa, loves boating and wants to get involved in the community.

Tyronne ended the meeting showing a photo of children in his STEM Program and how the program survived with the help of the YMCA.

Excelsior Rotary Club Assembly

Excelsior Rotary Club

Service In Motion

Thank you to everyone who attended our Rotary Assembly on Tuesday, August 4^th! We had a wonderful assembly with lots

of fresh ideas and energy! We also figured out how to do Zoom breakout meetings, so we are basically unstoppable. President Kate had fun constructing the meeting logo and fashioned it after the Avengers and called it the Excelsior Rotary Assemblers! So, Rotarians, Assemble!

President Kate set up four breakout zoom rooms where the Rotarians assembled and discussed Marketing/Fundraising, Meeting Programs and Speakers, Social/Service events and projects, and Membership. The four breakout groups met for 20 minutes and discussed their ideas and plans for 2020 – Covid and after Covid – and reported back to the club. Some of the highlights include the following:

Marketing/Fundraising – Steve Frazier/Jim Cada will reach out to the rest of today's team to follow up on some of the ideas. We will be increasing our presence on Facebook/Instagram, and also reaching our local papers. Fundraising for the Rotary Golf Classic is now moving in full gears. Members can go to our golf website at BirdEase.com/Rotary Classic to register to be a sponsor, hole sponsor and golfing. Karen Frazier is collecting Auction Items at (kfrazier@usjet.net ). The goal this year is to raise $40,000 for our charities. More to come!

Meetings – Jenny Janson’s group let us know that many Rotarians want to meet more, including a 3rd meeting over zoom when we start meeting in person.

Social/Service - Randy Schumacher stepped in to lead the group on social events and service opportunities during Covid. Our service is on hold, but we are still donating to non-profits. This group talked about social distanced meetings in the park! There will also be a Highway Clean-up to start on Tuesday, September 22nd and members will sign-up for an area and pick up yellow bags at John Ferm’s Rare Coin Shop in Excelsior and do their area at their own convenience that week. In October and November the members will also be asked to donate fall and winter clothing again this year to Resource West.

Membership – The breakout led by Tyronne Carter discussed how our club can market itself to prospective members - be clear on why our group is special and what we have to offer. Business Mentor Groups could be very appealing for younger professionals, given the vast knowledge and experience in our Rotary.

LEADERS will follow-up with their breakout meeting attendees to move any decisions/actions forward, and report back to the club in September of their progress. President Kate said, “I am so energized by your continued commitment to Rotary and our community. Let's keep zoomin' ahead! See you on Tuesday, August 18 to hear from Dr. Petersen.”

Club Announcements:

Excelsior Rotary Club donated $2,500 to ICA for upcoming fundraiser.
Michelle Seets was appointed as an Honorary Member of the club.
Resignation from the club was accepted from Bob Carlson.
The Board moved to have dues be $110/quarter while we are not meeting but members can continue paying $220 as donations if they so desire.
The Beach Wheel Chair we purchased for the Commons is no longer used there and was donated to Opportunity Partners to aid disabled clients.
The Excelsior Rotary Club donated $1,000 in a 2 to 1 match to keep the Chamber operating so our gift turned into $3,000 for the Chamber.
Upcoming Meetings:
1. The Rotary Golf Classic Committee meets Tuesdays at 7:30 AM weekly.
2. Tuesday, August 18^th – Minnetonka Superintendent Dennis Peterson will speak on the District’s Back to School Plan.
3. Tuesday, September 1^st – Police Chief Mike Meehan speaking on the SLMPSD, Covid 19 Protocols and Civil Unrest (Tentatively)
4. Tuesday, September 15^th the Rotary Golf Classic at Deer Run

Rotary Golf Classic 2020

Please Join Us for the 2020 Excelsior Rotary Golf Classic!

For nearly 25 years the Rotary clubs of Excelsior have partnered together on the Rotary Golf Classic and have
raised over $800,000 for local and international charities. The Rotary Golf Classic is a fun golf event hosted at

Deer Run Golf Course in Victoria, MN.

The Rotary Golf Classic supports programs providing vocational training for women, education and safe
recreation for youth in developing countries; and local organizations addressing food and shelter insecurities and
youth programs including ICA Foodshelf, Loaves & Fishes, Second Harvest Heartland, WeCAN, 180 Degrees,

Hope House Emergency Shelter for Teens, Onward Eden Prairie, and more.
Go to excelsiormorningrotary.org and excelsiorrotary.org for a complete list of organizations that your donation supports.

Help us to continue this great work by:

• Becoming a Sponsor
• Donating an item for the auction
• Joining us for golf

• Bidding online to win fabulous auction items

For more information and register, visit our website www.rotaryclassic.org

Supporting Local and International People in Need

Excelsior Rotary Meeting 7-21-2020 with Tim Litfin

Excelsior Rotary Club Meeting for 7-21-2020 With Tim Litfin

Opening Marshall was John Ferm and led the 22 attendees in the Pledge and 4-Way Test. Visiting guests (and perspective new members in August) were Jill Holter and James Gresham. Jon talked about the passing of Congressman John Lewis and background information about the “I Have A Dream” speech by Martin Luther King and owner of the original transcript of that historic speech. President Kate called upon Darel Leipold to recite an original poem he wrote about Ro

tary on Zoom. President Kate reviewed the Birthdays and Anniversaries.

In announcements President Kate noted that members would receive a survey about our Rotary Club. She announced that our meetings in August will be a club assembly centering on five breakout groups to discuss our club’s future and efforts in 2020-21 in the areas of Membership, Fundraising, Meetings/Speakers, Social/Service, and Marketing/PR all on Zoom. Our August 18^th speaker will be Dr. Dennis Peterson on Minnetonka District Plans for 2020-21 School Year. Kate pleaded that we need speakers for our Rotary year and to share potential speakers with Jenny Janson. Kate then showed potential “Wanted” type posters advertising members to be used to promote interest in our club in social media and posted around town. Everyone loved the idea!

Our Speakert was Tim Litfin and he discussed both the current state of affairs of Minnetonka Community Education and Tour de Tonka. Tim expressed his appreciation of our clubs grant of $2,000 for MCE Covid 19 signage. He went on to explain that participation was down 3,400 and that refunds due to the pandemic were usually around $18,000 but this year so far has been over $470,000 with overall revenue down over $1,000,000 and

even web participation is way down. Since MCE is fee based there is no state or national support for community education. Luckily MCE has reserves and has been able to keep staff with just minor layoffs of summer staff. However, unless things change the program will suffer in the fall and the entire district is awaiting the Governor’s guidelines on July 27^th. But this in not deterring “can do” Tim and his staff is getting ready to provide community services and postponing the printing of the fall catalog until August 15^th for fall programs and classes.

Tim then talked about Tour de Tonka and due to the pandemic it was cancelled for this year but will be back on August 7, 2021! The current plan is to hold a virtual Tour de Tonka we can sign-up on-line for $19 ($5 of which goes to ICA) and participants will receive a Tour de Tonka face mask. Also a small bike ride is scheduled for September 27^th for 250 riders that can choose an 18 mile or 28 mile ride. This will fill-up quickly as people are hungry to participate in something positive. In fact there is currently a huge bike shortage. The Treck Company alone is 400,000 behind in bike production. Time noted that he will need volunteers and thanks club members that have always helped with Tour de Tonka. He ended his comment by saying that Rotary is a great organization and especially our club as we are there for our community!

President Kate called on Steve Frazier to give a golf update. Steve focused on three needs of the Golf Classic to be held on Tuesday, September 15^th at Deer Run. First the need for Event and Hole Sponsors. Second the need for golfers and the safety measures at Deer Run. And third the need for large and regular auction items for our virtual on-line auction preceding the event. He noted that our two Rotary Clubs have a great golf committee of 21 members of which we have six members from our club- Kate, Nick, Scott, Lou, Karen and Steve. Steve urged members to get involved and to seek out one of the committee members from our club.

Kate then opened up the Zoom to Virtual Happy Bucks and members contributed their thoughts. One worth noting here is the plight of the Excelsior Chamber of Commerce is in danger of closing its doors at the end of July due to no revenue coming in from community events. Nick Ruehl emphasized the importance of the Chamber to our Greater Excelsior Area and we need to contribute both individually and from groups and organizations in our area. Our Board will take up the need at our August 4^th Board of Directors Meeting to make a donation from our Operating Budget as the Chamber is not a non-profit and there for not eligible to receiving funding from our Excelsior Rotary Foundations.

Kate reminded members to complete the survey and the results will be part of our August 4^th Club Assembly along with our breakout group discussions.

Girls Know STEM Too, Tyronne!

Our own science guy, Tyronne Carter's second book, "Girls Know STEM Too, Tyronne!" is out and available for purchase on his website, http://www.americasfunscience.com. Tyronne talked about this book during our May 5 presentation. There were a couple of members who wanted to get this then, and here is a easy way to get one for yourself also!