June 22nd Preview: “The Civic Thread: Why it Feels so Divid-ed and What We Can Do About It” Guest: Karen Lundquist
As the United States approaches the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence, many Americans feel that the country is increasingly polarized, distrustful, and disconnected. But are we really as divided as it seems? Karen Lundquist will explore the systems, incentives, and historical forces shaping modern civic life—from dark money and social media outrage to […]
June 15 Preview: “Meet and Greet” Hilton Olive Lounge
Our next Meet and Greet meeting is Monday, June 15, 2026. We gather at 5:00 PM at the Hilton on France Avenue and Hwy 494 in the Olive Lounge just outside the Chop House Restaurant. Please join us this month. We encourage guests, and spouses are always invited to join these meetings. There is no […]
June 8th Preview: “Using Artificial Intelligence Effectively Personally and in Business” Rotarian Becky Amble
Rotary Rush Day Please notify Mike Helmick at jeanandmikehelmick@yahoo.com if you have any changes in your or your guest’s plans. We look forward to hosting many prospective Rotarians at our meeting. Be sure to share this newsletter with your invitee. Artificial Intelligence (AI) is here and is permeating all parts of our lives. To be […]
June 1st Preview: “Community Service at VEAP” -11:00 AM
A group of 24 Bloomington and Brazilian Rotarians are scheduled to participate at VEAP (9600 Aldrich Ave South, Bloomington) on Monday, June 1st for our June Community Service. Our scheduled shift will run from 11:15 AM – 2:30 PM. Park your car at the back of the parking lot in order to allow the VEAP […]
May 18th Preview: “Meet and Greet” Hilton Olive Lounge, 5:00 PM
Our next Meet and Greet meeting is Monday, May 18th, We gather at 5:00 PM at the Hilton on FranceAvenue and Hwy 494 in the Olive Lounge just outside the Chop House Restaurant. We encourage guests to join these meetings, and spouses are always invited. There is no set charge for attending the meetings. We […]
May 11th Preview: “The Current State of Kidney Donations” Guests: Dan Reed and Steve Eckhouse
Steve Eckhouse’s life has been shaped by volunteering— whether tutoring students in Chicago, working at amuscular dystrophy camp, assisting building and teaching in Tanzanian elementary schools, or teaching adaptive skiing. When his close friend of over 40 years, Dan Reed, needed a kidney, Steve learned about the NationalKidney Registry’s voucher program. Though not a direct […]
May 4th Preview: “Elementary School Lunch Assistance” Community Service Project
Angela Wandera has arranged for Rotarians to assist with the lunch program at two Bloomington elementary schools. The volunteer coordinator with the Bloomington Schools works with the schools to match up volunteer Rotarians and schools and position help where it is needed. When assigned, Rotarians simply check in at the appropriate building. The Rotarians listed […]
April 27th Preview: “Make a Wish Minnesota” Guest: Sierra Lyon
Make-A-Wish® gives children with critical illnesses renewed strength to fight their illnesses, bringing families closer together and uniting entire communities. Sierra Lyon, representing Make-A-Wish Minnesota and a former Rotarian, will share how the organization fulfills life-changing wishes for children with critical illnesses across the state. Her presentation will highlight the lasting impact of a wish […]
Revitalizing middle school sports in Bloomington shows promise of programs
Soccer, wrestling or track and field — Bloomington middle school students have opportunities to represent their school through after-school sports. Valley View, Oak Grove and Olson middle schools recently brought back the opportunity to play for the Falcons, Cougars and Panthers, much to the delight not only of every sixth through eighth grader in Bloomington. […]
District Assembly – Education for Rotarian Leaders
Join your Fellow District 5950 Rotarians for the District Assembly—your annual boost of leadership energy, inspiration, and practical know-how. The program brings together Rotarians from across District 5950 for an engaging day of stories, strategies, and real‑world takeaways to help you thrive in your club leadership role. All Rotarians are encouraged to attend, with a […]