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Join us the first three Wednesdays of each month at 7:15 a.m. for fellowship and engaging speakers at the Minneapolis Club or online. Learn how.

Minneapolis City of Lakes Rotary Club unites a dynamic network of leaders dedicated to fostering meaningful connections, community, and impactful service that enhances lives locally and globally. Welcome.

Upcoming Speakers

January 21, 2026

Maria Bavender

State of the Club Address

Zoom Only Meeting Vocational Services Takeover

Share Your Bio, Grow Your Connections

Caitlin Lowans

Ten Thousand Things: Theater for All

By the Numbers

I feel fortunate to be a part of such a great community of caring, compassionate individuals who, together, make a difference to each other and the community.

Jodi M.
Member since 2011

Virtually every member of our club has a passion for one or more areas of service and there is absolutely nothing more satisfying than having the opportunity to help others when you do it with a group of your best friends.

Gary M.
Member since 1987

Every Peer Group, Strategy, Planning, and New Membership meeting has taught more about the meaning of Service above Self. I hope to take these invaluable life lessons from Rotary and give a little to a world that has given me so much.

Sangam N.
Member since 2019

Innovating for Our Members—And Having Fun Along the Way

At City of Lakes Rotary, we design programs with our members in mind. As our community of professionals evolves, so do we—creating fresh, relevant ways to connect, grow, and enjoy the Rotary experience. Our focus is simple: meet members where they are, both personally and professionally, while making Rotary engaging and fun.

Two newer initiatives reflect this approach.

COL Dinner Club: Good Food, Great Company

The COL Dinner Club is a rotating, small-group dining experience at some of the Twin Cities’ most talked-about restaurants. Scheduled at various times throughout the year, each gathering offers a relaxed, intimate way to connect beyond the breakfast table—through shared dishes, lively conversation, and a bit of culinary adventure.

Whether you’re a foodie or just enjoy a great evening out, Dinner Club is designed to be social, memorable, and genuinely fun.

Board of Directors for YOU

For members looking for professional perspective, Board of Directors for YOU offers a confidential opportunity to meet with a small group of accomplished Rotarians from relevant fields. This member-focused program provides a trusted setting to explore challenges, test ideas, and gain practical insight to help move a business or organization forward. All conversations remain strictly confidential.

Together, these programs reflect how City of Lakes Rotary continues to innovate—creating experiences that add real value to membership while strengthening relationships and keeping Rotary enjoyable.

Humans of City of Lakes Rotary

A Portrait Series Celebrating the People Who Make Our Club Extraordinary

City of Lakes Rotary is powered by people — leaders, innovators, volunteers, mentors, and community-builders who bring their talents and heart to everything they do. Humans of City of Lakes Rotary offers a glimpse into that community through a portrait collage featuring just some of the remarkable members who make our club vibrant and impactful.

Each image captures more than a face — it reflects a story. A commitment to service. A passion for connection. A willingness to show up for others, both locally and around the world. Together, these portraits reveal what makes our club special: people who build meaningful personal and professional relationships while making a positive difference.

Full member profiles live in our searchable member directory, and individual spotlights are shared throughout the year on our social media channels.

Whether you’re a long-time member or exploring Rotary for the first time, we invite you to browse, be inspired, and get a feel for the warm, energetic community that defines City of Lakes Rotary. There’s a place for you here — and a story we’d love to help you add to ours.

🔹 Join Us

👉 Visit us for breakfast
👉 Explore membership with Gayle https://bit.ly/48no0aa

🔹 Follow Along

As we continue sharing stories from the Humans of City of Lakes Rotary series:
🔗 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/cityoflakesrc
🔗 Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/CityofLakesRC
🔗 Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/COLRC
🔗 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/minneapolis-city-of-lakes-rotary-club

COL Hosts Community Forum on Artificial Intelligence

Our club proudly sponsored the Annual Community Forum, a signature service event open to all community members. Each year, this forum brings Rotarians and the public together to explore timely and important topics shaping our world.

This year's forum was titled “Making Sense of AI: Risks, Rewards, and Responsible Use” and examined how artificial intelligence is influencing decision-making, communication, and innovation across sectors. Four distinguished panelists discussed how to evaluate new technologies responsibly, and ways to identify credible sources of AI information.

The conversations sparked at the Community Forum don’t end here. They ripple outward—into workplaces, neighborhoods, and future collaborations—helping build a more informed, engaged, and connected community.

Coats, Kindness and Rotary Impact

Before 3,000 guests experiencing homelessness arrived at the Minneapolis Convention Center for 3,000 Acts of Kindness, City of Lakes Rotarians were already at work—sorting coats, organizing clothing, and preparing a space designed to welcome with care and dignity.

Presented by Coated in Love, founded by our member Danielle Igbanugo, this annual event serves people experiencing homelessness, offering new winter coats, warm clothing, haircuts, a meal, and connections to more than 80 social-service agencies. Nearly 8,000 Minnesotans experience homelessness on any given night, including families, women, and children. For many, homelessness brings isolation and loss, where stability and support can disappear without warning.

Through the leadership of Lynn Otis and Bill Jackson, our club’s $5,000 gift was leveraged into $18,750 through a Rotary District 5950 grant—funding over 700 new coats this year.

We are honored to stand alongside Coated in Love in offering warmth, dignity, and hope—because when people feel seen and cared for, lives begin to change.

🍁 Rake, Rattle, and Roll

On a crisp fall Saturday, more than 50 Minneapolis City of Lakes Rotary members, family and friends rolled up their sleeves to rake yards throughout the Longfellow and Seward neighborhoods—helping neighbors prepare for winter while spreading a little autumn cheer.

After the hard work was done, many gathered at Matt's Bar and Grill to celebrate together over the neighborhood’s famous Jucy Lucys and good conversation.

A big thank-you to Project Champion Gary Mosiman for leading this beloved annual tradition, and to every volunteer who made a difference—one leaf pile at a time! 🍂

Click here for more photos.

Trivia and Teamwork

Each fall, there’s one evening that brings together everything City of Lakes Rotarians love — fellowship, laughter, and doing good in the world. This year’s Foundation Drive Kickoff was no exception.

Held at Bricksworth Beer Co. in the North Loop, Trivia Night combined friendly rivalry with Rotary purpose.

Think of it as trivia with a mission: questions that tested our smarts about Rotary International, our own City of Lakes club, and Minneapolis itself — all while fueling the projects for 2026-2027 made possible through the Minneapolis City of Lakes Rotary Foundation. Please visit our Impact Statement.

Between rounds, we kept spirits high with pizza, wings, beer, and prizes — because impact should come with a side of fun.

Our thanks to Foundation Fundraising Chair Brock Ray and his organizing team Brian Kimmes, Jen Van Wyk, Bailey Morrison and Bob Baker for one of the signature events of our Rotary year — the night when generosity and good times go hand in hand.

Rotary Friendship Takes Flight

City of Lakes member and pilot Mark Labovitz recently gave our Rotary Youth Exchange students Nicole (from Brazil) and Rasmus (from Denmark) a breathtaking airplane tour over the Twin Cities! From high above the metro, they saw lakes, downtown skylines, and autumn colors — an unforgettable Minnesota experience.

At City of Lakes, our members go the extra mile (and sometimes a few thousand feet up!) to make sure our exchange students experience the very best of Minnesota and the USA. These shared adventures reflect the heart of Rotary — friendship, hospitality, and global connection in action.

Calling Exchange Students for the 2026-2027 Exchange Year

And it is already time to invite the next group of students to apply for exchange. Long term applications are due annually by November 15. Short Term Exchange Program (STEP) applications are due by December 6 for priority placement, and additional STEP applications will be accepted until March. Visit our website - northstarrotary.com - for additional information.

Entrepreneur Pitch Competition Winners

Club member Liban Kano’s Strangers Meeting Strangers (SMS) hosted a gathering of 100 Minneapolis builders, dreamers and everyone in between. It was split into two parts:

A public conversation where everyone could speak, and all listen about why did you start, why do you continue, and why haven't you given up?
A keynote from Ying Sa, founder and CEO of Community CPA, and a pitch competition from 20 entrepreneurs.

At the end of the evening the audience voted and selected the winners of the pitch competition and $1000 from City of Lakes Rotary Club:

Xavier Thomas founder of Miracle Arts, a platform that promotes artistic expression and provides resources to artists to turn their passions into careers.
Heatherlee Nguyen who is developing a platform to connect and assist fellow moms and solo parents.

This event continues the SMS and Rotary tradition of creating meaningful spaces for community connection and entrepreneurial growth. Congratulations to Xavier and Heatherlee and all those who pitched showing their creativity and business acumen. We are also grateful to the audience for being so kind and receptive.

Awards Day Celebrating Service, Leadership & Rotary Spirit

City of Lakes Rotary gathered for one of our most meaningful traditions—Awards Day, where we honor individuals whose service and leadership shine a bright light on Rotary’s mission.

Merle Else Heart of Rotary Award — Bill Jackson

Bill’s steady leadership, kindness, and hands-on service have shaped both our club and communities around the world. From major international water and sanitation projects to mentoring service teams, supporting Youth Exchange, and advancing PolioPlus, Bill exemplifies the very heart of Rotary.

Richard Parrish Emerging Leadership Award — Lars & Chanda Olson

Lars and Chanda jumped into Rotary with full hearts—from supporting Youth Exchange students to hosting gatherings, counseling students, and building global service connections. Their early leadership and welcoming spirit strengthen the fabric of our club.

John Fischer Rotary Hope Award — Mamady Konneh

Founder of WeNetworkNow, Mamady creates powerful pathways of opportunity for immigrants, refugees, and first-generation Americans. His work provides mentorship, networking, and community that helps aspiring leaders thrive. His commitment to lifting others embodies the hope this award celebrates. Visit https://WeNetworkNow.org to learn more.

Foundation & PolioPlus Recognitions

We also celebrated new Foundation Fellows whose new contributions reached $1000 levels for our COL Foundation, The Rotary Foundation, and $100 or more for Polio eradication. Major donor gifts total $10,000 or more. Their generosity fuels Rotary’s impact:

Dick Devore Fellows (COLF)
Paul Harris Fellows (TRF)
PolioPlus Society Members

Read more for full list of these honorees for this Rotary year.

Be the Change

Elevate Your City, Elevate Your Self

Support our Work

Upcoming Speakers

Maria Bavender

Zoom Only Meeting Vocational Services Takeover

Caitlin Lowans

Upcoming Events

By the Numbers

What's Happening at City of Lakes?