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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 brings people together to create meaningful connections, purpose, and fun. Welcome.

Upcoming Speakers

July 8, 2026

Marie Carrell

Aquatennial

District Governor Leif Hagen

The New Rotary Year

Brian Kimmes

New President’s Vision & Inspiration from Taipei

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

A Message from President Brian Kimmes

Looking for a meaningful way to connect, give back, and have some fun while you’re at it?

Welcome to Minneapolis City of Lakes Rotary.

I’m Brian Kimmes, and I believe the best communities are built when great people come together with purpose, positivity, and a willingness to make a difference.

At City of Lakes Rotary, you’ll find more than a meeting—you’ll find connection, engaging conversations, community impact, and people who genuinely enjoy being together. Whether you’re passionate about service, professional networking, leadership, or simply looking for a place to belong, there’s a seat for you here.

We’re a vibrant, welcoming club of professionals, leaders, and community-minded people who believe doing good should also be energizing and fun.

Curious? Come join us for breakfast and experience City of Lakes Rotary for yourself. I’d love to hear from you.

Email me to start the conversation → brian.kimmes@gmail.com

Brian Kimmes
President, Minneapolis City of Lakes Rotary
Connection. Purpose. Fun.

An Evening of Opera, Friendship, and Italian Flair

The Minneapolis Club was filled with music, laughter, and the rich flavors of Italy as Minneapolis City of Lakes Rotary proudly presented Italian Serenade.

Guests enjoyed an Italian dinner beginning with a lively social hour.

Between courses, world-class opera performances transported us to the rolling hills of Tuscany. Our internationally acclaimed artists—Georgia Jacobson, John Taylor Ward, Justin Burgess, and Teresa Perrotta—delighted the audience.

A heartwarming highlight came when baritone John Taylor Ward serenaded two of our youngest guests, Alijana and Allorine, bringing smiles throughout the room.

The evening concluded with the artists raising a toast, the audience rising to their feet, and a chorus of “Bravo!” that echoed through the hall.

Thank you to our performers, guests, and Rotary members Carol Russell, Bob Baker, Jen Van Wyk, Lynn Otis, Brock Ray, Russ Michaletz, Anna Coskran, and Cindy Lennie who made this beautiful tradition such a resounding success. We can’t wait for next year!

Community Forum Experience in the Works

Planning is underway for the 20th Annual Rotary Community Forum, hosted by Rotary Clubs of Minneapolis City of Lakes, St. Paul, and Roseville at the Minneapolis Club on Wednesday, September 23 — and this year’s format promises to be something special.

The Forum will feature a live, behind-the-scenes Behavioral Grooves podcast experience centered on the timely topic: “Resilience in Our Uncertain Times.” The conversation will explore how individuals, organizations, and communities navigate change, anxiety, and disruption in today’s rapidly evolving world.

Featured panelists include:

Kurt Nelson, PhD — behavioral scientist, President of The Lantern Group, COL Rotarian, and co-host of the internationally recognized Behavioral Grooves podcast
Armando Camacho — CEO Wilder, on the boards of the Bush Foundation, Mardag Foundation, and Regions Hospital
Richard Fursman, EdD — Owner of HueLife, an expert in organization development and change, and White Bear Lake Rotarian

Attendees will not only hear an engaging discussion but also experience the energy and dynamics of a live podcast recording in front of an audience.

A special thank you to Carol Russell who is serving as project champion for this milestone Community Forum.

More details will be shared as plans continue to develop.

COL Sponsors Spring Connections

City of Lakes Rotarians were proud to show up, support, and connect with the inspiring WeNetworkNow community.

WeNetworkNow helps immigrants, refugees, and first-generation Americans navigate the path to professional and personal success in the U.S. through networking, mentorship, and professional development—while centering the experiences of African immigrants and welcoming all.

What was on the menu?

🥘 Authentic African cuisine crafted to bring warmth and culture to the table.
🎲 Interactive games to break the ice and spark genuine conversations.
🤝 People came hungry. They got to meet people they actually want to know you.

Building community through connection and opportunity is what Rotary is all about. Kudos to WNN Founder and COL member Mamady Konneh for creating lasting impact.

Hosting Our Future Rotary International President

☀️ Our club was honored to host a special multi-club, multi-district breakfast at the Minneapolis Club, bringing together Rotarians and community leaders to hear Rotary International President-Nominee Larry Lunsford and Erick García Luna from the Federal Reserve Bank of Minneapolis. Larry will become President in Rotary year 2027-2028 and oversee the Rotary International Convention in Minneapolis where 20,000 people from 140 countries are expected to gather.

Larry reminded us that when the world feels shaken, Rotarians step forward — with more service, more action, and more compassion. Erick shared encouraging economic insights, noting that Minnesota’s economic fundamentals remain strong — a testament to the resilience and strength of our communities.

A highlight: presenting a $25,000 check from the Lawrence Family Foundation to the Host Organization Committee — an investment in the convention here in Minneapolis.

We are grateful for the leadership, inspiration, and the momentum building as we continue doing together what can’t be done alone. 💙✨

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 collection of member portraits and short profiles created to honor and document the people who make our club special. The portraits, photographed by professional photographer and Rotarian Sawyer Brice, capture members in a creative and authentic way.

The images shown here represent a sampling of a larger project designed to showcase the breadth and depth of talent within our club.

Each profile highlights what members do professionally, who they serve, and how fellow Rotarians and community members might collaborate or refer business. The project helps members connect more deeply while celebrating the people whose leadership, service, and generosity shape City of Lakes Rotary.

Together, these portraits and stories offer a window into a vibrant community.

Whether you’re a long-time member or exploring Rotary for the first time, we invite you to get to know the people behind the impact.

🔹 Join Us

👉 Visit us for breakfast and a program or volunteer at one of our service projects
👉 Explore membership https://colrc.org/page/joining-city-of-lakes-rotary

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.

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.

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.

Our next Dinner Club will be September 10, Dinner Du Nord, alfresco along Nicolet Mall!

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 members bring their ideas and skills to create experiences that add real value to membership.

Are You Cool? (If not, learn what's hot!)

Three flagship businesses opened their doors just for us in an exclusive, behind-the-scenes update on what’s new. It was a fascinating off-site at International Market Square, hosted by Russell Herder advertising and communication agency.

Eyebobs, has been making original readers for original people since 2001. We got a sneak peek at the latest trends in glasses. The ever-popular Fuse shared their story of furniture beauty, honesty, and sustainability. Rabbit Creek, which serves interior designers and their discerning clients via their lighting and furniture was also be featured.

Members and guests enjoyed breakfast, tours, entrepreneurship and creativity all in one morning.

Be the Change

Elevate Your City, Elevate Your Self

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