Join us the first three Wednesdays at 7:15 a.m. for fellowship and engaging speakers.  Learn how.

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

Upcoming Speakers

January 8, 2024
COLRC President Shaun Irwin


COLRC President Shaun Irwin

State of the Club Address
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January 15, 2024
Dunwoody College of Technology

Special Offsite MeetingDunwoody College of Technology

Offsite Campus Update and Tour
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January 22, 2024
Tricia Wright, Executive Director of Onward


Tricia Wright, Executive Director of Onward

The Importance of a Safe Home
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Upcoming Events

‘25-‘26 Committee Chairs Strategic Planning
‘25-‘26 Committee Chairs Strategic Planning
Jan. 27, 2025 5:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m.
Russell Herder Office
Board Meeting
Board Meeting
Jan. 28, 2025 7:15 a.m. – 8:30 a.m.
Days for Girls Kit Assembly Event
Days for Girls Kit Assembly Event
Feb. 01, 2025 9:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m.
Northeast United Methodist Church
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Our Impact

By the Numbers

What's Happening at City of Lakes?

Volunteers Help Provide Dignity and Hope to Homeless
 
Our club proudly supported 3000 Acts of Kindness which provides hope, help, and resources to individuals experiencing homelessness.  Coated in Love founder and club member Danielle Igbanugo expected to break the attendance record of 3,000 guests —making a real difference in their lives. 
 
Guests at the Minneapolis Convention Center were treated to lunch, complementary haircuts, new coats, hats, boots, toiletry kits, and access to over 50 social service agencies.  Community organizations provided resources and information to help guests potentially find housing, staffing or rehabilitation solutions.  
 
Our club provided a grant, outreach to 150 social service organizations, member Rob Scarlett acted as an interpreter, and 12 volunteers took on three-hour shifts to help set up — Lynn Otis, Cindy Lennie, Tina Sheriff, Russ Michaletz, Scott Benson, Hugh Haman, Sheila Gothmann, Maria Bavender, King Bavender, Gayle Noakes, Greg Alm, and Bill Jackson.
 
We couldn't be more appreciative of our member Danielle who reminds us, "Kindness is the language the deaf can hear and the blind can see."  Learn more about her non-profit here http://www.coatedinlove.org/ 
 
Click to see more pictures.
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City of Lakes Rotary Entrepreneur Awards 
 
Club member Liban Kano's Strangers Meeting Strangers (SMS) will host Town Hall 3 https://lu.ma/xjmdgo89, a gathering of Minneapolis entrepreneurs at Theatre in the Round on February 6.

We will present two "Minneapolis City of Lakes Rotary Club Entrepreneur Awards" 
  • Best New Business Idea Award ($1,000)
  • Best Existing Business Pitch Award ($1,000)
This event continues the SMS tradition of creating meaningful spaces for community connection and entrepreneurial growth.  SMS and Overbrite Studio will produce broadcast-quality content for SPEAK MPLS https://www.speakmpls.com/, ensuring that the voices of our entrepreneurial community are amplified far beyond the event itself.  
 
This is an exciting collaboration between our Vocational Service Team and Liban Kano's organization in support of young future business leaders.
Find Belonging and Fun This Winter by Joining Our Club

 

As we embrace the cozy months of winter, it’s the perfect time to reflect on what truly matters—finding a sense of belonging and joy in a community that shares your values.

Our club is a diverse group of business and community leaders where you’ll feel welcome, have fun, and make a real difference. Together, we work to create positive change both locally and globally. By joining now, you’ll not only experience the warmth of a vibrant, supportive group but also play a role in shaping the future and leaving a lasting legacy in our community.

Start your journey now toward building meaningful relationships, contributing to impactful projects, and having a lot of fun along the way.

To learn more, visit our Membership page: https://bit.ly/3A1XDba or contact Brian Kimmes: https://bit.ly/3X5cOJa. Let’s accomplish great things together!

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Celebrating Excellence 
 
The club's annual awards program celebrated members for their dedication, leadership and generosity.  
 
  • Carol Russell received the Heart of Rotary Award presented by last year's honoree Brock Ray. 
  • Past District Governor  Jewelie Grape received the Service Above Self Award for her exceptional service to the Rotary District 5950 and our club. It was presented by Past President Scott Benson.  
  • Lakka Benti was awarded the Emerging Leadership honor presented by Past President Ross Naylor.
  • Executive Director of Onward Eden Prairie Tricia Wright received our Hope Award and $2500 for their work preventing homelessness and nurturing independence of young adults. Club member and Onward Eden Prairie board member Jim Nelson presented the award.  
 
We also recognized many members for giving to the club's foundation and The Rotary Foundation.  The Dick DeVore Award, named for a founding member, is presented for each cumulative level of $1000 giving to our foundation, and Major Donors are recognized upon giving $10,000.  The Paul Harris Award is presented for each cumulative level of $1000 giving to The Rotary Foundation, and Major Donors are recognized upon giving $10,000.
 
Please click to see the names of our foundation honorees.  Amazing members like all of these inspire us every day
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Engaging Stories Take Center Stage in Local Theater
Applause Community Theatre presents an evening of one-act plays
 

City of Lakes Rotary member Brock Ray was back on stage in Applause Community Theatre’s production—a double feature of two powerful one-act plays of thought-provoking entertainment.

Brock took on the role of Drew in Our Dearest Friends, a riveting drama by Twin Cities playwright Terry Newby. The story follows Drew, a corporate lawyer who faces moral challenges as he finds himself entangled in the shady business dealings of his best friend and client, Peter. This intense and nuanced play digs deep into questions of loyalty, integrity, and the sacrifices we make for those closest to us.

The show also featured A Woman Over Forty by Lindsey Brown, a humorous and heartfelt exploration of self-discovery. Together, these plays offered a memorable evening of local theatre that sparked some reflection on life’s complexities.

Performances were at The Hive Collaborative in St. Paul. It was a great chance to see a fellow Rotarian bring another compelling character to life on stage. Many members turned out to  support Brock in a role that kept audiences thinking long after the final bow.

Rake, Rattle, and Roll
 
Thirty of us said, “Grab your rakes and let’s roll!”  This year’s Rake, Rattle, and Roll made a big difference with just a little elbow grease. Taking on yards in the Longfellow-Seward neighborhood for seniors or shut-ins wasn’t just about clearing leaves—it was about spreading joy, sharing smiles, and giving back to those who need a helping hand.
 
Out in the crisp autumn air, there was a feeling of warmth knowing we had lightened someone’s load and brightened their day.  One homeowner expressed appreciation we received from all of them by remarking, “The crew was great! Thanks again! I just love, love that you guys do that!”
 
Having worked up an appetite, we ended the day at a Minneapolis landmark, Matt’s Bar and Grill, home of the original Jucy Lucy. 
 
Click the button below for more pictures. 
 
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Our Rotary Club Plays a Key Role in Transforming Access to Water and Sanitation in Honduras
 
The Minneapolis City of Lakes Rotary Club is proud to have been instrumental in launching the third phase of the “Safe Water for Copán” initiative in western Honduras. Building on our earlier efforts, including a successful second project of similar scope, this ambitious collaboration between the Rotary Foundation and World Vision addresses critical water, sanitation, and hygiene needs across 13 communities.
 
The groundwork for this phase began in 2022 with the identification of target communities in the Copán region. Following detailed assessments and planning, the project officially commenced in February 2024 with a ceremonial stone-laying event in Dolores. Over the next two years, the initiative will:
• Develop or enhance 13 drinking water systems.
• Install 15 sanitation modules in schools and health centers.
• Build 450 latrines for households.
• Provide training to local water management boards.
• Promote hygiene education to foster lasting behavioral change.
 
Progress is well underway, with several communities already benefiting from clean water infrastructure and hygiene kits. Notably, the communities of Brisas de San Marcos and Guamilón have systems nearing completion.
 
Our Rotary Club’s International Service Committee’s involvement led by Jim Nelson has been vital to the success of this initiative, reaffirming our commitment to global service. By empowering communities with sustainable infrastructure and education, we are helping create a healthier future for thousands of residents in Copán.
Club's Leadership Announced
 
The following members have graciously agreed to take on 2025-2026 leadership positions in our club, guiding us toward another successful year.  Indicators are shown for officers,* club directors,† and foundation directors.‡
 
We are wishing them all the very best. Looking forward to seeing their teamwork in action! 
 
President*†‡Maria Bavender
President Elect*†‡Brian Kimmes
VP/Treasurer**†‡Bob Baker
Secretary*†‡Scott Benson
Sergeant at Arms*†‡Bill Klein
Projects Director†‡Bill Jackson 
Foundation Fundraising Director†‡Brock Ray
Past Presidents Council Chair †‡Shaun Irwin
Membership Director†Gayle Noakes
Programs Director†Sandy Christensen
Public Relations Director†Liban Kano
Club Administration Director†Frances Tyler
At Large District Liaison†Sheila Gothmann
Heart of Rotary Director‡Carol Russell
Visioning FacilitatorGayle Noakes
Programs Co-ChairAnna Coskran
Membership Co-Chair Sydney Skemp
Community Service ChairDanielle Igbanugo
Community Service Co-ChairAngela Sandok
Vocational Service ChairMark Labovitz
Vocational Service Co-ChairChris Morris
International Service ChairChanda Olson
International Service Co-Chair Jim Nelson 
International Service Subcommittee Lead-Exchange Students Todd Marshall
Club Service ChairLynn Otis
Club Service Co-ChairCindy Lennie
Tech Support LeadBrock Ray
Assistant Treasurers/Finance CommitteeGreg Alm, John Michaletz 
Club Administration AssistantDick Mossman 
AV (Zoom) LeadGreg Alm
Zoom and Happy Bucks CrewSteve Morris, Ross Naylor
End Polio Football Fundraiser Kurt Nelson
Community Forum Co-Sponsor Chairs (Sept. 2025)Carol Russell, Tina Sheriff
Opera Night Fundraiser Chairs (June 2025, potentially 2026)Carol Russell, Cindy Lennie
Presidential Chauffeur Kingford Bavender
Minding the Gap: Constructive Conversations in a Polarized World
 
At our 18th Annual Community Forum, Willam Doherty, Ph.D, co-founder of Braver Angels, led an interactive session on how to have constructive conversations in a polarized world.  We are sharing a video of the forum to benefit everyone searching for solutions.
 
Dr. Doherty is internationally recognized and has worked with therapists, legislators, lawyers, mediators, and clergy for years. Following the 2016 U.S. Presidential election he co-founded Braver Angels, a citizen initiative bringing conservatives and liberals together to counteract political polarization.
 
Bringing his experience, Dr Doherty helped us focus on new understandings and strategies for initiating conversations that focus on our shared humanity and that respect the integrity and worth of every individual and their views. This community forum was open to all community members and Rotarians and was presented by Rotary Clubs of St. Paul, Minneapolis City of Lakes, and Roseville.