Alexandria Rotary Club

West Central MN Chapter, American Red Cross

Alexandria Rotarian Brian Simon (Maney International), introduced Kris Strobel as the guest speaker at today's weekly meeting at the Broadway Ballroom. Kris is with the West Central Minnesota Chapter of the American Red Cross.

Bill Gates Challenges Rotarians

The fight to eradicate polio has been given a significant monetary boost through new funds pledged by the Bill Gates' charitable foundation, Rotary International and the British and German governments.

The Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation awarded US$255 million to Rotary International, which will match it with US$100 million to be raised over the next three years. At the same time the British and German governments awarded £100 million (US$137 million) and €100 million (US$129 million) respectively to bring the total committed by the four parties to US$630 million.

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Bonnie Lutz affected the lives of many students at Evansville Elementary School  and in 1994 was name the Minnesota Teacher of the Year. "The Minnesota Teacher of the Year program, now in its 44th year, is the oldest and most prestigious recognition program in Minnesota to honor excellence in education. The program chooses one teacher to represent Minnesota's thousands of excellent educators." (educationminnesota.org). At this week's Rotary meeting, Bonnie shared her philosphy on the choices and framework that lead to success in and out of the classroom.

Walk into an Alexandria Rotary meeting and you will see and hear people greeting each other and smell the aroma of the meal being served by the Broadway Ballroom staff. In the background, you will also hear a pianist. Each week, Kelly Albrecht takes a break from her job as a financial analyst at Geneva Capital to make our meetings more enjoyable.

Everyone appreciates Kelly but there isn't much time to learn more about her as once the music stops at the meeting, she heads back to Geneva Capital. Here is a little bit of information to help in getting to know Kelly:

• grew up in Eagle Bend, MN
• is an alum of Bethel University in New Brighton
• she and her husband, Curt Albrecht, moved to Alexandria in 2003. They have three children, Brooklynne (7) Lauren (6 ) and Braden (3)
• an accomplished pianist and has a private studio for lessons
• besides music, Kelly enjoys traveling, volleyball and shopping (she wouldn't admit it but word is that her favorite song is Roll Rotary)

Pictured is Alexandria Rotarian Ed Smith (Station Manager, KSAX) and Julie Kritz (Director of Teaching and Learning, District 206).

Julie was Ed's guest at today's Alexandria Rotary Club meeting and she gave an informative presentation about the Teaching and Learning Office.

Teaching and Learning plays an essential role in carrying out District 206's Mission "to achieve educational excellence and to inspire a life-long passion for learning." Teaching and Learning works to coordinate standards-based curriculum, a comprehensive assessment program and staff development opportunities to ensure that District 206 students experience a coordinated and challenging educational program.

Rotary International Districts 5950 and 5960 and the Center for Ethical Business Cultures are sponsoring an essay contest for high school students. Cash prizes will be awarded.

Today's weekly Alexandria Rotary Club meeting guest speaker was St. Mary's Youth Minister, Craig Gould.

Still Educating

Bonnie Lutz affected the lives of many students at Evansville Elementary School  and in 1994 was name the Minnesota Teacher of the Year. "The Minnesota Teacher of the Year program, now in its 44th year, is the oldest and most prestigious recognition program in Minnesota to honor excellence in education. The program chooses one teacher to represent Minnesota's thousands of excellent educators." (educationminnesota.org). At this week's Rotary meeting, Bonnie shared her philosphy on the choices and framework that lead to success in and out of the classroom.

Music and Rotary

Walk into an Alexandria Rotary meeting and you will see and hear people greeting each other and smell the aroma of the meal being served by the Broadway Ballroom staff. In the background, you will also hear a pianist. Each week, Kelly Albrecht takes a break from her job as a financial analyst at Geneva Capital to make our meetings more enjoyable.

Everyone appreciates Kelly but there isn't much time to learn more about her as once the music stops at the meeting, she heads back to Geneva Capital. Here is a little bit of information to help in getting to know Kelly:

• grew up in Eagle Bend, MN
• is an alum of Bethel University in New Brighton
• she and her husband, Curt Albrecht, moved to Alexandria in 2003. They have three children, Brooklynne (7) Lauren (6 ) and Braden (3)
• an accomplished pianist and has a private studio for lessons
• besides music, Kelly enjoys traveling, volleyball and shopping (she wouldn't admit it but word is that her favorite song is Roll Rotary)

Teaching and Learning

Pictured is Alexandria Rotarian Ed Smith (Station Manager, KSAX) and Julie Kritz (Director of Teaching and Learning, District 206).

Julie was Ed's guest at today's Alexandria Rotary Club meeting and she gave an informative presentation about the Teaching and Learning Office.

Teaching and Learning plays an essential role in carrying out District 206's Mission "to achieve educational excellence and to inspire a life-long passion for learning." Teaching and Learning works to coordinate standards-based curriculum, a comprehensive assessment program and staff development opportunities to ensure that District 206 students experience a coordinated and challenging educational program.

Rotary, Center for Ethical Business Cultures sponsor essay contest

Rotary International Districts 5950 and 5960 and the Center for Ethical Business Cultures are sponsoring an essay contest for high school students. Cash prizes will be awarded.

St. Mary's Youth Minister

Today's weekly Alexandria Rotary Club meeting guest speaker was St. Mary's Youth Minister, Craig Gould.