Alexandria Rotary Club

Minnesota Sporting Journal

Matt Soberg (right) was an attorney practicing law in the Fergus Falls area when as he likes to describe it, "had an early life crisis" and decided law might not be what his life pursuit should be. His loves are writing and the outdoors so he decided to start a magazine focused on hunting, fishing, canoing, camping and other Minnesota adventures featuring local journalism and exceptional photography. The magazine is the Minnesota Sporting Journal and is currently published quarterly.

Pictured to Matt's right is Rotarian Reed Becker. Reed arranged for Matt to be with the Alexandria Rotary Club today.

Read samples of the magazine at the magazine web-site, mnsportingjournal.com, and/or connect with them on Twitter (@mnsporting) and Facebook.

Alexandria Hotel & Hospitality Association

Rotarians learned about the importance of tourism to the local economy at the Alexandria Rotary Club’s May 24, 2012, meeting. Rotarian Virgil Batesole introduced Sara Stadtherr, director of the Alexandria Hotel & Hospitality Association. She spoke on the ways the association promotes the area to potential visitors and supports local programs and events. She reported that tourism and the hospitality industry create $92 million in sales annually and support 2,087 jobs in Douglas County.

Diversity Resource Action Alliance

At this week's Alexandria Rotary Club meeting, members learned about Diversity Resource Action Alliance (DRAA). Formed in 2003, DRAA is a volunteer community organization committed to strengthening the understanding and appreciation of diversity and cultural differences in the greater Alexandria Area. Deb LeDoux began the presentation with a background an overview of DRAA including its mission: "DRAA provides a platform for building and strengthening community understanding and appreciation of diversity and cultural differences". Scott Keehn followed with a information about a Inclusion Network training. Inclusion Network volunteer trainers provide diversity and inclusion training, consulting and facilitation services to empower people to take action towards greater equality. If you'd like to learn more about DRAA, visit www.diversitytoday.org. You can also find them on Facebook at facebook.com/diversityresourceactionAlliance.

Fast Pitch Softball

Coach Randy Albers and three members of the Jefferson High School fast-pitch softball squad were special guests at the May 10 meeting of the Alexandria Rotary Club. Albers spoke briefly of his own softball history, and the team members – Lauren Trumm, Macaille Lucas and Taylor Ellingsen – introduced themselves and answered questions about the team and their sport.

Welcome Group Study Exchange Team from France