Written by Ann Luce
The Rotary Club of North Minneapolis celebrated its 12th year in 2024, and we began the year with planning and celebrating ourselves and our work. In February our Education and Literacy committee worked with students through Wellspring Second Chance Center mentoring them in writing so they could do a written piece, a dance or art work on why Peace is important in our community. The children – first graders through high school — created inspired work that they shared with others.
In April we toured the new V-3 Fitness Center on Plymouth and Lyndale. We admired the state-of-the-art pool and aquatics, and the amazing fitness area. Their mission is to elevate the community through wellness, fitness and education. We were inspired by their commitment and their stunning new facility.
In the spring we worked in the Old Highland Peace Garden, a garden that our club supports. We help open and close the garden each year, and in July we installed new Rotary sponsored raised garden beds. Produce from this garden is available free to the community.
For Juneteenth we participated in the celebration at Sanctuary Covenant Church and served a pancake breakfast to over 100 people. Participants and Rotary volunteers had a delicious time. In August we served a meal for the I Stand, You Stand for Peace Motorcycle Ride. This event brings together motorcycle riders to ride for peace and community.
Every year we celebrate International Peace Day, and this past year it was on the same Saturday as Open Streets on Broadway. At this year’s event we distributed books to the children and adults who came to our booth. These books, fiction and non-fiction, focused on persons of color and issues around peace. We also shared little notebooks with our 4 Way Test* on them.
Only one week later we had our Rotary Bike Ramble through the Northside. The cyclists toured hotspots including Get Down Coffee Shop, North Market, Minuteman Press, V3 Sports, TAP IN Kitchen, local breweries and other sites. The tour highlighted Black-owned businesses and how they are reshaping the narrative of our Northside.
In October a group of Rotarians helped organize equipment and bedding for those Link participants who were moving into their first new apartments at the Link. They received everything they needed in their new space.
In November, we sold poinsettias and other holiday plants as a club fundraiser, again supporting the Link. In December, we volunteered at 3,000 Acts of Kindness, the holiday charity event for the homeless held at the Minneapolis Convention Center. For the North Minneapolis Rotary, 2024 was a very good year.
The Rotary Club of North Minneapolis meets every Tuesday by Zoom from 7:35 to 8:35 a.m. All are welcome to join a meeting. Contact northmplsrotary@gmail.com to request a meeting link.
*4 Way Test (which we repeat at each meeting )
Of the things we think, say or do: 1- Is it the truth?
2- Is it fair for to all concerned?
3- Will it build good will and better friendship?
4- Will it be beneficial to all concerned?