MARNIE WELLS - CEO OF CAMP FIRE MINNESOTA: CAMP TANADOONA
Marnie Wells on Aug. 28 introduced Eden Prairie A.M. Rotary Club members to Camp Tanadoona and its long history with Rotary. Wells is CEO of Camp Fire Minnesota, the organization whose camps include Tanadoona, more than 100 acres located about five miles west of Eden Prairie on Lake Minnewashta. The idea of a camp for Camp Fire Girls – an organization that started as a type of Boy Scouts for girls – was presented to downtown Minneapolis Rotarians in 1923, after which club members made financial pledges in order to purchase the Lake Minnewashta property, a purchase culminated in 1930. Since, area Rotary Clubs have also played a part in funding the camp and its facilities, which are expected to serve about 5,000 kids in 2018 through a variety of programs including summer camp and K-12 field trips for environmental learning. The need to connect kids to nature is profound, says Marnie, since on average kids are spending roughly 90 percent of their time indoors.
Marnie Wells on Aug. 28 introduced Eden Prairie A.M. Rotary Club members to Camp Tanadoona and its long history with Rotary. Wells is CEO of Camp Fire Minnesota, the organization whose camps include Tanadoona, more than 100 acres located about five miles west of Eden Prairie on Lake Minnewashta. The idea of a camp for Camp Fire Girls – an organization that started as a type of Boy Scouts for girls – was presented to downtown Minneapolis Rotarians in 1923, after which club members made financial pledges in order to purchase the Lake Minnewashta property, a purchase culminated in 1930. Since, area Rotary Clubs have also played a part in funding the camp and its facilities, which are expected to serve about 5,000 kids in 2018 through a variety of programs including summer camp and K-12 field trips for environmental learning. The need to connect kids to nature is profound, says Marnie, since on average kids are spending roughly 90 percent of their time indoors.The camp’s latest effort is “The Great Tana-re-doona Vision,” a master plan that has added cabins and now has supporters focusing on a $4.1 million phase that includes a new community and dining center. Marnie says she would love to get more Rotary support, including from district grants. You can learn more about Camp Tanadoona and Camp Fire Minnesota at tanadoona.org.
ANNOUNCEMENTS
You can help make our Oct. 6 Vino Classico fundraiser a success by selling admission and raffle tickets, providing a bottle of wine (or $20 donation), and rustling up a silent auction item. New exchange student Judit will be officially welcomed at a pool party 2-4 pm Sept. 9 at Jane McGinty’s home. Other future community events include the Sept. 8 Prairie Brewfest, an Oct. 23 mayoral debate, and an Oct. 30 club visit from state demographer Susan Brower.
SPOTLIGHT ON JACOB STONESIFER
Think of ice cream or a million dollars when you talk to club member Jacob Stonesifer. Jacob hails from Le Mars, Iowa, the home of Blue Bunny ice cream and the self-titled Ice Cream Capital of the World. He attended St. Olaf College and his involvement in Boy Scout camp near Park Rapids – where he met his wife – led to his employment with the Boy Scouts of America organization. This two-year club member now has a new role with the Scouts: organizing the Northern Star Council’s massive fundraiser known as The Million Dollar Day for Scouting. Congratulations on the new gig, Jacob, and thanks for serving through Rotary.HAPPY FIVES
- We’re happy and willing to donate $5 to The Rotary Foundation to prove it. PG Narayanan is happy to invite club members to the Eden Prairie Community Foundation’s annual Prairie Brewfest event on Sept. 8. Jane McGinty is happy to have kids returning to school and is amazed that migration includes her youngest, who is entering kindergarten. Suzanne Kutina is happy, but a little sad too, after dropping off a daughter at college. Visitor and
prospective member Joel Ackerman is happy about reaching a 41 st wedding anniversary on this date.
VISITORS
Joel Ackerman - Prospective Member
Judit Amaros-Marin - Rotary Youth Exchange
Bonnie Russell
Jessica Ayors-Marin
Patrick Yang and Noah Stuhr: Student Interns