2026 District Conference:October 1, 2026 - October 4, 2026 at Cragun's Resort.
This Week at Rotary
Shane Riffle Opened the meeting with an energetic and passionate dance performance of "YMCA" that you really just had to be there for.
Three New Members, The Trifecta!
Please give a warm welcome to Ryan Krominga, Jennifer Halbur, and Mark Besocke as our three new Rotarians!
Speaker
Kelvin Pelkey, Executive Director, and Lori Ruben, Resource Development, from Lakes Area Habitat for Humanity stopped by to provide an update on everything they've been working on.
Kevin opened with the history of Habitat for Humanity and it's founding in 1976 that has provided a proven, transformative path to stable home ownership. Lori highlighted that their model provides sold homes at 0% interest and 30 year mortgages pinned at roughly 25% of a qualified families income. She described the selection process which focuses on demonstration of need, ability to pay, and commitment to sweat equity in their home, typically around 200 hours per family. Through these processes they've provided roughly 150 homes in the area with less than 5 necessary foreclosures.
The need for their services is higher than ever with a local housing crises and continued rising costs for housing. A local study showed that more than half of area residents are paying 30% of their income on housing with 25% of residents paying over 50%. It's becoming difficult for them to serve those who are most in need.
Kevin addressed the recent closing of the ReStore and though it was financially necessary, they are proud to have provided it's services for a successful 22 year run and aren't ruling out a future return completely. For now the focus is on fundraising and builds.
They encouraged members of the club to be involved with their fundraising events;
Pints for a Purpose
Raise a Glass Raise a Wall
Dancing with the Lakes Area Stars
the CEO Build (CEO status not required)
Along with inviting anyone interested to get involved with an upcoming build!
Upcoming Dates to Watch
The Club is looking to bring back Rotary Socials. Tentatively October 24th at Jack Pine Brewery has been discussed. Watch for upcoming communication if your interested in attending.
Greeters:
09/15/2026
Barbara Rholl, Jesse Hopkins, Michael McConkey
Speakers:
09/15/2026: Andy Rangen, Club Meeting and Fundraising Workshop
09/22/2026: Peter Nelson, District Governer, State of the District 5580
09/29/2026: Open
10/06/2026: Matt Russell and Courtney DeChaine, CTC, Cybersecurity
Sergeant At Arms
09/08/2026
Kevin Thesing
Rotary Park Happenings
Below you will find the website address for the iNaturalist website for Rotary Riverside Park.
You are invited to visit us at an upcoming meeting.
Brainerd Rotary Club meets on Tuesdays at 12pm at the Northland Arboretum (lower level) - 14250 Conservation Dr, Baxter, MN 56425
Our club members are dedicated people who share a passion for community service and friendship. Becoming a Rotarian connects you with a diverse group who share your drive to give back. Join us here for updates, announcements, and stories.
To see our schedule of upcoming speakers, click HERE. If you have an idea or question, contact Lee Seipp at leeseipp@live.com.
Rotary International Convention:
June 26-30, 2027, Barcelona, Spain
Brainerd Club Board
Meeting occurs at 11am on the third Tuesday of the month at The Northland Arboretum. Anyone can attend.
Brainerd Foundation Board
Anyone is welcome to join the meeting at 11am on the fourth Tuesday of the month at The Northland Arboretum. More information on Foundation Grants, grant process, grant applications at https://www.brainerdrotary.org/page/brainerd-rotary-foundation.
Social Media and PR
Please take and share photos of current rotary club events. Share with Matt Russell mrussell2006@gmail.com so we can keep our website and social media platforms current. Thank you!
