Events

Evening Event:  Come to a live, behind-the-scenes Behavioral Grooves podcast experience, “Resilience in Our Uncertain Times” instead of a morning  meeting. Get your tickets here 

https://portal.clubrunner.ca/3082/Events/resilience-in-our-uncertain-times-community-forum

Dave Snider brings a powerful story of transformation and purpose. After being sentenced in federal court in 2009 as a career offender, Dave spent over 14 years in prison—an experience that ultimately became a turning point in his life. While incarcerated at FMC Rochester, he served in the inmate hospice program, supporting
men at the end of their lives and gaining a deep appreciation for service, accountability, and the value of each life.

During his time inside, Dave also spent seven years speaking to high school and college students about the impact of life choices, learning to turn his past into a tool for growth and education. He is trained in Restorative Justice and advocates for its broader application in communities.

Dave helped shape the founding mission of the Redemption Project through his insights on reentry and was part of its first cohort. Today, he continues to invest in the program’s growth, using his journey to inspire change and help others break cycles of harm and build meaningful futures.

What does a city council member actually do? Who runs the city from day to day, and why can a decision that sounds simple become surprisingly complicated? Longtime Minneapolis City of Lakes Rotary Club member and past president Brock Ray will offer an inside look at his first year serving on the New Hope City Council. Brock will share how he went from interested resident to appointed council member, explain how New Hope’s council-manager form of government works, and describe what happens beyond the meetings residents see on television.

Brock will also discuss some of the major questions facing cities like New Hope, including affordability, redevelopment, city services, public safety, privacy, and planning for the community’s future. Along the way, he’ll reflect on what has surprised him, what he has learned about making decisions as part of a five-member council, and what campaigning for local office has taught him about his neighbors. Bring your questions for a candid and nonpartisan conversation about the work, responsibilities, and unexpected realities of serving in local government.

Sylvia Strobel serves as the President and CEO of Twin Cities PBS (TPT), bringing over 30 years of experience as an executive and attorney in the public broadcasting sector. Throughout her career—including leadership roles at American Public Media Group, the Corporation for Public Broadcasting, and Ideastream Public Media—she has navigated major industry shifts, digital expansions, and evolving audience habits. Today, as public media adapts to historic structural changes and shifting funding models, Sylvia offers invaluable insight into how local broadcasting organizations are innovating, diversifying revenue, and reinforcing their commitment to community education and trusted local storytelling.

Join us and celebrate our club members who receive the COL Heart of Rotary Award, Emerging Leadership Award, Dick DeVore and Paul Harris Fellow Foundation Awards. We'll also celebrate a non-profit leader in our commuity for creating lasting impact with our Hope Award and philanthropic gift. 

Rise Early Learning Center is a high-quality affordable childcare program placing specific emphasis on supporting whole families and equipping extraordinary staff to provide better outcomes for the children they serve. COL Rotary has been a supporter of Rise Early almost since their inception. Come learn what's changing in Childcare and how this unique program is meeting the calls to replicate thier model.

Annual report and celebration of what we've achieved and where we are going into the future. 

David Daily is a licensed REALTOR® and designated Luxury Property Specialist with Coldwell Banker, primarily focused on residential real estate in the Minneapolis/Saint Paul area. In 2025, he was named a Super Real Estate Agent by Mpls St. Paul Magazine, a recognition reserved for the top 5% of agents serving the Twin Cities.

Prior to real estate, David spent 20 years leading advertising campaigns for some of the world’s largest brands, including Target, United Airlines, Best Buy, and UnitedHealth Group. Today, he leverages that marketing expertise for his real estate clients, bringing the same level of patience, attention, and care to every relationship.

Known for his thoughtful guidance, strong market knowledge, and client-first approach, David will discuss the state of the residential market, trends, and answer your burning real estate questions.

Anshu Chandra has 16 years of experience providing eye care in Haiti. She leads a permanent clinic in Fond-des-Blancs, supports mobile clinics, and helps train local eye care professionals, including the Haitian ophthalmology residency program in Port-au-Prince. She holds a Doctor of Optometry degree and completed her residency at SUNY College of Optometry. She has provided care in Nepal, Haiti, Peru, Lebanon, Tanzania, Honduras, Guatemala, the Dominican Republic, Mexico, Indonesia, and India.

www.globaleyeproject.org