Speakers

Dr. Bruce Gleason will discuss his new book, Cold War Cadence: A Military Musician's Berlin Memoir, 1988- 1991.  Described by his publisher as: Providing a fascinating review of not only the work of army bandsmen and women, Dr. Gleason also offers more than a glimpse of the historic city of Berlin as well as the Prussian and Nazi ghosts that still reside there. Filled with copious detail and based on exacting and beautifully assembled notes, letters, North Star News articles, and photos, Gleason's latest book of vivid recollections coupled with those of his bandmates promises to satisfy even the most discerning reader of Cold War and general European history. Along the way, he furnishes readers with an entertaining European and Asian travelogue with too many surprises to count.

Scott Welle is a #1 international best selling author, speaker and founder of Outperform The Norm, a leading program for business leaders and athletes looking raise their game and perform at the highest level.

Scott has worked with professional athletes (NFL, MLB, PGA Tour), elite level triathletes, CEOs, stay-at-home moms, and everyday heroes who all had one common goal – to improve and to be better today than they were yesterday.

Scott’s nine best selling books, articles, videos, podcasts and online programs inspire hundreds of thousands of people worldwide. He has a Master’s degree in Sport Psychology and is an adjunct professor at St. Olaf University. He regularly speaks and consults with top performing executives, sales professionals and entrepreneurs, as well as elite athletes, all with one common goal: to OUTPERFORM.

Scott enjoys pushing his own physical and mental limits, completing five Ironman triathlons, 29 marathons and a 100-mile ultra marathon run. He is very close with his brother, Jason. Together they “plod” at least one marathon together each year, laughing the whole way.

He serves others by showing them how to tap into the same mindset of challenging their self-limiting beliefs and aspiring to be their best everyday.

Growing up on an Iowa farm, studying architecture at Iowa State University, and building a career in custom-tailored clothing may seem like an unconventional path—but for Kingford Bavender, it was a natural evolution. In this engaging talk, King will share how a foundation in design and craftsmanship led to a vocation in creating custom garments that reflect the individuality of each client. From fine woolen fabrics to precise silhouettes, he will explore the artistry behind tailored clothing and how skills from one discipline seamlessly informed another. Join us for an inspiring look at how passion, adaptability, and creativity shape a meaningful career.

New club President Maria Bavender will discuss launching our path in the new Rotary year, including highlights from the Rotary International Convention in Calgary.

This is your opportunity to help build momentum and have a real stake in what's ahead.

Come for a conversation with our District Governor Mark Shockey.  Mark boldly tells others, "Nothing compares to the way Rotary clubs serve others every day, both locally
and globally."

He says that without a doubt, the leadership skills he has gained in his 30 years in Rotary have helped
prepare him for several organizational roles and provided experiences that he uses daily in his career.

Mark is:
 Pastor at St. Peter’s - Edina, a Lutheran Church and Family Education Center for 25-years
 Passionate about supporting families with children who have intellectual or developmental disabilities
 A NASCAR chaplain for the Cup Series nationally and for Elko Speedway here in Minnesota
 Married to Joann for 40 years with three adult daughters with families in the Twin Cities Metro area
 Blessed with five grandchildren
 Together, they own a family business, "Memories of Home," a faith and family gift store in Eden Prairie
 A member of the Rotary Club of Minnesota Veterans
 Privileged to have served in many Rotary roles at the club, district, and zone levels