About the Presentation: Learn about the benefits of establishing a National Heritage Area in the St Croix River Watershed. National Heritage Areas are a grassroots, community-driven approach to heritage conservation and economic development. Through public-private partnerships, NHA entities support historic preservation, natural resource conservation, recreation, heritage tourism, and educational projects. Leveraging funds and long-term support for projects, NHA partnerships foster pride of place and an enduring stewardship ethic.
About the Speaker: Gayle Prest is on the Board of Directors of a small non profit "North Woods and Waters of the St. Croix Heritage Area" Her career was in urban planning with a focus on sustainability.
She grew up in the Stillwater area and is now retired, living with her husband in Franconia Township near Taylors Falls MN. She enjoys paddling, gardening, hiking and volunteering.
Sharing Families Christmas 2026: The list came to us early, and Dawn jumped on it right away, as did Rotarians at the 10/27 meeting. As a result, most items are taken. Here's what remains: Family #1, Male age 10: Robux gift card Family #1, Male age 8: Fortnight Stuff Family #1 - Aldi Gift Card (1 needed)
Family #2, Male age 4: Learning Tablet/Tech Family #2, Male, age 4: McDonald's Gift Card Family #2, Male, age 2: Learning Tablet/Tech Family #2, Male, age 2: Toys with Lights Family #2 - Family Fresh Gift Cards (6 needed)
To take an item, email Dawn Coerber at Dawn.Coerber@rcu.org. Dropoff deadline is December 5th. In the meantime, items can be dropped off at Ezekiel and staged in the Rotary closet.
Dawn started by telling us that she was born and raised in St Paul MN, but that she has lived in WI for years. Her immediate family consists of 2 children (Breanna & Glenn) and 1 grandson (Luke). Her daughter is married with 1 child, and her son is single and lives in St. Paul. She joked that there are lots of Glenns – with 2 n’s – in the family (her Uncle, her Brother and her Son). Dawn and her husband (Ross) live in Houlton, and the family has a cabin in Backus, MN where her mother and father reside.
Dawn’s two kids graduated from Somerset High School, and both have employment with medical systems. Dawn shared family photos including her mom’s 80th birthday party, and she showed 3 generations of weddings; her parents, hers, and their daughter’s.
Dawn’s house includes a couple of cats. She has 2 and is temporarily housing her son’s 2 cats. Two of the 4 were rescue cats.
The family has taken on son Glenn’s remodel in St Paul, which is a complete renovation. Dawn showed photos of a remodeled kitchen and back porch. They took plaster and lath out of the bathroom as part of a complete remodel, and they all looked great in Hazmat suits!
Dawn described her professional journey: she worked for several banks, including Lake Elmo Bank for 19 years. In banking, Dawn said she’s been a “jack of all trades”. She came to Royal Credit Union in February as a mortgage loan officer, Dawn said she has a passion for educating home buyers about the borrowing process since it’s a complex area, and something most families do only a few times.
Dawn also noted her love of community involvement, as evidenced by taking on roles of Chamber ambassador, director of Kiwanis, and treasurer of Somerset Youth Robotics since 2015. Dawn is excited to help with BB and Sharing Families. She thanked everyone in Rotary for the warm welcome and loves the River Falls Community.
Annual District Governor Visit: Michael-Jon Pease started by noting the innovations in the District Governor visitations to clubs. District leaders are using a team approach to make getting to all clubs easier and more effective. Click READ MORE for the rest of the summary.
About the Presentation: Rich Frieder presented an informative, interactive view of how we can stay sharp and active as we age. He told our club that retaining critical cognitive skills impacts overall quality of life as we age. Many individuals struggle with tasks like remembering grocery lists, phone numbers, names or simply remembering where they left their keys! Rich discussed current theories related to aging and brain function, and he reviewed strategies for strengthening these skills. Click READ MORE to read about Rich Frieder.
This Month: Veteran's Park Cleanup: November 7th at 11 AM. Holiday Backpack Program Support: Contributions signups will be circulated to help ONP help families in need through the holidays.
AAUW Annual Book Sale: Barrels to donate books and puzzles are out at grocery stores. AAUW's annual book happens in November.
