Become a member of the Hopkins Area Jaycees

Find out how!!! Scan this barcode.

I'm Walking at the Hopkins/St. Louis Park Relay for Life

The Hopkins Area Jaycees have a team for the St. Louis Park/Hopkins Relay for Life that is held June 24/25th!

I have committed to raising $100.00 for the event! Please consider donating any amount to help me reach my goal.

To donate, click here.

For each $5.00 donated, I will run one lap around the track.

Congratulations to the 2010 TOYM/OYF Honorees

This past weekend was the Minnesota Jaycees Ten Outstanding Young Minnesotan and Outstanding Young Farmers Banquet.



We recognized the following individuals for their contributions to their community.
TOYM Honorees
* Cori Wrobel
* Alex Forster
* Brad Eller
* Jason Matheson
* Maggie Harris
* Melissa Palank
* Linda Lieser
* Crystal Dulas
* Ryan Foss
* Kristi Hastings

OYF Honoree
* Dale Shelly

Congratulations to all of the winners.

A Haunting we will go!!!!

I can't believe that Halloween is just a little over a week away!

This is easily my favorite time of the year - cool, crisp air and the pumpkin flavored everything, apples and Haunted Houses.

On Friday night, I will be taking a Tour of Haunted Houses put on by 3 different Jaycee Chapters in MN.

Interested in visiting them yourself - the information is below.

Evilhill – Dungeon of Darkness and Doom·

• Host Chapter Name: Hopkins Area Jaycees
• Location of Haunted House: Hopkins at ,10 Shady Oak Rd
• Dates of Operation: Oct. 16-31 (Thursdays-Saturdays)
• Hours of Operation: 7p-10pm
• Cost: $13 or $9.00 with a canned food donation
• Additional Information: http://evilhill.net/

Delano Jaycees Haunted Warehouse

• Host Chapter Name: Delano Jaycees
• Location of Haunted House: Bridge Ave E Delano
• Dates of Operation: Oct 22,23,29,30,31
• Hours of Operation: 6pm to 10pm
• Cost: $5 per person or $4 with food shelf item

Terror on 23

• Host Chapter Name: Cold Spring Jaycees
• Location of Haunted House: Hwy 23 East across from Blue Heron
• Dates of Operation: Oct. 8 - Oct. 31 – Check for exact dates and times on the website http://www.terroron23.com/
• Cost? $10.00
• Additional Information: http://www.terroron23.com/

Look for my next post for a recap of the tour and pictures!

Trip to the past

This past weekend, I made a visit to the Renaissance Festival. The Shakopee Jaycees gave President Laura, COB Jason and I a grand tour after we got into Costume. Below is a picture of our attire.

We had a blast and can’t wait until next year!

Relay for Life in Foley!

Thanks to Foley for the great time and many laughs on Friday, June 18th at your Relay for Life. It was a georgous night for a walk.

What made the night even more fantastic was seeing President Russ dressed up in a beautiful dress, red shoes and blonde wig.

Why did he dress up?

The Foley Relay for Life conducts a Men of Relay competition. If you donate $20.00, the man dresses up in clothing that is pre picked out. To get out of it, the man can pay $40.00.

Russ was a good sport and supported the cause!

National Convention

On June 2nd, 17 Minnesota Jaycees, including myself attended the United States Junior Chamber (Jaycees) National Convention in New Orleans.

The convention as absolutely AWESOME! I am very glad I went!!!

The learning was great, the networking was incredible and the food was Fabulous.

The picture below illustrates the fun VP Lisa and I had at the opening ceremonies!

If you're a Jaycee - consider going to the 2011 US Jaycee National Convention.

It's being held June 8 - 12, 2011 in Chicago.

For more information - click here!

It's Been 2 Months - Where did the time go?

My travels have taken me to Sauk Rapids, New Munich, Cold Spring, BBE, Litchfield, Westonka, St. Cloud, Hopkins, St. Paul, Lake Elmo, Shakopee, Delano, Mankato and I am sure I am missing many. But thought I'd give a snapshot of some of my favorite pictures.

Since my last post, I have:

Jumped in a Lake with the Burnsville and Shakopee Jaycees on behalf of the Minneapolis Jaycees during the Polar Plunge

I've bowled like a "Champion" at State Bowling - Learned VP Debbie has special bowling talents

Traveled to Willmar for their State Wrestling

Trained in Region 5

Attended BBE's 1st ever Chili Cook-off

Met JCI President Roland - heard his inspirational message about the Impact of one. The evening ended with a huge laugh when he jokingly pulled a chair out from under me.

Traveled to Westonka for their Easter Egg Hunt

Observed Lake Elmos Adult Easter Egg Hunt (My favorite picture so far this year!)

Gotta love Chili

In the past two weeks, I've had more chili than I eat in a year. Thanks to the Cold Spring and Fergus Falls Jaycees.

On January 30th, President Laura, Presidential Assistant Amy and I headed north to Cold Spring for the 4th Annual Chili and Soup Cook-Off. The Chili was great, but I must say, the Smoked Gouda Cheese Soup was the best! But I dare you to ask President Laura about her favorite.

Yesterday, was the Fergus Falls Jaycees Chili Cook-off. The event started with President Laura and I sliding down an inflatable slide. Note to self- don't try to climb that when you worked your legs the day before. Ouch! Then off to judge Chili and Soups. There was a great chili made by a local gas station. And a FABULOUS Squash soup.

Till next time.. Safe Travels!

Taking a Plunge

In December, I challenged the Minneapolis Jaycees to sign 2 new members by February 27th!

The incentive - I would participate in the South Metro Polar Plunge for the 2nd year in a row.

Well - I lost, or won, the challenge. Minneapolis signed 2 new members. I say lost, because I remember how cold the water was last year. But I also say won because I'm jumping for two great causes.
1: Raising money for Special Olympics
2: Growth of the Minneapolis Jaycees

I could use your help! Please consider donating money to the Special Olympics by making a pledge on my Plunger Page.

To make a pledge, click here.

I thank you in advance.

By the way - the picture above illustrates just how cold last year's plunge was. And it was so worth it!

Convention was 7 days ago and I am still inspired by the energy of those who attended.

Since convention, I've made several connections with members who I have not previously worked with and can't wait to see what they accomplish this year.

On Tuesday, I was priviledged to swear in the 2010 President of the Minneapolis Jaycees and watch her swear in her board and members of the chapter. On Wednesday, I had a great conversation with the 2010 President of the Litchfield Jaycees. Watch out Minnesota - both chapters are going to be a force in the state this year.

Region 3 has a LOTS training coming up. I'm looking forward to attending and presenting at that training. Contact RD Robin for more information.

I look forward to documenting my adventures this year - let me know what projects you have going on.

Creating this blog!

This is my first blog ever. I am super excited to use this to track my adventures in 2010.

I hope to make weekly posts to document the exciting things I am sure to experiance throughout the year. Keep checking back to see what I am up to!