National Alliance on Mental Illness St. Croix Valley
The National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) is the nation’s largest grassroots mental health organization dedicated to building better lives for the millions of Americans affected by mental illness. For twenty-eight years, NAMI St. Croix Valley has provided free mental health support, education, and advocacy in Pierce and St. Croix Counties, yet many residents still haven’t heard of them. Michelle Hansen, the first paid Executive Director, will introduce NAMI's work and the growing need for mental health resources. She’ll highlight free support groups, community education, and plans for expansion, including new groups and the first-ever NAMIWalks event in Hudson in 2027. When individuals and families don’t know where to turn, NAMI offers support, understanding, and connection.
Michelle Hansen is the Executive Director of NAMI St. Croix Valley and its first paid staff member in twenty-eight years. She previously served for two and a half years as volunteer Board President, leading efforts to strengthen the organization and establish its first staff position. Her background spans project management, mortgage finance underwriting, and professional writing. She holds a bachelor’s degree in psychology and is trained in QPR suicide prevention and COMET mental health training.
Michelle serves on the Pierce County Human Services Board, the St. Croix County Comprehensive Community Services Board, and the Restorative Services of St. Croix Valley Board. Volunteer service has included food assistance, victim advocacy, and supporting military families through Army Community Service at Camp Casey, South Korea, where she received the Army Community Services Award for Voluntary Service. Today, she leads efforts to expand free mental health education and support across Pierce and St. Croix Counties.
Please bring your expired lithium batteries to our October 7th meeting for recycling. Kerry Reis will be available at the meeting with a box, which we will then send to Redwood Materials for proper recycling.
THIS WEEK: New Member Orientation
Join us on October 6 at 4 pm at the YMCA in Hudson to learn more about our Club, its history, and how you can get involved. For more information, please email Chris Kost.
Build Cooking Stoves in Guatemala, January 2027
You are invited to join HDR for a week-long cultural immersion in Guatemala during January. This exceptional opportunity promises an enriching experience that allows you to engage with the local community and explore the country’s diverse attractions.
During your stay, you will have the privilege of participating in three days of stove-making, providing you with hands-on experience in this artisanal craft. Additionally, you will have the opportunity to visit three renowned tourist destinations, each offering unique insights into Guatemala’s rich cultural heritage.
We eagerly anticipate the prospect of welcoming you to this transformative journey.
The cost in January 2026 was $1600 for airfare, lodging, meals, ground transportation, and excursions.
Email or text Linda Robertson for more details
Email: lindainhudson@icloud.com
Cell: 651-341-1095
Have some FUN with a new experience.
THIS WEEK: Chapina Bonita Smoke Free Stove Demo at YMCA Fall Harvest Fest
Please join us at Camp St. Croix for a special community demonstration of the Chapina Bonita Guatemalan Smoke-Free Stove Project, bringing our club's international service project back to our community.
Rather than simply hearing about the work being done, the community can see replicas of the stoves we build, understand how they work, and learn about the many benefits these smoke-free stoves bring to Guatemalan families.
It's almost time for the 73rd annual Rotary Halloween Parade & Costume Contest! Please join us on Saturday, October 17th, from 11:00 am - 2:00 pm, for some scary good fun. We need costume judges, event greeters, parking volunteers, and help with setup and teardown.
Thank you to everyone who attended the Club Social at Carpenter Nature Center! Keep an eye out for details about this month's social.
Grace Place Meal Delivery
We have an opportunity in the upcoming months to deliver meals to New Richmond Grace Place. Rotarians will pick up the meal at Camp St. Croix Cafeteria at 4:30 pm and deliver to Grace Place by 5:00.
Reminder that all of our meetings are recorded! You can request a link to a specific recording by contacting John Salmi. The recordings are available for 25 days, after which they are automatically deleted.
Rotary International Magazine
Did you miss the most recent edition of the Rotary International magazine? Read the topic articles HERE.
Save the Date!
Minneapolis, MN, will host the 2028 Rotary International Convention. Mark your calendars for May 27 - 31, 2028. The dates for volunteer participation are May 26-31.
Interested in volunteering? Send your name, email, and club name to ri2028volunteer@gmail.com. District will follow up to keep you in the loop as details are available.
If you or someone you know would be interested in serving as a host family for our exchange student, please connect with Roy Sjoberg.
Opportunity for Local Youth: Camp Enterprise
Designed to introduce students to the free enterprise system and entrepreneurship, the camp runs Nov 5-7 at Camp Courage in Maple Lake, MN. Learn more HERE. Know a high schooler interested in attending? Contact John Duntley for more info.
Junior Achievement
Empower young people to own their economic success with JA! You can request a specific classroom, and the commitment is only four 30-minute sessions. You will coordinate the date and time directly with the teacher. All materials are provided. To sign up or for any questions, contact: Isaac Grover or Jon Wekkin
