It is true that the majority of the money made by the Casinos goes back to the Mille Lacs band. However, the common misconception of many Minnesotans is that each individual receives large sums of money as is the case with the Mystic Lake band. Grand Casino prides itself on the role that they play in the community according to Susan Velner who introduced a short video that showed people from Hinkley and the Mille Lacs area talking about the impact the Casinos have had on their businesses and community. The 3,000 people (90% not native American) employed by the Casino that pays 25% more than minimum wage with great benefits, the draw of tourists and players into the areas, and the policy of promoting community endeavors had a positive effect wherever one looks.

Investing in people, schools, fire stations, water treatment plants and health facilities has made things much better for everyone. Susan remarked, “The Casinos mean lots of jobs to real people with real faces.” Schlichte went on to talk about how the Casino in its efforts to reach further into the community belongs to 49 Chambers of Commerce. He explained, “We do a lot of what Sertoma does and you should be very proud of your organization.” He then went on to talk about the Casino’s sponsorship role and the list is much longer than the events he mentioned including the State Fair, Taste of Minnesota, Joe Schmidt Big Brothers and Big Sisters Golf Tournament, Randy Shaver Cancer Benefit, Dave Thomas Foundation for Adopted Children and the three Vikings events including the Ride for Life, Artic Blast and Golf Tournament.

This does not include the hundreds of requests they have fulfilled for items for Silent Auctions. The Casino was immediately responsive to the Brainerd Welcome Center when it asked for a $50,000 donation. Sertomans who participated in the planning of the Jon Happajoki Memorial Event remember how instrumental the Casino was in the planning and the fund raising that made the Happajoki Fund a reality.

 A short question and answer session dealt with the problems that the Casino faces in the near future if Minnesota decides to bring Las Vegas style gambling to the state. The Mille Lacs Band feels that this could be done through the Casinos with profits from the new gambling such as sports betting being shared with the state. This would keep the Compacts signed between the Band and the State intact. Special thanks to Susan, Amy, and Robert for the free buffet tickets

Of Note:

Thanks from Michelle Burris and the Arboretum for Sertoma support of its Haunted Trail.

Thanks from the United Way for our participation in the Chili Cook-Off. The event raised $4870 to help kick-off their community fund raising activities. Here is our crew and many thanks to them for keeping us in this event. (Left to Right—Kris Winnum, Joe Schulte, Mike Howard, and Kris Welle.)

Congratulations to Jeff Birks who is our new Third VP.

A special thanks from Dave Clausen to Jinny Haugen for her help with the ballots.

Rumor Corner

Bonnie Franke echoed everyone’s sentiments today when she introduced herself as “Proud to be an American”. Special congratulations go to our two political winners Kevin Goedker and Randy Hukriede. John Raboin went off the deep end today—he introduced himself as Mary Koep’s personal masseuse. Welcome back Reed Campbell who was heard to mutter something when our Chaplain asked for special prayers about John Kerry. Welcome back Lisa Shattuck, things must have finally quieted down at Maddens.

Photos Photos Everywhere New photos go up almost every week on our new MSN Community homepage. This community is for the club, easy to join and gives you the opportunity to add edit or delete any photos that are posted as well as leave messages for fellow Sertomans. It is a good way to thank someone for doing a good job or give them some positive feedback for a big event in their life. If you wish to view the current photographs or check out the new online directory go to:  http://communities.msn.com/BrainerdNoonSertoma/_whatsnew.msnw