Notes from May 16, 2017

Posted by Roger Jorgensen
Heather Ring – Executive Director of the Innocence Project of Minnesota
Heather's presentation focused on the Innocence Project’s mission which is to keep innocent people from being convicted and to free people imprisoned for crimes they did not commit. IPMN works with convicted but innocent people, their attorneys, criminal justice professionals and work to reform procedures.
The Innocence Project was founded by Barry Scheck and Peter Neufeld in 1992. DNA testing has reversed convictions for over 350 cases. Average prison terms served by innocent people was 14.7 years. This represents over 6,000 years spent in prison by innocent people.
The Innocence Project is funded by 5 grants from the Department of Justice.
Heather spoke about three areas of concern: coerced confessions, jailhouse informants and forensic misconduct.
Heather also highlighted three individual people who had served prison sentences for crimes they did not commit until the Innocence Project brought forth evidence to overturn their convictions. Heather is a daughter of a Rotarian and is shown here with Mary Jo Sherwood.
 
Announcements
  • Chicken Challenge – Bring in your chicken donations or checks
  • Golden Eagle – 5/30 at St. Anderws Arrive at 7:00 am to help setup; 7:30 start time
  • Community Service Grants- due date- May 31
  • Received thank you for Philippines grant
  • Swallowship  June 14 – Dave Anderson asked how many would like to go to Biaggis in Maple Grove to see Gary
  • Dist. 5950 DG Bob Halagan Installation – 6/21
  • The Rotary Foundation Update
    • $23,751 Pledged; $19,656 Contributed
    • Every Rotarian Every Year – 47 members have given
Happy Fines
  • Dennis Kim – Returned from China and Korea. Thankful for the clean air we enjoy.
  • Roger Jorgensen – Happy about the new interns for next year.
  • David Hellmuth – Attended daughter’s graduation from college
  • Dan O’Brien – Grandaughter reminded him that Art (last year’s exchange student) could kick a ball in the air. Dan glad for impact exchange students have had on children and grandchildren.
  • Elaine Larabee – Daughter graduated in 4 years and has a job!
  • Rod Anderson – 40-year anniversary of coming to Eden Prairie and starting St. Andrews congregation. Fond memories of first service at what is now the Kindergarten Center.
  • John Goergen – new granddaughter
Prospective Members and Guests:
Jack Sturgis – Visiting Rotarian from Excelsior/Lake Minnetonka
Students:
Ale Pena Gonzalez – Exchange Student
Parker Hewitt - Intern