The after-effects of this brain condition are noticeable, but through relentless work he has recovered to become a college student and resume many of the life activities we take for granted, including the ability to drive a car. 

 

Duke said he wanted to write a book to share what he learned along the way, including that “nothing is out of reach” if you work hard enough. Proceeds from the sale of his book go toward the Pieper Hope & Courage Foundation, the mission of which is to get the book in the hands of people who are hospitalized, as well as others.

 

 

Matt Crane’s vocational reminds us that Matt grew up in Marshall, Minn., and that watching his dad conduct business likely influenced his career choice. Matt is a CPA and partner in Eden Prairie-based Boulay, which provides public accounting services. He’s heavily involved in his children’s activities, especially hockey. He helped launch a “Plays Hockey Like a Girl” campaign to promote girls hockey and he’s even built a hockey rink in the back yard. True to Clark Griswold-like excess, his rink is so big it requires about 15,000 gallons of water. Yes, that’s the city water reservoir you hear draining right now.

 

Rotarians were happy and willing to pay for sharing why they were happy. Here’s a sampling: Irene was happy about the successful Swallowship where “drinking stories” were shared. Jon Melander was happy that his son’s University of St. Thomas football team just finished an undefeated regular season. Jan Eian was happy to report she just took a new job as director of the Huntington Learning Center in Chanhassen. Dan O’Brien was happy to share some of the details of the Swallowship’s shared drinking stories. John Crudele offered balance with a no-alcohol story about speaking to students in Indiana. Josh Swanson was happy to recently witness registration by the school district’s incoming kindergartners. Laurie Pryor was happy about being elected to the Minnesota House and the awesome orientation recently held by Rep. Jenifer Loon and others. George Esbensen was happy about a grandson turning 10. Jenifer Loon was also happy and honored to be elected, as well as happy that a sister-in- law just became a new grandmother. Roger Jorgensen was happy to have back-up in organizing the recent Veterans Luncheon, and happy that a son’s recent dramatic dinner announcement was that he had a new girlfriend – and not that he needed money.