8. Chanhassen Rotary 2011 Distinguished Service Award Vote1VT
MEMORANDUM
TO:
Planning Commission
CITY OF
CHMNSEN
Kate Aanenson AICP, Community Development Director
7700 Market Boulevard
DATE:
April 5, 2011
PO Box 147
Chanhassen, MN 55317
SUBJ:
Chanhassen Rotary Club 2011 Distinguished Service Award
Administration
Phone: 952.227.1100 Attached are the finalists for the Chanhassen Rotary Club 2011 Distinguished
Fax: 952.227.1110 Service Award. Please review the candidates and email your vote to me at
kanenson @ci.chanhassen.mn.us I will tally the votes and announce the
Building Inspections
Phone: 952.227.1180 Planning Commission's choice at the work session.
Fax: 952.227.1190
Engineering
Phone: 952.227.1160 gAplan \planning commission\rotary dsa \2011 \vote memo.doc
Fax: 952.227.1170
Finance
Phone: 952.227.1140
Fax: 952.227.1110
Park & Recreation
Phone: 952.227.1120
Fax: 952.227.1110
Recreation Center
2310 Coulter Boulevard
Phone: 952.227.1400
Fax: 952.227.1404
Planning &
Natural Resources
Phone: 952.227.1130
Fax: 952.227.1110
Public Works
7901 Park Place
Phone: 952.227.1300
Fax: 952.227.1310
Senior Center
Phone: 952.227.1125
Fax: 952.227.1110
Web Site
www.ci.chanhassen.mn.us
Chanhassen is a Community for Life - Providing for Today and Planning for Tomorrow
CHANHASSEN ROTARY CLUB
2011 DISTINGUISHED SERVICE AWARD
BALLOTING INSTRUCTIONS
Greetings:
Again this year, the Chanhassen Rotary Club will award its Distinguished Service
Award to one Chanhassen resident who exemplifies Rotary's motto of "Service Above
Self." It is through the selfless and dedicated work of citizens who demonstrate their
passion to serve others that all of our lives are enriched. Recognizing those in
Chanhassen who serve others above and beyond the level usually expected of all good
citizens will allow us to honor them, encourage others to follow their leadership, promote
civic pride, and advance the ideals of our Chanhassen Rotary Club and Rotary
International.
We would like your organization to participate with other non - profit, religious
and civic organizations in the selection of the 2011 Distinguished Service Award
recipient. The award committee has selected these finalists from the various nominations
received. Your organization's vote will be tallied with those of the other participating
organizations, and the finalist that receives the most votes will receive this year's
Distinguished Service Award.
Enclosed with this letter please find the award criteria, summary service resumCs of
the finalists, and a ballot.
1. Please submit your organization's choice on, and have an authorized officer
sign the ballot.
2. Fax the completed ballot to (952) 238 -1317. Ballots must be received by
5:00 p.m., Friday, April 22, 2011 Late ballots will not be considered.
3. Only one ballot may be submitted on behalf of each organization.
The recipient of the 2011 Award will be announced at the Chanhassen Rotary
Club's Tulip Gala to be held on May 7, 2011. We welcome you to come to the dinner
and dance, and encourage you to contact any Chanhassen Rotarian or go to the
Chanhassan Rotary website at www.Chanhassanrotga.com if you would like ticket
information.
Sincerely,
Chanhassen Rotary Club
Distinguished Service Award Committee
CHANHASSEN ROTARY CLUB
2011 DISTINGUISHED SERVICE AWARD
CRITERIA
1. Candidates must reflect Rotary International's motto of the "Service Above
Self'
2. Candidates must be residents of the City of Chanhassen.
3. The candidate's qualifying service may be performed locally, domestically
and/or internationally.
4. Nominees may come from any occupation, including retired individuals and
"homemakers."
5. The service activity or activities prompting nomination are beyond the
normal scope of one's employment.
6. "Service Above Self' has been defined as: "any and all service above and
beyond the usual level required of all good citizens, which is performed in a
meritorious manner over a period of years, or would be considered
extraordinary service or a heroic act performed in any one year or over a
number of years."
7. The nominee's service includes their contributions to one or more
organizations.
8. Re- nominations of previous award nominees and finalists are welcome to be
considered for this year's award.
CHANHASSEN ROTARY CLUB
2011 DISTINGUISHED SERVICE AWARD
BALLOT
ONE (1) Ballot should be submitted on behalf of each organization and must be received by
5:00 p.m., Friday, April 22, 2011 Please fax the completed ballot to (952) 238 - 1317. LATE
BALLOTS WILL NOT BE COUNTED.
Place an "X" in front of the name of the person your organization is voting for as the recipient of
the award. Any ballot containing more than one "X" or an organization submitting more than
one ballot will be excluded.
Include the name of your organization in the space provided below, and have an authorized
officer of your organization sign the ballot. If the organization name and signature are not
included, your ballot will be excluded.
Name of Organization
Authorized Officer Signature
2011 DISTIGUISHED SERVICE AWARD FINALISTS
Mark Undestad Nadia Jansen Erich Weidner
Thank you for helping us to recognize and honor the volunteer efforts of
these individuals whose "Service Above Self" truly makes Chanhassen a
great place to live!
Mark Undestad
As a real estate developer, it could be said that Mark Undestad has been building Chanhassen for
a long time. Professionally, he has worked to assist businesses in locating and expanding within
Chanhassen, building the city's business base.
He is a current member of the Chanhassen Planning Commission and has also served as a Cub
Scout Pack leader. Additionally, Mark has been a willing volunteer with the Schools of Eastern
Carver County and a frequent contributor at events with Chanhassen High School.
Mark's service to many local nonprofit organizations has mostly been a behind - the - scenes
sharing of his talents and organizational skills. While he has served on the Board for the
Miracles of Mitch Foundation, his work with the organization has often gone well beyond board
oversight. For example, Mark once flew a cancer patient in his own plane for a weekend get-
away in the Twin Cities when the Foundation could provide the activities but not the necessary
transportation for the weekend.
Additionally, Mark was a significant driver in the Chanhassen Veterans Monument project. As
chair of the construction committee, he worked on every detail of the design and development of
the project. Alongside his organizational activities, he was a significant financial contributor and
worked hands -on on the construction of the monument. In many ways, Mark was the catalyst
that made the dream of a local monument a reality in Chanhassen.
In serving the community, Mark has never sought recognition for his efforts. He has served
quietly but has also encouraged others to follow his lead. Professionally, as a responsible citizen
and civic leader, and as a volunteer, Mark's contributions have been instrumental in serving the
community.
Nadia Janson
Nadia Janson re- defined the role of "stay -at- home - Mom." A Chanhassen resident for 17 years,
Nadia began volunteering when her children were young in an effort to gain some adult
interaction. While counting herself "lucky" to stay at home with her two daughters, her
volunteer efforts have done anything but allow her to stay at home.
Following an example given to her by her own mother, Nadia first became involved with her
daughters' early childhood education activities and then became very involved in the PTO,
serving as president and parent involvement coordinator at both the elementary and middle
school levels. Nadia then went on to serve as Secretary of the Chanhassen High School Booster
Club and volunteered on two referendum committees as well as the school boundary committee.
She has chaired the school's book fair for 10 years and has been co -chair of the Senior Party
Planning Committee.
As her children grew, her service to the community also grew. Nadia has served on the District
112 Foundation Board, the Chanhassen Athletic Association soccer board, and as secretary of the
Chanhassen Red Birds Baseball team. Other community involvement activities include
coordinating the annual fundraiser for the League of Women Voters of Eastern Carver County as
well as serving on the board of the Friends of the Chanhassen Library.
Nadia is a sought -after volunteer but not a volunteer seeking recognition. Her efforts have
gained her a reputation as someone an organization can depend on to organize, lead and become
fully engaged in the tasks necessary to complete the work. It has been said that "Nadia gets to
work, gets involved, and gets it done."
Erich Weidner
Erich Weidner served his country as a young man and has continued serving ever since. A First
Lieutenant during the Vietnam War, he received a Purple Heart as well as other commendations.
As a retiree, he continues to be active serving his community by volunteering in a number of
different ways.
As a long -time Chanhassen resident, Erich has been an active member of the community. While
a member of the Lions Club, he chaired events such as cooking pancakes on behalf of the
Chanhassen Fireman's Fund and working at the Lions' food stand at the February Festival
fishing contest. As an active member at Saint Hubert's Catholic Community, he has chaired the
food stand at the annual Harvest Festival and participated in a number of other volunteer
activities.
Erich continues to be active with the Chanhassen American Legion Post 580. In addition to
having held elected offices, he has served on the Executive and Housing boards and has served
as a color guard. Fulfilling a need to help Chanhassen area seniors with transportation, Erich
also volunteers for the Carver /Scott Transit. He provides, free of charge, rides for seniors and
others who do not have transportation to medical appointments, business appointments and even
shopping. Erich also volunteers as a driver for Meals on Wheels.
Seeing an opportunity to keep people connected with one another is the reason Erich has
continued to stay involved and help others stay involved. Veterans, seniors and others without a
local family network have and continue to benefit from his many volunteer efforts.