Brainerd Lakes Sunrise Rotary

10/09/2026

Rose Pick-up Location: 321 Washington St Brainerd MN enter

10/09/2026

Rose Pick-up Location: 321 Washington st Brainerd MN enter convenience store to pick up

10/08/2026

Pick Up your roses today and tomorrow, Midtown Depot Brainerd 12pm-6pm. Thank you!!

321 Washington St Brainerd MN

10/07/2026

This Morning at Brainerd Lakes Sunrise Rotary 🌅

We had another great start to our Wednesday morning!

Today we welcomed Sarah Fogderud, part-owner and CFO of A.W. Research Laboratories, who shared the story of A.W. Research, the services they provide, and the important work they do to help protect our water resources and human health.

One of the highlights was learning more about the business itself. A.W. Research is 100% women-owned and operated, with Sarah sharing ownership alongside Sara Ahlers and Stephanie Kuesel. The Brainerd-based laboratory has been serving Minnesota since 1972, providing accredited testing for drinking water, wastewater, surface water, groundwater and more.

It’s always interesting to learn more about the businesses and people right here in our community — especially one doing such important work behind the scenes.

Thank you, Sarah, for joining us this morning and sharing your knowledge and the A.W. Research story with our club!

Another informative program and a great way to start the day with Sunrise Rotary! ☀️

AW Research Laboratories, Inc.

09/30/2026

What an incredible Rotary program we had this morning.

We had the privilege of hearing from Fred Kaune, who shared his firsthand memories of growing up in Germany during and after World War II.

Born in 1938 north of Berlin, Fred was just seven years old at the end of the war. He shared memories that are difficult for many of us to imagine—watching planes being shot down, his family losing everything, becoming refugees, living under communist rule, and experiencing times when something as simple as having enough food was uncertain.

One story that really put things into perspective was Fred remembering catching sparrows as a child so his mother could cook them for the family because meat was so scarce. He also shared the happier memories tucked among the difficult ones—working in the fields with his family, riding home on horse-drawn wagons and stopping along the road to pick apples.

Fred is now 88 years old and spoke about how fortunate he feels to still be able to live, do the things he enjoys, and appreciate the life he has today.

There is something incredibly powerful about hearing history from someone who actually lived it. Fred, thank you for sharing your memories, your family’s story, and a piece of history with our Rotary Club this morning. 🇩🇪❤️

These are the stories we need to hear—and remember.

09/24/2026

No better way to spend a beautiful Fall evening than with a fantastic group of Rotarian’s to keep our community clean.

09/23/2026

Another great Wednesday morning with Brainerd Lakes Sunrise Rotary! ☀️

This week we welcomed Jennifer Roach, Manager of Brainerd Regional Airport, who joined us to share what’s happening at the airport, along with a look at what’s coming up in the future. ✈️

It was great learning more about an important part of our community and the role the airport plays in keeping the Brainerd Lakes Area connected and growing.

Thank you, Jennifer, for spending your morning with us and for the informative update!

Great people, great programs, and a great way to start the day! 🌅

09/23/2026

Another great night of Service Above Self! 💙💛

Brainerd Lakes Sunrise Rotary was back at Sharing Bread Soup Kitchen serving dinner and spending the evening helping others in our community.

Tim took the lead for the night, with Rotarians Sharon and Eric scheduled to help—and Andrew jumping in too! We were also joined by Jan and Mark from Kiwanis, along with Conner and Lily May from Interact. What a great example of community groups working together!

🍽️ 70 people served
🌭 Hot dogs
🥔 Au gratin potatoes
🫛 Green beans
🍪 Cookies

Good food, great teamwork, and a fun night giving back to our community. Thank you to everyone who helped make it happen! ❤️

09/21/2026

Last day to get your orders in. Please help us support our community.

Share roses and support our community! Proceeds from the Rotary Rose Sale will support Brainerd Lakes Area Youth, and benefit the Sharing Bread Soup Kitchen. Every bouquet helps develop young leaders and care for neighbors in need.   Payment is processed securely through PayPal. You may pay with a ...

09/09/2026

What a great way to start the morning at Brainerd Lakes Sunrise Rotary! ☀️

We had one of our best attendance mornings yet, along with five guests joining us. The room was full, everyone’s spirits were high, and there was great energy all around!

Our program featured our own Rotarian James Kromvik, Community Development Director, who gave us an update on some of the exciting work happening within the City, including the Comprehensive Plan and the Washington Street Reconstruction Project.

Thank you, James, for sharing your knowledge and giving us a closer look at the projects helping shape the future of our community.

A full room, great guests, good conversation, and an informative program — exactly the kind of Wednesday morning we love at Sunrise Rotary! 🌅