November 28, 2023 • 17 mins
Ever wondered how you can make a real, tangible impact in your local community? Tune in to this enriching episode to discover how our guest, Josh Radziej, found his place in the heart of Excelsior's community.
Josh's journey is all about personal growth, community betterment, and the incredible power of involvement in local organizations like the Excelsior-Lake Minnetonka Chamber, the Rotary, and the Lions Club.
He shares his experiences with the Lions Club's charitable initiatives, such as fundraising for children's cancer and promoting eye health, and how these collective efforts help cultivate a thriving community.
Moving on to the second half of the episode, we explore the role local events play in fostering community spirit. From the Fourth of July celebration to the Klondike Derby race, there are myriad ways to volunteer and contribute to the community's vibrancy.
We encourage you to lend a helping hand and make a difference. Embrace this opportunity to learn how you can become an integral part of your local community and experience the rewarding joy of giving back.
Learn more at https://www.tonkatalk.com where we share more about our Lake Minnetonka community, including upcoming events and our take on local experiences.
Connect with us on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/TonkaTalk/
If you have feedback, questions, or suggestions of a future guests creating community and connection, email natalie@tonkatalk.com
We appreciate your support in sharing Tonka Talk Community and Connection with someone you think could benefit from our content.
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Transcript
Episode Transcript
Available transcripts are automatically generated. Complete accuracy is not guaranteed.
Natalie (00:00):
Whether you are new to a community or you've always
been around in one area for awhile and you're wondering how
do I get out and get involved inmy community?
How can I meet more people, howcan I become more involved with
what's happening?
There are many things that youcan do, from joining local
chambers to even Lions clubs androtaries, and today I'm talking
(00:20):
to Josh Radsey, who's going toshare how he's found and helped
create a community through thesedifferent organizations.
I'm Natalie Webster and this isTonka Talk, where we share all
things community and connection.
So, josh, tell me about.
You grew up in the area.
You grew up in the LakeMinnetonka area.
Josh (00:38):
I did, yeah, yeah, right down the road.
So I grew up on, you know,right off of Highway 7M44, a
little little lake communityover there.
It was fun, great place to growup, that's for sure.
Natalie (00:50):
So you grew up around the Lake Minnetonka area you
went to was it Mount High School.
Josh (00:55):
Yep, I graduated from Mount, went to Minnetonka for a
little bit.
My dad coached football therefor 30 years, so we had a
business in Minnetonka, so yeahwhat kind of business?
A little bit of family drycleaner.
I would have been a thirdgeneration dry cleaner.
Natalie (01:10):
What happened that derailed that?
Josh (01:12):
You know, it just wasn't for me.
I just decided it wasn't for me.
I had a friend working at aninsurance company in Excelsior,
a job at a state farm, and hewas like you should come try
this out.
And yeah, I ended up.
That's kind of where I found myniche in Excelsior too.
I'm just really learning tolove that specific community as
well, as you know, growing up inthe area.
Natalie (01:33):
So now you work in insurance.
Josh (01:35):
Yep, yep.
Natalie (01:36):
And part of why we're chatting today is because you're
really dialed in and involvedwith a lot of local
organizations, from theExcelsior like Minnetonka
Chamber to Rotary and Lions Club, and I was curious as to how
does that work?
Because sometimes when you meetpeople they're like oh, I go to
(01:57):
Rotary, oh, I belong to theChamber.
It's not too often where youmeet someone that kind of is out
there trying it all out.
Josh (02:04):
Does it all exactly and I can't say I wish I could get
more to each individual one, butI kind of yeah, I want to be a
part of you know all of it.
And I became friends with a lotof store owners in town and
Excelsior and other businessowners and things like that, and
I just kept hearing all thisfeedback from business owners
and store owners and employeesat places going gosh, I wish
(02:28):
they would do this instead ofthat or this instead of that.
So I've definitely joined themall to try and, you know, have a
voice for people that aren't,you know, voicing themselves.
Natalie (02:39):
So exactly A lot of times and I think this is the
same in multiple communities,not just ours here, where
there's, especially with socialmedia, there's a lot of hubbub
about something or people upsetabout this change or that change
, and you often make a goodpoint because you encourage
people to hey, take that passionand if you want to create that
change, come join the Chamberwhere we talk about this and can
(03:03):
create something different.
Josh (03:05):
Exactly.
I mean, that's totally it.
At events in town they're likewell, we should add more food or
more of this, and people arenot understanding how much time
these organizations Really putinto it.
And people are volunteeringtheir time.
This isn't in most cases.
They're volunteering their time.
So you have to remember thatpeople spend a lot of time doing
(03:27):
this and they care about it.
So they're not trying to takeaway or do things.
It's they've tried things andand, and those things cost money
too, and where are?
the funds coming from, and andhow are they getting Donated?
And people need to, you know.
Take that into consideration aswell.
Natalie (03:42):
So so tell me a little bit about the Lions Club, for
example.
I've you know, I've heard aboutit.
I see a lot of the good workthat they're doing, but I really
wouldn't know what to tellsomebody if they asked me what
is the Lions Club?
You know, does it have anythingto do with the lion?
Josh (03:57):
Okay, now you're part me on this one.
No, you know, I felt the sameway.
I joined about maybe a year ortwo years ago under under Chad's
you know business, and going inI had no idea.
So I'm like, well, do weactually collect eyeglasses, or?
Natalie (04:14):
like you know, I remember a kid at the dry
cleaners.
Josh (04:16):
We always have the you know, bins for eyeglasses and
and it's evolved over the years.
But it's a hundred percentvolunteer charity group.
It's like a hundred and twentyfive dollars a year.
We do one meeting a month andwe have all sorts of fun things.
So we do like a golf tournament, we do a bar crawl.
That's for children's cancer.
I believe you had a caffeine.
(04:37):
Yeah, I'm tongue-in-tack forthat, um, but we are gonna do a
meet raffle this year, which wedid last year.
But we've kind of evolved it.
We have more details coming outon that, but it's it's all for
donations, all volunteering andit's all Lions and and others as
well, but it's all the money wereally try to focus.
(04:58):
Our goal is 80% Goes right backinto our community, right here,
not outside, right here.
Natalie (05:05):
So and what type of things or projects or events
does the Lions Club fund then?
Josh (05:12):
Yeah, so the one is children's cancer.
That's what we picked up, thisyear.
And eyesight is huge.
It actually is, and not a lotof recognition towards that.
But you know we're very luckyin the United States, but we
still give a larger donation tothe international Club.
We just recently did a huge Ican't take credit for it, but um
(05:35):
Thing for Maui.
They did at the brewery.
Yeah, they partnered with thebrewery on it.
I believe they gave over $5,000directly to our Lions group in
Maui.
So they're on the ground andthey can give those funds
however they can.
So we're really.
You know, if there's a need it.
You know of something localthat's important to our
(05:57):
community.
We like to know and that'swhere the money's going.
Natalie (06:00):
So that's fantastic.
How does that different from,say, the rotary and?
And these are things that arepretty much in almost every
every community Going across theUnited States.
Yep, yep, they're international, international clubs.
Josh (06:13):
Yeah, so you know I'm not.
There really isn't a hugedifference.
It's just who is doing what andit's great to have all of it.
So, uh, the rotary, one oftheir biggest Things would be
concert in the commons, you know, and I hear complaints about
that all the time too, and it'slike you know, it's wonderful
because we need volunteers, weneed donors, we need stuff,
(06:35):
because they donate so muchmoney back to our community, um,
and making it look beautifuland all these different things,
and that's great.
If you have an opinion, youshould come and help and voice
it and Really get back.
But I wouldn't say there's areally big difference.
I mean, it's all aboutvolunteering and giving back and
(06:56):
with with both of those.
So sure, sure.
Natalie (06:59):
It's great that you're able to to do both of those and
then be involved in things likethe chamber.
And again, there's chambers incommunities all over the United
States, and we're specificallytalking about the Excelsior Lake
Midotanka chamber, who does somany events in the area that
have been going on for so long.
(07:19):
What are some of your favoritethings as as as a member of the
chamber?
What are some of your favoritethings to do?
Josh (07:27):
It's awesome just to be involved and to hear about stuff
that's going on in ourcommunity.
The chamber is, uh, I thinkit's a 503C, so it's a little
bit different than the rotaryand the lions, but their main
thing is to bring business andhelp private enterprise and help
these small business owners.
Really, you know, let peopleknow they're there and what
(07:48):
services they offer, and theyreally run a big part of our
events, which you know.
Rotary helps with lions, helpswith all these other people as
well, but, uh, they are incharge of the fireworks, you
know they're.
They do the firecracker run,they do the same patty stuff.
They really are bringing peopleinto our making Lake Midotanka
(08:11):
a destination, you know, andbringing money into the small
business owner.
So, and people in our community.
Natalie (08:18):
So yeah, so would you?
What would you recommend tosomebody that was saying new to
the area, or moving into even adifferent community, who wanted
to get involved?
What, which one of these typesof organizations do you think
that they should start with?
Join them all.
No, I'm kidding, I'm kidding.
Josh (08:35):
You know it's a really good question.
I would go to all of them.
You know they're all free.
They love visitors.
You can really.
You know who do you jive withand what, what, what what's
important to you and giving backto your community and being a
part of it.
I mean there's committees allover.
You know, for every event,everything, and I think I'd
(08:56):
encourage you to visit therotary.
You know it's.
They have a free breakfast atMaynard.
Who doesn't love free breakfast?
Just go and visit.
You know you don't have to sayanything, they won't point you
out.
It's a big, great group ofpeople.
I believe they have anafternoon one as well.
I spoke about the Lions.
It's once a month for lunch.
We would love to have you there.
(09:17):
You don't, again, you don'thave to know anything about
anything.
You just go and enjoy and andbe with your neighbors.
You know, yeah, and and samewith the chamber.
The chamber, I would say alittle bit more.
If you're a business, you knowwhat I mean.
If you have a business, youwant to represent your business,
you want to get it out there.
That would be for that.
But also the volunteering.
I mean they need so manyvolunteers of these events, just
(09:40):
they're not going to be thereand people don't realize how
much work goes into that.
You know, we take it for grantedthat we have a concert in the
Commons and that we can complainabout it.
Natalie (09:51):
You know what I mean and all these other events.
Josh (09:53):
That it's they.
They make it happen.
So you know, kudos to them.
Natalie (09:57):
There's no shortage, definitely, of volunteers for
many of this and and you bringup a good point, because I don't
think a lot of people realizehow much work goes into it, how
many volunteers it takes.
And I like your point of viewbecause I feel the same way.
If if you have a complaintabout it, that's fine, but then
do something about it, put yourshoulder to the wheel and create
(10:18):
change from the inside.
Josh (10:19):
Yeah, seriously Say I'm going to join that committee.
I want to make sure that youknow I'm just picking out of a
habit.
Fourth of July is better.
It comes from the Commons.
It's a come, join, reach out tothat organization and say how
can we help you?
I have some really good ideas.
You know, me and my family wantto donate our time to a couple
of the events and whatever youknow so what are some of your
(10:41):
favorite events in the area?
Natalie (10:42):
Oh gosh.
Josh (10:43):
I mean, I really love any great event, but Fourth of July
is just always a good one.
The firecracker run is fun andsetting up in the morning the St
Paddy's Day of Race.
It's always interesting to seewhat the weather is going to be
like.
Oh, exactly.
Is it 60 degrees or 10 degrees?
Me and Chad always traditionwake up at it is six o'clock in
(11:08):
the morning.
we go get the bananas the donutsand set it all up and it's just
really just to be a part of it.
But yeah, I would say those aremy top two.
The Klondike is a different,just fun event.
In general.
It's actually not specificallyinvolved with any of those
organizations, but Klondike hasreally become huge, Huge.
Natalie (11:29):
And if you're not familiar, can you tell people a
little bit about it?
Josh (11:32):
Yeah, as much as.
I know, but yeah, just fromgoing the last few years they've
done it.
I think three years skipped onein between with COVID.
Natalie (11:39):
It's a dog race.
Josh (11:39):
Yeah, it's a slut dog race and they come from all over the
world.
I mean it's Alaska to.
I think, even like maybe a teamfrom Iceland or something
Greenland.
I mean it's really cool.
If you've never done or come,it's free.
They have food, they have hotdrinks, the restaurants have
promotions and it's reallybecome a staple of our community
(12:02):
.
People talk about it all around.
Natalie (12:03):
When I travel, all year round, all year round too,
because there's littlefundraisers here and there to
support the Klondike.
Josh (12:09):
Yeah, yeah.
So it's not directing any ofthose, but I mean, that's
another thing you know, if youwant to be a part of it.
I know Bill Danberg he ownsBrightwater downtown has a big
presence in that, and many otherpeople as well.
Natalie (12:23):
So yeah, I would have to say I think I agree with you.
Fourth of July is a ton of fun,and what I like is it because
it kicks off with the run, whichI skip.
But then there's the parade.
Josh (12:36):
Oh, it's an all day thing.
Natalie (12:38):
The kids parade, the bike parade.
So many people, especially ifit's a great weather day, it is
just absolutely packed with asea of people.
Josh (12:46):
Yeah, it's awesome.
Natalie (12:47):
Just having a great time all marching heading down
to the Excelsior Commons to kickoff the festivities for Fourth
of July Exactly, and it keepsgetting better and better and
better.
Josh (12:56):
I would say, people, you know, taking into consideration
to what COVID really did to ourcommunity, I, you know, I don't
when people are like, oh, thefireworks are so much better
when I was a kid, it's like,okay, you guys.
Well, you have to remember allthe funding that was lost.
You know, I mean the chamber,don't quote me please, but I
mean they had like they werehanging on by their legs.
(13:16):
I mean there was like twopeople that were there.
I know the Lions, I believe,were down to like the five
members and now we're at like 40strong rotary, I don't know,
but I mean all these groups likethere was nothing, there was no
private funding.
So these we're really buildingback all of our events in the
Lake Minnetonka area, gettingthat funding back, doing the
(13:39):
burgers, bingo you know all thestuff that creates these events
and they're just getting biggerand better.
They really are so there is.
Natalie (13:47):
There's a lot going on and I'm really excited about
potential new events.
There's always things happeningaround the lake.
There are.
If you're familiar with theLake Minnetonka area, then you
know there are multiple citiesand villages, communities around
the lake that have their owncity hall but come together for
many of these events.
(14:08):
That's what I love most aboutit, and the biggest thing, too,
is how many events there are inthe wintertime.
Things do not shut down aroundLake Minnetonka just because
it's really cold out there.
Like you were saying, theKlondike Derby there's so many
that happen where you just got adress for it.
Josh (14:27):
Yep, yep, and I mean they're really building them up.
I know the Chamber has bigplans.
They did Halloween this year.
I don't know, were you a partof the witches?
Natalie (14:33):
Yes, I didn't do witches night out, but we handed
out candy on Water Street inExcelsior it was huge and next
year I think they might beplanning some other really fun
things.
Josh (14:44):
So it's like everything is just building and getting
bigger and funner for our smallcommunity.
Totally.
Natalie (14:49):
It's so much fun.
I think that, given yourbecause you have such passion
for community and getting outthere and connecting with people
, I mean you really walk thewalk, you really you go to these
things, you're helping, you'reputting your shoulder to the
wheel I think maybe you shouldrun for city council or
something like that coming up,I'm just gonna.
I'm sure this is not the firsttime you've heard this.
(15:10):
I.
Josh (15:12):
Have heard it before.
I don't know if I go that far,but I do like to be a part of
our community and you know it'sfunny.
People have laughed at that,and I've been to a lot of city
council meetings.
That is not a joke either.
Those jobs are.
Those.
People work really hard,they're very intelligent and and
I'd encourage it that there'sanother thing is you know people
make all these judgments on Allthe council, or you know
(15:32):
whoever did go to a city councilmeeting.
Natalie (15:34):
If you want to.
You know, you know here, opento the public go there or go
listen to what they have to say.
I mean, and if you don't catchhim live, you can watch him?
Josh (15:42):
on.
Natalie (15:43):
Online on demand through any city website.
Josh (15:45):
Yeah, you go to their website or go to the.
Natalie (15:48):
I Might get this wrong, but I think it's LMCCorg Yep.
Yep, I believe you're right, sowhere you can watch these city
council meetings from all overthe lake and and they are
sometimes they're outrighthilarious.
Josh (16:04):
You don't, don't listen to your neighbor on you know.
Oh, this is what they voted.
It's go and watch it.
Go to the meeting be a part ofit If you hear one's coming up
that you think affects you orpeople you know go.
Yeah, voice your opinion,that's.
Natalie (16:16):
That's what they're there for, so yeah, use your you
(16:52):
, you, you yeah.
Josh (18:20):
We're back with battery.
Natalie (18:22):
Yes, okay, yes, I think I'm still running, so I'll just
cut that out.
So, yes, getting involved inall of these things, I think, is
a wonderful way to for people,even if they're new to the area.
Any community anywhere to meetpeople is If you are a business
owner, go ahead and join yourlocal chamber If you if you're
(18:42):
not, you can join the rotary,you can join the Lions Club, and
it sounds like these aren't aridiculous amount of fees and
you get to do things directly inyour community.
Josh (18:51):
Totally.
I mean, yeah, it's, it's allvery reasonable what it costs
and what you can get a lot of it.
Natalie (18:57):
So well, and I'm gonna hold out for Josh Radsey City
Council.
Josh (19:04):
Coming soon, not today, but not today, one day maybe
coming soon.
Natalie (19:08):
You heard it here.
Well, thank you so much forcoming in and sharing about this
and talking about the differentways that you find community
through these different groups.
It definitely makes me want togo and check out a rotary or
Lions Club.
Josh (19:23):
My gosh, I should.
I'll be your guest.
There's food involved, right?
Yes, tomorrow morning 7 am.
Are you committing now?
Natalie (19:30):
Oh, that's a little early.
But I will the dumb thing is Iam up.
I'm usually up ridiculouslyearly, yeah, but I usually like
to you know we myself into theday.
I like my coffee in bed.
I get it.
I would leave the house earlyfor that, because it does sound
like a lot of fun.
Josh (19:47):
Cool.
Well, get involved.
Thank you for having me today.
I see your show.
It's awesome.
I like what you're doing andhelping the community as well.
Natalie (19:54):
So thank you, yes, everyone else.
I will talk to you later I.
Whether you are new to a community or you've always
been around in one area for awhile and you're wondering how
do I get out and get involved inmy community?
How can I meet more people, howcan I become more involved with
what's happening?
There are many things that youcan do, from joining local
chambers to even Lions clubs androtaries, and today I'm talking
(00:20):
to Josh Radsey, who's going toshare how he's found and helped
create a community through thesedifferent organizations.
I'm Natalie Webster and this isTonka Talk, where we share all
things community and connection.
So, josh, tell me about.
You grew up in the area.
You grew up in the LakeMinnetonka area.
Josh (00:38):
I did, yeah, yeah, right down the road.
So I grew up on, you know,right off of Highway 7M44, a
little little lake communityover there.
It was fun, great place to growup, that's for sure.
Natalie (00:50):
So you grew up around the Lake Minnetonka area you
went to was it Mount High School.
Josh (00:55):
Yep, I graduated from Mount, went to Minnetonka for a
little bit.
My dad coached football therefor 30 years, so we had a
business in Minnetonka, so yeahwhat kind of business?
A little bit of family drycleaner.
I would have been a thirdgeneration dry cleaner.
Natalie (01:10):
What happened that derailed that?
Josh (01:12):
You know, it just wasn't for me.
I just decided it wasn't for me.
I had a friend working at aninsurance company in Excelsior,
a job at a state farm, and hewas like you should come try
this out.
And yeah, I ended up.
That's kind of where I found myniche in Excelsior too.
I'm just really learning tolove that specific community as
well, as you know, growing up inthe area.
Natalie (01:33):
So now you work in insurance.
Josh (01:35):
Yep, yep.
Natalie (01:36):
And part of why we're chatting today is because you're
really dialed in and involvedwith a lot of local
organizations, from theExcelsior like Minnetonka
Chamber to Rotary and Lions Club, and I was curious as to how
does that work?
Because sometimes when you meetpeople they're like oh, I go to
(01:57):
Rotary, oh, I belong to theChamber.
It's not too often where youmeet someone that kind of is out
there trying it all out.
Josh (02:04):
Does it all exactly and I can't say I wish I could get
more to each individual one, butI kind of yeah, I want to be a
part of you know all of it.
And I became friends with a lotof store owners in town and
Excelsior and other businessowners and things like that, and
I just kept hearing all thisfeedback from business owners
and store owners and employeesat places going gosh, I wish
(02:28):
they would do this instead ofthat or this instead of that.
So I've definitely joined themall to try and, you know, have a
voice for people that aren't,you know, voicing themselves.
Natalie (02:39):
So exactly A lot of times and I think this is the
same in multiple communities,not just ours here, where
there's, especially with socialmedia, there's a lot of hubbub
about something or people upsetabout this change or that change
, and you often make a goodpoint because you encourage
people to hey, take that passionand if you want to create that
change, come join the Chamberwhere we talk about this and can
(03:03):
create something different.
Josh (03:05):
Exactly.
I mean, that's totally it.
At events in town they're likewell, we should add more food or
more of this, and people arenot understanding how much time
these organizations Really putinto it.
And people are volunteeringtheir time.
This isn't in most cases.
They're volunteering their time.
So you have to remember thatpeople spend a lot of time doing
(03:27):
this and they care about it.
So they're not trying to takeaway or do things.
It's they've tried things andand, and those things cost money
too, and where are?
the funds coming from, and andhow are they getting Donated?
And people need to, you know.
Take that into consideration aswell.
Natalie (03:42):
So so tell me a little bit about the Lions Club, for
example.
I've you know, I've heard aboutit.
I see a lot of the good workthat they're doing, but I really
wouldn't know what to tellsomebody if they asked me what
is the Lions Club?
You know, does it have anythingto do with the lion?
Josh (03:57):
Okay, now you're part me on this one.
No, you know, I felt the sameway.
I joined about maybe a year ortwo years ago under under Chad's
you know business, and going inI had no idea.
So I'm like, well, do weactually collect eyeglasses, or?
Natalie (04:14):
like you know, I remember a kid at the dry
cleaners.
Josh (04:16):
We always have the you know, bins for eyeglasses and
and it's evolved over the years.
But it's a hundred percentvolunteer charity group.
It's like a hundred and twentyfive dollars a year.
We do one meeting a month andwe have all sorts of fun things.
So we do like a golf tournament, we do a bar crawl.
That's for children's cancer.
I believe you had a caffeine.
(04:37):
Yeah, I'm tongue-in-tack forthat, um, but we are gonna do a
meet raffle this year, which wedid last year.
But we've kind of evolved it.
We have more details coming outon that, but it's it's all for
donations, all volunteering andit's all Lions and and others as
well, but it's all the money wereally try to focus.
(04:58):
Our goal is 80% Goes right backinto our community, right here,
not outside, right here.
Natalie (05:05):
So and what type of things or projects or events
does the Lions Club fund then?
Josh (05:12):
Yeah, so the one is children's cancer.
That's what we picked up, thisyear.
And eyesight is huge.
It actually is, and not a lotof recognition towards that.
But you know we're very luckyin the United States, but we
still give a larger donation tothe international Club.
We just recently did a huge Ican't take credit for it, but um
(05:35):
Thing for Maui.
They did at the brewery.
Yeah, they partnered with thebrewery on it.
I believe they gave over $5,000directly to our Lions group in
Maui.
So they're on the ground andthey can give those funds
however they can.
So we're really.
You know, if there's a need it.
You know of something localthat's important to our
(05:57):
community.
We like to know and that'swhere the money's going.
Natalie (06:00):
So that's fantastic.
How does that different from,say, the rotary and?
And these are things that arepretty much in almost every
every community Going across theUnited States.
Yep, yep, they're international, international clubs.
Josh (06:13):
Yeah, so you know I'm not.
There really isn't a hugedifference.
It's just who is doing what andit's great to have all of it.
So, uh, the rotary, one oftheir biggest Things would be
concert in the commons, you know, and I hear complaints about
that all the time too, and it'slike you know, it's wonderful
because we need volunteers, weneed donors, we need stuff,
(06:35):
because they donate so muchmoney back to our community, um,
and making it look beautifuland all these different things,
and that's great.
If you have an opinion, youshould come and help and voice
it and Really get back.
But I wouldn't say there's areally big difference.
I mean, it's all aboutvolunteering and giving back and
(06:56):
with with both of those.
So sure, sure.
Natalie (06:59):
It's great that you're able to to do both of those and
then be involved in things likethe chamber.
And again, there's chambers incommunities all over the United
States, and we're specificallytalking about the Excelsior Lake
Midotanka chamber, who does somany events in the area that
have been going on for so long.
(07:19):
What are some of your favoritethings as as as a member of the
chamber?
What are some of your favoritethings to do?
Josh (07:27):
It's awesome just to be involved and to hear about stuff
that's going on in ourcommunity.
The chamber is, uh, I thinkit's a 503C, so it's a little
bit different than the rotaryand the lions, but their main
thing is to bring business andhelp private enterprise and help
these small business owners.
Really, you know, let peopleknow they're there and what
(07:48):
services they offer, and theyreally run a big part of our
events, which you know.
Rotary helps with lions, helpswith all these other people as
well, but, uh, they are incharge of the fireworks, you
know they're.
They do the firecracker run,they do the same patty stuff.
They really are bringing peopleinto our making Lake Midotanka
(08:11):
a destination, you know, andbringing money into the small
business owner.
So, and people in our community.
Natalie (08:18):
So yeah, so would you?
What would you recommend tosomebody that was saying new to
the area, or moving into even adifferent community, who wanted
to get involved?
What, which one of these typesof organizations do you think
that they should start with?
Join them all.
No, I'm kidding, I'm kidding.
Josh (08:35):
You know it's a really good question.
I would go to all of them.
You know they're all free.
They love visitors.
You can really.
You know who do you jive withand what, what, what what's
important to you and giving backto your community and being a
part of it.
I mean there's committees allover.
You know, for every event,everything, and I think I'd
(08:56):
encourage you to visit therotary.
You know it's.
They have a free breakfast atMaynard.
Who doesn't love free breakfast?
Just go and visit.
You know you don't have to sayanything, they won't point you
out.
It's a big, great group ofpeople.
I believe they have anafternoon one as well.
I spoke about the Lions.
It's once a month for lunch.
We would love to have you there.
(09:17):
You don't, again, you don'thave to know anything about
anything.
You just go and enjoy and andbe with your neighbors.
You know, yeah, and and samewith the chamber.
The chamber, I would say alittle bit more.
If you're a business, you knowwhat I mean.
If you have a business, youwant to represent your business,
you want to get it out there.
That would be for that.
But also the volunteering.
I mean they need so manyvolunteers of these events, just
(09:40):
they're not going to be thereand people don't realize how
much work goes into that.
You know, we take it for grantedthat we have a concert in the
Commons and that we can complainabout it.
Natalie (09:51):
You know what I mean and all these other events.
Josh (09:53):
That it's they.
They make it happen.
So you know, kudos to them.
Natalie (09:57):
There's no shortage, definitely, of volunteers for
many of this and and you bringup a good point, because I don't
think a lot of people realizehow much work goes into it, how
many volunteers it takes.
And I like your point of viewbecause I feel the same way.
If if you have a complaintabout it, that's fine, but then
do something about it, put yourshoulder to the wheel and create
(10:18):
change from the inside.
Josh (10:19):
Yeah, seriously Say I'm going to join that committee.
I want to make sure that youknow I'm just picking out of a
habit.
Fourth of July is better.
It comes from the Commons.
It's a come, join, reach out tothat organization and say how
can we help you?
I have some really good ideas.
You know, me and my family wantto donate our time to a couple
of the events and whatever youknow so what are some of your
(10:41):
favorite events in the area?
Natalie (10:42):
Oh gosh.
Josh (10:43):
I mean, I really love any great event, but Fourth of July
is just always a good one.
The firecracker run is fun andsetting up in the morning the St
Paddy's Day of Race.
It's always interesting to seewhat the weather is going to be
like.
Oh, exactly.
Is it 60 degrees or 10 degrees?
Me and Chad always traditionwake up at it is six o'clock in
(11:08):
the morning.
we go get the bananas the donutsand set it all up and it's just
really just to be a part of it.
But yeah, I would say those aremy top two.
The Klondike is a different,just fun event.
In general.
It's actually not specificallyinvolved with any of those
organizations, but Klondike hasreally become huge, Huge.
Natalie (11:29):
And if you're not familiar, can you tell people a
little bit about it?
Josh (11:32):
Yeah, as much as.
I know, but yeah, just fromgoing the last few years they've
done it.
I think three years skipped onein between with COVID.
Natalie (11:39):
It's a dog race.
Josh (11:39):
Yeah, it's a slut dog race and they come from all over the
world.
I mean it's Alaska to.
I think, even like maybe a teamfrom Iceland or something
Greenland.
I mean it's really cool.
If you've never done or come,it's free.
They have food, they have hotdrinks, the restaurants have
promotions and it's reallybecome a staple of our community
(12:02):
.
People talk about it all around.
Natalie (12:03):
When I travel, all year round, all year round too,
because there's littlefundraisers here and there to
support the Klondike.
Josh (12:09):
Yeah, yeah.
So it's not directing any ofthose, but I mean, that's
another thing you know, if youwant to be a part of it.
I know Bill Danberg he ownsBrightwater downtown has a big
presence in that, and many otherpeople as well.
Natalie (12:23):
So yeah, I would have to say I think I agree with you.
Fourth of July is a ton of fun,and what I like is it because
it kicks off with the run, whichI skip.
But then there's the parade.
Josh (12:36):
Oh, it's an all day thing.
Natalie (12:38):
The kids parade, the bike parade.
So many people, especially ifit's a great weather day, it is
just absolutely packed with asea of people.
Josh (12:46):
Yeah, it's awesome.
Natalie (12:47):
Just having a great time all marching heading down
to the Excelsior Commons to kickoff the festivities for Fourth
of July Exactly, and it keepsgetting better and better and
better.
Josh (12:56):
I would say, people, you know, taking into consideration
to what COVID really did to ourcommunity, I, you know, I don't
when people are like, oh, thefireworks are so much better
when I was a kid, it's like,okay, you guys.
Well, you have to remember allthe funding that was lost.
You know, I mean the chamber,don't quote me please, but I
mean they had like they werehanging on by their legs.
(13:16):
I mean there was like twopeople that were there.
I know the Lions, I believe,were down to like the five
members and now we're at like 40strong rotary, I don't know,
but I mean all these groups likethere was nothing, there was no
private funding.
So these we're really buildingback all of our events in the
Lake Minnetonka area, gettingthat funding back, doing the
(13:39):
burgers, bingo you know all thestuff that creates these events
and they're just getting biggerand better.
They really are so there is.
Natalie (13:47):
There's a lot going on and I'm really excited about
potential new events.
There's always things happeningaround the lake.
There are.
If you're familiar with theLake Minnetonka area, then you
know there are multiple citiesand villages, communities around
the lake that have their owncity hall but come together for
many of these events.
(14:08):
That's what I love most aboutit, and the biggest thing, too,
is how many events there are inthe wintertime.
Things do not shut down aroundLake Minnetonka just because
it's really cold out there.
Like you were saying, theKlondike Derby there's so many
that happen where you just got adress for it.
Josh (14:27):
Yep, yep, and I mean they're really building them up.
I know the Chamber has bigplans.
They did Halloween this year.
I don't know, were you a partof the witches?
Natalie (14:33):
Yes, I didn't do witches night out, but we handed
out candy on Water Street inExcelsior it was huge and next
year I think they might beplanning some other really fun
things.
Josh (14:44):
So it's like everything is just building and getting
bigger and funner for our smallcommunity.
Totally.
Natalie (14:49):
It's so much fun.
I think that, given yourbecause you have such passion
for community and getting outthere and connecting with people
, I mean you really walk thewalk, you really you go to these
things, you're helping, you'reputting your shoulder to the
wheel I think maybe you shouldrun for city council or
something like that coming up,I'm just gonna.
I'm sure this is not the firsttime you've heard this.
(15:10):
I.
Josh (15:12):
Have heard it before.
I don't know if I go that far,but I do like to be a part of
our community and you know it'sfunny.
People have laughed at that,and I've been to a lot of city
council meetings.
That is not a joke either.
Those jobs are.
Those.
People work really hard,they're very intelligent and and
I'd encourage it that there'sanother thing is you know people
make all these judgments on Allthe council, or you know
(15:32):
whoever did go to a city councilmeeting.
Natalie (15:34):
If you want to.
You know, you know here, opento the public go there or go
listen to what they have to say.
I mean, and if you don't catchhim live, you can watch him?
Josh (15:42):
on.
Natalie (15:43):
Online on demand through any city website.
Josh (15:45):
Yeah, you go to their website or go to the.
Natalie (15:48):
I Might get this wrong, but I think it's LMCCorg Yep.
Yep, I believe you're right, sowhere you can watch these city
council meetings from all overthe lake and and they are
sometimes they're outrighthilarious.
Josh (16:04):
You don't, don't listen to your neighbor on you know.
Oh, this is what they voted.
It's go and watch it.
Go to the meeting be a part ofit If you hear one's coming up
that you think affects you orpeople you know go.
Yeah, voice your opinion,that's.
Natalie (16:16):
That's what they're there for, so yeah, use your you
(16:52):
, you, you yeah.
Josh (18:20):
We're back with battery.
Natalie (18:22):
Yes, okay, yes, I think I'm still running, so I'll just
cut that out.
So, yes, getting involved inall of these things, I think, is
a wonderful way to for people,even if they're new to the area.
Any community anywhere to meetpeople is If you are a business
owner, go ahead and join yourlocal chamber If you if you're
(18:42):
not, you can join the rotary,you can join the Lions Club, and
it sounds like these aren't aridiculous amount of fees and
you get to do things directly inyour community.
Josh (18:51):
Totally.
I mean, yeah, it's, it's allvery reasonable what it costs
and what you can get a lot of it.
Natalie (18:57):
So well, and I'm gonna hold out for Josh Radsey City
Council.
Josh (19:04):
Coming soon, not today, but not today, one day maybe
coming soon.
Natalie (19:08):
You heard it here.
Well, thank you so much forcoming in and sharing about this
and talking about the differentways that you find community
through these different groups.
It definitely makes me want togo and check out a rotary or
Lions Club.
Josh (19:23):
My gosh, I should.
I'll be your guest.
There's food involved, right?
Yes, tomorrow morning 7 am.
Are you committing now?
Natalie (19:30):
Oh, that's a little early.
But I will the dumb thing is Iam up.
I'm usually up ridiculouslyearly, yeah, but I usually like
to you know we myself into theday.
I like my coffee in bed.
I get it.
I would leave the house earlyfor that, because it does sound
like a lot of fun.
Josh (19:47):
Cool.
Well, get involved.
Thank you for having me today.
I see your show.
It's awesome.
I like what you're doing andhelping the community as well.
Natalie (19:54):
So thank you, yes, everyone else.
I will talk to you later I.
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