This week we'll get a Thanksgiving message from the Middle East from Reverend Tim Lanham. Join us at noon at the country club!
Also, we have two requests for help in leadership positions. As Past President, Dean Boyle is seeking nominations for next year's board members and officers. You'll be joining a great board, and it's a good way to get more deeply involved in Rotary. Nominate yourself or a fellow Rotarian soon! The membership will vote on nominees at its annual meeting on Dec. 18.
The Rotary Foundation Board is also seeking new members, including a vice-president and, ideally, a secretary-treasurer. The board will be meeting on Tuesday, Nov. 20, after our regular weekly meeting and will be entertaining nominations at that time. If you are unable to attend, please let Sheila Rice know that you would be willing to serve. Her number is 202-760-4070.
Last Week at Rotary
Before the featured presentation last week, Dani Grebe's name was read again for membership acceptance. We were joined for the second time by potential new member, Terri Voytoski, Senior VP at Embark CU. Also, Past President Dean Boyle announced that the Nominations Committee is accepting nominations for Directors and Officer positions in preparation for the election of board members officers required at our Annual Meeting on December 18.
In our featured presentation, Fred Anderson spoke about his experience with kidney transplant surgery. Fred was taken by surprise when his kidney failed, likely the result of not seeking (or complying with) treatment for his high blood pressure. Fred said that many people wait for many years before an organ becomes available, and some die before a kidney becomes available.
Fortunately, Fred's lifelong friend, Jim Ross, a retired Navy and FedEx pilot, not only agreed to donate one of his kidneys, but also researched to find an alternative hospital when Sacred Heart in Spokane refused to perform a transplant from anyone over 70 years old.
Scary stuff, but Fred has come through fine. He encourages everyone to look into donating your organs. In Montana you can have your wish to be a donor noted on your drivers license, but it is also good to have your wishes noted with your physician.
Let's Get Social!
Join Mike Wier and his intrepid crew to celebrate the successful completion of another Harvest Howl at Enbar (8 Fifth St. S.) on Tuesday, Nov. 20, from 5:30 - whenever we're all Howled out. After so much work, it's time to play.
Also, Heidi Hockett has generously offered to host the end-of-the-month social at her home (79 Sun View Lane) on Wednesday, Nov. 28, from 5:30 - 7:30. Take a break to enjoy the camaraderie of fellow Rotarians!
Rotarians Given "Stand Tall" Recognition
With 50+ years under his belt as a Rotarian, it should come as no surprise to this club that Bob Oakland and his family were recently recognized the the Chamber of Commerce's "Athenas" with the "Stand Tall" Award for the example of generosity they set for the community. Joining him in receiving the award were his daughter Kris and her daughter Ashley, as well as Bob's grandson and our fellow Rotarian, Cooper Thomas.
It’s hard to think of a Great Falls organization dedicated to helping those with potential or those who face challenges without finding an Oakland behind the scenes," the presenter noted. Just look at the list:
Eagle Mount. Benefis. Rotary. The University of Providence. MSU–Northern. Scottish Rite. McLaughlin Research Center. Red Cross. Easter Seals/Goodwill. Great Falls Development Authority. Mercy Home. The C.M. Russell Museum. United Way. NeighborWorks. The Great Falls Public School Foundation. Special Olympics Montana.
For the latter two organizations alone, the Oaklands' truck raffles have raised $8.3 million for Special Olympics of Montana and $600,000 for the Great Falls Public Schools over the years. But they do far more than donate assets. They also lend their expertise to countless organizations through service on their boards and lend their elbow grease to any project they're engaged in.
Congratulations, Bob, Cooper, and the rest of the Oakland family! An honor well-deserved.
Milestones
Birthdays X 3 this week! Best wishes to Jim Kizer tomorrow, Sophia Sparklin on Monday and Thomas Trunkle on Wednesday! We're thankful for all three of you.
Weekly Whimsy: The Brawl of the Wild
Many a tear has to fall, but it's all in the game,
All in the wonderful game that we call football.
Our O-line can be weak; their fourth quarters can be bleak,
But these things need not define us all.
Once in a while there’s a brawl, but it's all in the game.
Soon you will stand side by side and forget the fizz.
This, too, will pass .. so conduct your sorry selves with class,
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