This week Ben Forsyth will address the club on the subject of marijuana. Join us at noon at the country club or on Zoom!
Last Week at Rotary
Last week we heard from Jesse Mahugh, Executive Director of Big Brothers Big Sisters in Great Falls and Helena, on the good work his organization does. He began by emphasizing the organization's mission - to "create and support one-to-one mentoring relationships that ignite the power and promise of youth." Big Brothers Big Sisters does that by creating and monitoring matches between adult volunteers ("bigs") with children ("littles") to another positive adult as a mentor to a child.
The children range in age from 6 through 18, in Helena, Boulder, and Great Falls. The adults must commit to a 2-hour visit with their "littles" four times a month for at least a year. Many "bigs" combine the obligation with something they already enjoy doing - bicycling, visiting a museum, or going to a sports event. "Bigs" are interviewed, given an extensive background check, and trained to ensure a safe and productive experience for the child.
The results speak for themselves:
85% of the "littles" improve in academic performance.
95% have increased self-confidence.
91% have a more positive attitude toward school.
86% improve in their relationships with peers.
These results are especially impressive in light of the fact that 5% of the "littles" are being raised by a grandparent or sibling and 15% have at least one parent incarcerated.
The biggest testimonials for the program came from Rotarians themselves, some of whom have been "bigs." John Juras assured the members that "Big Brothers Big Sisters is a great program." Sheila Rice commented on Zoom that she continues to be in contact with one of her "littles" from 18 years ago. "My little sister is now a jewelry designer. She rents an apartment from me and is still a wonderful friend."
Amen! A wonderful presentation by an impressive young man ... and Jesse Mahugh is interested in joining Rotary Club of Great Falls! By the way, the Big Brothers Big Sisters fundraiser, Golf 4 Kids Sake, is a golf tournament on August 7. If you can put together a foursome or a twosome to get outdoors and support a good cause, visit the BBBS website for details.
Bylaws Amendments Approved
Voting on the proposed bylaws amendments began last Sunday at noon and closed shortly after noon at Tuesday's regular meeting. A total of 52 members voted: 49 in favor and 3 opposed. A sincere thank-you to Bill Bronson, Mike Rausch, and Cari Yturri for their tireless work on reviewing and updating both the club bylaws and the constitution!
After voting had begun, the Bylaws Committee received an addition amendment request. We have been informed that the check approval process required in our current bylaws is antiquated. The requested change follows:
Section 3 — Bills are paid by the treasurer or another authorized officer when approved by two other officers or directors in accordance with approval and reporting parameters established by the board.
The Bylaws Committee will forward the request to the board for its August 11 meeting. If you have thoughts or concerns about the proposal, please let President Megan Connors or Treasurer Tom Nelson know in advance of the board meeting. If the board approves the proposed amendment, the bylaws committee will present the proposed amendment to the membership later in August. Hopefully, we will then be finished with the bylaws for a while!
Milestones
August may be the month notable for the slow-paced, dry, dog days of summer, but it's been a lively month for Rotarians. This week we celebrate the August Rotarian with the most seniority as a Rotarian: Susan Wolff. In her 8 years with the club, Susan has shown herself to be an engaged member, a selfless volunteer, and a natural leader. We are proud to have you, Susan!
Update
At a recent meeting, Jane Weber, Chair of the Big Sky National Heritage Foundation, gave a presentation of the BSNHF vision and process. Last week Chuck Jennings provided members with information on how to support the effort. The most effective way is by writing a letter of support. You might mention any or all of the following talking points:
Next to agriculture, tourism is Montana’s largest industry, bringing visitors to the area and providing hospitality, educational and recreation jobs to our economy.
Central Montana has unique stories to share – from the First Peoples' use and understanding of their natural landscape, to the first explorers observations in their journals, to the establishment of our great state, to the refining and use of the state’s copper resources to help light the nation
The vast landscape of Central Montana has been revered by its First Peoples and the ranching and farming communities who have lived in Big Sky Country for generations. Their heritage lives on in the hearts and minds of our First Peoples and those who tend the land for their livelihood.
National Heritage Areas embody locally driven partnerships that blend education, cultural conservation, resource preservation, recreation and community-building. They share their stories with others and drive tourism.
Potential projects are already underway – highway and wayside directional signage, national register nominations for historic buildings, assistance with annual heritage events, and tourism promotion to historic sites.
The Coordinating Entity (Big Sky Country NHA, Inc.) links heritage and economic development and is already working with partners to assist with projects in Fort Benton and Great Falls
Big Sky Country NHA, Inc. will help strengthen relationships with the private sector and highlight the rich heritage Central Montana offers visitors.
The NHA will play a pivotal role in the interpretation and education of natural, cultural, and historic resources in our communities. In the future, the NHA can help coordinate complex and long-term projects among many stakeholders and partners.
Federal recognition as an NHA will enable Big Sky Country to commemorate the diverse stories and resources that make Central Montana unique.
NHAs work with willing partners to support regional heritage interpretation and recreation resources through locally identified projects.
Designation will help provide a potential stable funding source, allowing the NHA to enter into local funding partnerships with confidence. The financial support will enable Big Sky Country NHA to leverage funds for additional grants and for staffing to assist with planning support.
Designation will make it possible to enter into long-term collaborative programs with stakeholders and willing partners throughout Central Montana and build capacity in our surrounding rural communities to conduct both small and larger scale projects to engage and educate visitors to Central Montana.
Big Sky Country NHA, Inc. has proven to be a competent non-profit group with the dedication and capability to continue coordinating with communities after designation.
Send your letter to Chair Jane Weber, Big Sky Country NHA, Inc., PO Box 1323 Great Falls, MT 59403.
Weekly Wit
More burning questions, courtesy of Gregg Holt:
Why does the word "funeral" start with "fun"?
Why is there a "d" in "fridge," but not in "refrigerator"?
Why isn't a fireman called a waterman?
If people evolved from monkeys, why are monkeys still around?
Why do we put cups in the dishwasher, but dishes in the cupboard?
