Next week there's no evening Rotary meeting, but the noon meeting should be a real treat. John Godwin will be getting us all fired up for a week of Western art with a presentation on the Old West Art Show. Always affable and entertaining, John's a pleasure to listen to. Join us at noon at the country club!
Also next week is the monthly meeting of our Rotary board at 5:30, also at the country club. All members are welcome to attend.
Finally, everyone is invited to attend the Scout District's Investment in Leadership and Character Luncheon at the Celtic Cowboy on Thursday, March 12, at noon. Members should RSVP either to Dirk Smith or to Sandra at 406-282-1129.
Last Week at Rotary
At noon Trisha Gardner from the City/County Health Department did a reprise of her recent presentation at the evening meeting. Of course, with all the news about the "coronavirus," Rotarians had plenty of questions on that subject. Trisha reassured us that the Department is already active in prevention and emergency planning activities.
The noon meeting featured a little impromptu hilarity as "Pennies-for-Polio-Plus-Pinching" Art Taft dramatically broke into the full piggy bank Gregg Holt donated to find the illusive pennies that will complete his project. Cries of "Save the Pig" filled the room, but Art was undeterred in the porcucide. We still haven't heard if he has now completed the coin collection of his dreams.
Troy Hallsell was the speaker at the evening meeting, and there's nothing like a history lesson from a historian. Troy reviewed the history of Great Falls' city parks and as usual his research was thorough and thoroughly interesting. When Paris Gibson sold the idea of establishing Great Falls to James Hill, the railroad tycoon, he had a city plan that included parks and boulevards. Parks had both aesthetic and economic value, in that the public spaces gave citizens a place to relax and provided a gathering space for events and socials. Eventually parks evolved into neighborhood recreation "play" areas to fulfill the neighborhood's family needs. Great Falls was a leader in Montana for making parks, trees and green spaces a priority and now, after passing the Preserve our Parks Fund, the park improvements will ensure all parks are well-maintained and most parks are accessible for everyone. Thank you, Troy, for letting us see these community assets through new eyes!
Present at the evening meeting were Sheila Rice, Chelle Fried, Tim Peterson, Kevin Burnett, Leon Green, Zach Swartz, Kurt Baltrusch, Troy Hallsell and his guest Erin Green.
A Fresh Coat of ... Service above Self
Thanks to our stalwart members, the Women's Shelter at the Great Falls Rescue Mission is looking fresh and new. Our thanks to Rob Rezek, who organized the project, and to the Rotarians who took the time on a Saturday to help make the world a better place for women and children fresh out of luck. Thanks as well to the many members who contributed money to the cause. At the noon meeting the week before the project, we raised over $300 and, because supplies went over that amount, we raised over $50 this week at noon, and an additional $33 at the evening meeting.
Let's Social-ize!
Mark your calendars for this month's Rotary social! It was impossible to find a party place on St. Patrick's Day, so our March social will be on Thursday, March 19, at the Do Bar, starting at 5:30. Celebrate the end of winter in the warmth of fellow Rotarians!
Milestones
This week we celebrate the birthdays of two fabulous Rotarians. On Wednesday, we give thanks for Mark Nash, whose service above self in a variety of Rotary endeavors is impressive. On Friday, Judge Bob Holter puts another candle on the cake ... and we'll call the fire department!
All kidding aside, these two great guys do so much for our club. We are grateful for your friendship and happy for you this week!
Quiet Heroes
"The strongest people," the saying goes, "are the ones who are quietly fighting battles we know nothing about."
Ryan Miller is one of those quiet heroes. He has spent much of the last two years in hospitals and, unfortunately, he's back in one again. Last week he had to have surgery on his left knee, which is now in a cast. He had just starting using a prosthesis on his right leg, and he is continuing with that therapy. After the surgery at Benefis East, he was transferred to the West Campus, where he is now, facing the setback with his usual good spirits.
A call might do him good. His number is 406-590- 8419. Our thoughts and prayers are with you, Ryan. You are an inspiration.
