February 1 marked the 40th anniversary of the day Gregg Holt became a Rotarian. Think of it: four decades of service above self!
Gregg learned the value of service early. A Boy Scout himself, he has remained an active supporter of all things Scouts, and in fact his wife Pat tells us that he has a room dedicated to his collection of Boy Scout memorabilia.
Gregg joined Rotary in 1979 and brought his work ethic and commitment to service with him. By 1997, he had earned his first Paul Harris Fellowship. Last summer, District Governor Rick Moore, pictured at left with Gregg, awarded him his fourth Paul Harris award.
It has been said that 80% of achievement is just showing up, and Gregg epitomizes that saying. Whether it's the Harvest Howl preparation, the celebration afterward, the Duck Race, or just our weekly noon meeting, Gregg shows up. He comes with his sleeves rolled up, a smile on his face, and a welcome on his lips for everyone he meets.
Over his many years in Rotary Club of Great Falls, we have known Gregg in times of joy, duress, and sorrow. He always sets an example for the value of getting through the bad times and giving back for the good one through service. "Gregg is an example of a top Rotarian," 33-year Rotarian Kurt Baltrusch noted. Happy anniversary, Gregg - and thanks for forty years of service, friendship, and inspiration!
Coming up at Noon and Evening Rotary
The law journal for the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals is dedicating its Spring issue to the story of how each state in the Ninth Circuit gave women the right to vote. The editor asked Mary Moe to write the article for Montana. This week Mary will summarize 30 years of Montanans' efforts to win women the vote in 20 minutes at our noon meeting.Join us at noon at the country club!
The canceled tour of Jeremiah Johnson Brewing Company has been rescheduled and expanded into a social. Join the evening Rotarians in a social beginning at 5:30 p.m. on Wednesday, February 13, with the tour/social running from 6:00 - 7:00. Because of Valentine's Day, there will be no evening Rotary on February 14.
Last Week at Noon Rotary
D.J. Lott, Executive Director of Family Promise, gave an inspirational and informational talk last week about how Family Promise helps families who, because of various circumstances, become homeless.
"Homelessness is a family tragedy," D.J. reminded us. Parents or guardians of children grapple with how to feed and keep their children safe, and Family Promise formed in 2015 to eliminate that tragedy, one family at a time. Since then, Family Promise has served 95 families with the help of 1000 volunteers, 13 hosts and 13 support organizations.
Family Promise is more than just a homeless shelter or a place to stay. It's a place where families can build a future for themselves. The churches and their volunteers handle food and lodging for Family Promise and the staff helps families move toward sustainable independence by helping them find housing, jobs, benefits, or whatever it is they need to succeed. One local car dealership helps shuttle family members to appointments and work. Many other businesses offer meals and financial support.
As a non-profit, Family Promise is governed by a board, the vice-chair of which is fellow Rotarian Tim McGonigal. Like all non-profits, Family Promise relies on philanthropy and fundraisers to support its programming. Their annual summer fundraiser, "Ramp It Up" at the O'Haire Motor Inn's parking lot ramp, raises almost $12,000. They're hoping to secure enough local restaurants to hold a "Comfort Food Challenge" on Saturday, Feb. 23, from 4 – 7 p.m. at the Moose Lodge in Black Eagle. For the price of admission - $15 for adults and $5 for children – you’ll get to sample the offerings of some of Great Falls’ finest eateries and enjoy the judging commentary of Mayor Bob Kelly, KRTV’s Shannon Newth, and KFBB’s Taylor Tucker. A good time for a good cause!
Bulletin Bucks Being Shelled Out Like Clams!
President Todd Neighbor's initiative to get more Rotarians reading this bulletin is paying off - literally. Two weeks ago, Keith Duncan collected his $25 cash card and last week Paul Gorsuch cashed in.
This week's button number (on the back of your Rotary pin) is #167. Contact Todd if you're the lucky winner.
It's Not a Hat
The hat is a homburg. Hamburg is a port city in northern Germany and the site of the annual Rotary Convention on June 1-5, 2019. Hamburg features large parkland areas and is crossed by hundreds of canals. It's a beautiful, eco-friendly community with much to see and do very conveniently. The convention itself is rich with high-quality speakers and discussions on a global scale. As if all this weren't a big enough draw, Past President Dean Boyle is going!
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