Last Week's Featured Speaker: Award-Winning Gordon Johnson
Our featured speaker last week was Gordon Johnson, director of the Great Falls Symphony. Gordon reminded us of the good work the Symphony does for the community. Its unique education program builds musicianship and citizenship in area students. It provides cultural experiences in the performing arts that add to the quality and community of our lives. And through the jobs the symphony creates and the recruitment tool it provides for other employers, the symphony is an important factor in the Great Falls economy.
The humble maestro did not mention that he had just returned from an awards ceremony in Helena, where he received the Governor's Award for the Arts. He was the only musician among this year's recipients. At the ceremony he said that his love for music started early and that a song from his youth by the Lovin' Spoonful summed up his philosophy: "The magic's in the music, and the music's in me!" For 33 years in Great Falls, he has helped us believe in magic.
Two Local Rotarians Honored
Last week Rotary International officially recognized Kurt Baltrusch as a Paul Harris fellow. The fellowship recognizes Rotarians whose financial contributions to the Rotary Foundation, or contributions in their name, reach the $1,000 level. Kurt's generosity in this area, as in so many areas of Rotary, is truly laudable. Presenting Kurt with his first Paul Harris recognition was Mark Finnicum, who has reached the Paul Harris Fellowship mark seven times! Congratulations, Kurt!
Rotary International also recognized the good work of Judge Robert Holter in recruiting members to our club. Rotary International has noticed that good work and sent us a Rotary pin back/holder to award him. Among his many services as a Rotarian, Judge Holter has been exemplary in replenishing our ranks through new recruitments. Thank you, Bob!
Coming Soon
We're in for a treat at tomorrow's luncheon meeting. Our featured speaker is our very own Tony Dilello on the subject of the tax implications of estate planning and gifting. Join us at noon at the country club!
Also, mark your calendars for our monthly Rotary After Hours next Wed., June 24, from 5 - 7 p.m. at the Mighty Mo Brewing Company. Come sample the establishment's latest seasonal beer and enjoy the camaraderie of fellow Rotarians. Feel free to invite a friend or co-worker who might be interested in learning more about Rotary and what the Great Falls Club is doing to make our community and world a better place. Please bring your spare change for Pennies for Polio. We look forward to seeing you there!
Dues Increase Approved
At last week’s board meeting, a quorum being present, the membership approved the board's proposal to increase membership dues by $10 per Rotarian per quarter. The proposal is a response to several increased costs, including RYLA camper fees, RI dues, and the dictionary project costs, but primarily reflects the $1 per meal increase in weekly luncheons. The increase becomes effective July 1, 2015.
Milestones
We have lots of Rotarian birthdays to celebrate this week: June 16, Doug Hagen; June 17, Bruce Davidson, and June 19, Paul Corey. Congratulations and best wishes to all three Rotarians!
This week also marks the anniversaries of two of our members joining Rotary. Bob Norbie marks his 9th year as a Rotarian and Bill Thomas marks his 5th. Thanks to both of you for your years of service above self.
Weekly Wisdom from "Carousel"
March went out like a lion: awakin' up the water in the bay;
Then April cried and stepped aside, and along came pretty little May!
May was full of promises, but she didn't keep 'em quick enough for some
And the crowd of doubtin' Thomases was predictin' that the summer'd never come.
But it’s come, by gum; you can feel it come,
You can feel it in your heart; you can smell it in the ground
You can hear it in the breeze; you can see it in the trees,
Look around! Look around! Look around! June is bustin’ out all over!
Our featured speaker last week was Gordon Johnson, director of the Great Falls Symphony. Gordon reminded us of the good work the Symphony does for the community. Its unique education program builds musicianship and citizenship in area students. It provides cultural experiences in the performing arts that add to the quality and community of our lives. And through the jobs the symphony creates and the recruitment tool it provides for other employers, the symphony is an important factor in the Great Falls economy..jpg)
Last week Rotary International officially recognized Kurt Baltrusch as a Paul Harris fellow. The fellowship recognizes Rotarians whose financial contributions to the Rotary Foundation, or contributions in their name, reach the $1,000 level. Kurt's generosity in this area, as in so many areas of Rotary, is truly laudable. Presenting Kurt with his first Paul Harris recognition was Mark Finnicum, who has reached the Paul Harris Fellowship mark seven times! Congratulations, Kurt!.JPG)
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