As we respond to the COVID-19 pandemic, "this week in Rotary" has taken a new twist. We have notified our planned speakers of our need to cancel last week and this week and both have responded graciously. Judge Best looks forward to the day when she can tell us about the challenges and success stories of our district courts. Jami Wald is also looking forward to tell us about state-of-the-art Women’s and Children’s Center that Benefis Health System is building. "It will change the way women and children in our community access healthcare," she assures us.
Meanwhile club leaders are looking at this challenge as an opportunity. With service above self as our north star, last week we helped fill the schools' food pantries. Rob Rezek is actively looking for other opportunities to help in a time of crisis. And President Yturri is exploring ways that we can meet digitally! Zoom, anyone?
We'll get through this ... and be the better for it. Believe.
RYLA Applications Are In!ut
Rotary Youth Leadership Academy (RYLA) Committee Chair Fred Anderson reports that the applications for this summer's Academy are in. He delivered them to Sydney Blair this week to scan and send to the other committee members: Bill Harp, Cheryl Crawley, and Katelyn Farrington.
This year for the first time, applicants will be interviewed online via Zoom.
The week-long Leadership Camp is usually held in July at the beautiful Camp Luccock near Livingston. The dates have been moved up this year to June 28- July 2. We look forward to learning more from and about this year's class!
Spotlight on Past President
With a smile that can brighten the darkest time and his truly contagious laughter, Todd Neighbor brings a sunny optimism to any enterprise he undertakes. That's why he was such a good fit for Rotary ... and ultimately for Rotary President.
It was the Chamber of Commerce's Leadership Great Falls program that got Todd interested in Rotary. As a new banker at US Bank in Great Falls, he went through the program and got to know Steve Malicott, the Chamber's executive director at the time and a dedicated member of our club. Steve urged him to join and the rest is history.
Todd finds the camaraderie of Rotarians in Great Falls to be the club's biggest asset. He's also constantly amazed by the dedication of our members. Lacey Gallagher, for instance. "She's a champion for Rotary wherever she goes," he commented. "She's one of our many unsung heroes."
There have been many memorable moments for Todd as a Rotarian, but the one that stands out is the dedication of Davidson Lodge at Camp Rotary. "That was such a wonderful experience. Ian and Nancy Davidson's generosity! The community outpouring ... so many people driving up to the Camp for the event. All the adults sharing their wonderful stories of camping up there. It was an unforgettable experience for me."
What's unforgettable about Todd? What isn't? Here's what he says: "Let's just say, I was born and raised in Butte and drank Butte pit water. That is the reason I am so unique. Also, I attended an engineering college and then went into banking. Can't figure that one out but kids sometimes decide to take different paths in life!"
We're glad this Butte kid took the direction that led him to us!
Service above Self Opportunity
Fellow Rotarian Diane Wright reached out to us this week with an opportunity for service. "As the outbreak of the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) continues to impact our communities," she wrote, "Rotarians can help ensure we have a sufficient blood supply to support Montana hospital patients."
Through March 17, nearly 4,000 Red Cross blood drives had been canceled across the country as more workplaces, college campuses and other venues sent people home and encouraged social distancing. These cancellations have resulted in more than 100,000 fewer blood donations. (and the number increases daily) Locally, the Red Cross has had 45 blood drives canceled due to coronavirus concerns, resulting in 1,107 uncollected blood donations. Disruptions to blood donations can lead to shortages and cause delays in essential medical care.
Diane has 3 Vital Messages to Rotarians:
• Donating blood is a safe process and people should not be concerned about giving or receiving blood during this challenging time.
• More healthy donors are needed to give now to prevent a blood shortage.
• Keep scheduled blood drives or visit the Great Falls Donation Center at 1300 28th Street South to donate blood.
"I appreciate all Rotarians who donate lifesaving blood" Diane commented, "and I'll add money/happy bucks to the pot for going into detail!"
Milestones
No Rotarian birthdays this week, but this month we celebrate the "Rotary birthdays" of many Rotarians. Here are the ones whose years as local Rotarians are in the double digits:
Judge Bob Holter - 32 years
Ryan Miller - 24 years
Tom Jacobson - 14 years
Bill Salina - 12 years
Lew Card - 10 years
Wow ... both quantity and quality. Thanks for joining Rotary Club of Great Falls!
Weekly Wit: Speaking Butte-ifully
Butte ex-pat Todd Neighbor shared some common sayings from Butte to end the first week ever with no parade:
tap'er light
rock in the box
hows she goin? SHE GO GOOD!
nice speakin atcha
PACK YOUR TURKEY
God Love Ya
Jeatyet? (Did you eat yet?) Notchetju? (Not yet. Did you?),
