Next Week at Rotary

Next week red badge-wearer Stephanie Schnider will give us a glimpse at what the generosity of donors to Great Falls Public Schools Foundation has wrought at Charles M. Russell High School. We will meet in CMR's Stem Center on the northeast side of the building ... or on Zoom. See you at noon on Tuesday!

Last Week at Rotary

Last week Rotarians enjoyed a very engaging introduction to our District 5390 Governor, Michael Mayott of Billings' downtown club. Michael joined the club when he was invited to a meeting as the coach of of West High's state championship boys soccer team. He liked the mission, liked the people, and decided to become a member himself.

Mayott's rise to the governorship is a bit unusual. He raised his hand to go through the leadership chairs because he believes that Rotary needs to do things differently, and he thought he'd have four years to learn the ropes. A year ago, he was fourth in line, but the first and second in line had to bow out and the third asked him to switch places, so he assumed the governorship without the benefit of that slow and steady rise.

Michael noted that he was tasked to convey three messages on behalf of the larger organization:

1. Increasing membership is crucial - in Montana, in the nation, and worldwide. Really focus on that.

2. Give to the Rotary Foundation. It's good for Rotary's identified priorities, but a significant percentage of what you donate comes back to the district in three years to be disseminated as grants. One of the things Michael would like to see change is loosening up the red tape on grants. "We are here to support you," he assured us. "Show us how your proposal will advance the Rotary mission and we'll get the money in your hands." You give ... and you get.

3. Rotary wants everyone to switch to the new brand and drop the "Rotary wheel." Michael thinks it's small stuff. "I have to relay this message," he noted, "but I don't worry about it."

Perhaps most exciting for our club is that Governor Mayott is completely supportive of the relocation of Rotary Youth Leadership Academy from its current location near Livingston to Camp Rotary. "It just makes sense," he said. District 5390 is in the middle of a three-year lease with Luccock Park, but when that lease expires, he assures us that the $20,000 now going to that location will go to Camp Rotary.

Good news! And a great presentation.

Presenting 2021's Paul Harris Fellows

Paul Harris once observed that "perhaps dreams are not so bad if we dream good dreams and make them come true." Through contributions to the Rotary Foundation, Rotarians make big Rotary dreams come true: ending polio, providing clean water in third world countries, bringing educational opportunities to the underserved, and much, much more.

Paul Harris Fellows are made when a Rotarian's contribution to the Rotary Foundation totals $1,000. Then she or he can be designated a fellow and/or can accumulate enough points to name another person as a Paul Harris Fellow. Last week the following 2021 Paul Harris Fellows from Rotary Club of Great Falls were recognized:

Paul Harris Fellow +8: Mark Finnicum

Paul Harris Fellow +4: Bob Holter

Paul Harris Fellow +3: Sheila Rice

Paul Harris Fellow +2: Cheryl Crawley, Tony DiLello, Tom Nelson, Bill Salina, Susan Wolff, Cari Yturri

First-Time Paul Harris Fellows: Kurt Baltrusch, David Cameron, Lacey Gallagher, Heidi Hockett, Patricia Holt, Chuck Jennings, Jesse Mahugh, Mary Moe, and Art Taft

That's a whole lot of Rotary dreams coming true!

This and That

The “Campout at the Camp” scheduled for this weekend has been canceled, but this afternoon (Saturday), we have the opportunity to participate in the 2021 International Peace Park Assembly on Zoom. President Gallagher announced last week that Fred Anderson has agreed to head up Great Falls Rotary's role as host for the assembly on its 75th anniversary next year.

We are running short of ideas for speakers at our Tuesday meetings. If you have an idea for a good speaker, contact Kurt Baltrusch at 406-868-0735.

Gregg Holt had the great suggestion to provide a link to more information about Rotarians in the bulletin. Bulletin editor Mary Moe has not had great success with links in the bulletin, but encourages you to explore the Active Member data on Club Runner. She will make an effort to feature individual Rotarians more often in future bulletins.

Milestones

Happy birthday on Sunday to Beth McFadden and on Wednesday to Bill Bronson, two excellent examples of engaged community leaders. Best wishes for another active and productive year in Great Falls!

Weekly Warmth: Still Waters

Still waters run deep, they say, and that was certainly true of former Rotarian Kathy Mora. She was the essence of calm kindness and deep reflection. Our condolences to her family on her recent passing.