Last week we heard from Kristen Juras, candidate for Justice of the Montana Supreme Court. Kristen is a graduate of Conrad High School and the University of Montana with a law degree from the University of Georgia. After practicing law for 18 years, both out of state and in Montana, she accepted a teaching position at the University of Montana's law school, where she has taught for 16 years.
Ms. Juras emphasized the importance of having diverse expertise on the Montana Supreme Court. She would bring 34 years of business, property, agricultural, and tax experience to the Court. She also answered Rotarians' questions on a number of subjects including the court's low ranking for its business legal climate; tribal, state, and federal jurisdiction; medical marijuana; tort reform; and water rights.
This Week at Rotary
This week we'll hear from the second of the candidates for the Montana Supreme Court introducing themselves to us this spring. Judge Dirk Sandefur will be our guest. Join us at noon at the country club!
Rotarians ... Give Back to the Community
Last week, eight community members were sworn in as Court-Appointed Special Advocates (CASAs). These volunteers serve as officers of the court, speaking for children in need of care in Great Falls because they have been abused or neglected. The last step of the CASAs' training is to participate in a mock trial so that they have experience appearing in court before they actually represent a child there.
CASA is a remarkable volunteer organization responding to the significant need in Great Falls to respond to child neglect and abuse. One of the people who makes CASA so effective is our own Mike Rausch (pictured in foreground). He has served on the CASA board for many years, helps deliver the training, and in the mock trial, plays the role of attorney in the case. (An easy role for him to play, since he is one!)
Thanks, Mike, for all you do for the children in our community who need our help most! You are one of Great Falls Rotary's many shining lights!
Rotary Events in April
Last week we encouraged you to participate in a service project providing maintenance at the YWCA on Saturday, April 16. That project has been pushed back to a later date. Look for details in a future bulletin.
If you're not attending the statewide Rotary Conference at Fairmont Hot Springs, April 22-24, consider attending the History Museum's Legacy Awards Dinner and Auction on April 24. Honorees include Benefis Health System and First Interstate Bank, both of which have members who are Rotarians.
Milestones
Just one birthday this week, but it's a biggee. Tony DiLello is celebrating a new year of life on Tuesday, and we celebrate with him. Tony, your unfailing good humor and willingness to help others in need enrich our club. Salud!
Weekly Wisdom: April
April is the cruelest month, breeding
Lilacs out of the dead land, mixing
Memory and desire, stirring
Dull roots with spring rain.
