Yes, the eBulletin is a day early this week. The editor will be on a mountaintop without a laptop tomorrow.
Next Tuesday we'll get a presentation on organic farming from Bob Quinn. Join us at noon at the country club or on Zoom! After the meeting Mary Moe will be available to discuss the proposed bylaws changes with any interested members.
Last Week at Rotary
Last week Superintendent Tom Moore gave us an update on the Great Falls Public Schools. He began by thanking us for the successful mill levy, bringing a much-needed infusion of funding into the elementary schools' budget. Several Rotarians, notably Dr. Chuck Jennings and trustees Mark Finnicum and Bill Bronson, played significant roles in getting the word out and the vote out.
Tom also updated us on the progress of the school facilities construction projects. Work on the last two major projects - Longfellow School and Great Falls High School - is steaming right along in anticipation of welcoming students in the fall. Thanks to the fundraising prowess of Rotarian Dave Crum, this historic public investment in its schools has been accompanied by an impressive level of private investment. Over $4 million in private donations have added value to the construction projects, including two major construction projects funded by Rotarians - the Davidson Auditorium in Great Falls High School, made possible by the Ian Davidson family, and the modernization of the automotive department at Great Falls High, thanks to the Bob Oakland family.
The primary challenge for the school district right now is how to continue providing public education to the children in this community during the COVID-19 pandemic. School administrators have been working hard to devise plans for teaching and choices for parents that will give all students the benefits of education while protecting the health of students, teachers, and staff. Shortly after the meeting, the Governor announced the new guidelines for facial coverings. Later the same afternoon, the school board met to approve a preliminary plan for beginning the school year on August 27. With so much unknown and/or in flux, it's difficult to call any plan final. Challenging times!
Updates
After weeks of fruitless draws by other Rotarians, Tony DiLello scored big last week when he drew the winning 50-50 card with over $200 in the pot. Tony donated his winnings to the education-in-Africa project that Caitlin Walters has made Rotarians aware of.
Helena Rotarian Jesse Mahugh, who joined us for lunch at a recent meeting, has invited Rotarians to support a good cause, maintain social distance, and have a little fun by participating in the Golf Fore Kids Sake tournament on August 7. The event at Eagle Falls Golf Club welcomes teams of 2 or 4 golfers and features a hole-in-one contest that could provide some lucky winner with a 2020 Toyota Camry LE from City Motors. The event is a fundraiser for Big Brothers Big Sisters of Helena and Great Falls.
About the Bylaws Amendments: Part II
Our bylaws have not been reviewed for over 5 years, so the Bylaws Committee conducted an overall review this spring and summer. After much discussion with various groups, we finalized our proposal earlier this month. You were sent two emails with the proposals and explanatory cover letters on Friday, July 10. If you did not receive them, contact me at mary.sheehy.moe@gmail.com to get your copy.
A number of the proposed changes are just grammatical or stylistic, so I’m not going to bore you with them. Of the substantive changes, a previous email provides a detailed rationale behind changes in Articles 5 (Meetings) and 6 (Dues and Fees). This email briefly describes the intent of the other substantive changes.
In Article 2, we add to the board of directors an ex officio representative of the Camp Rotary Operations Committee and we recommend making both ex officio members voting members of the board.
In Article 3, we designate past presidents as part of the nominating committee. We also preserve the ability of the membership to nominate candidates for office or for the board from the floor now that we can vote electronically.
In Article 5, we add an alternative meeting each month and allow for virtual meetings in extraordinary circumstances.
In Article 6, we update the admission fee from $25 to $50; present dues and fees separately; and allow fees and dues to be changed upon recommendation of the board and approval by a simple majority of those participating in a duly noticed vote, a quorum having been established.
In Article 7, we clarify that both bylaws changes and the election of officers require a written ballot.
In Article 9, in response to a member suggestion, we add a Past Presidents Committee to the standing committees. The committee would meet as requested by others or as they themselves desire and will help the immediate past president with nominations.
In Article 10, we clarify that an annual financial review of the club’s books must be conducted by a qualified individual.
In Article 11, we clarify the background check process that is part of admitting a new Rotarian.
In Article 14, we clarify the process for amending the fees and dues amounts in the bylaws.
We will be sending the bylaws out for an electronic vote beginning Sunday, July 26, or you may vote in person at our regular meeting on Tuesday, July 28. Between now and then, I will be available after next week's regular meeting to answer any questions you may have. Additionally, I'm available by phone at 868-9427.
Mary Sheehy Moe
Bylaws Committee Chair
Milestones
July has been very good to this club. We'll celebrate yet more July anniversaries next week, but let's recognize the four longest-serving July members: Dave Crum, Cheryl Crawley, and Sheila Rice celebrate 26 years each this month and Kurt Baltrusch is the patriarch with 34 years in Rotary. Thanks to all four of you for all you do for this club, this community, and the world!
Weekly Wisdom on War and Peace
Just over 144 years ago, the bloody Battle of the Little Bighorn took place in this idyllic spot. The names of some of those who fought and died there can be found in history books and as place names in Montana, but the beautifully rolling serenity of the land today looks much the same as it must have looked the week before this bloody conflict. The Carl Sandburg poem comes to mind:
Pile the bodies high at Austerlitz and Waterloo.
Shovel them under and let me work --
I am the grass; I cover all ....
Two years, ten years, and passengers ask the conductor:
