This week at noon fellow Rotarian and City Commissioner Owen Robinson will tell us everything we need to know about the United States Census. This decennial activity will begin soon ... with potentially significant impacts on Montana. Owen will have very important and timely information for us to know and share. Join us at noon at the country club!
There will be no evening meeting this week.
Making a Difference
Last week, after a charming introduction to two of Caitlin Walter's cheer team, Great Falls Public Library Director Susie McIntyre brought us up to speed on one of our most beloved community assets - our public library.
Our library has more than 29,000 card-carrying patrons and over 135,000 holdings. It is more visited than our movie theaters and prides itself on being accessible and welcoming to all.
The library is continually upgrading its collection, as well as its programs and services. In addition to the popular bookmobile program, serving isolated and underserved portions of the county and community, the library has a homebound program and an online check-out service, allowing you to browse the collection online, and check out a book to pick up at the desk at your convenience. The library also provides the public with free meeting rooms for free events and has recently arranged for free parking in the three metered spots in front of the library.
The library is 52 years old and is showing its age. Flooding in the basement and the need for a new roof will need to be addressed soon. All in all, though, a very positive update from a very upbeat library director!
The evening meeting had an equally engaging presenter, Trisha Gardner, the City/County Health Department Health Officer. She gave an overview of all the services the health department provides in three critical areas: prevention, environmental health, and family health. One subject of particular interest to those attending was disaster response. Since the noon club will be hearing from Trisha soon, that's all the beans we'll spill today!
Spotlight on ... Shannon Hoiland
Our club is notable for its appeal to community and business leaders and Shannon Hoiland definitely fits into both categories. Shannon has been in banking for 20 years and is currently Retail Hub Manager/Vice President for First Interstate Bank. She enjoys the client interaction, especially helping people realize their financial dreams. She and her husband, James, also own Greenup Lawn & Sprinklers. ("Greenup" is Shannon's maiden name and it's a good one for a lawn service business!)
Shannon joined Rotary in 2005. She was new to Great Falls and looking for ways to get to know more people. She has remained active all these years because she enjoys the camaraderie at the noon meetings, is fascinated by the speakers' passion for the work they do, and likes rolling up her sleeves with fellow members on our service projects. Last year, her generosity was recognized when she became a Paul Harris Fellow. (See photo with Chayleen Person and Todd Neighbor, below.)
Shannon and James have two sons, aged 13 and 10. The oldest plays hockey and football and the youngest rides horses and does Ninja Warrior obstacles, so Shannon lives with her heart in her throat in bleachers all over the state. To relax, the family spends time at their cabin on Holter Lake.
Knowledgeable, friendly, and dedicated to volunteer work in the community, Shannon is a stellar addition to Rotary Club of Great Falls!
Updates
Your rotary board will have its monthly meeting this Tuesday at 5:30 p.m. in the Board Room at the country club. All members are welcome to attend
John Juras recently updated us on the bridge project at Camp Rotary. The project is out for bids now and prospects look good for having the restored bridge in place by the time we set up camp for 2020!
By the time you read this, new Rotarian Dave Thomas will be off to Africa to do good works. We 'll hear all about it when he returns in April!
Milestones
Birthday greetings go out this week to Glenn Lambert on Sunday, Bill Salina on Monday, and Carol Lindseth on Thursday. Wow: That's a whole lot of service above self in one week! Best wishes to the three of you for the best year ever.
