We were treated last week to a presentation by Brandon Nelson (son of fellow Rotarian Tom Nelson), who shared his recent experience teaching English as a second language in Taiwan. 

 

Brandon is a physics major at Carleton College in Northfield, MN. He has supplemented his physics emphasis with the study of Chinese - a wise choice for any 21st-century student. Through the college, he found an opportunity to enrich his use of the language, as well as his understanding of Asian culture, by teaching English in a Chinese-speaking school.

 

Brandon found the Taiwanese approach to education a stark contrast to our own. The hours of classwork, "cram school," and study are long; there is time for little else. The pressure on students to excel is tremendous, and proficiency in English is seen as crucial to their success. Brandon's work focused on providing students with opportunities to apply what they had already learned in their formal study of English to interpersonal interactions, so that they could become more confident of their fluency. As the photograph accompanying this story depicts, one method he found effective for this purpose was playing "Pictionary."

 

While in Taiwan, Brandon took advantage of all the opportunities to experience the culture and cuisine. He regaled our club with stories of eating duck's heads (among other things), visiting various sites, and even ice-skating.

 

Brandon's presentation was a reminder to all of us of the importance of having a global vision ... and an education that stimulates further knowledge. Clearly, Brandon is acquiring both. A very impressive young man.

Last week Rick Regh took the last step toward trading his red badge for a blue one: the 3-minute talk. We all enjoy the 3-minute talks because we get a glimpse into the things that a new Rotarian thinks we ought to know about him or her. Rick did not disappoint.

 

Rick has a law degree and a business administration master's degree from the University of Montana. While at the university, he was a leader in student government and academic councils. He's brought his expertise in business and in law to JCCS in Great Falls.

 

Rick's an avid outdoorsman and, like all Rotarians, when he's avid, he gets involved. He's a member of the Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation, the Montana Wilderness Association, and Safari Club International, where he serves as a board member representing the Great Falls chapter. Beyond those wildlife causes, Rick serves on the board of Confero, the organization devoted to bringing sporting events to Great Falls.

 

Rick was attracted to our club because he is drawn to Rotary's service ethic and he wanted "to be a part of a group of collegial professionals." We are so glad to have you, Rick! Welcome to the club!

As part of District Governor Spath's literacy challenge, we are collecting used books from members and distributing them to the community through our park mini-libraries.  We're shooting for at least 230 total to win the statewide challenge. Bring the books you or your kids have tired of to Rotary this month!

 

The annual Rotary Golf Tournament is scheduled to take place after our weekly meeting on Sept. 15. Cost for non-MLCC members is $40 with cart. Contact President Peterson or Mike Wier to sign up for this fun event.

 

John Koppelman has found a new co-chair to assist him in planning the Highway Clean-up Project this year.  Thank you, Fred Anderson! The fall clean-up is scheduled for Thursday, Sept. 24. Plan to meet at 5:15 in the KRTV parking lot, and if you have a 4-wheeler, bring it. (It really speeds up the process!)

 

Our Harvest Howl website is live and tables for Harvest Howl are on sale community-wide. Get yours now and look for ways you can help with the work!

 

Virginia Stacey has already booked our club for the holiday season Salvation Army bell-ringing. The date is Saturday, Dec. 12, and the venues are once again ShopKo and Scheels. This is a fun and fast way to put service above self. Mark your calendars! 

 

Our 100-Year Celebration is less than 6 months away! Join us at the country club on Friday, March 4.