Next week we will have our traditional holiday luncheon with entertainment provided by the East Middle School music program. Bring a guest and join in the joy of the season next Tuesday at noon at the country club or on Zoom!
Last Week at Rotary
Last week Ike Kaufman addressed the club on the 80th anniversary of Pearl Harbor. He talked about the effect that Pearl Harbor and World War II had on Great Falls.
Ike's father was a veteran of World War I and, like all Americans, the Kaufmans were caught up in the patriotic fever after the Japanese attacked Pearl Harbor on Dec. 7, 1941. The Civic Center was converted into a barracks and Ike still remembers the little WWII toys he played with during those years. Kaufman's sold the pants that were part of the enlisted men's uniforms, so after the dark economic times of the Depression, WWII was "a boom and bust situation" for the clothing store.
It was also an economic boon to Great Falls and the rest of Montana. Montana copper was much in demand, as were the byproducts of our forests, farms, and ranches. The biggest growth in Montana during the War years was in Great Falls. The "East Base," which would later become Malmstrom Air Force Base, was created as a center for the lend-lease program so crucial to respond to the Germans' control of the seas. Shortly after the war, the air guard was established in Great Falls and in 1962, the East Base became Malmstrom Air Force Base, the first base to deploy the Minuteman I missile.
The rest, as they say, is history. The military has been an important part of the Great Falls economy and culture ever since World War II. MAFB now has over 4,000 employees, the largest employer in the community. Montana Air National Guard has 950 employees. They bring not only dollars, but specialized expertise, resources, and a service ethic to our community. An important reminder from a beloved community asset! Thank you, Ike Kaufman!
Vote to Elect Officers, Board Begins Tomorrow
The following slate of candidates for officers and members of the board of Rotary Club of Great Falls are being presented to the membership for a vote. An emailed ballot will be sent to all members at noon on Sunday, Dec. 12. In order for your electronic ballot to be counted, you must return it before noon on Tuesday, Dec. 14. If you prefer to vote by paper ballot, paper ballots will be available at the December 14 meeting.
President: Dirk Smith
President-Elect: Tom Nelson
President-Elect Nominee: Jesse Mahugh
Past President: Lacey Gallagher
Secretary: Bill Bronson
Treasurer: Tom Nelson
Director: Kurt Baltrusch
Director: Heidi Hockett
We must receive ballots from at least 1/3 of the membership in order for the election to be valid, so please vote!
Member Moment: Bill Bronson
Last week former City Commissioner and current school board trustee Bill Bronson answered the question core to the "member moment": Why am I a Rotarian?
Bill grew up in a family with a history of rolling up their sleeves to help others. One of his grandfathers witnessed the effects of the Depression in Havre, where "hobos" often hopped on and off the trains, so he learned early not to judge the unfortunate among us. Bill's grandfather believed that a Jeffersonian democracy would not be possible unless we made sure that the least among us had a shot at the blessings of the most fortunate. And that means rolling up your sleeves to help.
His other grandfather was a World War I vet, and he too became active in efforts to address the plight of others. In fact, he was one of the men who got the American Legion off the ground and running, helping our veterans and honoring their service for more than 35 years.
So the service ethic is almost genetic with Bill, but there are many ways to serve. Why Rotary? Bill grew up with a boy who became a polio victim, who spent time in the awful iron lungs and lived his whole life with braces on his legs. Bill wanted to be part of an organization that did something about that, and Rotary has done and continues to do more to eradicate polio than any other group in the world. Bill is also proud to be a part of what we do for children through Camp Rotary and all of the little efforts the club makes to put service above self. Whether it is ringing bells for the Salvation Army or just coming to a noon meeting and talking about things we can do together, Bill finds Rotary to be "an island of calm in a sea of storms."
Last week he reminded the club of a different kind of sea, the kind envisioned by Pete Seeger, who believed "the world is going to be saved by millions of small things." Bill is a Rotarian because he believes the small things we do make a big difference in the world. Wonderful talk.
Milestones
Happy birthday on December 13 to Susan Wolff! From a Dean/CEO to the City Commission, Susan is always willing to lead the charge to make Great Falls even greater. And as Rob Rezek recently noted after working with Susan on Harvest Howl, you cannot keep up with her. She is simply amazing. Best wishes for a happy, healthy, and productive year, Susan.
Weekly Wisdom: Onset of Winter
Thank goodness for the first snow. It was a reminder--no matter how old you became and how much you'd seen, things could still be new if you were willing to believe they still mattered.
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