We will not meeting this week or next. Our next meeting will be January 7, 2020. It is the annual meeting of Rotary Club of Great Falls, conducted for the purpose of electing officers for installation in July 2020.
As Past President, Todd Neighbor has overseen the preparation of a slate of officers and directors. Returning officers include Cari Yturri, who will be Immediate Past President; Megan Connors, who will be President; and Lacey Gallagher, who will be President-Elect.
After consulting with the byalws and past presidents, there is a slight revision in the candidates for vacant positions. Please note that the candidates for vacant positions this year are Kevin Burnett, President-Elect Nominee and Shumalia (Shim) Abbasi, Secretary, an for board directors, Brett Doney and Dirk Smith.
Nominations for any of these positions may also be made from the floor at the meeting on Jan. 7. Voting must be done by ballot during the meeting.
Another friendly reminder that invoices for dues were sent out by email recently. You may pay your dues quarterly, but whether you pay your dues in full or by the quarter, dues for the first half of the Rotary year should be paid in full as soon as possible.
Last Week at Rotary
Last week was filled with Rotary activity. We observed the usual festivities at our annual holiday luncheon, with Rotarians bringing family members as guests and entertainment provided by the talented musicians of our local public school system.
This year's luncheon was especially warmed, though, by the presentation of the bounty of our 2019 labors: the net proceeds from Harvest Howl 2020.
Tom Nelson (left) and Mike Wier presented the club with a check for $51,000! While substantially lower than last year's check, it is respectable in every way - not least because for a bleak couple of weeks in October, we really had to consider not having the Howl at all. Again, our deep gratitude to the Harvest Howl team, especially Tom Nelson, for turning lemons into lemon meringue pie!
Seeing the Holidays In
Our closing of the 2019 year was a festive one last week as we ushered in the holidays. Not only did we have a festive holiday luncheon, but under the leadership of Social Committee Chair Rebecca Bogden-Richards, we had a lovely evening social as well, where Rotarians and guests enjoyed the ambience of the country club on a wintry evening with the beautiful piano-playing of Jim Humprey in the background.
A particular joy on this occasion was seeing Ryan Miller (in background, greeting Dean Boyle) and his wife Gail after such a long absence. So good to have you in our crowd, Ryan!
Milestones
December has been good to Rotary Club of Great Falls. As mentioned last week, in December we celebrate the 56th anniversary of Bob Oakland's becoming a Rotarian, as well as Fred Anderson's 28th anniversary. Also joining Rotary in Decembers past are John Goodnow (17), Randy Williams (7), John Juras (4), Caitlin Walter (3), and Shandy Peterson (1).
Thanks to all of you "Decembers" for your years of service above self!
