Rotarians ... Go the Extra Mile! (Or 340 Miles, If Necessary)
Last week eight Great Falls teenagers went to the Ryla Youth Leadership Academy outside Livingston, MT, to have an experience that most RYLA graduates describe as "transforming." That experience wouldn't be possible without the help of club members who take a day out of their lives to drive the kids down there.
Of course, the magnificent scenery is a reward in itself, but it's a big commitment and a necessary one. We are deeply grateful to this year's chauffeurs: Sydney Blair, Bill Harp, and Cari Yturri. Muchas gracias!
Last Week at Rotary
Last week we were joined by two Voyagers' coaches and three ballplayers as we had our usual summer program on the Voyagers. Longtime Voyagers enthusiast Bill Harp introduced the manager, Tommy Thompson, to deliver the program.
Tommy has dedicated his adult life to baseball. After college ball in Oklahoma, he spent 10 years playing in the minor leagues, primarily working for the Atlanta Braves and the White Sox organizations. He got a chance to meet many famous major league players during those years, including Pete Rose, and he has been to every state but North Dakota, South Dakota, and Alaska.
Tommy enjoys coaching the Voyagers and says this year's team is loaded with talent. "I'm tough on them," he admitted, "but we have fun." It's hard to get into the minor leagues and even harder to get into the majors, so he tries to give his players a realistic sense of how they're doing and what they're up against. The players work long hours and virtually every day during the summer season.
Tommy was very complimentary about Great Falls as a host community. "Everyone is so welcoming and so supportive." Rotarians will get a special opportunity to watch the Voyagers on August 30, when 60 tickets are available for us in Centene's VIP box.
This Week at Rotary
This week we'll hear from fellow Rotarian Paul Cory on Montana's criminal justice system. Dave Cameron left the 50-50 pot a little fatter and the deck a little thinner last week, so your odds of winning are improving. Join us at noon at the country club!
Milestones
We may have had our youngest guest ever at Rotary last week. Billy Sparklin, son of Rotarian Sophia Sparklin, came to the country club with his mother and - well - slept like a baby. Also in attendance was Sophia's mother, Halina (pronounced Hah - LEE - na) Meger, visiting from Germany to see her new grandchild.
Speaking of grandchildren, Mark Finnicum announced the gladsome tidings of his new granddaughter in last week's happy moments.
In other milestone news, Jim McCormick celebrates another birthday on Wednesday and John Koppelman does the same on Friday. Best wishes to you both!
Coming Events
Lots to do in the next 10 weeks:
District Training Assembly - Butte - La Quinta - August 5-6
Rotarians Night at the Voyagers - Centene Stadium - August 30
Harvest Howl! - September 9
2016 Peace Park Assembly - Glacier Park Lodge - September 16-18
We may have had our youngest guest ever at Rotary last week. Billy Sparklin, son of Rotarian Sophia Sparklin, came to the country club with his mother and - well - slept like a baby. Also in attendance was Sophia's mother, Halina (pronounced Hah - LEE - na) Meger, visiting from Germany to see her new grandchild.
