Next week we will hear from Mark Juras, who kayaked his way from Three Forks to the Gulf of Mexico. What a feat! Join us at noon at the country club or on Zoom.
Last Week at Rotary
In our annual tradition, last week we were entertained by student musicians from one of the local schools. This year we heard from the string orchestra of East Middle School, conducted by Lisa Shull.
Playing perhaps the most challenging of musical instruments, these students showed a remarkable prowess, even tackling the "winter" portion of Vivaldi's "Four Seasons" with aplomb. Lisa joined the students in this number and it was impressive to see students and their teachers performing as one.
In this season of gift-giving, what a gift to these students -- and through them, to the entire community -- to be able to offer a music program of this caliber to the children of Great Falls!
We also enjoyed the presence of the spouses of several members and two special guests last week. Trisha Harp Gardner, who has led the City-County Health Department through the challenges of the pandemic, joined us as she embarks on a new job with the state. Rotarians extended our thanks for her service ... and, of course, exulted in the joy of having a Harp at our holiday program again. Evening Rotarian Eric Hinebauch also joined us and we congratulated him on his new position as a City Commissioner.
Another nice holiday luncheon!
Welcome to Rotary Club of Great Falls!
We used to give initiates to the club a Red Badge to wear until they had been formally admitted to membership and then a blue badge after the "3-minute talk" that meant they were full-fledged members. Now we have silver badges and the tradition may have died. Nonetheless, we are excited to announce that the board has received membership applications from the following individuals:
Pam Blackwell, Benefis Health System
Brianne Laurin, McLaughlin Research Institute
Kali Tuckerman, Great Falls Tourism
The board has also officially approved the following full-fledged members of Rotary Club of Great Falls. They are outstanding additions!
Catherine Burnstein, Benefis Medical Group
Dr. Stephanie Erdmann, Dean/CEO, Great Falls College - MSU
Mark Miles, Alluvion Health
Dick Lauritzen, retired physician and artist
If you haven't met these prospective and new members yet, go out of your way to do so! New members revitalize us all!
Voting Results
The slate of candidates who will assume office on July 1, 2022, was unanimously approved last week. Most of the candidates either retain an office or "move through the chairs" of the presidency. However, we are pleased to see Jesse Mahugh in the line to the presidency and Bill Bronson assume the importance office of secretary. Congratulations to you both and heartfelt thanks to all of you board members who dedicate so much time and talent to Rotary Club of Great Falls.
The dues increase was also approved recently. If you have paid your annual dues for this year already, don't forget to pay the $35 dues increase at your earliest convenience. For those of you who pay quarterly, please add an additional $17.50 to your remaining payments.
Milestones
Happy birthday on December 20 to honorary member Ken Munski! What a stellar member he has been! Also of note, December marks Fred Anderson's 30th anniversary as a Rotarian. That's a lot of years of service above self. Thanks for all you bring to the club, Fred.
Weekly Wisdom: Onset of Winter
Find out where joy resides and give it a voice beyond singing. For to miss the joy is to miss all.
.png)
