Next week we'll hear from Kristi Scott on a beloved community asset, the History Museum. Join us Tuesday at noon on Zoom!
Last Week in Rotary
Last week Beth Branam told us about an effort she and her dad, Terry Hurley, have launched to promote local businesses during the pandemic. It’s a Facebook page called GF Take Down Take Out. Since it was launched during the shutdown last spring, the page has amassed over 10,500 likes.
The focus of GF Take Down Take Out is to “take down” the viral nature of COVID-19 by offering opportunities to “take out” dining and shopping experiences from local businesses. You can support local businesses and stay safe using a gift card or a takeout order (which includes delivery service). Every week the page features businesses they’re going to patronize that week and challenges Great Falls residents to support those businesses -- or any local small business they like.
People participating in the challenge are encouraged to share photos on the group page. Local businesses are encouraged to contact the page if they want to be featured for the week.
Asked how she manages negative posts on the site, Beth stated that they established group rules from the get-go, making it clear that only positive comments will be accepted. If someone is unhappy with a particular service, they should contact the restaurant or driver directly.
However, Beth told Rotarians that she and her dad have been very pleasantly surprised with how positive the response has been. Both businesses and customers are delighted to be able to stay connected and to help one another through this difficult time. GF Take Down Take Out will continue to collaborate with the businesses with special challenges to raise funds for families in need over the holidays.
What a great idea! It's wonderful to see so many people stepping up to keep our community sustainable.
Grant Opportunity
Rotary International Foundation has provided $25,000 to District 5390 for Disaster Response Grants to be used within our district. Clubs can apply for grants of up to $1500 in the following disaster relief focus areas: food insecurity; housing/shelter; economic development; and health/hygiene/mental health/staying connected.
Applicants must describe what will be accomplished, who the recipients are and how many people will benefit; name any community partners in the project; state how the Rotary's role in the project will be publicized; and to provide a budget with itemized expenses. Expenses of the club's project to be incurred in the future, or having been incurred after September 1, 2020, may be included. A follow up report after the project is completed is required.
Rotarian involvement is required. Our club would have to involve 5 or more club members in planning and implementing the project to meet the requirement.
A short application form is available on the District website (montanarotary.org). Completed, signed applications (electronic signatures are acceptable) can be emailed to Covid19grant@montanarotary.com. Applications will be reviewed beginning November 20 and will be considered on a first-come, first-served basis.
Questions? Contact District Governor Sandy Wong at 406-855-4829 or wong10@msn.com.
Membership Update
Here is a snapshot of our current membership from the ClubRunner dashboard:
Total membership has decreased by 11 since November 2019, making our total count 98 active members and 4 honorary members.
Our gender balance continues to improve, with 64% male and 36% female as of November 1, 2020.
40% of our members are 60 years of age or older; 36% are between 40 and 59 years old; and 21% are 39 or younger.
44% of our members have 10 or more years of service in the club.
Milestones
We celebrate two notable Rotarian birthdays this week. Happy birthday on Sunday to Steve Schnider and on Tuesday to Keith Tokerud. May the road rise up to meet you ... and lead you to even greater heights!
Weekly Wisdom on Veterans
Montana's own Mike Mansfield was a legendary United States Senator, this nation's longest-serving Senate Majority Leader, and an able ambassador to Japan for two presidents, one Democrat and one Republican. Yet he had a simple wish for his interment: He wanted to be buried as a veteran in Arlington Cemetery. Moreover, he wanted to be buried as the soldier he once was, at his lowest military rank, that of Private, USMC.
And so it came to pass was that this Montanan who rose to the highest levels of public service, who sat with Presidents, Senators, and rulers all around the world, now lies under the humblest of markers in the hallowed ground honoring those who have fought so that we can be free. As the poet said, Montana has men to match its mountains.
