Highway  Spring Clean Up

Posted on May 21, 2019

It may have been mid-May, but it was gloomy and brisk when our intrepid crew of volunteers met recently for the semi-annual highway clean-up. A commitment is a commitment.

They got right to work and other than our president running a-muck at one point, the event went without incident. It's amazing the amount and variety of trash they picked up: a pillow, purple snakeskin pants, hubcaps, beer cans galore, a dust cap, a chocolate milk carton ... they even met a friendly little mouse. Sure feels good to know only the mouse remains!

Thank you to this crew and their organizer, Carey Gray! Pictured here, from left, they are Todd Neighbor, Bill Knick, Jennifer Creed, Eric Hinebauch, Leon Green III, Carey, and Kurt Baltrusch.

Highway Spring Clean Up 2019-05-21 06:00:00Z 0

Club Officers Train President Elects

Past President and District Governor Nominee, Dean Boyle helped President Elects complete their annual goals at the Zone President Elect Training in Denver. 
 
 
President and Area Governor, Todd Neighbor, also pitched in to help.  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
At the conference, our Club was recognized for increasing membership and received Rotary International Director's
Award for Membership Growth.
 
 
Club Officers Train President Elects 2019-03-04 07:00:00Z 0

Jeremiah Johnson Brewery Tour and Tasting

Posted on Feb 17, 2019

Some twenty hardy Rotarians braved the cold this week to gather for our monthly social and take a tour at the Jeremiah Johnson Brewing Company.

Jeremiah is a former Rotarian and recently gave a presentation to the noon membership about the rigors and rewards of competing in the beer-brewing business. (Say THAT 5 times fast after you've had a few pale ales!) Members enjoyed the opportunity to "take a peek behind the curtain" and see the inner workings of such an operation.  It was also a great opportunity to for evening and noon members to share some time together.

Jeremiah Johnson Brewery Tour and Tasting 2019-02-17 07:00:00Z 0

Congratulations and Thank You to Gregg Holt

Posted on Feb 08, 2019
February 1 marked the 40th anniversary of the day Gregg Holt became a Rotarian. Think of it: four decades of service above self!
 
Gregg learned the value of service early. A Boy Scout himself, he has remained an active supporter of all things Scouts, and in fact his wife Pat tells us that he has a room dedicated to his collection of Boy Scout memorabilia.
 
Gregg joined Rotary in 1979 and brought his work ethic and commitment to service with him. By 1997, he had earned his first Paul Harris Fellowship. Last summer, District Governor Rick Moore, pictured at left with Gregg, awarded him his fourth Paul Harris award. 
 
It has been said that 80% of achievement is just showing up, and Gregg epitomizes that saying. Whether it's the Harvest Howl preparation, the celebration afterward, the Duck Race, or just our weekly noon meeting, Gregg shows up. He comes with his sleeves rolled up, a smile on his face, and a welcome on his lips for everyone he meets.
 
Over his many years in Rotary Club of Great Falls, we have known Gregg in times of joy, duress, and sorrow. He always sets an example for the value of getting through the bad times and giving back for the good one through service. "Gregg is an example of a top Rotarian," 33-year Rotarian Kurt Baltrusch noted. Happy anniversary, Gregg - and thanks for forty years of service, friendship, and inspiration! 
Congratulations and Thank You to Gregg Holt 2019-02-08 07:00:00Z 0

Rotarians are Social!

Posted on Feb 08, 2019
Rotarians brave chilling cold to socialize together!
 
Recently we met at the new KellerGeist Pub downtown at the "Funhundred" Block on Central.  
 
Next week we're touring Jeremiah Johnson Brewery at 600 3rd Avenue South.
 
 
 
 
Rotarians are Social! 2019-02-08 07:00:00Z 0
Officers and Board Members Elected Art Taft 2018-12-21 07:00:00Z 0

Shopping for Salvation Army's Giving Tree 

Posted on Dec 19, 2018
Several Rotarians hiding behind Christmas masks had a great time shopping for children's gifts needed for the Salvation Army's Christmas Giving Tree.
Shopping for Salvation Army's Giving Tree 2018-12-19 07:00:00Z 0

First Interstate promotes Rotary

Posted on Dec 10, 2018
The Great Falls Rotary club has launched a Public Service Campaign on television to promote the good works of Rotary.  
Here is the link to how First Interstate Bank's Kevin Clark delivers our clubs message.
 
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HoikfOoV5o8&feature=youtu.be
First Interstate promotes Rotary 2018-12-10 07:00:00Z 0

Harvest Howl Surpasses All Records

Posted on Nov 26, 2018
 
A new record has been set at $97,000!
 
Thanksgiving came a couple of days early last week.
 
At Tuesday's meeting, Tom Nelson(left) and Mike Wier (right), who head up our Harvest Howl fundraiser each fall, gave us the news of our "winnings" from the event.
 
Amazingly, we've hit a new high - we not only set a new record, but left the old one in the dust. Between the tickets sold, the food served, the 50-50 tickets split, and very successful silent and dessert auctions, Mike and Tom were able to write a check to the Great Falls Rotary Foundation for $97,000! That money goes directly to Camp Rotary, the signature project of Great Falls Rotary, and a commitment of such long duration and high ambition that it makes our club unique in the state.
 
This is the pay-off for all our hard work. Our thanks to the many leaders who made the work organized, do-able, and very, very productive.
 
Harvest Howl Surpasses All Records 2018-11-26 07:00:00Z 0

Duck Race Raises Money for  Future Interact Club

Posted on Nov 13, 2018

Duck Derby Debuts

The first-ever Duck Derby Thursday evening went off “swimmingly,” thanks to the work of Rotarians and other generous contributors. Pictured above are Joann Gogoand Dr. Cait Walter, along with Saniel Clary and Jennifer Creed (yay, evening members!), and, of course, President Todd Neighbor, some of the many on hand to cheer on the web-footed competitors.
 
Todd, Joann, and Lacey Gallagher had the Holiday Inn Express looking spectacular, including the beautiful floral centerpieces Todd provided as door prizes. The food from Café Rio was provided by NW Energy, and event organizer Heidi Hockett even loaned her grandkids, Hayley and Jared Petersen, to the cause as “duck-chasers.” As promised, Glenn Lambert provided great color commentary, and Channing Hartelius shone as his inimitable self in the emcee role.   
 
 
Joann was the big winner of the duck race. (We were assured at press time that this was not an inside job, but our team of crack reporters and other assorted crackpots has been deployed to investigate.) Honorary Rotarian Gaines McFadden claimed second prize. Reports on the minnow race conflicted at press time. Chelle Fried reported a win on Facebook, but official reports indicate that the minnow race was discontinued when it was discovered that the fish were in fact dead. (“Live and learn” is probably not the right expression, but it’s the one that comes to mind.)
 
Anyway, it's always fun to be in the company of fellow Rotarians - especially when you get to mingle with the new evening Rotarians! Heidi extends her gratitude to all the Rotarians who helped make the event a success.  
Duck Race Raises Money for Future Interact Club 2018-11-13 07:00:00Z 0

Great Falls Celebrates at Harvest Howl

Posted on Nov 04, 2018
This year's Harvest Howl exceeded all expectations with Sawyer Brown and Sister Hazel.
It's too early to share how much was raised to support Camp Rotary so tap in again soon for our report.
 
Great Falls Celebrates at Harvest Howl 2018-11-04 06:00:00Z 0

Rotary Foundation Plants Trees

Posted on Oct 12, 2018
Twenty eight trees were planted at NeighborWorks’ Owner-Built Homes project on the north end of the City, thanks to a generous donation from the Great Falls Rotary Foundation. 
 
Judge Bob Holter, now retired, promoted the Rotary Tree Planting Project, after seeing a recent article highlighting Rotary Tree Projects from around the world. The Rotary Foundation hopes to continue this tradition yearly, granted that funds are available. In addition to these trees, the Foundation plans to provide the trees for the High School House program and Habitat for Humanity homes.  
 
Holter commented on the importance of new trees in the face of climate change, calling himself a "conservative tree hugger", he read a famous poem by Joyce Kilmer, "Trees"
 
I think that I shall never see 
A poem lovely as a tree. 
 
A tree whose hungry mouth is prest 
Against the earth’s sweet flowing breast; 
 
A tree that looks at God all day, 
And lifts her leafy arms to pray; 
 
A tree that may in Summer wear 
A nest of robins in her hair; 
 
Upon whose bosom snow has lain; 
Who intimately lives with rain. 
 
Poems are made by fools like me, 
But only God can make a tree.
 
Rotary Foundation Plants Trees 2018-10-12 06:00:00Z 0

Evening Meetings Start This Week

Posted on Sep 11, 2018
 
The opportunity for more Rotary fellowship in Great Falls is expanding!
 
Existing and potential members are invited to attend any or all of these preliminary meetings:
 
September 13th —5:30pm to 7:00pm (Meadowlark Country Club)
September 27th — 5:30pm to 7:00pm (Meadowlark Country Club)
October 11th —5:30pm to 7:00pm( Meadowlark Country Club)
October 25th — 5:30pm to 7:00pm (Meadowlark Country Club)
 
Agenda:
5:30pm to 6:00pm—Social, Networking
6:00pm to 6:30pm—Rotary Program *
6:30pm to 7:00pm—Club Framework **
* Rotary Program—One Rotary Service Program will be highlighted
** Framework—Guests & members will discuss club structure, future meetings, and volunteer projects
Evening Meetings Start This Week 2018-09-11 06:00:00Z 0

Summer Jam Clan

Posted on Aug 29, 2018
There was lots of sunshine, suds and smiles to go around at Downtown's Summer Jam!
Summer Jam Clan 2018-08-29 06:00:00Z 0

Rotary Enjoys The Voyagers Game

Rotarians and their families enjoy at night at the ballpark.  
Voyagers General Manager, Scott Reasoner and his staff know how to put on a great party, complete with perfect baseball weather!
Rotary Enjoys The Voyagers Game 2018-08-21 06:00:00Z 0

Officers Attend District Training

Posted on Aug 15, 2018
 
President, Todd Neighbor, Past-President, Dean Boyle, President-Elect, Cari Yturri, and Membership Chairperson, Joann Gogo attended Rotary District Training in Butte.  
 
 
 
Officers Attend District Training 2018-08-15 06:00:00Z 0

President Todd Neighbor is Inducted 

Posted on Jul 12, 2018
If these banners in his board room are any indication, newly inducted President Todd Neighbor is about to let Rotary take over his life! As with all things Rotary, this display would not be possible without the behind-the-scenes work of at least one other Rotarian. Thank you, Virginia Stacey, for being that Rotarian, and best wishes, Todd, for a fulfilling year as our president.
President Todd Neighbor is Inducted 2018-07-12 06:00:00Z 0

Montana Rotarians Meet in Toronto

The Rotary International Convention in Toronto was an incredibly well choreographed work of art.  To be able to join over 25000 other Rotarians to see Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau receive Rotary’s Polio Eradication Champion Award, to have Princess Anne thank us for our commitment to eradicate polio, and to have First Lady Laura Bush encourage us to continue our support of childhood education was very inspirational.  

 
Montana Rotarians Meet in Toronto 2018-07-10 06:00:00Z 0
Rotary at 4th of July Parade 2018-07-09 06:00:00Z 0

Socializing at Black Eagle  Brewery

The May social was at Black Eagle Brewery.  The first to show up were Bill and Carol Bronson, Keven and Lori Eckhardt, and Tom jacobson.  
Socializing at Black Eagle Brewery 2018-06-04 06:00:00Z 0

Efficient Volunteers Put Military Care Packages Together 

Posted on May 15, 2018
Thanks to many Rotarians, military friends and Davidson employees the packaging process went very quickly.  
 
After collecting over $3,000 in donations in the last month, Todd Neighbor and  Rob Rezek lead the volunteers in putting together the care packages for the military deployed in remote parts of Afghanistan, Syria and North Africa.
 
 
Efficient Volunteers Put Military Care Packages Together 2018-05-15 06:00:00Z 0

Sharing spirits at Enbar

Posted on Apr 27, 2018
 
Rotarians Raised close to $600 for polio at the social at Enbar.   
 
Rotary's social at Enbar brought in almost $600. Thank you Rotarians Tom Jacobson, Scott Reasoner and Tim Peterson, part owners of Enbar, for hosting us and for your generosity to help fight polio.
Sharing spirits at Enbar 2018-04-27 06:00:00Z 0

Rotary Honors Eagle Scouts

Posted on Apr 10, 2018
Annually under the direction of Rotarian Bill Harp, we honor the Scouts who have earned their Eagle Scout badge.  The scouts who were able to attend this year’s lunch were:
 
  • Michael Artery, who painted the train museum in Conrad for his project
  • Samuel Collins, who made extensive improvements to one of the city's parking garages
  • Matthew Houlihan, who painted a new multipurpose room at City Church
  • James Peterson, who improved the landscaping for the Quality of Life Headquarters in Great Falls
  • Alexander Thares, who renovated the Zach Ramsay Memorial Garden at Whittier School
  • Andrew Wambach, who rebuilt the porch at the Fort Shaw wash house.
Also of interest to Rotarians, although he did not attend the ceremony, is the project of Oscar Lake, who redesigned the fences between the cabins at Camp Rotary, facilitating better maintenance.
 
Judge Bob Holter gave an inspirational message about the role that Boy Scouts had played in his life as the child of a widowed mother of limited means. He walked us through the Boy Scout Code of Conduct and illustrated how the maxims there are really timeless, applying equally well today. As usual, the luncheon was an inspirational time to reflect on timeless values and to celebrate those values put into action by a group of remarkable young people.
 
Rotary Honors Eagle Scouts 2018-04-10 06:00:00Z 0
Who needs warm weather when you have a house full of warm Rotarians?  2018-02-24 07:00:00Z 0

Much Ado about Adieu

 

Posted on Feb 12, 2018
The Elks Club was packed with Rotarians and a whole lot of other Great Falls citizens last Wednesday to celebrate Sheila Rice's amazing career. You can see many of the Rotarians in the photograph at left, but it was impossible to herd the whole crew into the same area for any length of time!     
 
Mayor Bob Kelly hosted the event in his inimitable fashion. Sheila's siblings, niece, and grandchildren presented a hilarious style show of Sheila's go-to outfits. Mary Moe, assisted by Daryl Stevens, gave a multi-media performance, consisting of slide show and a blend of poetry, song, and twirling. Art Taft also did the club proud with his usual wry humor and a dance with Sheila that brought back lots of memories. Cari Yturri, who chairs the NeighborWorks Endowment, made a pitch for donations as a retirement gift.
 
The events was as remarkable as the woman it honored. In the housing arena alone, Sheila's vision, energy, and just plain hard work have put hundreds and hundreds of Great Falls families in homes. There was love in the air at the Elks Club, our old Rotary stomping ground, and it couldn't have been heaped on a more deserving recipient. Sheila, you're the nonpareil.
Much Ado about Adieu  2018-02-12 07:00:00Z 0

Harvest Howl Check is Largest in History!

Posted on Nov 25, 2017
The largest proceeds check in the history of Harvest Howl was presented to Camp Rotary Committee Chairman, Ken Munski by Harvest Howl Chairman Mike Weir and Committee Member Tom Nelson.
 
The $71,000 check surpassed the previous record of $65,000 and was a result of record ticket sales.
 
Mike Weir stated that everyone on the committee contributed.  "The Silent Auction, the Dessert Auction, the record 50/50 sales and the top notch dining experience for our premier tables all contributed to our success."  
Harvest Howl Check is Largest in History! 2017-11-25 07:00:00Z 0

 

Howl'n Success!

 

Posted on Oct 31, 2017
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All the planning and hard work paid off!  Thank you Mike Wier and team for organizing another memorable Harvest Howl.
 
 
Howl'n Success! 2017-10-31 06:00:00Z 0

Dictionary Project Starts Today

Posted on Sep 27, 2017

Our annual dictionary project is underway!

 
Denise Gray was thrilled with the enthusiasm for getting this community project started. 
 
Rotarians, if you were not able to pick up dictionaries at this week's meeting, plan on attending next week. 
 
Wouldn't it be great to have all the dictionaries delivered before the end of October?
Dictionary Project Starts Today 2017-09-27 06:00:00Z 0

Helping at Philipsburg Summer Concert

Posted on Aug 21, 2017
Dean Boyle, Susan Wolff, Todd Neighbor and Nicole Michelotti were on hand to help the Philipsburg Rotary Club this weekend at their annual Philipsburg Summer Concert.
 
Not to be overlooked, pretty in pink in the background is Susan's 92-year-old mother. She stayed all 9 hours at the event. Stamina and commitment must run in that family!
Helping at Philipsburg Summer Concert 2017-08-21 06:00:00Z 0

84th Waterton-Glacier International Peace Park Assembly 

Posted on Sep 18, 2016
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This weekend was another opportunity to experience Rotarians as ambassadors.  Great Falls Rotarians Todd Neighbor and Cari Yturri along with Jim Yturri and Joann Gogo from The Great Falls Chamber were honored to be present at this year’s Waterton-Glacier International Peace Park Assembly held at Glacier Park Lodge in East Glacier and the Hands Across the Border Ceremony at Chief Mountain Border Crossing.   
84th Waterton-Glacier International Peace Park Assembly  Cari Yturri 2016-09-18 06:00:00Z 0

Harvest Howl Hauls in the Dough for Camp Rotary

Posted on Sep 14, 2016
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This year's Howl was memorable because in addition to being honored by Don Felder's band playing all our favorite Eagles songs ,we had The Clintons, we had more food offerings, we had great buys at our silent and dessert auctions and we had free Boy Scout popcorn! Harvest Howl Chairman, Mike Wier thanked and praised all Rotarians who pitched in to ensure this years "Howl" brought in profits to meet our Camp Rotary donation goal.  
Harvest Howl Hauls in the Dough for Camp Rotary Cari Yturri 2016-09-14 06:00:00Z 0

Rotary Club of Great Falls

Posted on Aug 28, 2011

Rotary Club of Great Falls, the second Rotary Club to be founded in the State of Montana in 1916, meets each Tuesday at noon at the Meadow Lark Country Club.  Each Rotary Club around the world bases their club activities around Four Avenues of Service: Club, Community, Vocational, and International Service.

Highlighted below are the Service Projects currently being pursued by the nearly 100 members of Rotary Club of Great Falls Membership includes young professionals, thriving career people, as well as retirees, both men and women.

Rotary Club of Great Falls 2011-08-29 00:00:00Z 0

Background of Rotary Club of Great Falls

Rotary Club of Great Falls is a member of Rotary International, an organization of business and professional leaders united worldwide who provide humanitarian service, encourage high ethical standards in all vocations, and help build goodwill and peace in the world.  PolioPlus, The Rotary Foundation's work in conjunction with the United Health Organization, UNICEF and most recently the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, have worked diligently toward the worldwide goal of eradicating polio.
Background of Rotary Club of Great Falls 0