Fergus Falls Noon Rotarian's gathered on a blue-gray Nov 1st for their weekly meeting. President Zach brought us to order. Keith M was with us and we sang “The Star Spangle Banner” and “O’ Canada”. Wally asked the Lord’s blessing on the bowl of chili we each had enjoyed, our fellowship, the program and the military. Hal led us in “America the Beautiful”, “Hymn of Nations”, and “Smile.”
Dean presented four student guests, all seniors at Kennedy High School: Eli Tollerson, active in football and baseball and planning to attend the University of Minnesota, Isabelle Abrams, active in tennis and softball and planning on college, Ryan Nelson, involved in soccer, hockey and golf and planning to attend Bemidji State University, and Alyssa Adams, whose activities you scribe missed, planning to attend Alex Tech and possibly go on to a four-year degree.
Announcements included a reminder of book delivery to Adams school following today’s meeting. Eight Rotarian's are needed to assist with the approaching dictionary delivery to third graders. A reminder to sell roses, report the results and sign up to help on delivery day, Nov 9th. Last was a plea for someone to represent the group at the M-State scholarship reception on Nov 2nd. There was no Rotary Minute.
Brags and fines started with Keith easing his conscience for missing a recent meeting and asking student guest Ryan N. where he learned the Canadian National Anthem. Ryan responded from all the hockey games he had played in Canada. Katie announced she was in charge of the November set up group and they would get organized next week. Tim complemented Wally on his knowledge of flag etiquette. Dean contributed for meetings missed. Mary shared memories of the joy Dairyland brought to her years ago. Zack celebrated his granddaughter Charlotte Maple’s arrival and complimented the medical folks involved.
Our program was introduced by Katie. The presenter was Pat Connelly visiting about the book he and spouse Jean had spent a couple of years writing and editing and which was just recently published. It is titled “If These Walls Could Talk” and is the story of the Dairyland restaurant. Dairyland opened in 1955, the original owner was Bert Skogmo. Bert kept a note on his desk and left it for successive owners. Keep it Simple, Keep it Friendly, Keep it Fun! This has provided focus for the nearly 70 years of operation. Pat and Jean have been owners since 1996.
Pat was generous in his gratitude toward the community for the support and encouragement they have received. He mentioned Bob Lilliquist and Dick Werner as mentors and hockey coaches in the years following his father's death. He also mentioned a number of challenges; closing of the regional treatment center, city recreation moving to DeLagoon and the opening of Interstate 94, all of which removed traffic from their front door. The arrival of corporate fast-food franchises provided much more competition. Recently there have been supply and equipment delays and social media concerns. We also learned the relationship between broasted chicken and the display of the Canadian flag and how social media led to its removal.
It is a story of facing changes and challenges well and right. An amazing story of how a small locally owned restaurant has not only survived but served and prospered over nearly seven decades.
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