As we walked in, Brian Tjaden was there to deliver our new Rotary t-shirts to each member, and they look good! Tim Hunt offered our invocation and then there was a Rotary Minute Plus Quiz based on the cover of the April Rotary magazine. The two questions asked about its content did not go so well, but at the third table a majority of the Rotarians responded positively to whether or not they had opened the cover to look at what was inside (remember, this was just after we recited The Four Way Test), which qualified as a correct answer. Almost like taking a basket weaving course in college, with no insult intended to the basket weavers out there.
Our guests included Laly Parent, who was starting the golf season that day, Past District Governor Keith Brokke and his wife, Rotarian Lynn Brokke, and Assistant District Governor Blake Carlson. Blake told us that District Conference registration was open and that it will be held October 2-4 at Craguns outside of Brainerd, with a golf tournament kicking off activities at noon on Friday. He also talked about the RotaryRib sale Fargo Moorhead AM Rotary is sponsoring, with flyers on each table promoting it. If you order Blake will be at the Fleet Farm parking lot here in Fergus Falls on May 21st for you to pick them up. They come in four-packs for $64 and you can get classic BBQ, Teriyaki or a combo pack; both BBQ and Teriyaki are Gluten free. If you want to order and did not pick up the flyer with the QR Code, you can contact Blake Crosby at (701) 238-3505 or e-mail him at bcrosby@far.midco.net.
Brian told us that he and President Ryan had simulated a duck drop the prior day and it did not go so well. Instead of doing that at Summerfest this year plans are now being formed for a Jail Break. Each Rotarian would be issued a warrant for her/his arrest and will only be released from jail by raising $300 in bail money. Hopefully a small jail will be set up at the festival on June 12th and 13th, and we will need Rotarians to volunteer to staff the set-up during the 15 hours Summerfest runs up at the RTC. President Ryan told us there will be a farewell dinner for Laly sometime near the end of May or early June. Keith Brakke congratulated our club and the Perham and Pelican Rapids clubs for obtaining a Rotary Foundation grant to match funds we contributed to the expansion of the Humane Society's facilities. He had gone there to take pictures of the equipment that was purchased with our money and said if we ever have a program at the facility let him know as he would like to join us.
Lisa McFarland was the first to brag, telling us she had spoken to Candi, our exchange student from last year, who graduated from high school in December and is now attending college; Lisa also told us of celebrating her 50th birthday. John MacFarlane spoke highly of UND (University of North Dakota for those of us who didn't know) making the Frozen Four in men's hockey and also told us Otter Tail Corporation had just held its annual meeting, with Rotarian Tim Rogelstad elected President and Chuck MacFarlane Chief Executive Officer. Todd Wahlund was elected President of Otter Tail Power Company and Tyler Nelson Treasurer for Oter Tail Corporation.
John introduced our program, Karen Wulfekuhle, to talk about a newly formed non-profit, Rivers Area Memory Cafe. Karen moved to Fergus Falls in 1995 with a degree in social work and was employed in that field by Lake Region; she has been Director at Pioneer Cottages for the last few years. In introducing Karen, John noted that there are some voids in helping people dealing with dementia, particularly in the early stages when the feelings are of anger and being all on one's own. The non-profit was formed to help support people going through this process. River Area's mission is to provide a gathering place of connection, learning, and support for those impacted by memory loss. Through a variety of activities, educational workshops and social gatherings, its goal is to enhance the quality of life for those living with memory challenges and the people who support them. Meetings are currently scheduled the third Tuesdays of every month at the YMCA, from 1:00 to 3:00 p.m. There were 58 participants at the first meeting in February, 68 in March. Memory Cafes are being formed all over the nation and ours has submitted its 501(c)(3) application to the IRS for approval. While not offering clinical services, resources are identified for people to access. The website for the organization is riversareamemorycafe.org.
