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It was the first Monday of the month, which meant we sang the American and Canadian national anthems and some other songs under the able direction of Keith Olson. Wally Cole offered the invocation and there were numerous guests introduced. Kim Konikow, host mom to Laly, was present, as was Briana Christ, introduced by Deb Maertens. Cody Odland had as his guest Katrina Johnson and Kathy Austvold had a guest from India with her. The Rotary Minute was about the Community Grant we have applied for to assist Apple Tree Dental in obtaining necessary equipment. President Ryan welcomed back Deb and Cody from their Rotary trip to Bolivia. Brian Tjaden said we are going to being involved in a career fair on October 15th, promoting Youth Exchange and RYLA; volunteers are needed. Ryan commented on our club picnic the week prior at which we welcomed Laly and celebrated Steve Leitte's birthday. It was reported that rafters were going up at Lake Region's Community Garden for the new greenhouse, thanks to the work of Steve L., Ryan W. and John M.   There were many brags and self-imposed fines. Steve Andrews thanked Mark Bring for switching desk duties with him as Steve will be in New York the remainder of our October meetings. Mark Bring paid for missing some meetings even though he was able to join us virtually; he complimented Ryan and Jamie for improving upon our virtual set-up. Steve Leitte thanked Ryan Welle for bringing his company's boom truck to the Community Garden, which John MacFarland also remarked really helped them out. John also recalled Steve L. approaching him last May about the two of them spearheading the effort to put in a "little greenhouse"; turns out it is 72' x 30' - not so little. Hal Leland also paid for missing some meetings while he was on a fishing trip with his son and two of his in-laws. Tim Hunt was apologetic for missing a couple meetings while hosting a visit from their son from Chicago and also said that he and Desta had intended to bring their customary dish to our picnic but were unable to make it as Desta was under the weather. Buzz told us he had missed most of our September meetings, first while out in Montana and then he became ill. Jamie Larson reported he was back from a two-week trip to Spain. This writer complimented Dean Monke on putting together the Student Guests/Athletes schedule for the school year. Wally Cole said he missed Rotary two weeks ago because he "had # 29 pulled," and then the next day he went pheasant hunting. He also made a trip to Henderson and, at age 85, enjoyed a ride on a zip line, as did one of his daughters. Cody Odland put in a plug for the District Conference in Duluth on October 24 and 25 and also thanked Deb M. for her efforts in Bolivia. Katie Johnson donated for John M. and Steve L's work at the Community Garden, describing it as an incredible gift of time and talent. Katie also told us that her children were home for two weeks in September and that she had officiated her first wedding. Laly Parent then talked to us about her county, its culture, and her circle of relatives and friends. Her city is named Wallonia and there are 1000 students in the school she attends in Belgium. Laly has been dancing since she was four years old. She cited four reasons she decided to participate in Youth Exchange: it was a new challenge, she will strengthen her English language skills, Luly loves travelling and she was excited to discover a new culture. We also learned that she is missing her little brother greatly but, all in all, very happy to be here. |
