Thirteen members of Fergus Falls Noon Rotary gathered for their first meeting of 2026-27 Rotary year. Members were assembled for a service project with Habitat for Humanity last Wednesday, but did not hold a formal meeting (see more on that later). Pres Katie J called us to order and we sang the national anthem and O Canada and recited the Four Way Test. Wally C provided the invocation and Keith O led us in "Sing Everyone Sing", "America the Beautiful", "You're a Grand Old Flag" and "Smile". There were no guests.
President Katie J explained that president elect Lisa M had moved from the community in late June because of an employment change. The board chose to fill the unexpected leadership challenge with four recent presidents, each serving for three months, in the following order: Katie J, Ken H, Zack S and Ryan W. Kathy A revealed those with "perfect attendance" defined as a combination of attendance and make-ups in the previous Rotary year. They were: Wally C, Dave J, Steve L, John M and Ryan W (each with two or less makeups) and Kathy A, Katie J, Deb M, Cody 0, Bob R, Brian T (each with between 5 and 21 makeups).
Announcements: Jamie L encouraged all to sell peaches and indicated the truck would be located in the FM Bank lot and open for business the morning of Aug 11. Brian T warned that we would soon receive four e-mails covering billing for the upcoming year and then proceeded to distribute Gold Cards. Kati J announced the District Governor would visit the week of Aug 10th• Mary P informed us the FM Jazz Kick band would be performing at Spies Park Friday July 10 at 7:00 pm, her son is in the band.
Brags: Steve Austvold has closed his community office and will be doing business from his lake home. Wally C appreciated today's music and complemented the two Keiths. Buzz sold a lug of peaches to someone in Ireland. John M had good things to say about the lunch provided by members and spouses at last week’s Rotary Habitat build. He also informed us that Pete Wasberg's internment took place last Thursday and that the Rotary symbol was carved into his marker. Keith O exchanged old Fergus Falls memorabilia with a new acquaintance.
Incoming president Katie J led a discussion on our plan for the year ahead and solicited our thoughts and input. The plan is a work in progress, so far six goals have been set. They are:
• Increase membership from the current 29 to 34;
• Participation of at least 28 members in service projects;
• Hold four social activities;
• Participate in 6 service projects;
• Make monthly social/website updates/posts; and
• Host an inbound exchange student
The Action Plan to achieve those goals and move beyond has not been updated. Discussion on priorities and specific initiatives followed. The discussion quickly focused on membership recruitment and retention. President Katie J distributed a half page information sheet designed to introduce folks to Rotary and hopefully create interest in becoming a member. Also presented was a New & Prospective Member Handbook for those who express interest in membership. Both were well done. Beyond that not much new was offered. I think the consensus was that membership is the key question and further discussion and a lot of action is needed to solve it.
