There were four Rotarians on-line for the Noon Rotary Meeting today, which included Cody, Deb, Keith, and Mark.  Thanks for the special effort to meet with us no matter the location.

President Katie led us for the day, and Steve A. gave our invocation.  Our well wishes continue to go out for healing to our own Bob Russell as he recovers from Achilles surgery.  And Birthday wishes as well to Bob and Randy K.

Our pianist Keith was with us today after an extended absence and Wally Cole led us in song.  And we managed to somehow get through the Red RIver Valley, The Yellow Roads of Texas, and the Governor’s Song.  We sounded better by the time we got to Smile!!

We had three student guests from the Kennedy Secondary School today, which included Alexis Wellman, Ryan Hirst, and Mayah Fear.

These will be our last student guests for the school year because it gets extremely busy in May for all of these students.  Will fire the program back up in the fall.  Also Dean was able this morning to present to Sheyla Arnesen, an 8th grader at Kennedy, the 4-Way Test Award.  Our Club has been giving this award now for at least 25 years to a deserving 8th grader each year, and it is just a wonderful experience to meet these talented students.

Some general announcements included the decision to increase our RYLA students this year to four!  Some years we have not had any so when two more students from Underwood came forward the Noon and Sunrise Clubs made the decision to sponsor 4 this year.  Steve and Cody plan to help with the Community Garden tomorrow, and Steve already has the tractor loaded!  Blake and Keith were here from the Fargo Club to encourage us to buy some Rotary RIbs, and Keith even had samples.  So if you get a chance go to Rotary Ribs and sign up for a case.  

Brags and Fines were as follows:  Steve L. has a grandson that is doing great in Robotics and has recently returned from a national competition.  Zach S. enjoyed the 8th grade Honors Breakfast in which his daughter was recognized.  Pete reported that his niece is doing well on the golf course along with all her other accomplishments.  Josh paid a fine for missing a couple of meetings.  Keith Olson came to us live from Switzerland and is enjoying his vacation!

Jamie Larson introduced our program for the day which included Justin Moen, a recent arrival here at the Fergus Falls United Way office, and Jen Jabas who is the new Executive Director for our new, yet to be named, area United Way currently involving Otter Tail, Wadena, Douglas, Pope, and part of Todd counties.  Justin has moved to the Battle Lake area but will be the Operations Manager out of the Fergus Falls United Way Office.  He is already combining ideas from the various United Way offices and taking the best of various programs and expanding those across our new area.  

Jen reported that the services that are provided by the United Way really try to concentrate in three main areas: (1) Healthy Community - with programs like the Feeding Backpack program, Monthly Food Drop, and Friends for Friends.  This friends program has already raised over 1.2 million dollars in an effort to fight area hunger needs. (2) Youth Opportunities - with programs like Stuff the Bus, Imagination Library, and Women United.  This summer the Traveling Treehouse Program will be entering Fergus Falls and each Thursday from 1:00  - 2:15 pm elementary age students can come to Magnuson Park and get some literacy instruction and go home with a book in their hands as well.  (3) Financial Security - involving programs like Coats for Kids, Holiday Gifts, and the 211 call program.  Did you know that you can call 211 and give your zip code and someone can help you find needed services!