|
We had 17 members in attendance at the Salvation Army with Cody O. joining us virtually. Jamie L. offered the invocation. John M. had as his guest Will Holz and Buzz L. brought his nephew and fellow Rotarian from the Great Falls Rotary Club of Virginia, Dan Lundeen. Steve A. was joined by his spouse, Mung. Other guests included Past District Governor Keith Brokke and his wife, Lynn, and Dolly Johnson, Dave J.'s wife. Keith was presented his $1000 check for having won the grand prize in the Lucky Duck Derby and he reported he was donating it back to the District. Second place winner Dolly Johnson was awarded her $350 check, and she donated her winnings back to the club and asked they be earmarked for the “United Way backpack” project. Past President Zack was absent to collect his bounty; Wally, however, stood in for him in great fashion. Wonder if Wally is going to take a share of the winnings for the effort?
Announcements: Jamie mentioned peaches August 12th,792 lugs $45.00 presell, $50.00 at the trailer!! SELL!!!! President Kati set up a Facebook post for the sale. Buzz L.'s upcoming birthday (now this past Friday) was announced.
When we got to brags and fines, Steve A mentioned he and Mung were dinner guests of Tim and Desta Hunt; Desta served Peking duck and Mung said it was the best she’s ever had! Keith Brokke bragged he was delighted to be with us. John M. mentioned he was privileged to have arrived as a passenger in Steve A.'s Bently again this week. Might be a regular thing.
Our speaker was Reese Ellison, Health Educator Public Health of Otter Tail County. She spoke on the county’s role in education and awareness with mental health and suicide prevention. The Minnesota Department of Health awarded the county a grant to help put together an awareness plan for mental health and suicide pre- and post- prevention. There are 30 members in this task force overseeing the plan. They are called the “Otter Tail County Community Partnership Group.” Reese told us of their three goals: (1) raising awareness and removing the stigma; (2) educating the community (signage); and (3) restore hope. The committee is now into a three-year action plan, and they want to develop partnerships by providing an online newsletter (quarterly), business cards and a website. The website has a 30-page program information file available.
Several questions were fielded, some wondering about the need for three years of planning when other counties and cities have excellent plans in place and could be copied. Reese's response was that Fergus Falls and the county are in a unique rural setting and different from other areas, like Moorhead. One member mentioned that it seemed to be “lots of process without a plan.” Reese stated that “adolescent and young adults” and middle-aged men as the two biggest target groups for suicide prevention. Kati asked as Rotarians, what can we do? Reese suggested we could partner for training and assist with promotions. If you have more questions, you can contact Reese at 218-998-8320.
|
.png)
