Election on January 18, 2023At our next meeting we will vote on the slate of officers and board members for the 2023-24 Rotary year. Those nominated are Zack Stach as President, Katie Johnson as Vice President, Ken Harty as Past President, Kathy Austvold as Secretary, Brian Tjaden as Treasurer, and Mark Bring and Lisa McFarland as Board members.
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Rotary Minute Plus InsuranceRotary Minute Plus Insurance for the 2020-21 Rotary year ending June 30, 2021, will take a little different form this year. As necessary background, over the years there have been donations to The Rotary Foundation in the club’s name but not submitted in the name of a specific donor. That has allowed our club to accumulate what our called Foundation Recognition Points, one point for each dollar given and not identified to a specific person. Those Donor Recognition Points now total 25,In honor of our Club’s 100th Anniversary and to encourage continued giving to The Rotary Foundation, our Board is issuing a challenge to every club member to give at least $95 to Rotary Minute Plus Insurance by June 30, 2021, up from $92.50 the last several years. In exchange for this donation and a member’s commitment to continue to support our efforts through Rotary Minute Plus Insurance on an annual basis, the Club will make available to every such member 500 of its Rotary Foundation Recognition Points. This will result in all members of our club becoming a Paul Harris Fellow[1], or if already a Fellow, that member receiving additional points toward the next level of recognition as a Multiple Paul Harris Fellow. Through this process we will achieve the goal of every member being a Paul Harris Fellow in our 100th anniversary year. We are also hoping to recognize a huge new influx of Paul Harris Fellows at every level of giving at our centennial celebration next September. With your $95 donation, the Club will also give another $105 in cash in your name in addition to the 500 Recognition Points. The total of $200 will be used as follows: $100.00 to the Annual Fund of The Rotary Foundation (down from $130.00 the previous years), $50.00 to PolioPlus and $50.00 to our Centennial project, the Splash Pad. This will ensure that our Club continues its two-year tradition of Every Rotarian Every Year (an average of $100 given to the Annual Fund of the Rotary Foundation with each member giving at least $25), effectively result in $150 per member for polio eradication (with the $2 for every $1 given from the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation) and further support our 100th anniversary project. If you have any questions about this year’s Rotary Minute Plus Insurance, contact Bob Russell at robert@russelllawoffice.com or on his cell, 218-205-6944. Thank you for your continued support of Rotary and out Club! [1] There are four members who would not quite make it to Paul Harris Fellow status and for those four the Club will give a total of an additional 410 in Foundation Recognition Points to they too can become Paul Harris Fellows. |
The Tale of Two MeetingsFebruary 5, 2020: Kathy Austvold offered the invocation and Katie Johnson led us in songs. We had multiple Student Athletes in attendance, with Hal Leland introducing Alan Alamodi from M State and Bonnie Denzel doing similar honors for Carlie Meis and Sabrina Fronning from the High School. Alan was born in Iraq but his family moved to Moorhead when he was one year old; he is a sophomore now and a point guard on the M State basketball team, working toward a business degree. Carlie is the daughter of Dale and Sharon while Sabrina is the daughter of Scott and Melissa, both guards on the girls basketball team. They are determined to return to the state basketball tournament. Keith Olson led off the brags and fines, noting he would miss a couple meetings as he was heading off to the sunny south. Anthony Nordan paid a scooter buck so he could relieve his wife from taking care of a sick child. Both Steve Leitte and Dave Johnson congratulated the girls' High School basketball team, Steve describing them as a "scoring machine." Bonnie Denzel was suffering jet lag upon her return from a wonderful trip to New Zealand with six couples but wanted to thank Ramona Jacobs and Mary Pettit for their work at the Fergus Falls School of Dance, noting that they instilled in her daughter not only dancing skills but also integrity, respect and organizational skills. Kathy Austvold reported that she was leaving for her annual visit to India. Katie Johnson stated she survived the polar plunge, overcoming her fear of water, and thanking the Sheriff Department for their hard work, noting the effort has raised over $67,000 for the Special Olympics of Minnesota. Mary Pettit finished off the bragging by recognizing the three young women who subsequently danced for us. Mary then introduced Ramona Jacobs, describing her as a "dear mentor, colleague and friend." The Fergus Falls School of Dance started in 1982, with Ramona taking the lead position in 1985, having been inducted a few years ago into its Hall of Fame. Mary joined the School in 1994. Currently it has 10 teachers working out of three spaces -- the basement of the old library, above the Senior Center, and above the Viking. There are 57 classes on this year's schedule, with a total of 67 hours of weekly instruction. That includes adult classes teaching jazz, tap, modern, hip hop and yoga. There are 250 students enrolled, from age 4 to 64, including 11 boys. The School is a for-profit business. Students audition for the various performances in September and then work on their routines in addition to the classes they take, sometimes putting in 10 to 15 hours over a weekend. This past year they performed for over 1400 individuals and Dance for Dessert celebrated its 25th anniversary. The effort is to teach dance as an art form, creating good stewards of it going out in the world. The three students who performed exquisite dance routines for us were Mara Pausch (daughter of Corey and Stephanie), Lindsey Petterson (Jon and Michelle) and Brita Sonmor (Bill and Becky). August 12, 2020: Last week Tim Hunt gave our invocation while Hal Leland led us in song. We had as our guest our speaker's son, Oscar Nelson, in first grade. President Dan spoke about getting started on our cash raffle and then called for brags and fines, leading off himself noting that he missed two weeks prior (thanking Kathy for filling in) and that he had turned 40 the Sunday prior to our meeting. Hal Leland rose to impose a fine on himself for goofing up his calendar for Athlete of the Week, bringing his student the week before. Brian paid for missing the prior week, down with a virus. Tim Hunt appreciated Wally Cole who came to his aid when his coat zipper got stuck. Mary Pettit paid for having arranged all the programs for the month but having to leave before the day's meeting was over to help with grandchildren. Laurel Nelson paid for "missing so much" and to tell us that on April 22nd we will be addressed by President Teddy Roosevelt, most recently seen in Medora. This writer rose to acknowledge his wife, admitting he may not be the most romantic person when Valentine's Day rolls around. Mary then introduced Amy Baldwin, the Community Development Director for Otter Tail County. Prior to coming to Fergus Falls, Amy worked in Brooklyn Park. The County started the Community Development Agency in 2018 and it has a nine member board. Its goals are to 1) expand housing opportunities; 2) promote business development; and 3) encourage the development of public-private partnerships. The Agency's intention is to be additive and supportive to all of Otter Tail County. Amy noted a projected 5% reduction in our labor force between 2020 and 2030, with millennials now making up the largest part of it. Nonetheless, the Agency has embarked upon the Big Build initiative, with the goal of adding 5000 new housing units in the County by 2025. As an incentive, the County has adopted a tax rebate program where it will refund the County's portion of real estate taxes totaling up to $5,000 over a five year period for new single or double family housing units. Otter Tail County communities have been encouraged to do likewise with their portion of the real estate taxes, with Fergus Falls, Pelican Rapids and other communities already having agreed to do so. School districts have not been asked to participate. There were many questions and comments after her presentation, with Amy agreeing that attention also needs to be given to existing structures needing rehabilitation but noting the County started with the approach that doesn't result in any expenditure of funds -- it is simply giving up taxes it would not collect if there were no homes going up. There was a question about encouraging all these new structures when many are never inspected to insure they comply with the Building Code, and John MacFarlane noted that a recent article in the Economist made the argument that home ownership is not the best option anymore. A complex subject.
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January 22, 2020 at RotaryDave Johnson checked us in, Dan Johnson called meeting to order and Tim Hunt filled in for invocation. Bob Russell led us in songs. #4 Rotary My Rotary and vs. 1 & 3 of Blowin’ in the Wind. Because of a train causing some to arrive late for the meeting today, he added #49 I’ve Been Workin’ on the Railroad before we shook hands to #3 Smile. Announcements: Speech meet: Anthony said most of the morning slots are filled, but several spots are still open to work between 12 and 3. Everyone is welcome to stay for awards ceremony as well. He will email again tonight with the schedule and request for more workers. Kathy announced that she made a certificate for David Lundeen’s honorary membership effective January 1st and Buzz will deliver it to David and his family. Tim Hunt added a comment reminiscing about David Lundeen being in charge of membership at the time Tim joined, and about how much the membership grew under his leadership. Dave Peters passed around a Christmas Card with greetings from last year's exchange student, Lulie. Brags & Fines:
Program Buzz was called on to introduce Ken Harty, whom he sponsored as a member in our club. Ken used the time as a combination Classification Talk and update on the Fergus Falls Daily Journal. Ken was:
Fun Facts Ken shared about The Daily Journal:
News things the Journal team is working on:
He closed with Q&A from members and a shout out about their Ground Hog Day Promotion. If you buy a new subscription before January 24th and it snows 4 inches or more on Ground Hog day, your subscription is free! Thanks, Ken for a very informational presentation and thanks for joining our club! |
Foundation MinuteFor more than a century Rotarians have practiced Service Above Self and through the Avenue of Community Service, given back to the communities they live in. Through Community Service Rotary clubs have the opportunity to implement club projects that improve life in their local community. In this first week of Community Service Month, various Rotary clubs have been doing just that; improving lives in their communities. Three Rotary clubs in Jackson, TN, have raised $16,385 through their Rotary Heart & Sole Project to put shoes on the feet of as many as 13,000 students in the entire Jackson-Madison County School System. The clubs worked in tandem with Samaritan Feet, a nationwide initiative, which aims to inspire hope through the gift of shoes to those who need both hope and shoes the most. Students in these inner-city schools sometime share a pair of shoes between siblings. They put on shoes that are too big or too small and wear flip-flops to the gym. Ten Thousand dollars out of their funds are being used to purchase shoes for students in Andrew Jackson, Arlington Elementary and Alexander Elementary schools in the county. The Rotary Club of Victoria, British Columbia, donated $10,000 for the purchase of two commercial-grade washer/dryer laundry sets for Our Place Society, an inner-city center serving Victoria’s vulnerable citizens. “No matter who we are or our personal resources, we can all relate to putting on a clean shirt or sleeping between clean sheets,” said Gerald Pash, president of the club. Our Place Society serves 1,200 meals daily. In much of rural Africa, communities experience loss of young mothers and their babies due to many factors. Long distance from clinics, unhygienic birthing practices, the scourge of malaria and lack of menstrual education among young girls have all contributed to dangerously high maternal mortality rates. In a remote area of Tanzania, girls drop out of school when they run out of personal hygiene supplies and/or become pregnant and thus repeat a sad but preventable cycle. Responding to this situation, two Rotary clubs decided to improve the lives of these rural women by applying for a Global Grant from TRF. The Rotary Club of Fulton, Missouri and Tanzania-based Babati Rotary, along with Humanity For Children, a non-profit based in Missouri, landed a $94,000 Global Grant to increase the survival rate of mothers, newborns and infants among the Maasai people living in a remote area of northern Tanzania. “This is the first time we’ve received an international grant since I’ve been a Rotarian…It feels so good to be part of a small organization doing such big works,” gushed Amanda Gowin, Fulton club member and project co-director. Initiatives within the project include: training traditional birth attendants in safe-birthing practices, providing a basic clinical lab in two remote governmental clinics and installing solar panels to provide them with electricity. |
President's Message
My name is Dan Johnson and I'm honored to be the Fergus Falls Noon Rotary Club President for 2019-2020. This club is full of friendly, knowledgeable professionals who are helping to make our community a better place to live. If you're interested in joining us in making a difference in our city, our county, our country and our world, please stop by the YMCA any Wednesday at Noon and see what we're all about. Yours In Service, Dan Johnson
2019-20 Noon Rotary President |
June 26, 2019 at RotaryKathy Austvold provided our invocation while Wally Cole was our song leader, modifying "Mary's a Grand Old Name" to "Lori" as the pronoun and following it up with "For She's a Jolly Good Fellow." We welcomed Deanna Sinclair visiting us from the Detroit Lakes Club. President Lori told us the baby picture from two weeks ago was that of Lois Josefson Russell's and that Buzz and Dan guessed correctly, with Dan's name drawn for the prize. We also all received a sheet of all the baby pictures (32) viewed this past year and were asked to try to identify each again; Pete Wasberg got five right and won the grand prize. Did anyone else note that on the pictures Keith Olson had maybe the most open mouth while his son-in-law Dan was the only one with a pacifier in his? This writer presented the 2017-18 Foundation banner for 100% participation by all Club members in the Annual Fund campaign, with the club averaging $100 a member and every member giving at least $25, and further thanked everyone for contributing to accomplish the same feat during the 2018-19 Rotary year. Steve Andrews then presented a banner he had received from the incoming president of the Lagos, Nigeria club, who he met when they both went to make up a meeting at the Chinatown Rotary Club in New York City, only to find the club had a special meeting at another time so didn't gather that evening; Steve, Menghui and James Ajayi from Nigeria had an enjoyable visit nonetheless. Even before we arrived at the brag and fine segment of the meeting and at the encouragement of the Sergeant-of-Arms, Greg Darling put in a scooter buck and thanked Lori for her year as our President. Once the time for brags and fines was announced Kathy Austvold led off reporting on the Rotary Botanical Garden in Janesville, Wisconsin, she recently visited on a trip to Chicago. Steve Andrews contributed Mike Clark's dollar for leaving early and then Bonnie Denzel also rose to thank Lori for her year. Randy Kempfer said he was in St. Louis and while there attended Albert Pujols first game back in the city and witnessing his home run. Mike Smith also had to leave early explaining first thing the next morning he was leaving for a ten day vacation to the Branson area and had to pack before going to a Pantatonix concert in Fargo Wednesday evening. John MacFarlane also contributed to congratulate her year as President, which was seconded by Tim Hunt, who also reported on a trip to Colorado Springs and asked us to keep in mind the farmers south of us that are "hurting bad" from to much rain. Mary Pettit gave a check for missing a number of meetings, to thank Lori and to report that her family purchased a tiny place on Lake Beltrami that in earlier years Mary had thought how nice it would be to own. Lori Larson then gave us a wonderful recap of her year as President, reminding us that she started out talking about inspiration and ending up thanking those assembled "for a great year of inspiration and helping to change the world we live for the better." She said Rotarians can say "I stepped up" and trusted that this would continue to be true. She talked about the successful initiation of "Wine Down Wednesdays and the many service projects we undertook: the roadside clean-up, the Rotary Otter Orations Speech Tournament, the School Board Candidate Forum, distributing Andy and Elmer's Apple Dumpling Adventure for the first time; in all there were 17 service projects we undertook during this past Rotary year, well exceeding the goal she had set of one a month. Lori's contributions to our Club's vitality has been immense, one of the things she did that I suspect no one notice is posting minutes, financial statements, etc. -- basically a record of the year -- on ClubRunner under "History & Resources." Basically the only goals we did not meet was growing our membership to 45 and having two new members proposed, finishing the year at 44, with one new member. But in terms of service participation, leadership development, District Conference attendance, District Training attendance, giving to The Rotary Foundation Annual program fund (we fell just short of our PolioPlus goad), hosing an exchange student, sending students to RYLA, having an online and social media presence, completing a member classification study, generating media stories about our activities, utilizing Rotary promotional materials, collaborating with non-Rotary organizations, we met and many times far exceeded the goals set at the beginning of the year. Lori thanked the membership for making this happened. She reminded us that we all need to work more diligently at increasing our membership and could also benefit from having our committees take a more pro-active role in the Club. Lori suggested we may have to consider some changes to our meeting format, trying to engage those in attendance more and maybe even doing something "more off the wall" a couple times a month. We sometimes get in the same rut, hearing the same programs on a regular basis -- maybe we should consider hearing from two or three non-profits at a time instead of giving the same ones the floor for an entire meeting. When Bonnie Denzel asked how Lori would suggest we each motivate ourselves to being a more supportive member, Lori remarked that almost everyone in the Club has served in a leadership role in the past, but that doesn't mean there is no longer a need for each to do so, in some way, again and again. Whatever we do we should enjoy the service opportunity, not begrudge the work it necessarily entails. Lori felt the hallmark of her year was moving us toward more committee effort. I would probably point to her amazing effort to give us an active, online/social media presence, but likely each one of us will find something to remember in her remarkable year of leadership. Thank you Lori!
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MEETING AT HISTORICAL SOCIETY TODAY!That is all that needs to be said -- don't go to the YMCA but to the Historical Society!
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Come and Say Goodbye to Lulie!This Wednesday, Lulie will be talking to us about her 9+ months in Fergus Falls as our exchange student and what lies ahead for her as she returns to Brazil. At last week's meeting cards were circulated so everyone could write a note to her and donate some cash as a gift to her; we had very poor attendance (only 16 present) so the cards will be at the front desk this Wednesday for your signing and donation should you so choose. Please attend this week's meeting and show your appreciation for Lulie's time with us.
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May 1, 2019 at RotaryOur meeting this May Day was held at the new Fergus Falls Library. Rotarians who entered through the front door were warmly greeted by Library Director Erin Smith and shown to the community rooms. There Randy K was at the desk and Dave J extended the Rotary greeting. There was no piano, Keith, song books or song leader so no songs. Pastor Ben D offered the invocation thanking the Lord for, among other things, the new library and our community. Mary P introduced her guest Stacey Herbal and Randy K introduced Kitti Lahti, mother of our next out bound exchange student. Announcements: Dave J commented that his email seeking help for ditch clean up brought six responses, none were positive. He will try another date and is willing to negotiate; if you are able to help call him at 739-3772. Steve L will soon be picking up trees for planting and help is needed with those destined to grow around the high school. Stay tuned for the date. We would like to identify two students to attend RYLA camp (Rotary Youth Leadership Award). Dan J reported the District conference was well worth attending but the drive to Minot was a tad long. Brags and Fines: Tim H claimed the M-State concert to be one of the finest he has ever attended and complemented Dan J and family for surviving the District Conference and trip. Mary P parted with a dollar to clear her conscience for missing a meeting and another for the speedy service Keith O had provided in upgrading a home she was selling. Hal L spoke of the excellent concert at M-State and what a fitting tribute it was to retiring director Theresa Ashworth. He also congratulated library director Erin S on the new facility. Randy K announced their clinic building was 10 years old and an open house was being held May 2nd to memorialize the occasion, all are welcome. John M told of the positive State of the City event especially the recognition of Gary Spies and family and the catalyst for good they have been for Fergus Falls. Wally C commented on the excellent music that was a part of State of the City. Keith O thanked everyone who helped celebrate his mother’s 90th birthday day. Over 300 attended the open house and mom enjoyed it immensely. Last many of us joined in singing a mediocre a cappella version of Happy Birthday to Randy K. Program: Dan J introduced our speaker Fergus Falls Public Library Director Erin Smith for comments and a tour of the new facility. Erin began by welcoming all of us to the place and thanking the Rotary clubs of Fergus Falls and The Rotary Foundation for a significant contribution that brought equipment to the maker space. Minuets first mentioned a space needs study in 1998 but the serious effort began in 2012 with the appointment of a community task force. The task force kept their work transparent as they moved through the process which led to the Nov 2016 66% approval of a local option sales tax to fund the public portion of the cost: $5.4 million. The projected total cost was $9.4 million; $3. million from private donations, $1 million from a Minnesota grant and the remainder from sales tax. There are some minor items remaining, but the total cost is expected to be at or below estimate. Ground was broken in Aug 2017 and the grand opening occurred 11 days ago. The sales tax began in 2018, raises about $1.2 million annually and will be in place until 2023. The facility was designed around achieving three specific goals: Preparing Children for Success, Direct Access and Availability of Technology, and Sustainable Communities. Prior to starting the tour Erin acquainted us with how the last goal effected construction decisions and helped the facility qualify for state funds. There is an abundance of natural light harvested through the large windows and skylights, lighting is from LED. The heating and cooling system is geothermal using a vertical ground loop heat recovery system. The systems qualified for an energy rebate from Otter Tail Power which also installed a Level II electric vehicle recharging station (currently the only public recharging station in the city). Community and study rooms were included to serve the public. An electric generator may be added allowing the building to be used as a gathering place in the event of an emergency. Prior to the tour Erin told us of her background. She was raised in the Dead Lake area of Otter Tail County and since her father was employed in Fergus used the local library as a child. She graduated from Perham High School and from Moorhead State with a degree in English Education then obtained a Master’s Degree in Library Science from Clarion University in Pennsylvania. Her first position following graduation was at the Fargo Library. She has been with the Fergus Library for the last 12 ½ years; the first four as childrens librarian and the last 8 ½ as director. The tour began in the children’s area (southwest part of building); it features play and learning space, short stacks accessible to short folks and furniture to accommodate children. We progressed north through the adult area and reading room to the teen portion. That lent itself to completing homework and “hanging out”. Then east through the technology area which along with computers, robots, a sewing machine and button maker and large touch screen featured a 3D printer completing a model house. Last a visit to the Lundeen fireplace lounge and reading area and we were on our way. It is an impressive place, well planned, functional, comfortable and offering a great deal to our community. We should be pleased with the gift we have given ourselves and the public/private funding mechanism which made the community arena, and now the library possible. Since the soft opening on Jan 22 the facility has averaged about 530 visits per day. It is however a little early to draw any conclusions about the use, that will come when all programs are in place and some time has elapsed. In recent years about a quarter million items have been checked out annually, 8% of those are digital. Since the soft opening items checked out are up 20%. May Day: Since this is the first day of the fifth month of the year a bit of trivia. The distress call May Day has absolutely nothing to do with the date. In 1923 when much of the air traffic was between London and Paris and communication was changing from wire to radio something universally recognizable was needed to convey emergencies by radio as S O S did by wire. A radio officer in London proposed May Day taken from the French m’eider (help me). It was adopted and is to be given three times in succession-May Day May Day May Day- followed by other important information about the situation. |
One Rotary SummitClub Presidents, Foundation Chairs, Membership Chairs, Public Image Chairs and anyone interested are invited to One Rotary Summit at the Holiday Inn Hotel and Convention Center located at 3803 13th Ave. So., Fargo, this coming Saturday, October 13, 2018, from 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. This summit is designed for new and experienced Rotarians to come together and share in the discussion about Rotary's public image, membership and Foundation opportunities. As a participant you will: 1) be prepared to answer the question, "Why Rotary?"; 2) be inspired to build membership, enhance public image, and do humanitarian service through The Rotary Foundation; 3) understand the value of being a Rotarian; 4) be inspired to be a part of Rotary's public image campaign, People of Action; 5) Be the Inspiration, living out Rotary's theme for 2018-19. Register at https://rotary5580.org/.
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Foundation MinuteWhile many people would like to think that slavery was a tragedy of the past, the truth is that it still exists today, with up to 46 million people enslaved worldwide. The Rotarian Action Group Against Slavery has a strategy for fighting this horrible problem, working at the local level: Submitted by Corliss Klaassen, Zone 28 & 29 Rotary Foundation
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July 18th at Rotary
This week at Rotary Wednesday July 18th was an exceptionally great day to be a Fergus Falls Noon Rotarian as we said farewell to our beloved exchange student, Pepe. We were checked in by Ryan and greeted by Kathy. Katie Johnson called us to order in President Lori's absence and Tim H. led our invocation. Keith Olson led us in appropriate songs for the Rotary Exchange theme of the day: #13 ROTARY "Flags of Many Nations", #74 It's a Small World (sung as a round and "the best he's ever hear us" exclaimed Pepe!), and #3 Smile followed the Happy Birthday song to members celebrating this month (Pete, Katie, Mike C., Scott, Buzz and Lori).
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July 11, 2018 at RotaryWe were immediately met with David Johnson's smile at the front desk. Steven Andrews greeted us with a firm handshake right after we got checked in. You could tell there was a different aura in the room as I looked around I noticed the projector screen illuminated with the picture of a baby. I was instructed to grab a small form to fill out to guess which Rotarian was pictured as a baby. What a fun way to start the meeting. Wally Cole blessed us and the meal with his invocation. Kathy Austvold led us in song. Unfortunately, we did not have any quests at the meeting. Lori welcomed all of us to here first noon Kiwanis meeting! (she wanted to see who was awake.) Right out of the gate our new President Lori Larson exhumed a level of organization that I have not seen in my years in Rotary. When she reached the podium she immediately mentioned she had a new plan for song #3 “Smile” to make sure we are all able to shake each and every hand at the meeting. Steve Leitie announced the new slate of officers for this coming year and wanted to thank the outgoing officers listed here ……………, you read it correctly, there were none. Announcements: Kathy Austvold went through the attendance records for the club. Those members recognized for their attendance record were: 100% - Wally Cole, Steve Leitie and Kieth Olson; 99.9% Lori Larson, Leona Zimmerman, Katie Johnson and Kathy Austvold – Great job and dedication to all of you, congratulations!Randy Kempfer announced we have 70 Rubber duck Derby Tickets to sell – Great job gang! Keith made his annual initial peach announcement – we are ordering the same as last year and we are tentatively expecting them to arrive Aug. 24th. Bob Russell had a Rotary Minute for us which he dubbed the “Almost Annual, Always Astounding, Asking for Answers to Altogether Annoying Questions.” Brags and fines: Kieth Olson welcomed his third grandchild into this world, Zoe. I'm sure the Olson family is overjoyed and the Dan Johnson family is relieved and tired; Keith was also excited to see some very OLD classmates at his 40th class reunion. Dean Monke ‘s daughter Mariah got married. Brad Hogenson and Mary Petit each paid a fine for being MIA. And Steve Andrews will be leaving for Beijing next week. Lori Larson started her first program of her long and hectic road as Noon Rotary President. Actually this will probably be easy for her! Focusing on the Rotary International theme for the year, “Be the Inspiration,” was central to Lori’s blueprint for the year. Lori had the program on PowerPoint; some of the things she focused on were: committees, club meetings and goals. Adding to "Be the Inspiration," Lori said "Let’s Inspire Change in Our World." Lori talked about the issues each committee should address: 1. What should we be doing? 2. Succession planning 3. Rotarians in action, promoting our story. There is a list of all the committees and their members and each committee’s responsibilities on ClubRunner. The committees for the year are Club Administration, Membership, Public Relations, Service Projects, Fundraising, Foundation, and Youth Services. With respect to meetings, Board meetings will usually be held on the second Wednesday of the month. She is planning Wine Wednesdays for the third Wednesday of every other month at 5 p.m. Committee meetings on the fifth Wednesday of a month will no longer happen. Lori is hoping to see Classification Talks, visits to businesses of our members, and Fireside Chats, along with a concerted membership drive. Goals for the 2018-19 year are based upon Rotary International President Barry Rassin's challenge for Rotarians to 1) support and strengthen their clubs; 2) focus on and increase humanitarian service; and 3) enhance our public image and awareness. Listed below are a list of accomplishments identified in each area: Support and Strengthen Clubs: Achieve a net gain of 1 member • Maintain or improve your club’s retention of current and new members: • Improve your club’s retention rate by 1 percentage point or • If your club’s retention rate was 90 percent or more in 2017-18, maintain it • Achieve a net gain in female members • Have at least 60 percent of club members report their birth dates through My Rotary • Sponsor or co-sponsor a new Rotary club • Conduct a classification study of your members’ occupations, and work to align your membership with the mix of businesses and professions in your community. Focus and Increase Humanitarian Service: Sponsor a Rotary Community Corps • Sponsor or co-sponsor an Interact or Rotaract club • Contribute at least $100 per capita to the Annual Fund • Increase the number of members involved in service projects • Hold an event to raise funds for, or to increase awareness of, Rotary’s work toward polio eradication • Conduct a significant local or international service project in one of Rotary’s six areas of focus. Enhance Public Image and Awareness: Post successful club projects, with details about activities, volunteer hours, and funds raised, on Rotary Showcase • Use Rotary’s brand guidelines, templates, People of Action campaign materials, and related resources • Arrange for the club’s members to talk with the media to tell your club’s, and Rotary’s, story • Host an event for Rotary alumni, and highlight Rotary’s networking opportunities • Continue or establish a partnership with a corporate, governmental, or nongovernmental entity and work on a project together • Sponsor a Youth Exchange student or RYLA participant. Lori feels we should be able to receive a Presidential Citation because we are already doing some things that would qualify, we just need to record those and do a few other things. And the purpose in undertaking this is not to receive an award but, in doing so, improve our club Here are some criteria for the different levels of the 2018-19 Rotary Citation with Presidential Distinction: Achieve the following goals in addition to earning the Rotary Citation to receive SILVER (1 goal), GOLD (2 goals), or PLATINUM (3 goals) distinction - Achieve a net gain of 5 or more members • Show how your club’s members are People of Action by promoting your club and its service activities on social media at least 4 times per month • Initiate or continue a leadership, personal, or professional development program to enhance members’ skills and the value of their membership. To get a more in depth look at the presentation please go to club runner, here is the link: Thank you Lori for all the time and effort you have put into your year as President -- we are looking forward to it! |
President's Message July 2018
 Thank you for allowing me to serve as your president for 2018-19.This is a great service organization, with a long record of accomplishment of serving and community engagement. It is a vital economic and human service force. I look forward to working with each of you as we write the next chapters in our story of Noon Rotary in Fergus Falls. I am confident that by working together, and within a more purposeful committee structure, we can reach new heights and make this the service organization of choice. We will look toward the future by tapping into your ideas and talents so that we can reach this goal together. I am more impressed with the Rotary community than I was before, both locally as well as internationally. I also know there's so much more I still need to learn about Rotary. But I am learning quickly. Now that I'm in the leadership position for our club, and with your help, I'll be able to both speed the process along and engage you in developing a road map for action. I am thankful to many Noon Rotarians for the kindnesses they've shown me as I question and learn the processes as well as look to change some of them. It's a personal honor and a challenge to be following in the footsteps of such stellar leaders, but by working together I can assure you, the momentum will continue. I look forward to the opportunity to chat and learn about your ideas. Thank you for the warm welcome and for your commitment to Rotary. Together, let’s Be The Inspiration, making a difference in our world. Yours In Service, Lori Larson 2018-19 Noon Rotary President |
April 4 at RotaryOn the first Wed. of April we Noon Rotarians gathered at the YMCA for our weekly meeting, Rev Ben D checked us in and Lt. Anthony N greeted. Dian presented a broiled chicken breast on rice with orange sauce and green salad. Before we had ample time to enjoy the offering Pres Steve called us to order explaining that we had much to do today and it would be wise to get started. All recited the pledge of Allegiance and the Four Way test and Ryan W asked the lord’s blessing on the season, all present and the food and those who had prepared it. Kennedy School Speakers High school speech coach Mike Donoho was introduced and first thanked Rotary for sponsoring the Fergus Falls Home Speech Meet; then mentioned he had two speech participants with him. Both were team captains and seniors. He had a dual purpose; first to enlighten us and second to give the students an opportunity to practice before a live audience. First introduced was Tyler Hauge with a presentation in the serious prose category. It dealt with aphasia, the loss of the ability to communicate and went on to explain in the language of someone suffering with par aphasia, the substitution of one word for another, how the condition was acquired what life was like with it. Coach Donoho followed by explaining that 80% of communication is nonverbal and while what Tyler said made no sense at all we still understood what he was trying to communicate. Next introduced was Isabella Nehk who competes in the poetry category. Her presentation was titled “Loss” and was an interpretation of “The Addict a Magician” and “Pass On” by Michael Lee and “Love in a Time of Desperation” by John Batz. It concerned itself with death, how it occurs, and the choices and struggles given patient and caregiver by modern medicine. Both presentations were excellent, thought provoking and increased our understanding. The coach expects both to place high in regional and state completion. Things and Stuff Hillcrest student athletes Hanna Eckhardt, daughter of Kim and Mark, of Fergus and Mckenna Erickson of Montana were introduced by Brad H. Both are softball players. There were two visiting Rotarians, Pastor Stan Sethre and Guy Olson both from the morning club.  Bob R. went on at some length about Rotary wheels. Seems Tag Up was engaged to produce two wheels, each 18” in diameter out of ¼ “ clear plastic, one was presented to the morning club in recognition of their 25th anniversary. The second Tag Up wheel is still in our possession as is an old beat up one thought to have been built by Paul Harris. The dilemma is what to do with the two we have on hand. Pres Steve announced “Josh the Otter” books have arrived and will be distributed in May and three bundles of trees were secured after some drama for Arbor Day planting. Also a Fireside Chat is scheduled from 5:00 to 7:00 pm on April 11 at the M-state fireside lounge. Lori L. provided directions to the lounge. The call for Brags and Fines brought Greg D to his feet with the admission he and missed a meeting and observed another birthday. Dave J let us know the pioneer thresher men would assemble all the old tractors they could get started at Titan Machine for shows this Fri and Sat. Stan C missed three meetings to attend to: Army Reserve duties, an area Habitat meeting and a Lowe’s Women’s Build conference. Hal L also missed three meetings but did not say why but did thank Dean M for help with the athletes. Lori L invited all to the Bigwood Lecture at M-State Thur night at 7:00 pm. Last Guy O thanked our club for sponsoring the morning club. Program Kathy A introduced Carolyn Griffin and Jen Benning from Moorhead. They are associated with an AmeriCorps program that has as its purpose increasing student learning in math and reading. AmeriCorps is often referred to as a domestic Peace Corps and the program receives support from both the federal and state governments. Carolyn and Jen work primarily in northwestern Minnesota and have responsibilities in recruiting, placing, and supporting tutors. They began by establishing the need for increasing math and reading comprehension. Eleven percent of students who fail sixth grade math will not graduate from high school and students who have not achieved reading proficiency by the fourth grade have four times the dropout rate of those who do. There are currently 1500 tutors in Minnesota serving 35,000 students. There is a need for more. To become a tutor the applicant must be at least 18, have graduated from high school and be a citizen or permanent resident of the U S A. While the tutors are volunteers they do receive a living allowance, an education allowance and health insurance. Many of the volunteers are recent high school graduates who tutor part time and take some college classes. Each is assigned to one school where they build relationships and assist students with understanding and proficiency. The approach is tailored to subject and grade level. Pre-kindergarten reading tutors are embedded with the class, kindergarten through third grade tutors work with individual students in 20 min sessions. Math tutors work with groups of two or three students in 90 min sessions. |
2/7/2018 Meeting |
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Fergus Falls Noon Rotary announces essay contest winnerFergus Falls Noon Rotary announces essay contest winner A high school senior from Hillcrest Lutheran Academy has won the Noon Rotary Cub portion of the Annual Rotary District 5580 4-Way Test Essay Contest. Shantanu Mallick has been awarded the $100 club prize and will now move on to the next rounds of regional winners (6 winners of $150 each) and possibly a $1,100 top prize at the district level, chosen in January 2018. Shantanu will be invited to the club for lunch, to read the essay and receive the award. |
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OCTOBER 18, 2017 AT ROTARYStan Carignan offered the prayer while Hal Leland led us in song. Guests included the sister of our speaker, Katie Meinhover, Kaley Sievert from The Daily Journal, and Ann Lundeen, Buzz's wife. During our brag segment, Mary Pettit spoke about the upcoming Dance and Dessert performances by the Fergus Falls School of Dance on December 2 and 3. President Steve Leitte commended Stan Carignan and Habitat for Humanity, while Stan offered a report on recent doings by Habitat. Keith Olson reported on his wife retiring after 30 years and a successful goose hunt to Saskatchewan, although they missed Rod Ebersviller on the trip. Katie Johnson thanked John MacFarlane for all the benches and shelves for the greenhouse at the Community Garden and Dan Jonson for the hand sanitizer. Mike Smith paid for being late and leaving early. Laurie Larson talked about the Four Way Test and we also heard about the upcoming Salvation Army bell ringing. Lois Josefson had rose tickets for distribution and also reported on he Rotary Oration Contest the last Saturday this coming January. Buzz Lundeen introduced our speaker, Ted Meinhover, a graduate of Perham High School who attended the Rotary Youth Leadership Award (RYLA) Camp in Crookston while there. He first started studying Chinese at the Concordia Language Villages around 1996. He received a scholarship from Rotary to attend the University of Minnesota and then was offered a job with the United States Foreign Service. He has been located in Beijing for four years, in the Political Affairs office. The embassy has 400 Americans working at it, making it one of the four largest U.S. embassies in the world. Ted said that under current leader Xi Jinping, China seems to be undermining free market reforms that have taken place since Mao Zedong, manipulating what businesses succeed and shrinking the space for a civil society to what he described as "almost non-existent." There was time for a few questions after the presentation and the speaker complimented the club on the quality of those asked. Ted's remarks were also reported in a front page story in the October 20th edition of The Daily Journal.
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IS THE POLIO ERADICATION CAMPAIGN WORTH IT?In rough numbers, the polio eradication effort since 1985 has cost about $12 billion, of which Rotary has contributed $1.5 billion. It is estimated to fully eradicate the disease, it will cost about another $1.5 billion, of which $1.2 billion has already been pledged. An economic analysis by infectious-disease experts estimated that by preventing some 8 million cases of polio paralysis from 1985 to 2035, the Global Polio Eradication Initiative will create net gains of $40 to $50 billion, mostly in developing countries. By analogy, eradicating polio in the U.S. is estimated to have saved some $220 billion since 1955. October 24 is World Polio Day! A lot of you may be at the Chamber's Annual Taste of Fergus Falls this Tuesday evening, but if not you can watch a live stream event from the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation headquarters in Seattle, Washington, starting at 4:30 p.m. our time, by going to endpolio.org. This event is being sponsored by Rotary and the Gates Foundation. World health officials and celebrities will talk about the progress made to date in eradicating polio, what more needs to be done, how much it will cost and encourage your support of the world-changing objective to end polio. The event will also be re-streamed subsequent to the live showing at the same site. |
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POLIO PLUS NEWSUNICEF and the World Health Organization have produced a nearly four-minute video thanking Rotary and its members for protecting the world's children against polio for more than 30 years. Every dollar donated and every drop of vaccine administered have brought us one step closer to a polio-free world. This video is a powerful reminder of the positive impact Rotarians have made around the world. Go to http://polioeradication.org/news-post/thank-you-rotary/. The New York Times' produced a 10-minute video looking back on smallpox, polio, and Ebola. It highlights how in 2014, the polio surveillance infrastructure played a huge role in combating Ebola, particularly during an outbreak in Nigeria, which was declared Ebola-free just three months afterward. Google New York Times' Retro Report and then select the May 14, 2017, report titled "Chasing Cures for Deadly Scourges, and Getting in Our Own Way and then you can click and watch the video.
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RYLA Students with Steve Leitte and Katie Johnson From left to right: Carrie Schmidt, Steve Leitte, Isabel Dahl, Emma Fitzgibbons and Katie Johnson
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JULY 12th AT ROTARY
Fergus Falls Noon Rotary met at the YMCA as usual. Pete handled the admission, Buzz did the greeting and our president Steve Leitte brought the meeting to order. We did have a pianist so we did the anthems, Kathy invoked and Keith was our song leader. We sang “For She’s a Jolly Good Fellow” for our immediate past president, Grandfather’s Clock (complete with clink clinks) and did In the Good Old Summer Time in honor of the hail we received the night before. We then sang Smile with the requisite gripping and grinning. President Steve recognized that Meng was with us again. Brags and Fines were collected from Tim Hunt who just returned from Kentucky to help marry off a granddaughter but will be leaving tomorrow to visit a brother-in-law with health problems. Wally was canoeing in Hannah Park and Randy bragged about the ducks and was able to say that he can monitor who opens his emails and it sounds like we are a pretty open group. Announcements were started with Kathy handling attendance recognition with Dave Johnson, Randy Kempfer and Rod Ebersviller in the 90 percentile group. Perfect attendance certificates were presented to Wally Cole, Katie Johnson, Steve Leitte, Keith Olson and Leona Zimmerman, Leona being the only one to do it without the benefit of makeups. Tim kicked in another brag buck or two for Lori’s ability to provide whatever’s needed at meetings after she was able to capture the awards on what used to be known as film. The committee list was presented by Randy. He said that if you were not comfortable on the committee you attended last year and wanted to change to something more to your liking (he shamelessly plugged the fundraising group) you could speak now or forever, well, you know. If you’re not sure of where you have been assigned, talk to a board member and they’ll let you know or you can let them know your preference. Katie Johnson reminded us that our club centennial is coming up in a few short years and we have been talking about a project to commemorate the event. An option is to be involved with the new aquatic facility. She is looking for a member of the club who will be able to sit in on a meeting of the aquatic feasibility study group July 25th. You can attend without committing to being the club liaison, at least at first. Talk to Katie for more information. And continuing on the aquatic front, the Ryan and Randy show took over. Well, it turned out to be the Frank and Josh show with aliases and other accusations floated during the presentation. By the time you read this, the need for all the assignments will have passed and the ducks will be have done their duty as will all of our Rotarians. The nets, waders, kayak and megaphone will return to their normal usage and we will have winners to announce at the next meeting. Mike gets the foresight award for bagging the contenders in bags of fifty each after they were cleaned last year so this year’s job of pulling those without sponsors will be quicker. Normally this is where the writer would tell all to be at the Duck Derby on the 13th, but timing does not allow so what can be written is, "You shoulda been there.” |
JULY 12th AT ROTARY
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Rotary Rounds May 24, 2017The invocation was given by yours truly while our song leader was Wally Cole. John MacFarlane introduced as his guest Reverend Ed Morgan, formerly a member of our club. Lois Josefson introduced as her guests Dana Klevgaard and Alex Cabrera. We had three Student Guests, Rylan Hanson, Neil Haylor and Braden (?). President Katie put on a red nose in honor of Red Nose Day on May 25th, showing us a video that discussed the effort to vaccinate children, provide clean water and increase literacy. There is a challenge to support Red Nose Day (they were available for purchase at Walgreens for one dollar), with the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation matching every dollar raised through June 15th. Katie challenged us to go to the Fergus Falls Noon Rotary Facebook page the next day to see the challenge she is going to put on it in this regard.
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Rotary Rounds May 17, 2017Linda McCormick offered our invocation and Keith Olson was our song leader. John MacFarlane brought as his guest, Anna Washecha, a former member of our club and the new President of West Central Initiative. President Katie reported that planting at the Community Garden was well underway and showed a couple pictures of the high tunnel we helped construct last year; in 2016, the garden produced over 9000 pounds of food that was distributed to over 3500 individuals.
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Rotary Rounds May 10, 2017
Rotarians who assembled encountered Wally C at the front desk and in the absence of the assigned greeter, he filled that role as well. Keith M showed up, Pres Kati hit the bell and we sang the National Anthem and O'Canada. Keith O offered the invocation asking the Lord’s blessing on each present, their home, family and work. Hal L led us in R-O-T-A-R-Y, the USA version of This Land is Your Land and Smile. Our president lamented that her objective of a smooth “Smile Rotation” was not close to being met. Hal L offered some consolation in that injuries were down this year. There were no guests. |
Rotary Rounds May 3, 2017Lori Larson staffed the registration desk. Dean Monke greeted us. Ben Durbin gave our invocation. Josh Hegum led us in song and we dived into a couple children’s numbers that maybe have not been sung for a while! Like Three Blind Mice and Old McDonald?? And our own Katie Johnson was at the podium. |
Rotary Rounds April 26, 2017Our invocation was offered by John MacFarlane and Mary Pettit led us in song, "challenging us" to coordinate our physical responses to and while singing If You Are Happy and You Know It. Dave Johnson reported on a successful ditch cleaning last week, assisted by Stan Carignan, Steve Leitte and John MacFarlane, finishing just before the rain started. President Katie followed up with the good news that our requests for grant funds from The Rotary Foundation had been tentatively approved by the District's Grant Committee for both the library and community garden project.
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Rotary Rounds April 19, 2017Wally Cole gave the invocation and Mike Wollan led us in song. We had no guests, visiting Rotarians or student guests, but Mitzie Moe was inducted into the club as our newest member. President Katie gave a wonderful PowerPoint presentation on what Rotary and our club are about and presented Mitzie with a new member packet, her badge, The Four Way Test desk tent and a certificate of membership. Welcome Mitzi! After that all in attendance assembled for a group picture. President Katie reported that Scott DeBrito had agreed to represent the club at the upcoming Dollars for Scholars presentation.
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Rotary Rounds April 12, 2017Tim Hunt offered the invocation and with our pianist back, Kathy Austvold led us in singing. President Katie reviewed who was signed up to take the Josh the Otter books to the different kindergarten classes after the meeting and announced the date for the Second Annual Duck Derby as July 13. She then invited Stan Carignan and his sponsor, Steve Leitte, to the front to present Stan with his Rotary badge. |
Rotary Rounds April 5, 2017After reciting the Pledge of Allegiance and The Four-Way Test, Ryan Welle offered the invocation. Guy Olson from Sunrise Rotary was with us and Dean Monke introduced three Student Athletes from Hillcrest, Luke Bowman, Ruthanne Erickson and Nicole Dekok, all seniors. Luke hails from Jamestown, North Dakota and is involved in track and field, cross-country and is a member of Hillcrest's Knowledge Bowl team going to State; he will be going to the Naval Academy next year. Ruthanne is from Williston, North Dakota, and participates in softball and basketball and was the student manager of the volleyball team last fall. She plans to go to M State in Moorhead next year, pursuing a degree in radiology. Nicole was recognized for her involvement in softball; she also played volleyball last fall and is in the Hillcrest choir.
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Rotary Rounds March 22, 2017While we normally don’t sing during Lent (did we agree to give it up along the way?) in honor of the simultaneous start of the Otters game at the State Tournament those in the know sang the Otter fight song. Alas, we did not win the first game but the team dominated in its next two games to take home the Consolation Championship. Congratulations! |
Rotary Rounds March 15, 2017Mary Pettit handled the front desk duties and Dave Johnson greeted us. President Katie called the meeting to order and we recited the Pledge of Allegiance and the Rotary 4-Way Test.
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Rotary Rounds March 8, 2017We had our usual fine meeting, dispensing with songs in the absence of our piano player but ably reciting the Pledge of Allegiance and the Four Way Test. After our invocation, Mike Clark introduced our Student Athlete, Mason Landborg, who is attending his first year at M State and on the golf team, hailing from one of the Twin Cities fine northern suburbs, Blaine. Mason is majoring in business and finance and is certainly taking his studies seriously as he and Mike had to leave the meeting early to get Mason back for a class he could not miss.
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Rotary Rounds March 1, 2017Rotary was rather excellent. President-Elect Steve Leitte led the meeting in President Katie's absence. Wally Cole checked us in, and I (Josh Heggem) handled the greeting duties. Wally also volunteered to handle the invocation when nobody could remember who was scheduled to do it. No piano player due to Lent, so there were no songs and President-Elect Steve began the meeting by leading us in the Pledge of Allegiance and recitation of the Four Way Test.
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Rotary Rounds February 15, 2017In the beginning Rotarians were met by a Johnson, Dave or Dan at the front desk and Mike C who provided a smile , handshake and welcome. Jennifer was back and presented meat sauce and spaghetti, garlic toast, fruit and vegetables and a cup cake plus valentine table decorations. Paul B blessed those assembled in a voice and manner that I would guess assured the Lord’s attention. Wally C led us in “Roll Rotary”, “Edelweiss” and “Smile”. The students were studying and the athletes practicing so none were with us and there were no other guests or visitors. |
Rotary Rounds February 8, 2017LAST WEEK: Ryan Welle staffed the registration desk. Rod Ebersviller greeted us. Keith Olson gave our invocation. Keith Olson also led us in song with the help of our favorite accompanist Keith! And our own Steve Leitte was at the podium in support of President Katie. GUESTS TO ROTARY - Included Past District Governor Mr. Dave Finn from Detroit Lakes. |
Rotary Rounds December 7, 2016DISCLAIMER: Mostly because of the author's own procrastination in completing the December 7, 2016 rounds at the very last minute prior to the following week's meeting, and partially because we did not yet have the option for publishing our own rounds to Club Runner rather than relying on others to publish and send the rounds, the Rotary e-Rounds were never sent out to club members for our December 7, 2016 meeting. The author deeply apologizes for this, but hopefully you can all enjoy them now as an interesting historical account of a meeting which occurred long ago, and enjoy the fact that we now have Club Runner which will allegedly streamline the e-Rounds distribution process going forward so that you will always receive them in a timely fashion. |
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