Montana Military Family Care Initiative
Posted by Adele Gibbs
Minutes from the Missoula Sunrise Rotary Meeting November 5, 2008.
On this morning following Election Day we gathered in the spirit of fellowship and service. Some were undoubtedly happy and others sad with the various election results, but as Anne Guest pointed out, "We're a non-partisan group!"
Chris Warden started the meeting by announcing he'll be out the next two weeks: Anne Guest will lead next week's meeting and Margot Belden will lead the 11/19 meeting. And, to assure we all rest easy, Chris has already provided the meeting outline forms to both Anne and Margot!
Sergeant at Arms David Bardwick introduced guests Peg Novatny (guest of Anne Guest) and Brent Christopherson (guest of Curt Belts). David also shared a personal, scary story from Halloween. If you missed it (perhaps you were lucky?) it had to do with David throwing cough syrup on a coffin that had chased him down the street into his home and the result-you guessed it-was that the "coffin stopped." And amping up the humor, David shared a story of a visit Jim Clark made to a diner at Christmas time where he ordered eggs benedict. The dish came served on a chrome platter, and when Jim asked just why that was, the response was, "There's no plate like chrome for the Hollandaise." [Cue drums and cymbals-"ba-dum-bum-CHING!"]
We had a birthday - a "substantial" birthday: Al Jensen recently turned 50. As any good friend would do, Chris Warden shared some photos from the celebration and did what he could to embarrass Al. Congratulations, Al-Happy Birthday!
There were several announcements:
Chris Warden thanked Gordie Campbell for a tremendous amount of work as treasurer for the Who's Who Revue. He also thanked Rusty Lockner, Jim Betty, Gene Sterbis and Steve Patrick for their work on the new shed for the Tom Roy Home. Our club paid for the shelter along with donations from David Edgell Construction, Knife River and K&K Concrete (which Rusty secured). Thanks goes to those businesses as well!
Jim Clark announced that the Jefferson Playground Project is complete. Jefferson School is now the site of the MCPS preschool. There are both disabled and able-bodied preschool students at Jefferson and the new "expanded playshell climber" will be a great addition for the kids. Last week Jim, Carl Prinzing and Bobby Clay from our club, along with Andrew Vigland (a home school high school student performing community service) and Blaine Brengle (Jefferson School custodian), completed the work. If you drive by Jefferson, look for the new orange playground equipment and see more evidence of good work by Sunrise Rotarians!
Jim also announced that there is great need for additional help with our tutoring programs. Jim said he knows that it is tough for people who work, but if your employer would consider time off for community service, please consider this worthwhile project. Rusty Lockner and Margot Belden each are participating in the program. Rusty said that he tutors second graders at Hawthorne from 3pm to 5pm on Tuesdays. He said it's fun and it's easy. To get students' attention, Rusty has learned that teachers say, "One, Two, Three, eyes on me!" and the students respond, "One, two, eyes on you!" (Chris Warden may choose to incorporate that into a meeting or two.) Margot said that she helps from noon to 12:45 one day a week at Lowell School for the homework club and has found it fun and gratifying. Calling all Sunrise Rotarians: more help is needed! Please contact Jim Clark if you will help: jclarks1234@hotmail.com.
Rusty Lockner announced that the Money Train committee was meeting Wednesday at 4pm at MRL. The event date has been changed: rather than February 14th (which was difficult for the catering staff that will be busy at the Blue Canyon on Valentine's Day) the event will be held on Saturday, February 7th.
Hugh Jesse announced that the Foundation Committee was meeting following the regular meeting. Chris Warden said that our goal is to have all members be sustaining Paul Harris members and Hugh will be approaching those who have not yet made that commitment.
Arnie Didier reminded us that several "don't miss" programs are coming up: Thanksgiving breakfast/culinary day at the College of Technology on 11/19, the holiday music program on 12/10 at the Hilton and the Youth Homes Christmas program on 12/17, also at the Hilton. Signup sheets were circulated for members (guests are welcome!) for the breakfast at the College of Technology and for "elves" to help out with the two December programs.
Paul Williamson announced that the Baskets of Plenty are now available. The baskets include wine, flour, beer mix, candles, candy, jelly and other things-ALL Montana products. If you wish to personalize the baskets, that can be done-jus t let Paul know. Order forms were provided to those in attendance. The baskets are $60 and checks are to be made to Sunrise Rotary. Provide your order requests directly to Paul, or email basketsofplenty@gmail.com. Your baskets can be delivered to you at a Wednesday meeting, or be picked up at MonTEC, 1121 E. Broadway. Please shop early and often!
David Bardwick announced that he and Jim Clark and Bobby Clay delivered dictionaries to the third graders at Cold Springs School last Wednesday. The dictionaries had the 4-Way Test placed inside the back cover, and they had students look up the words "beneficial" and "goodwill." Excellent idea (from our own Bobby Clay!) and one that Chris Warden suggested we make part of the entire program. Jeanine also reported that she and Carol Gaub delivered dictionaries to the third graders at Chief Charlo and said it was wonderful to see the kids light up and exclaim, "We get to keep this!" Once again, terrific work by Sunrise Rotarians!
Our Classification Talk was provided by Donielle Engebretson. Donielle's classification is accounting/public and auditing. She is a staff accountant with JCCS and enjoys her job for the variety it provides, the fact that it is never dull, and allows her to help her clients. Donielle likes Rotary because it allows her to be involved in the community and to meet like-minded people. She is a Montana native, born and raised in Billings, where her family still lives. She moved to Missoula in 2001 to attend UM and never left! She has been married to her high school sweetheart for five years. They have one dog and are expecting their first child! Donielle is proud of the missions she served to DC and New Mexico where she worked in a home for seniors installing new flooring, etc. Donielle's strongest character trait (according to her co-workers) is her unwillingness to budge from her personal ethics and morals. Donielle's perfect day would be spent with her family on Maui. Her hobbies include reading, skiing and hiking. She loves to eat, and she and her husband (who is a chef) often "travel to eat." Something we might not know about Donielle? She has a music minor and plays flute and the piano! Following that revelation, several members responded, "Who's Who Revue!" Slowly but surely we are uncovering next year's list of talent.
Our program and speaker were introduced by Arnie Didier. Jessica Flint, Field Representative for Congressman Denny Rehberg, came to speak to us about the Montana Military Family Care Initiative.
As a Field Rep for Congressman Rehberg, Jessica said she is the local "eyes and ears" for the Congressman and does casework and provides constituent help. She handles Department of Defense casework including transition pay issues, issues where a husband and wife are both being deployed, PTSD treatment issues, and issues with those who want to join the military but for one reason or another cannot. Jessica said Congressman Rehberg has helped to pass several important pieces of legislation in support of our troops.
Jessica explained that she is married and has a young son. Her husband is deployed to Afghanistan with the National Guard. She learned with interest of a program in Minnesota which matches community members who have family members overseas with local organizations to help with various things such as lawn mowing, help with plumbing issues, etc. She said that program involves mostly churches. She explained that our soldiers are sacrificing and this is a way to help. Jessica said she pitched the idea to Congressman Rehberg and he loved the idea. Thus the idea for the Montana Military Family Care Initiative was born.
Jessica said the Montana program is currently looking for organizations to help. Thus far several churches, the Missoula Rural Fire District and the Missoula Maulers have offered their help. She said the next step is the creation of a website which is expected by the end of the month. Jessica explained that on that site families will be able to look for organizations willing to help and can call them directly. Jessica explained that she will be a liaison between people and the various organizations.
The Montana program is currently working to get the word out. Referrals will be set up through the 211 communications referral program. Additionally, as a Field Rep Jessica attends various deployment ceremonies and she mentions this program to family members at those events.
Jessica spoke of several issues and solutions: the vetting of participating organizations (not individuals), the promotion of the program through close work with the National Guard and readiness groups and the lack of utilization-the program wants to include more than churches so that the services offered are varied.
Jessica was asked how many families in Missoula have family members overseas and she explained that number is unavailable as the Guard can't legally release it. She was asked if the National Guard is helping to promote the program and she confirmed that it is.
Chris Warden said that the program is looking for an advocate from our club. If you are interested, please contact Jessica to let her know!
In keeping with this year's tradition, we closed the meeting with a recitation of the Four Way Test.
Chris Warden started the meeting by announcing he'll be out the next two weeks: Anne Guest will lead next week's meeting and Margot Belden will lead the 11/19 meeting. And, to assure we all rest easy, Chris has already provided the meeting outline forms to both Anne and Margot!
Sergeant at Arms David Bardwick introduced guests Peg Novatny (guest of Anne Guest) and Brent Christopherson (guest of Curt Belts). David also shared a personal, scary story from Halloween. If you missed it (perhaps you were lucky?) it had to do with David throwing cough syrup on a coffin that had chased him down the street into his home and the result-you guessed it-was that the "coffin stopped." And amping up the humor, David shared a story of a visit Jim Clark made to a diner at Christmas time where he ordered eggs benedict. The dish came served on a chrome platter, and when Jim asked just why that was, the response was, "There's no plate like chrome for the Hollandaise." [Cue drums and cymbals-"ba-dum-bum-CHING!"]
We had a birthday - a "substantial" birthday: Al Jensen recently turned 50. As any good friend would do, Chris Warden shared some photos from the celebration and did what he could to embarrass Al. Congratulations, Al-Happy Birthday!
There were several announcements:
Chris Warden thanked Gordie Campbell for a tremendous amount of work as treasurer for the Who's Who Revue. He also thanked Rusty Lockner, Jim Betty, Gene Sterbis and Steve Patrick for their work on the new shed for the Tom Roy Home. Our club paid for the shelter along with donations from David Edgell Construction, Knife River and K&K Concrete (which Rusty secured). Thanks goes to those businesses as well!
Jim Clark announced that the Jefferson Playground Project is complete. Jefferson School is now the site of the MCPS preschool. There are both disabled and able-bodied preschool students at Jefferson and the new "expanded playshell climber" will be a great addition for the kids. Last week Jim, Carl Prinzing and Bobby Clay from our club, along with Andrew Vigland (a home school high school student performing community service) and Blaine Brengle (Jefferson School custodian), completed the work. If you drive by Jefferson, look for the new orange playground equipment and see more evidence of good work by Sunrise Rotarians!
Jim also announced that there is great need for additional help with our tutoring programs. Jim said he knows that it is tough for people who work, but if your employer would consider time off for community service, please consider this worthwhile project. Rusty Lockner and Margot Belden each are participating in the program. Rusty said that he tutors second graders at Hawthorne from 3pm to 5pm on Tuesdays. He said it's fun and it's easy. To get students' attention, Rusty has learned that teachers say, "One, Two, Three, eyes on me!" and the students respond, "One, two, eyes on you!" (Chris Warden may choose to incorporate that into a meeting or two.) Margot said that she helps from noon to 12:45 one day a week at Lowell School for the homework club and has found it fun and gratifying. Calling all Sunrise Rotarians: more help is needed! Please contact Jim Clark if you will help: jclarks1234@hotmail.com.
Rusty Lockner announced that the Money Train committee was meeting Wednesday at 4pm at MRL. The event date has been changed: rather than February 14th (which was difficult for the catering staff that will be busy at the Blue Canyon on Valentine's Day) the event will be held on Saturday, February 7th.
Hugh Jesse announced that the Foundation Committee was meeting following the regular meeting. Chris Warden said that our goal is to have all members be sustaining Paul Harris members and Hugh will be approaching those who have not yet made that commitment.
Arnie Didier reminded us that several "don't miss" programs are coming up: Thanksgiving breakfast/culinary day at the College of Technology on 11/19, the holiday music program on 12/10 at the Hilton and the Youth Homes Christmas program on 12/17, also at the Hilton. Signup sheets were circulated for members (guests are welcome!) for the breakfast at the College of Technology and for "elves" to help out with the two December programs.
Paul Williamson announced that the Baskets of Plenty are now available. The baskets include wine, flour, beer mix, candles, candy, jelly and other things-ALL Montana products. If you wish to personalize the baskets, that can be done-jus t let Paul know. Order forms were provided to those in attendance. The baskets are $60 and checks are to be made to Sunrise Rotary. Provide your order requests directly to Paul, or email basketsofplenty@gmail.com. Your baskets can be delivered to you at a Wednesday meeting, or be picked up at MonTEC, 1121 E. Broadway. Please shop early and often!
David Bardwick announced that he and Jim Clark and Bobby Clay delivered dictionaries to the third graders at Cold Springs School last Wednesday. The dictionaries had the 4-Way Test placed inside the back cover, and they had students look up the words "beneficial" and "goodwill." Excellent idea (from our own Bobby Clay!) and one that Chris Warden suggested we make part of the entire program. Jeanine also reported that she and Carol Gaub delivered dictionaries to the third graders at Chief Charlo and said it was wonderful to see the kids light up and exclaim, "We get to keep this!" Once again, terrific work by Sunrise Rotarians!
Our Classification Talk was provided by Donielle Engebretson. Donielle's classification is accounting/public and auditing. She is a staff accountant with JCCS and enjoys her job for the variety it provides, the fact that it is never dull, and allows her to help her clients. Donielle likes Rotary because it allows her to be involved in the community and to meet like-minded people. She is a Montana native, born and raised in Billings, where her family still lives. She moved to Missoula in 2001 to attend UM and never left! She has been married to her high school sweetheart for five years. They have one dog and are expecting their first child! Donielle is proud of the missions she served to DC and New Mexico where she worked in a home for seniors installing new flooring, etc. Donielle's strongest character trait (according to her co-workers) is her unwillingness to budge from her personal ethics and morals. Donielle's perfect day would be spent with her family on Maui. Her hobbies include reading, skiing and hiking. She loves to eat, and she and her husband (who is a chef) often "travel to eat." Something we might not know about Donielle? She has a music minor and plays flute and the piano! Following that revelation, several members responded, "Who's Who Revue!" Slowly but surely we are uncovering next year's list of talent.
Our program and speaker were introduced by Arnie Didier. Jessica Flint, Field Representative for Congressman Denny Rehberg, came to speak to us about the Montana Military Family Care Initiative.
As a Field Rep for Congressman Rehberg, Jessica said she is the local "eyes and ears" for the Congressman and does casework and provides constituent help. She handles Department of Defense casework including transition pay issues, issues where a husband and wife are both being deployed, PTSD treatment issues, and issues with those who want to join the military but for one reason or another cannot. Jessica said Congressman Rehberg has helped to pass several important pieces of legislation in support of our troops.
Jessica explained that she is married and has a young son. Her husband is deployed to Afghanistan with the National Guard. She learned with interest of a program in Minnesota which matches community members who have family members overseas with local organizations to help with various things such as lawn mowing, help with plumbing issues, etc. She said that program involves mostly churches. She explained that our soldiers are sacrificing and this is a way to help. Jessica said she pitched the idea to Congressman Rehberg and he loved the idea. Thus the idea for the Montana Military Family Care Initiative was born.
Jessica said the Montana program is currently looking for organizations to help. Thus far several churches, the Missoula Rural Fire District and the Missoula Maulers have offered their help. She said the next step is the creation of a website which is expected by the end of the month. Jessica explained that on that site families will be able to look for organizations willing to help and can call them directly. Jessica explained that she will be a liaison between people and the various organizations.
The Montana program is currently working to get the word out. Referrals will be set up through the 211 communications referral program. Additionally, as a Field Rep Jessica attends various deployment ceremonies and she mentions this program to family members at those events.
Jessica spoke of several issues and solutions: the vetting of participating organizations (not individuals), the promotion of the program through close work with the National Guard and readiness groups and the lack of utilization-the program wants to include more than churches so that the services offered are varied.
Jessica was asked how many families in Missoula have family members overseas and she explained that number is unavailable as the Guard can't legally release it. She was asked if the National Guard is helping to promote the program and she confirmed that it is.
Chris Warden said that the program is looking for an advocate from our club. If you are interested, please contact Jessica to let her know!
In keeping with this year's tradition, we closed the meeting with a recitation of the Four Way Test.