The meeting of November 22 featured a preview of the traditional Thanksgiving dinner, with turkey, stuffing, cranberry, mashed potatoes and pumpkin pie.  Attendance was light with only 12 Rotarians, although augmented by District Govenor Barrie Matthews who brought a family entourage of 9 plus he invited our exchange student Julia and her host parent Cindy.  Barry has a place by Dayton and has in-laws in the Polson area.

 

Announcements included the upcoming Salvation Army bell-ringing (to be scheduled) and the Christmas Party on December 6th at the Finley Point Grill.  Contact Brooke for more info on the dinner and sign up!

 

Barrie also gave a talk about his Rotary presidency and encourage everyone who hasn't been one to do it and enjoy.  He encouraged everyone who hasn't seen RI President Jennifer Jones (first woman president) to watch the video on RI's website as she is a wonderful speaker.

 

He also encouraged everyone to attend a RI convention.  The upcoming Melbourne at the end of May will be his 7th!!

 

Barrie also wants clubs to focus on building membership (most communities turn-over 20% in a 5 year period) and encouraging Paul Harris donations to the RI Foundation.  Half of the money comes back to the District in 3 years for district grants and the other half is available for Global Grants the District wants to participate in.  He mentioned the RI Foundation has consistently been one of the largest in the world and one of the most efficient with 96 to 97% payouts.  

 

The District Conference will be in his hometown of Miles City on May 5-6.  While 2 weeks before the famous Bucking Horse Sale, the city will be hosting exciting horse racing in tandem with Kentucky Derby weekend.