Wednesday February 15, 2023

Opening:

President Heidi opened the meeting precisely at 600pm by vigorously ringing the bell as the scribe this evening enjoyed a lovely Cabernet.

Welcome:

We warmly welcomed Nacho, our exchange student this year, who joins us from South America, which you may already know is just a short paddle ride across a thawing Meredith Bay.

Pledge:

Our group energetically recited the Pledge of Allegiance in a nod to our traditions.

Prayer:

Dan invited us to be grateful for a successful fishing derby that safely achieved its goals and enables us to provide another year of mindful service to our community.

We said a short prayer for Steve Bennett.

Did You Know:

It is impossible to hum when you’re holding your nose, really, test it out yourself, I’ll wait…

Announcements:

The March 8 meeting is the same day as the school board meeting and is usually short due to several conflicts. So, Bonnie is taking us on the road March 8, same Bat-time, same FUN people, and now at FUN SPOT with bowling, food and drinks. Be o-pin to new things.

The Alton Centennial Garden Show is coming and details were forwarded by email.

A Thank You letter was received from Connie Dehnel for our $500 donation to the dress-a-girl program that enabled them to complete 43 dresses. There are now 31 sewers in the program including several Rotary spouses. It’s really making a difference.

Wendy recognized Nacho with a thank you for his help this weekend at the Derby. Can you wear a hoodie over a hoodie?

Dinner:

Dinner was professionally served by the staff at Harts.

Thank You:

Bill thanked everyone for their help with the Derby—the most successful one this year! We couldn’t be more excited to announce 4427 tickets sold and no ice safety injuries! It takes a team and this is the best team there is, suitably motivated by the many homemade cookies, breads, and stews that kept the volunteers going across 160 shifts and 450 hours just on the weekend itself. Security was tight at the war room with no incidents or alien fly-overs reported. Facebook comments included “don’t change a thing” “best ever” “class event” “had a great time” “favorite event of the year” and “congratulations to all the winners.” 160 fish with over 500 pounds made the Board. We’re honored to be able to support $80,000 of community programs in the coming year. February 22 will be the appreciation dinner.