On December 7th, our meeting started with an Ojibwa blessing read by Laura Bock, followed by the week’s virtue “Unity” provided by Kathy Wickwire. Today we welcomed the Administrative Sergeant for the Rice County Sheriff's Office, Paul LaRoche, and the Director of Operations for Our Savior, Megan Dalland, as Rotarians in our club. Make sure to introduce yourself to them at your next meeting.
With these two inductions, the club is up to 79 members and is now the largest it has ever been in its 102-year history.
In Club announcements, the honorable Dr. Huston was proud to inform the club the water project in Thailand is complete and working. Dr. Huston wanted to thank everyone who made a generous contribution to the project, along with the team who got the project put together: Natalie Ginter, David Sauer, and Sam Ouk. The Water project contains a reservoir that will collect water during the wet season to sustain enough water through the dry season. The project powers clean water for local schools; each student brings home water daily for family use.
David Connelly gave an update on the Salvation Army Challenge with the Lion’s Club for Holiday Bellringing. First, the goal set by both clubs to raise $100 per hour ($40 more than Salvation Army standards of $60 per hour) $1600 was Met! Unfortunately, the Lion’s Club got the best of the bet raising $980 in 8 hours at Fareway. In comparison, Rotary raised $690 in 8 hours at Hy-Vee.
Fellowship was today’s program; we, as a club, shared Christmas stories and good cheer! Here is a highlight of some of the stories.
- Kurt started with a story about a “cop photo” frame his uncle George had on the wall that looked like Kurt in a boy scout uniform, but he was never sure if he thought it was Kurt or maybe not…
- Kymn Anderson was thankful her ten grandkids, and the tradition they have is a Christmas ball… Which is a ball filled with many things, from money, candy, toys, games, etc. Every kid of all ages gets to have some sort of wonder.
- Rod Mahler shared the classic story of him dressing as Santa for the Rotary meeting one year and getting to ask the famous Hollywood actress Angie Dickinson to put out milk and cookies for him.
- Jessica Amundson is happy to decorate her own house and put-up lights.
- Zack Branham shared that Harry Brown’s is looking to support Faribault educators with a thank-you gift of a Yeti Mug for their service. Welcomes other businesses to join them in honoring the educational heroes of our community.
- Pastor Mark shared an invitation for River Valley’s “Empty Chair Service” to welcome those who have lost and want comfort in this season. The service is on December 15th, at 7 pm at River Valley Church.
- Kay Hoaglin shared a heartwarming story of her father getting laid off from work for the season. He gave each child $7.25 for their Christmas gift to pick out. One year when he had seniority, the family and I decided to let another younger man work instead so he could provide for his family and kids. Amazing service above self.
- Dr. Hanson shared a story about how the neighborhood Santa seems to sound alike his cousin, Howard.
- Pastor Greg Ciesluk shared an Open House invitation to their home on December 31st with mixed logistics. Rebekah (through texting him while attending on Zoom) announces Greg is no longer making announcements. I just wanted to let you know that more details are coming.
- Natalie Ginter thanked the school board for passing the DHS 1.1 million grant for substance use. Excited about the educational pipeline for the medical nursing field. Pleased and joyed to meet Kurt’s birth mom over the weekend after so many years of discovery.
