Wednesday August 25th, President Bryan Slaba rang the Rotary Bell to call the Wagner Rotarians to order. There were no guests present other than the program guests, so Pastor Rotarian Bill Herrmann was called upon to offer up a prayer. Bill gave thanks for the day, the food that was prepared for us and asked for the Holy Spirit to guide each of the Rotarians as they go about the Wagner Community.

Rotarian Kathe Henke was the Song leader in the absence of Rotarian Laurie Kidd. We did a fairly good job of He’s Got the Whole World in His Hands and Viva La Rotary. It is never easy to be without Laurie’s gifted hands on the piano.

Rotarian Ken Cotton’s Membership Minute was about No Personal Privileges. People often ask whether Rotarians receive special business benefits from their Rotary membership. Should Rotarians expect a special discount or some preferential service just because they are dealing with a fellow Rotarian? The answer is clearly “no.” The Rotary Manual of Procedure expressly states the Rotary position on this matter. The policy, originally approved by the RI Board of Directors in 1933 is that in business and professional relations “a Rotarian should not expect, and far less should he ask for more consideration or advantages from a fellow Rotarian than the latter would give to any other business or professional associate with whom he has business relations.” Over 50 years ago the concept was expressed that “true friends demand nothing of one another, and any abuse of the confidence of friendship for profit is foreign to the spirit of Rotary.”

It is important to remember that the primary purpose of Rotary membership is to provide each member with a unique opportunity to serve others, and membership is not intended as a means for personal profit or special privileges.

Rotarian Juffer tried to pull the Queen of Hearts from the last four cards but came up with the 4 of Hearts. He received a lottery ticket for his loss.

Secretary/Treasurer Craig Krsnak announced that the Queen of Hearts drawing amount went up to $924.50 with today’s collection. The attendance race stands at six misses for Brunsing’s team and eight misses for Wood’s team.

A discussion was held about purchasing a new trailer to haul our aluminum cans for collection. The old trailer needs new tires and the possibility of buying a larger trailer was explored. It will be a matter of decision for the Board of Directors.

President Slaba announced that he has obtained a program for next week’s meeting on the 1st of September, and he will bring the meals. The Rotary float will be decorated next Wednesday evening.

Vice President Becky Brunsing passed out the year’s football books for sale. This year we each have 11 books to sell. September 13th is the first football game. President Slaba stressed that all books must be sold this year.

Rotarian Patty Frei introduced three members of the Labor Day Committee who gave a summary of the events for each day of Wagner’s Labor Day Weekend which runs from Friday September 3rd thru Monday September 6th.

There are some very colorful Labor Day posters all over Main Street and the Highway 46 businesses. They also made smaller posters this year which they handed out to Rotary members.

The big weekend begins on Friday night September 3rd with the announcement of the 2021 Labor Day Queen followed by an Alumni Wrestling Match at 9 p.m.

Saturday’s events include the annual Road Race beginning at 8:00 a.m. and ending with the Hall of Fame Social Hour and All School Reunion Supper at the Armory followed by a Comedian Act and the Rodeo a 7:00 p.m.

Sunday begins with a Kids Fishing Tourney at 10:00 a.m. and ends with an Entertainment Night at the McCormick Softball Park. There are several events on Sunday running simultaneously for an action-packed day.

Monday is always Wagner’s Signature event with the 121st Labor Day Parade beginning at 10: 00 a.m. The Festival in the Park runs Sunday and Monday as well as the Midway featuring the DC Lynch Carnival. The Historical Society is also open both days beginning at 1:00 p.m.

The LD Committee has worked hard to keep everyone as safe as possible. The Yankton Sioux Tribe is positioning Wash Stations for hands in many locations. Be mindful of your surroundings and take all necessary precautions that you deem necessary for yourself.

The meeting adjourned in our usual fashion.