The Wagner Rotary club held a weekly meeting on Wednesday, January 25th. President Rachel Woods called the meeting to order with a rap on the Rotary Bell. President Rachel Woods offered a prayer of blessing upon the meal and strength throughout our day.

Song Leader Gerrit Juffer chose “Home on the Range.” And, a Membership Minute was forgone until next week.

SergeantatArmsJordanWeber levied the following fines: Kathe Henke for the good fortune of being an end-of-season football-book prize winner ($10); Patti Frei for being the fountain of youth among her table-mates ($2); Rachel Woods for vacationing among a group of five co-workers ($5); Gerrit Juffer for finally wearing something other than that Cowboys jersey ($2); Bryan Slaba for making a prediction last week about the Bears ($5); Becky Brunsing for squealing on another Rotarian ($2); Bill Frei for wearing that old blue (SDSU) shirt again ($2); and Bill Frei for talking through the opening bell ($2).

Becky Brunsing’s ticket was then drawn for a chance at the Queen of Hearts, but she drew only the 2 of Clubs, forfeiting $252.

Secretary/Treasurer Craig Krsnak shared an attendance report, noting 7 misses for the Jordan Weber team, 5 misses for the Jaime Soukup team.

Other business: Rotarians considered a written note from a community member who encourages Rotary’s sponsorship of a large farming mural. The Club also planned a high school scholars luncheon; will donate an item for an upcoming district raffle; noted today’s meeting in Burke regarding a Gregory pumped storage project; prepared to host Saturday’s Cracker Barrel at Wagner Theater; and considered Rotary’s International Youth Exchange Program, whereby up to three local host families could partner to host an exchange student.

Program Chair Bryan Slaba introduced guest speakers from the newly forming local counseling center, which will be located in the former Bubak Clinic. Counselor Tory Vogt is originally from Bonesteel. Tory started professional work in an Iowa rural health clinic, where she served for 2 years. Counselor Sandra Fortuna is originally from Gregory and, for several years, served the mental health needs of the Winner area.

Upon full operation, the local clinic will see about 25 patients, weekly. Currently, with temporary accommodations, the providers are approaching half capacity. In the future, an intern may be invited to join the service team. The clinic’s stream of revenue includes insurance, Medicare, and Medicaid. The clinic’s patients are supported by the area’s schools and other medical facilities. Despite (often) poor reimbursement rates, the need for services is high. Anxiety, depression, and grief are commonly higher among agricultural and Native American communities. Weather and isolation also increase symptoms.

As human beings, we need each other. Rotarians prepared for departure – thankful for the day’s program, the local clinic, and for fellowship with each other.

The Club adjourned in its usual fashion.

OF THE THINGS we think, say or do: Is it the TRUTH? Is it FAIR to all concerned? Will it build GOODWILL and BETTER FRIENDSHIPS? Will it be BENEFICIAL to all concerned.