The Wagner Rotary club held a weekly meeting on Wednesday, August 2, 2023. President Rebecca Brunsing called the meeting to order with a rap on the Rotary Bell. Pastor Bill Herman offered a prayer of thanksgiving for our meal and for our guests.

Song Leader Gerrit Juffer chose “Vive le Rotary.” Clubbers and guests tuned-in for two of four verses, before calling the effort sufficient.

Rotarian Patricia Frei offered a Membership Minute, featuring three of seven Rotary areas of focus regarding international relationships: promoting peace; fighting disease; and providing clean water, sanitation, and hygiene.

Sergeant at Arms Jaime Soukup levied the following Club Member fines: Jordan Weber for his absence ($2); Bill Frei and Jerry Weber for hoarding Labor Day carnival ride tickets from table-mate guests ($2 each); Jerry Weber for certain guest confusion ($2); Alternate Song Leader Jeff Doom for securing dessert during song time ($2); Jaime Soukup and Jeff Doom for recent party libations ($5 each); and Gerrit Juffer for leaving said-party, early ($2). Gerry Henke suggested a Jamie Soukup fine of $2 for publishing certain content in the newspaper; such fine was accepted by Sergeant Soukup!

Happy Fines were offered by: Gerrit Juffer (while wearing related- festive attire) for the Women’s Cup ($2); Amanda Bechen for a son who turned 18 years old ($2); Jamie Soukup in memory of Uncle Robert Soukup ($2); and, Jeff Doom for a recently-viewed aerial photo of the late Robert Soukup farm, which features an extensive quantity of quality concrete ($5).

A guest drew the Queen of Hearts ticket held by Rotarian Scott McAdaragh. McAdaragh, however, drew from the deck an Ace of Diamonds.

Treasurer Craig Krsnak shared an attendance report, noting 3 misses for the Juffer team, 1 miss for the Frei team.

Other announcements: The Club will sponsor Root Beer Floats at the Thursday, August 3, 2023, Chamber Customer Appreciation. That same evening, other Rotarians will stain the Rotary Shelter at Wagner Lake.

Program Chair Kathe Henke introduced her guests: seven members of the (nine member) 2023 Wagner Labor Day Committee. Chairman Lucas Cournoyer offered a run-down of the weekend’s event schedule, with each event promising an enjoyable time! Wagner’s 123rd Labor Day is themed “Ticket to Anywhere.” Festivities kick off Friday at the Armory, with music, karaoke, and crowns – as the selection committee reveals this year’s Labor Day Queen.

Saturday sports a road race, kiddie parade, poker run, pedal pull, dock dogs, band, rodeo, and more. Sunday premiers a rib cook-off, bean bag competition, kid fishing tourney, dock dogs, veterans motorcycle ride, figure 8 races, midway carnival, show and shine, and an eight-team competition – Family Feud. Monday features the regionally famous Labor Day parade, the second day of a two-day festival in the park, and access to unique local treasures and archives at the Historical Museum.

Rotarians commended the Committee for excellent effort, financial management, advertising and promotion. These volunteers are outstanding leaders, who champion a legendary event.

The Club, then, 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.