July 3, 2024, marked the first meeting of the Wagner Rotary Club for their 2024-2025 year. President Becky Brunsing gave the oath of office to Jordan Weber. Weber in turn presented Brunsing with a plaque which has a gavel on it with the name and years of the outgoing president. President Weber then took his place at the officers table and rang the bell for our official first meeting. There were no guests present as the first meeting is usually a business meeting only. Weber gave a prayer of thanks and blessing for the group.

President Weber introduced recent programs and chairpersons. Rotarian Gerrit Juffer was chosen as Song leader again with Rotarian Jeff Doom as his backup. Juffer led the group in singing Auld Lang Syne in honor of the past year and finished with two verses of America as it is the eve before July Fourth when our nation pauses to remember all those who gave their lives so that we may live in freedom.

President Weber went through the various positions and introduced some new appointees. Rotarian Ken Cotton was thanked for his many years as Membership Minute Chair. The new appointees are Patty Frei and Amanda Bechen. Frei presented certificates to several members in recognition of their years spent as a Rotarian. May went to Jamie Soukup for five years, May 19th went to Scott McAdaragh for 20 years. June 30th was Craig Krsnak’s birthday, and he had 25 years as a Rotarian. The big announcement was for Rotarian Joe Stedronsky whose birthday was this past Monday, July 1st and he has 64 years as a Rotarian.

The newly appointed Sergeant at Arms was announced as Jerry Weber and his assistant will be Jeff Doom. Jerry couldn’t have been happier with his new appointment. Some people thrive on their duties and Jerry is one of them. He quickly assigned $2 fines to: Jeff Doom for organizing their 45th class reunion, Gerrit Juffer for being song leader again, Jordan Weber for not having the officer induction ceremony at the Wagner Lake, Past President Becky was fined simply because she hadn’t been fined enough last year; Scott McAdaragh for “just because” ; Jerry Henke for being too quiet and not talking enough; Bryan Slaba for whining about being snubbed; and Bill and Patty Frei for sitting together.

Weber gave a Happy Fine of $2 because he got to stop and visit Jean Pirner whom he hadn’t seen in an exceptionally long time. Joe Stedronsky offered up a Happy Fine of $9.60 for his 96th Birthday, and Jeff Doom was happy about seeing his third concert of the Rolling Stones. Rachel Doom gave $10 for her 12-year-old son whose team won the Championship game in the 12U Baseball tournament recently.

It was fitting that Joe Stedronsky had a chance to draw the Queen of Hearts on his birthday, but he only found the three of Hearts. The total in the drawing is up to $145.00.

Next on the agenda was drawing names for the attendance Teams. Weber used his cap for drawing the names and the new Team Captains were Becky Brunsing and Jamie Soukup. There were eight people assigned to each team.

A letter of resignation was received and read from Pastor Bill Herrmann who is leaving Wagner and moving to Nebraska to be closer to children and family in his retirement.

President Weber passed out sheets with meal and program schedules and a list of the various committees with Chairpersons and members.

A brief discussion was held on building repairs, income and expenses, Paul Harris Fellowship points and projects that members would like to start or finish in the coming Rotary Year.

We adjourned in our usual fashion by reciting the Rotary Four-Way Test.