The Wagner Rotary club held a weekly meeting on Wednesday, August 13. President Jamie Soukup called the meeting to order with a rap on the Rotary bell. Soukup then lead a prayer for our meal and mission.

In honor of the pending installation of a new member, the club joined together in the singing of “For He’s a Jolly Good Fellow.”

Rotarian Amanda Bechen shared that a guest in attendance, Chase Marshall, had also previously been a guest at a previous meeting in January.

KenCotton’sQueenofHearts ticket was selected, however, Cotton drew the seven of diamonds instead of the joker. The pot is now well over $500.

The Treasurer shared an attendance report, noting 10 misses for both teams.

Member Joshua Christiansen was inducted by President Jamie Soukup into the Wagner Rotary club as of this meeting, August 13, 2025. Welcome Rotarian Christiansen.

Other announcements: Football Books were handed out to members. Fundraising books should be promoted by members, with proceeds returned by the first football game in September.

Program Chair Bryan Slaba introduced his program: a summary of wife Diane and his June-trip to Ireland. Mr. Slaba shared photos and details of his trip.

They landed by plane at Dublin and bar-hopping ensued. They visited several of the oldest registered and unregistered bars in Ireland, including The Temple Bar and Sean’s Bar (the oldest bar in all of Europe). At each location, every tap beer was served in its own custom, pressed, logoed glass; and, live performers contributed festive music. Doonbeg Golf Club (owned by Donald Trump) was a site, but the vacationers declined the $750 golf-cart/club fee to golf. The Slaba’s enjoyed a photographic moment in front of Doonbeg’s original crest signage, immediately prior to replacement of the crest. Despite their purchase offer, the Slaba’s were unjustly denied the purchase of the original, replaced crest.

Mr. Slaba visited several castles out the 260 available from the different clans in Ireland. Included were the castles used in the film “Braveheart” and “Outlander”, as well as the Blarney Castle that houses the Blarney Stone. Included in his sightseeing were ancient structures called Pagan portals, and small settlements made entirely of naturally formed stacked rocks called bee hive huts.

Also included in the program were several photos and a video of the natural monuments and formations of Ireland. Included were natural rock formations like the Giant’s Causeway and the Cliffs of Moher, each of which, the club was assured, photos did not accurately capture.

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?