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Wagner Rotary met for its first September meeting with our District Governor Bruce Nearhood and his wife, Kim Hildebrand Nearhood in attendance. The membership sang the Happy Birthday song for September birthdays celebrated by Alison Woods, Jordan Weber, and Kathe Henke. Song leader Rachel Woods led the group in singing one of our favorites “Smile” which we know by heart and didn’t have to worry about doing a poor job in front of the DG! The Membership Minute given by Rotarian Patty Frei was taken from an article of our September Rotary Magazine entitled “Take us to Work” In uncertain economic times, Rotary offers members assured avenues to leadership and professional development. There were five topics listed about how to elevate your professional career through Rotary. Leading your club, exploring leadership courses, networking with club members, building peace, and going global. An accident occurred at the podium when Sergeant at Arms Gerrit Juffer tripped over the computer cord that the DG had set up for his program. Luckily, no damage was done to the computer, and the Sergeant promptly levied a penalty to himself for his clumsiness. No problem, we have all done something like that ourselves. Rotarian Amanda Bechen tried to find the Queen of Hearts but only found the four of Spades. It looks like the deck is getting down to the final three or four cards! Secretary/Treasurer Craig Krsnak announced that there is now perfect attendance on both teams, and he urged everyone to turn in their stubs from the football books that were recently sold. Football season will soon begin! Our program for the day was given by our District Governor. The DG makes a visit to each Rotary Club in our District #5610 during the year. He used a program shown on our club TV that was titled “Unite for Good.” Rotary He outlined the various programs that Rotary sponsors worldwide and gave statistics which were pretty impressive for our Polio Plus Campaign. He also discussed our dues and how Rotary International money is set aside for three years to help assist in world disasters, grants, and District grants. Last year 1,424 grants were given out to Rotary districts totaling $30,000! He also gave good advice on how to improve our Rotary District and club meetings. We need to expand our outreach, invite, or change meeting times, form companion clubs, and focus on education. He asked a startling question which brought home a startling answer: Who would pick up the work the Wagner Rotary does in the Wagner Community if our club dissolved? The answer: No one. Wagner does not have any civic clubs anymore. Let’s all think about that. Our club adjourned by reciting our Four-Way Test 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?