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Opening and Rotary Traditions

After introductions, President Jamie Soukup led members in the Rotary Prayer before the meal, followed by Rotarian Rachel Woods leading the group in singing “I’ve Been Working on the Railroad.” The membership was pleasantly surprised by their respectable performance of this classic tune.

Membership Minute and Polio Campaign Patty Frei, Membership Minute Chair, engaged Rotarians with a pop quiz on Rotary’s campaign to end polio. She announced the development of another Walk for Polio event, which will be combined with “Pints for Polio.” Choteau Creek Brewery will donate proceeds from every pint purchased to support the Polio Now Campaign, and a silent auction will be held at the brewery. Unlike last year’s “walk around Wagner Lake,” this year’s event will take place on Friday night, October 24th, to encourage greater participation.

Happy Fines and Celebrations

With Sergeant at Arms Jerry Weber unavailable, President Jamie Soukup called for “Happy Fines”:

• Linda Soukup donated $5 for her great grandson’s recovery from a serious illness, and another $3.20 for daughter Becky and Mike Brunsing’s 32nd wedding anniversary.

• Rachel Doom and Jeff Doom each donated $1 for Kelsey’s birthday.

• Kelsey contributed $1, celebrating Lori Bouza donating her football winnings back to the club.

• Jerry Henke gave $5 for a letter from the Charles Mix Soil Conservation agency accepting his donation of butternut trees for distribution throughout the County.

• Jordan Weber donated $1 for his father combining beans for him, and another $1 for the beans being “Pioneer Beans.”

• Bryan Slaba contributed $5 for receiving an Outstanding Hospital Administrator award and another $5 for his daughter’s first home purchase in Pennsylvania.

• Patty Frei gave $5 for her son Colton buying his own semi-truck.

• Jeff Doom donated $5 for his youngest daughter buying a house in Virginia.

• Alison Woods was happy to donate $5 after breaking ground for her new home.

Community Announcements If you are interested in obtaining some butternut trees, contact Dawn Schulte at 4877577 at Charles Mix Conservation District in Lake Andes for assistance.

Queen of Hearts Drawing President Jamie Soukup held the winning ticket for the Queen of Hearts but drew the five of Spades, prompting murmurs of a “fixed deal.” Soukup received a lottery ticket and won $3 on the scratch-off.

Rotary Teams and Club History

Secretary-Treasurer Craig Krsnak announced no winning team from the last quarter, as both teams were tied. New team sheets were distributed, with Jerry Weber joining the “all woman team” led by Alison Woods, and Jordan Weber assigned to the other team captained by Josua Christensen. With no winner, there will be no steak meeting next week.

Krsnak also shared documents showing the Wagner Rotary Club was incorporated in 1976. These papers were given to Linda Soukup for preservation. No recent filings for incorporation are known. Linda Soukup also smoothed out old blueprints of the Rotary building and handed them to Rotarian Jeff Doom, who plans to frame and display them in the meeting room.

Football Book Winners Krsnak announced two weeks of football book winners: Brooke Weber (sold by Jerry Weber), Matt Rustmen, and Andy Bechen (sold by Amanda Bechen). Book #17 winners for the past week were Karen Schneider and “Lucy” Juffer (Gerrit Juffer’s dog).

Featured Program: Why Join Rotary?

Rotarian Alison Woods presented her first program, sharing what inspired her to join Rotary. Encouraged by her boss, Gerrit Juffer, Alison asked many questions about Rotary’s purpose and activities. She found the organization’s community focus meaningful and fulfilling.

Alison invited fellow Rotarians to share their reasons for joining:

• Jordan Weber (sponsored by Bryan Slaba) has been a member for about five years. He values the Senior visitors, collaborating with his father Jerry, networking on projects, and developing leadership skills as past President.

• Amanda Bechen (sponsored by Linda Soukup) joined as a new business owner in 2014. She appreciates Rotary programs and meeting people through them. Amanda highlighted projects like supporting the Todd Becker Foundation for youth and interviewing longtime member Joe Stedronsky.

• Jerry and Kathe Henke met through Rotary in North Carolina after both lost their spouses. Jerry noted that Rotarians in South Dakota were always helpful. Kathe has been a Rotarian for 31 years and emphasized Rotary’s global reputation and respect.

Meeting Conclusion

The meeting concluded with the recitation of The Four-Way Test:

• Is it the TRUTH?

• Is it FAIR to all concerned?

• Will it build GOODWILL & BETTER FRIENDSHIPS?

• Will it be BENEFICIAL to all concerned?