The January 23, 2019 Rotary meeting was called to order with the ringing of the bell by President Jerry Weber. Pastor Laurie led in prayer. Welcome was extended to our guests: Pastor Bill Herrmann and his wife Sue; and Chad and Lisa Peters (also our program). 18 Rotarians were present with 4 guests joining us.

Ken C. shared the Membership moment by sharing an article regarding the development of future world leaders. For Vanessa Picker, a policy professional living in Sydney, Australia, it was the opportunity to upskill what first attracted her to graduate education. She had made the 10,000 mile journey to Oxford in October 2016, after being offered a place on the MCS in Evidence-Based Social Intervention and Policy Evaluation. It’s an opportunity she would have struggled to accept had it not been for a Rotary Scholarship.

The Rotary Scholarship Program was established at Oxford in 1949, with the aim of fostering international interaction and understanding. The program provides funding to graduate students working in 6 priority areas, including peace and conflict resolution; disease prevention and treatment; and economic and community development.

Like Vanessa, Mark Loong received a scholarship while studying for a Master of Public Policy last year. He had also spent a number of years in employment before pursuing graduate education. After being admitted as lawyer in 2012, he worked for the Attorney Generals Dept. in Australia, and later went on to establish his own social enterprise. Oxford offered him the opportunity to reflect on past work, and draw his varied experiences together. Without the financial support provided by the scholarship, Mark would have been forced to turn down his offer to study at Oxford.

During their time at Oxford, Rotary Scholars are assigned to an experienced Rotarian host and invited to attend regular events and talks at their local club. They also have the opportunity to engage in some of the organization’s community service initiatives.

Rotarian Laurie K. then led the group in singing “Roll Rotary.”

Ticket #789 was drawn for the Queen of Hearts, which was held by Scott M. However, he drew the Queen of Diamonds so no luck!

Sect./Treas. Report by Patty F.

Queen of hearts collected $20 making the pot a total of $313.

The membership attendance race is as follows: Henke team had 2 misses today making their total misses 6. Frei team had 1 miss today making their total misses 4. Tight race!

A sympathy card was given to Rotarian Laurie K. following the death of her father last Friday.

Sect./Treas. Patty F. presented the Rotary Citizen of the Year Certificate to Chad Peters (once again) and shared the reading she shared at the Community Gala Friday the

18. Some of the comments she made was that Chad serves others above himself – always. He would reply, “It’s just my job!” Chad cares for the entire community as well as the Avon and Springfield communities.

Bill Frei, Chairman for this meeting, introduced his program, Chad Peters of Peters Funeral Home (once Crosby-Jaeger Funeral Home).

Chad thanked the Rotary club for the honor and humbly said “I am no greater a citizen than anyone here in this room or in this community. It means a lot to be appreciated by the community.” Chad and Lisa had purchased all 3 funeral homes (Wagner, Avon and Springfield) in May of 2018. People know the business as Crosby-Jaeger but will be entitled Peters Funeral Home. Chad shared that he has a note near his office desk that reads: “This is not just another funeral!” He tries to live by that saying. He has been in the funeral business 29 years now.

Rotarians asked various questions which Chad answered such as: the average amounts of deaths last year was about 110/112. The highest was 3 years ago at 140. The lowest was 85 many years ago. Chad does all the embalming himself. The cremation process has increased in percentage over the years: 5 years ago 28%; now 39% request cremation. Tyndall now has a crematory which makes it much more accessible for Chad. It was asked if family can spread ashes anywhere they wish. Chad commented that the State of SD has very loose laws for spreading ashes.

Right now their staff is just Chad and his wife, Lisa. There are a couple of men who do assist at the actual visitations and funeral services.

President Jerry thanked Chad for the program then had all Rotarians stand and closed in our usual fashion by singing “My Country ‘Tis of Thee.”

We were then adjourned.