Rotary club met Wednesday, January 29, 2020 at noon for lunch with meeting to follow.

Rotary members and guests enjoyed a meal consisting of breaded pork chop, broccoli/cauliflower medley, mashed potatoes and gravy, rolls, cole slaw, and dessert.

The business meeting was “rung” to order by President Bill Frei. Pastor Bill H. led everyone in prayer.

Guests: we enjoyed the presence of two seniors from high school: Grant Namminga and Brayden Carda. Also present as a guest of Amanda B.’s was her Associate Kristina Rmker.

Rotary minute was shared by Ken C. He had shared this article before but felt it was worth repeating! Rotary club singing is a very important part of Rotary gatherings. Harry Ruggels, who began this tradition, would hop up on a chair and encourage everyone to sing with gusto!

Song leader, Laurie K. (who did NOT jump up on a chair!) led the group in singing “My Bonnie Lies Over the Ocean” and continued learning a new Rotary song simply called: “Rotary”

Queen of Hearts ticket drawing winner was Frances D., tix #39, but drew 9 of spades.

Sect. /Treas. Report: Had one make-up turned in: Linda S. Pastor Bill’s team had three absent today – total absent to date: eight.Pastor Laurie’s team had one absent today – total absent to date: six. Collected $18.00 for Queen of Hearts. Total is up to: $279.00

Other business:

• Pastor Laurie brought pledge forms for those who would like to give to the Helping Hands project at the school.

• The Club will host a dinner/fundraiser Sat. Feb. 22 in the evening at Two Spurs with monies made from a Silent Auction to go to the Helping Hands project.

• Ideas needed for a donation to the District Raffle. Must know by Feb. 1

Craig K. presented a program on Pheasants Forever. This is a program that isn’t just about hunting, or getting pheasants back into the habitat, but also about conservation and the habitat. It’s also about mentoring youth as well as adults.

Some statistics from 2018 were shared: they have over 150,000 members; diverse staff – including more than 150 wildlife biologists; more than 700 local chapters; and theyhavemanynon-governmental, governmental, non-profit and corporate partners.

They are able to use their monies as needed – making sure to justify when used for habitat, conservation and youth. They donate to Fire Depts., Gun clubs, Pollenator’s, etc. They will be offering 2 youth hunts this year (one is the end of March).

Craig also offered free membership to the two Seniors who were present there today – encouraging them to bring friends and family.

Certification/licensing has gone down from 16 million in 1980 to 15 million as of 2016.

“Women on the Wing” is a new program for women to gather and get more involved: as Craig put it – Women, Wine and Wild Game! It’s a 2 day event where they hunt, clean, share in dinner together – NO MEN ALLOWED! Had good attendance.

Pheasants Forever Vision: It’s Pheasants Forever’s vision that current and future generations of hunters and conservationists are able to enjoy abundant populations of wild pheasants, quail and other wildlife.

With no other announcements, the meeting was adjourned and we closed in our usual fashion by singing: “My Country ‘Tis of Thee”