November 30, 2023
Meeting Summary
Presiding: Randi Downham
Meeting Room setup/takedown and general problem solving: Tom Mangan & Team
Inspiration:
Professor’s Quote:
Foundation Flash:
Introduction of Guests: Doug Faus
Guests: Jan Lawrence introduced former exchange student, Juliette Robert
Visiting Rotarians:
Junior Rotarians/RYLA/Young RYLA/Exchange Students: Noah and Kaiha, and Mari
Rotaract/Interact Students:
Humor: Terry Roark
Foundation Drawing: George Gill won $10 with $266 in the jackpot.
O’Dwyers Drawing: Ollie Walter
Announcements:
- Don’t forget to volunteer to work the greeting table!
- Kelly Neville gave an update on the United Way of Albany County’s campaign on Giving Tuesday. The club agreed to provide a $2,500 match. UWAC had a goal of $10,000, and brought in more than $14,000, so a great day! UWAC is already at 52% of its campaign goal without any matches. We would like 100% engagement from all Rotarians.
- Murray Schroeder updated the club on the Christmas Family service project. The club passed the can and raised over $325! Our family is two adults and three children. Sarah Brown Mathews, Hanna Eslinger, and Pam Dunnuck volunteered to shop.
- Terry Moss encouraged club members to get to know and spend time with Mari.
- Dave Hansen told the club that the holiday party will be January 11 at 6pm at O’Dwyers. It is $40 a person.
Upcoming Programs:
- Dec. 14: Youth Exchange, Marianna
Rotarian of the Week: Rollin Abernethy nominated Jean Garrison for hosting the Junior Rotarians at the last minute.
Special Presentation: Noah and Kaiha received their Junior Rotarian certificates. Tom Mangan provided a donation to the club foundation.
Songs: Andrew Wheelock
Program: UW Jazz Studies, Andrew Wheelock
Introduction: Christina Kuzmych
Dr. Andrew Wheelock with the UW Jazz Studies department performed and spoke to the club. Wheelock showed us a West African instrument that is made of unique materials. The instrument uses African mahogany, gourds, and spiderweb membrane. The spiderweb makes the instrument buzz while being played. The village believes this noise clears the aura and keeps evil spirits away.
There is a new monthly concert series in Laramie with UW. It is sponsored by the UW President’s Office. It is designed to promote communication and business engagement, while enriching and enhancing the arts community. Wheelock is hopeful it will encourage collaboration.
The first concert was in November hosted by Devine Eats. It was also a fundraiser for Laramie Interfaith.
December and January are almost nailed down and will be announced. They are still looking for businesses with resources, space, and a desire to host for February through May.
The events are flexible with the type of music. The goal is to have musicians that Laramie may not normally see. There will be jazz and UW students will open the events.
Response: Jan Lawrence
‘Response: The Rotary Club of Laramie will make a donation to the public library children’s book fund in the speaker’s name.
NOTE: We Do Not Donate a Book!
Rotary 4-way test
Of the things we think, say, or do:
•Is it the Truth?
•Is it Fair?
•Will it build Good Will and
Better Friendships?
•Will it be Beneficial to All
Concerned?
The Object of Rotary is to encourage and foster the ideal of service as a basis of worthy enterprise and, in particular, to encourage and foster:
•FIRST. The development of acquaintance as an opportunity for service;
•SECOND. High ethical standards in business and professions; the recognition of the worthiness of all useful occupations; and the dignifying of each Rotarian's occupation as an opportunity to serve society;
•THIRD. The application of the ideal of service in each Rotarian's personal, business, and community life;
•FOURTH. The advancement of international understanding, goodwill, and peace through a world fellowship of business and professional persons united in the ideal of service.
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Website: laramierotaryclub.org
Spoke Editor: Caitlin White, 307-630-1965, cwhite@acplwy.org