Rotary Roundhouse, Feb 12, 2013

February 12, 2013

Happy Birthday to Abe Lincoln was born Feb 12, 1809

Chris Wistey, Editor - chriswistey@bresnan.net - Phone 223-1200

PROGRAM 

A Rotary "Mismash"

Answers to Rotary Questions You Have Always Wanted to Ask

PROGRAM HOST

District Governor Daryl Hansen

LAST WEEK’S MINUTES

 Courtesy of  Robyn Albright and Chris Wistey

                        President Alice Senter called the meeting to order.  John Kolstoe led giving the Pledge of Allegiance, followed by Alice offering a prayer of thanks for good health and asking that those who are ill recover quickly.  She also acknowledged all Rotarians for their help, requesting that everyone continue to offer assistance in any way possible.

                Student Rotarian Alex Richards, his father, is Dan, and his mother is Julie.  Student Rotarian Tyson Gerhardt-Hirsch, his father, Matthew, is a special education instructor at Sleeping Giant Middle School; and his mother, Laurie, is a sign language interpreter at Park High School.  Neal Donaldson presented Michael Chartier.  All were warmly welcomed to our meeting.

                Tyler Erickson furnished an update on A Sweet Night with Rotary to be held on Friday, February 8 at the Livingston Depot Center.  Zac’s Montana Kitchen, Rick’s on Main, The Office Lounge & Liquor Store, and The Sport are catering the cuisine with music provided by Dean Anderson at the keyboard and Two Story Ranch.  Several fine auction items will be available.  Edd Enders, The Danforth Gallery and guests will participate with on-site painting and have the art pieces available for purchase.  Tickets are available at Sax & Fryer, Montana Cup Coffee House and Bakery, The Office Lounge & Liquor Store, Livingston Area Chamber of Commerce, and The Danforth Gallery at $40 per person.  It will be a memorable evening and a lovely lead into Valentine’s Day.

                Sarah Skofield will be at the commissioners’ meeting tonight providing information on the Water Spray Park under the Public Comment section of the meeting.

                Alice recognized Buzz Mueller as having sold the most wine raffle tickets.

                Robyn Albright announced that The Grapes of Wrath, based on the novel by John Steinbeck, will be performed at the Dulcie Theatre, opening on Friday, February 8 and running for three weekends.  Tyson Gerhardt-Hirsh is coordinating the music for the production.

                John Kolstoe gave Happy Bucks sharing that every morning he checks for a tag on his toe; if there is none, it is a day to be happy and enjoy!  Alice was happy to be feeling better and at Rotary today.  Scott Wheeler said his sister is coming to town and he is happy to spend some time with her.

                Buzz Mueller reminded everyone of the Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation’s fundraising dinner scheduled for March 9 at the Park County Fairgrounds.  Zac’s Montana Kitchen will cater the meal.

                Alice mentioned the Livingston Roundup Association’s Boots and Buckle Ball on Saturday, February 16 at The Office Lounge & Liquor Store.  There will be fundraising to help with the fireworks expenses.

                Neal Donaldson introduced Michael Chartier, State Programs & Government Relations Director for The Friedman Foundation for Educational Choice.  Michael gave a brief background of the foundation.  Milton and Rose Friedman began in 1955 with an interest in education for children.  They created the foundation in 1996 to allow education for children of all income and social status and offer selections of how that education is provided.  Michael mentioned that presently there are private, charter, magnet, public, or home-school options for learning.  A Magnet school specializes in an area of school; i.e., music/art, math/sciences, or literature/English; while providing a rounded education in the other basic subjects.  Charter schools are independent public schools offering a bit more freedom and innovative approach while remaining accountable for students’ learning.  Today, there are also virtual and online opportunities for students.  Not all students learn well with standard accepted methods of teaching and they may take advantage of another way to learn matched more to that individual child’s needs.  Michael touched on some of the financing aspects for different providers of education; in some circumstances, there may be tax advantages for parents.  Though some students may forsake the public school system for alternate instruction, it has not taken a huge toll on the enrollment of public school attendance.  There is also a feeling that competition for students may incite improvements in all school types, thus benefiting the final outcome for each pupil.  Having so many choices is quite a different world for receiving an education from many of our great-grandparents’ experience of the one-room school house when a person was fortunate to receive an eighth grade level of education.  For additional information about The Friedman Foundation, visit their website at www.EdChoice.org and for a closer-to-home perspective, visit www.EducateMeMontana.org.  If you are interested in legislation regarding education, visit Montana Legislation at www.mt.gov and read what is before the Education Committee and communicate with your governmental representatives.

CALENDAR 

Feb 13 Board of Directors Meeting, Noon

Feb 19 Jane Larkin

Feb 23 Anniversary of the founding of Rotary in 1905

Feb 26 April Marsh

Mar 5   Tara McNeil

May 3-5             DISTRICT CONFERENCE - Livingston

ABRAHAM LINCOLN’S FAMOUS QUOTE

“Nearly all men can stand adversity, but if you want to test a man’s character, give him power.”