On Tuesday 7/30 at our morning meeting, we got the job done!  Books were labeled with Rotary stickers to identify our club as the source for age-appropriate books to be handed to students at the Tools for School event on August 19th and 20th.

At last Tuesday's meeting, Tonya Schmitt, president of Grow to Share, updated our club on how the organization has used the grant that we awarded them in early 2024.  While emphasizing how grateful GtS is for the support, Tonya described how Rotary's grant money has allowed the group to expand both their capabilities and capacity.  They have new solar-powered equipment for garden maintenance as well as other food handling and processing equipment, and they have an expanded garden tool inventory that allows them to host larger groups while keeping the visitors involved and busy.  They have also increased their donation locations, enabling them to get more food out to the community.

 

One important detail to note:  Tonya said that all of the equipment listed on their grant application has been purchased.

 

If you scroll down to the "download files" location in this Tidings, you can bring up a pdf of several of the "meatiest" slides in Tonya's presentation.  Size limitations prevented downloading the entire presentation.

Service Opportunities Coming Up This Fall:  Now that school is back and summer is over, our club looks forward to times when we can be people of action, putting service above self (how's that for stringing together Rotary principles?).  What's coming, you ask:  Rotary Readers, Highway Cleanup, Veteran's Park Cleanup, and then in October we will be collecting contributions for the annual holiday backpack program support.  Details to come at meetings and in future Tidings.

 

Looking for Host Families for 2024-25:   Elaine is seeking one more host family for our club's incoming exchange student, a 15-year-old girl from Spain.  Requirements are pretty basic, rewards are extensive.  Please click Read More below for the full announcement and details.  

 

 

Grow to Share Upcoming Programs:  As part of the presentation, Tonya Schmitt invited us to these upcoming events:

-- Powered by Electricity (at UWRF North Hall) -- Saturday Sept. 28th, 10 AM - 12 Noon

-- Fall Fest (including equipment):  Saturday October 19th 10 AM - 12 Noon

About the Presentation: Mark Turbak told our club about the recovery hub in Hudson that represents Hazelden Betty Ford's expansion across the river from Minnesota into western Wisconsin.  During his presentation, Mark provided a lot of useful and thought-provoking information on addiction and its effects on individuals and their families.  His talk was very interactive, resulting in interesting comments from our members.  Click Read More to learn more about Mark Turbak.

This Week's Joke of the week (This one's for Elaine, as a nod to her past):   

Q: How do you make a bandstand?

A:  Take away their chairs!