At last week's meeting Rick Wilson reviewed our 24-25 River Falls Rotary budget.  Anyone interested who missed the meeting can email rkerfwilson@gmail.com to ask questions or get a copy of the slides.  A few main points:  1) budgeting for club operations will assume that membership level stays the same; 2) all club members need to think about membership and who might be a good fit for our club; 3) because of the pandemic "pause", we have adequate funds for the Pavilion project; 4) the District Grant has provided significant financial support, reducing the amount that needs to come from our club account.

While the Rotarians and guests enjoyed some excellent New Orleans-style food including jambalaya and beignets, Ezekiel's youth group leaders and youth participants told us about the ELCA Youth Gathering 2024, which took place in New Orleans with over 16,000 attendees in July. Themed "Created to Be," it emphasized embracing individuality and building relationships amid crises, encouraging participants to be brave, authentic, free, and just. Discussions on justice, mental health, and anti-racism fostered community and sanctuary. Supported by the River Falls Rotary, Ezekiel’s youth fund enabled 17 youth and 4 adults to attend this inspiring event. The meal money Rotary pays for breakfasts and lunches funds youth activities, and the leaders expressed their gratitude for the support that this arrangement provides.  It's a true win-win for Ezekiel and River Falls Rotary.

 

In addition, we will had visits from three short-term exchange students.  Participants in this relatively new Rotary exchange program shared their experiences with us.  Due to limited prep time, this story is on the short side.  The editorial staff will attempt to provide more details next week.

Annual LIFT Project Update:  Arden Hills/Shoreview Rotarian Dave Newman, who has led our District's LIFT initiative for 13 years, provided our club with an update on LIFT, the district-wide economic development program in rural Nicaragua.  LIFT is an acronym for Listen, Inquire, Facilitate, and Transform, and its approach is to facilitate local buy-in, ownership, and sustained management of projects to eliminate extreme poverty.  The district 5960 website has a thorough description and review of LIFT; the link is here:  https://www.rotary5960.org/district-projects/lift/.  Click Read More for the rest of the story and to learn about Dave Newman.

 

 

Reminder.  There will be no meeting on Tuesday December 24th.

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!