"The Magic of Rotary” will be Rotary International’s presidential theme in 2024-25, President-elect Stephanie Urchick announced at Rotary’s International Assembly.  She told the incoming 2024-25 District Governors: “We are not going to end polio or bring peace to the world by waving a wand and saying some funny words... It’s up to you. You create the magic with every project completed, every dollar donated, and every new member.”  This will be the last presidential theme; Rotary International has decided to discontinue having them after 2025. 

 

Over the last several weeks, the Board of Directors has heard concerns from several members about the religious nature of some inspirations offered at our weekly meetings.  We all know that Rotary includes members of widely diverse political and religious beliefs, and also that it is a non-political, non-religious organization.  After much discussion, the Board has adopted the following guideline for the giving of the weekly inspiration:

 

The Lander Rotary Club will once again award a first-year, $1,500 college scholarship to a service-oriented Lander high school senior in 2024.  To be eligible, applicants must be students at Lander Valley High School, Pathfinder High School or enrolled in a home-school program. “This is a unique scholarship based primarily on the service activities of the student, and secondarily on academic achievements,”  Maria Kidner, co-chair of the club’s Service Committee, said. The application deadline is March 31, 2024.  The application can be found on the Club Website, https://landerrotary.org/. 

 

Our club’s service project to send cell phone chargers to Ukraine is being taken up by the Kansas City Plaza Rotary Club, where Cassy Venters is a member (she’s an Honorary Member of our club).  Ken Schreuder, who has led our club’s project, will collaborate with the Kansas City Rotarians to help them get started.  Our club has shipped 36 converted solar panels to Ukraine and has money on hand for 12 more. Ken is looking for businesses and organizations to sponsor more panels.  If you know of any prospects, please let Ken know!

 

Thirty-six Lander Rotarians generated more than $2,000 in their bell-ringing efforts for the Salvation Army in December, and our club helped collect 50 winter coats that were donated to First Stop Help Center.  Thank you to all who helped in these worthwhile projects!

 

                                          ____________________________________