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The Lander Rotary Club's annual July 4th Rotary BBQ in City Park was a grand success this year! More than 1040 plates were served -- an increase of 15% over last year -- and the gross income was more than $15,000, not including the club's portion of concession sales (beer and ice cream). Expenses are still preliminary, but it appears our net income should be in the range of $5,000, about the same as last year.

In addition, members and others contributed $7,500 in sponsorships that will be dedicated to the club’s service projects. Kudos to Past President Ron Fossen and President-elect George Case (2026-27) for a fabulous job in leading the BBQ Committee and the Club in making this event so successful!!

(Pictures here and in the Photo Albums in the right-side panel compliments of Therese McGill and Frances Reddis, members of the Kansas City-Plaza Rotary Club who not only took pictures but worked in the serving line, too!)

Art Auction Nets $4,845, Will Provide 32 More Solar Chargers for Ukraine

The Club's district-wide Art Auction and Raffle to raise money for sending more cell phone chargers to the Ukrainian people netted $4,845, Ken Schreuder, the project leader, has announced. That's enough to purchase at least 38 more solar panels, convert them to solar cell phone chargers, and ship them to schools, hospitals, Rotary clubs, and others in war-torn Ukraine, where the electrical grid has been devastated by Russian bombing and missile attacks over the last three-plus years.

"While the Auction and Raffle failed to reach our goal, it was still a win," Schreuder said, "because it enables the club to send almost 40 more cell phone chargers to Ukraine."

The art piece that produced the highest bid was "Wind River Canyon," by Noelle Weimann, which sold in the silent auction for $1,500. (Pictured heree) The second most popular piece was "Heart of the Winds," a photograph on metal by Scott Copeland, which sold for $1,200.

Work will begin soon to convert the additional solar panels to cell phone chargers, he said. Thanks to Ken and all others who worked hard to make the fundraiser a success!

Officers and Directors Inducted, Paul Harris Presentations Made at Annual Gavel Exchange

Officers and Directors for 2025-26 were inducted and three Lander Club members were surprised with presentations of Paul Harris Fellow recognitions and certificates at the Annual Gavel Exchange at the Inn of Lander on June 18. The annual dinner was attended by more than 20 club members and their guests.

Pictured, from right:

John Brown, Club President

George Case, Club President-elect

Marit Snow Sawyer, Secretary

Lisa Dawson, Director and RYLA Chair

Cori Slingerland, Director and LCF Liaison

Jerry Venters, Director and Foundation Committee Chair

In recognition of their exceptional Service Above Self to the club and its various undertakings over the years, special Paul Harris Fellow presentations were made (from left) to Ken Schreuder for his service as Club Secretary and initiator and leader of the solar cell phone project for Ukraine; Mike Lilygren for his past service as Club President, Club Treasurer, Rotary BBQ Chair, and overall "Mike-of-all-trades" for the club; and Michelle Motherway, for her years of service in providing catered meals for many club functions, including the annual Gavel Exchange, the Rotary BBQ, and other special events. Congratulations Ken, Mike, and Michelle!

Polio Update - July 7 2025

"Rotarians are Writing a Different Story;" PolioPlus takes center stage at Rotary Convention in Calgary

As thousands of Rotarians from around the world gathered at the Rotary International Convention in Calgary, Alberta, Canada, last month, Rotary and the Gates Foundation announced an extended partnership to end polio for good with an injection of nearly half a billion dollars into the effort. Bill Gates and WHO Director-General Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus both addressed the convention, and thanked Rotarians for their tireless efforts to helping eradicate polio and showing that “in a world where division and despair too often dominate the headlines, Rotarians are writing a different story: That change is possible. That equity is possible. That peace is possible.” Watch a video summary (one minutre) of the DG’s speech here and his full speech here.

2025 Wild Polio Case Total 14 - Afghanistan 2 - Pakistan 12

2024 Wild Polio Case Total 98 - Afghanistan 25 - Pakistan 73