A Rip-Roarin’ Good Time, and The Rotary Foundation Wins!
A generous gang of 25 Rotarians and non-Rotarians enjoyed a rip-roarin’ good time at the home of Maria and Martin Kidner on Friday night in a ‘20s-themed fundraiser for The Rotary Foundation. President John Brown and Will Almas took first place in a pool “tournament” in the Kidners’ newly renovated speakeasy, there were raffles and silent auction items, and everyone enjoyed sampling several Wyoming whiskeys after a pulled pork dinner. Now, a drum roll, please: The party raised more than $1,900 for The Rotary Foundation! Thank you, Maria and Martin!!
Foundation Giving – We’re on a Roll!
Our club is on an end-of-Rotary-year roll with Annual Fund giving to The Rotary Foundation! As of Friday (May 15), we stood at $9,903, easily surpassing President John Brown’s $9,000 goal for the year. With other contributions in the works, and after the fun and unique ‘20s-themed fundraiser at the Kidners’ on Friday night, we are rolling toward $12,000 for the year! At least six members will receive first-time and multiple Paul Harris Fellow recognitions at the Gavel Exchange in Riverton on June 10. Those members are receiving additional PHF upgrades as a result of our “2X Recognition Points” campaign that ended on April 30.
Two Students Selected for Club Scholarships
Keigann Watson and Paulina Harris, seniors at Lander Valley High School, have been selected by the Service Committee’s Scholarship Subcommittee to receive the Club’s $1,500 and $500 college scholarships (respectively) this year. Keigann plans to attend Casper College and hopes to obtain a degree in radiologic technology and to eventually specialize in nuclear medicine. Paulina is focusing on a career in occupational therapy and plans to attend either Black Hills State University or the University of Wyoming. Kelly Baxter chaired the Scholarship Subcommittee and was assisted by Era Aranow, Helen Higby, Shelby Rohrbacher, and Marit Sawyer in reviewing a total of five excellent applications.
Mark Your Calendars: Gavel Exchange, June 10, in Riverton
Plan now to attend the annual Gavel Exchange held jointly with Riverton Rotary. This year’s event will be held June 10, starting at 5:30 p.m. at the Reach Club House, 622 N. 8th Street in Riverton. Details and prices to follow. Here’s a chance to:
- Celebrate another year of Lander Rotary successes
- Celebrate numerous Paul Harris awards to fellow Rotarians
- Celebrate the launching of our 2026-27 officers, led by President-elect George Case
- (Help) Celebrate Jerry’s and Cassy’s wedding anniversary (#37)!
Start Thinking July 4 Rotary BBQ and Volunteering!
For more than 40 years, our Rotary BBQ has been a staple of July 4th in Lander – and of course it will be back this year! The Low Water String Band will again provide the music in City Park, and Pushroot Brewery will be back with its great beer selection! Serving lines will open at 11:30 a.m. and close at 2:30 p.m., and lots of work will have to be done before and after those times. George Case and Shelby Rohrbacher will lead the event this year, and volunteers and more volunteers will be needed to make it a success. Watch for sign-up sheets coming soon.
