Weekly Updates from President Wertzberger

My Fellow Rotarian;

Good afternoon!  Well today was the first time since February I broke out my gloves and winter coat.  I am not ready for a wintery 17 degrees like it was this morning!  Heck I’m just getting used to highs in the 50s!  It reminded me of growing up in Northeastern Iowa where if we didn’t have snow on the ground by Thanksgiving we thought we were in for a “warm” winter.  Me thinks days like this don’t bode well for a mild winter.  Oh well..

As I mentioned in the previous e-mail November is Rotary Foundation month and the opportunity to kick start our goal of $100 per member for this Rotary year.

And what a kick start we had as we had in attendance Sean Allen from Rotary International who serves as the Senor Major Gifts Officer.  Sean attended at the invitation of Bill Richter.  Sean addressed us on the continued good works that Rotary International does throughout the world and how our gifts to the Foundation make it all possible.

Art DeGroat, Tony Nichols, and Tom Fryer were selling breakfast tickets to the Veterans Day Breakfast at the American Legion.  I remarked from the podium to have our Veterans stand and be recognized.  What a great sight to see so many that have proudly served our country. 

I also remarked how I got to see a presentation put on by the Honor Flight folks whose mission is to provide a free trip to the World War II memorial in Washington D.C.   I recognized Tom Fryer as one of the guardians who have gone to assist.  He then pointed out fellow Rotarian Charlie Hall recently went on an honor flight.  At the end of our meeting Charlie raised his hand and requested to speak to us.  He told us that it was a trip he will treasure forever and it was his honor to be selected to lay a wreath at the tomb of the Unknown Soldier.  That was flat out fantastic to hear! 

Our guest speaker was Aaron Harries, Director of Marketing for the Kansas Wheat Innovation Center.  He gave us a history of wheat in the State of Kansas and how Kansas is the center for wheat for the entire world!  He also showed us pictures of their new facility on Kimball Ave. and offered an open invitation for us to come and receive a tour.

This coming Thursday in keeping with our Rotary Foundation theme, our guest speaker will be Kevin Tubbesing past District Governor and current District Rotary Foundation Chair.

Oh and this just in…we were just awarded a $30,000 Global Rotary Grant for Christian Cruz for work in Guatemala!   This is our second grant awarded to us this Rotary year!  Thanks to Betty Stevens and her committee for all their great effort!

See you all for lunch Thursday!

Dick

Dick Wertzberger

President

Manhattan Rotary 2013-14

Engage Rotary  Change Lives!