BRAINERD ROTARY Lisa Paxton 2002-2003

 (82) Lisa Paxton
     2002-2003

Sow the Seeds of Love was the international theme for the 2002-03 year. The Brainerd Rotary Club embraced this theme through their work plan, and followed a new committee structure that had club members leading several committees, with coaching and oversight by board members. Our Club volunteers were phenomenal – reaching or exceeding all the goals set by the Board.

 Among the goals set was a desire to expand club volunteerism and fellowship through service to others, getting to know your fellow Rotarians, serving our local community, an aggressive international project, and above all else - having fun! It was an honor and a privilege to serve as Club President and I’m thankful for the opportunity.

 Following is a partial list of accomplishments for the year:

• The club was at 145 members, with 20% women.
• The “red badge” program was introduced with new members completing a series of requirements that fast-started their engagement in the club. They wore the red name badge until they completed their requirements and then received the final white badge. Dan Hegstad, as membership chair, initiated this program. This also was the year that the Rotary Notary started and featured new and veteran club members.
• The membership committee also tackled the attendance standards for the club to encourage more consistent participation.
• Recognition of outstanding community volunteers was expanded at the monthly Club meetings, with Dan Brown coordinating. The volunteers joined the Club for lunch, were introduced, and recognized through applause and thank you gifts. Dan was recognized as the Rotarian of the Year for his work in this and club set-up each week.
• John Turcotte, who celebrated his 50th year as a Rotary member, reached out to all of the Club Axemen (anyone who visited our club at least once a year for five years becomes an Axeman, and has a designated badge). He sent letters to all of the registered Axemen across the country to try to update records.
• The Rotary Moment – reflecting and learning about Rotary – was incorporated into most club meetings, with Dave Reed and Harry Nysather coordinating.
• The Reverse Raffle dinner at Madden’s was held to raise money for the local foundation. New this year was an opportunity to sponsor a table with your business name for $100.
• Project Literacy was in its second year, with about 50 volunteers reading to elementary schools, along with foundation funding for a special literacy program in the ISD 181 district titled “Fast Forward.”
• The Interact RI Service Club for ages 14-18 began this year under Nancy Hall’s leadership.
• Mike Overton coordinated the “Straight Dope” program and engaged the Interact Club. He partnered with community leaders to help educate the public about drug abuse.
• The Club committed $10,000 over three years to support the RI Polio Plus program, with Dick Beal as cheer leader.
• The first Rotary sponsored community Easter egg hunt was held this year, with our own Paula Persons serving as the Easter Bunny, herself!
• Our international projects were  “Haiti Houses or Happy Homes” with leadership from Hans Peter Borgwarth. Our Club raised funds to build two houses at $850 each, and Hans Peter engaged other clubs and the District to build more houses. Mike Engler led a construction effort that built several models of the houses that were used to collect donations. The Club also gathered cast-off bicycles, repaired them, and coordinated transport to Haiti.
• Dr. Wayne Little was nominated by the club to serve as District Governor for Rotary District 5580 for the Rotary Year 2005-06. An unfortunate car accident that injured Wayne and Larry Riley, later caused Wayne to withdraw from the nomination. He would have been an incredible Governor.
• The annual garage sale, coordinated by Heidi Funk and Bob Musielewicz, raised over $6,000 for the local foundation.
• Don Rasmussen coordinated an Exchange Team from England.

07/03/2008