August 23, 2012

Attendance: Reed, Tom, Jaime, Tammie, Phil M., Mike, Jeff
Guest: Jason Breuer
50/50 Jaime
District Officer will be present at September 20 meeting.

Tom updated the group on plans for a membership drive. The district membership chairman will be a guest at one of our meetings in late September or early October. Tom created some prospective membership forms and handed them out to those present, requesting that members complete the forms and offer up names for potential new members. Setting a goal of 15 new members - we currently have 13 members. If you are not willing to contact your nominee, Tom can help, but the preferred method is for each of us to contact our nominees after they are brought forward to the group. Tom will bring some talking points to the next meeting that we can use when asked what is Rotary. Jeff also had a good idea of using the four-way test card to help explain Rotary service. Tom is going to look into ordering the membership kit from Rotary. Many prospective members will ask how much it costs. Meals are $7.00 each week and the district dues are about $70 annually.

In other news:
Highway 11 project. Paving starts 8/24 to 8/27. They are hoping to have all blacktop down by Friday, 8/31.

Reed will coordinate the dictionary project - serving: Rainy, Indus, LOW 3rd grade classes.

Fishing tournament seemed to go well and will be back next year. Teaching staff will be back to work starting August 27. Tuesday, August 28 is open house for elementary from 4-6 and 7th grade and new high school student orientation from 7-9.

Tom talked about a project that he is involved in through the Blandid Foundation. They award grants to communities to expand high speed broadband internet. A grant writer from the Northwest Community Action group is assisting the group apply for the grant, which is due mid-October.

Update on Theater Fundraising Project for new digital projector:
The Grand Theater is already finding it hard to get film copies of new release movies as the transition to digital is underway. The Baudette Community Foundation Board got word that the project did get approved for a interest free loan (for five years) from Catholic Health Initiatives. The quote that was received for the new digital projector is at $68,000. They hope to install the new projector system in middle to late October so they can be ready for the big holiday releases. A virtual print fee system will be implemented by the movie industry to help defer the cost of the new projection system - the movie industry is saving money by not having to produce film and this system is how they are giving some of those savings back to the theaters. Movies will be delivered on a hard drive and theaters will have an added requirement to have a ticket printing system so the industry can review how many people were in attendance.

So far, the Baudette Community Foundation has raised $20,000 and they are in talks with the City of Baudette and Lake of the Woods County. The group has also done some research for grant opportunities.


Management at the theater resigned. Currently Boyd Johnson and Deb Vaagen are co-managing the theater and looking at stream lining its operations.

There will be a garage sale at the Breuer's residence to benefit the theater on 9/15. Donations are welcome.

Would rotary be interested in helping the Baudette Community Foundation Board with a fundraising event? Possibly a New Years event?

June 28 -

Attendance: Ralph, Jaime, Marty, Phil T., Phil M., Tammie, Gloriann, Reed
50/50: Phil. M



The 50th Anniversary went well at Ballard's Resort. Four guests came from International Falls. Remember to sell your bobber tickets and get your sold tickets to Mike Larson. Bobber race will be held on July 4th.

Feed for the traveling bicycle on July 12.
New superintendent starts at Lake of the Woods School next Monday, Phil to go meet with him - he was an active Rotary member in International Falls.
Ralph to start in Crookston as interim-superintendent on Monday.
Health care reform upheld by a vote of 5-4.

May 24 - Lunch Club at the Brink Center

Attendance: Ralph, Jack, Phil T., Tammie, Ann, Mike, Jaime, Tom,
50/50 Draw: Tom
Happy Bucks: Phil T. (3), Chris (3), Mike, Jack, Tammie, Ann


Club planning guide. Submitting it similar to the plan we had for last year. 50 year celebration coming up in June on the 29th. Starting next week we will start the planning process we will invite International Falls Rotary Club as they sponsored our club.

Reminder, TAKF is on June 20th and Rotary will be sponsoring the event.

Mike, Phil and Jaime attended the Interact meeting on Tuesday. Mike and Phil talked to the group about TAKF, and the Clementson way-side rest project. We also reminded the group that the RYLA applications are due by June 1 and a need for one interested student for the camp is needed.

Blue Gills stocked in a fishing pond at Zipple Bay Park. The pond is located next to the swimming beach to the left of the flowing well.

Mike took a camping trip last weekend and found two deer ticks upon his return.

Chris shared information on the Lunch Club at the Brink Center.

Senior Nutrition Program at Lake of the Woods County. Chris is a chair of the community board for the meals on wheels and the lunch club at the Brink Center. The meal services are prepared for by the Lutheran Social Services group. Meals on Wheels will deliver meals to people we can not leave or have difficulty leaving their homes or have difficulty preparing or getting food on their own. Meals and Wheels is a valuable program for our community, thousands of meals go out each year for this program. Meals are also available at noon during Monday-Friday at the Brink Center - meals are sometimes accompanied with educational programs. You do not have to be 60 or older to eat there. If you are able to pay - those below the senior age pay $6.50 while seniors pay $3.50. If you are unable to pay the board will

Rib Fest - last year cooked 230lbs of ribs and ran out in an hour - this year on Friday, June 1 cooking 300lbs of ribs and offering at the Brink Center and the Moose from 5pm to 7pm. Free-will donations are being accepted and funds will go to support the Meals on Wheels and the Lunch Club at the Brink Center.

May 17, 2012

In attendance: Dave, Tammie, Marty, Mike, Ralph, Jaime, Tom
Guest: Dan Ganter from the International Falls Rotary Club
50/50: Ralph - fourth time in a row!!

Happy Bucks: Ralph, Tom, Dan, Mike, Jaime, Tammie, Marty, Dave

Oil painting class starting this Friday at the school - sponsored by the region 2 arts council.
Dinner and wine tasting meal on June 7 at 6:00 pm at Rosealies cost is $25.
50th Aniversary of Baudette Rotary in June need to plan a celebration.


We did a survey and reviewed ad messages/logos for the prevention coalition project.

It is Tammie's wedding anniversary today - 15 years.

May 10, 2012

In attendance: Dave, Reed, Chris, Jaime, Mike, Marty, Jack, Ralph, Tammie
Guest: Clint Halverson - MN Fire Marshal
50/50 Draw: Ralph (again)
Happy Buck: Ralph, Marty, Chris, Mike, Dave, Tammie
Marty had program for this day but was unsuccessful at securing a guest.


Clint is making a mandatory visit to Lake of the Woods School for inspection. He has been with the state office for 23 years. This division of the state is also charged to follow-up on safety procedures other than fire including; weather events and threats made towards the school.

Jaime will be presenting the scholarship at graduation.

Zippel Bay trails were trimed to angelers park to better accomodate RVs and boats. Campsites were graveled in angelers park. The Zippel Bay Group presented to the Legacy Funds - but those funds are already being allocated to other projects. It was advised to look into bonding dollars. Chris mentioned the aboundance of posion ivy around the campsites. Ralph mentioned the need for new picnic tables at Garden Island.

City has plans to rehabiliate Out Back Jax with super fund dollars.

DNR has a blind that you can reserve to watch sharp tail drum.

Beverage server training was held through the prevention coalition.

May 3 - Lake of the Woods County Child Support

In attendance: Dave, Jack, Marty, Ralph, Mike, Gloriann, Reed, Jaime, Phil M.
Guest: Craig Severs
50/50: Ralph
Happy Bucks: Ralph, Jack, Marty, Phil, Mike, Gloriann, Reed

The Monday night meal raised about $400 with just over 100 meals served.
Thanks to Brenda Wahl and Mary Marhula for stepping in to help us out!

The club put forth three names to provide to the Dollars For Scholars Committee for the Rotary Scholarship. We will readdress who will give out the scholarship at our next meeting.

Becoming an Outdoors Woman (BOW) event at Sportsman's Lodge this weekend, 14 women going sturgeon fishing.

Next Interact meeting is May 22. This will be the last meeting of the school year, might be nice to have a few members of Rotary meet with them on this day. Phil T. or Mike could present a little information on Take A Kid Fishing to help the group decide if they want to commit to volunteer for the event.

Craig Severs is our program for this day. He is a Lake of the Woods High School Graduate and is the current Child Support Officer at Lake of the Woods County. Craig has a degree in Law Enforcement. Craig worked for four years as a Senior Youth Treatment Specialist in Duluth. Craig, his son and girl friend moved up here about a year ago for employment opportunities. Craig replaced Rita Krouse at the County.

Lake of the Woods ranks second in the state for the amount of child support dollars collected - compared to the amount that is court ordered.

Child support is money a parent is court-ordered to pay to their child's other parent or caregiver for the support of the child. Child support agencies provide services for: locating parents, establishing parentage, establishing court orders for basic support, medical support and child care support, enforcing court orders for support, reviewing and modifying court orders for support, working with other states to enforce support when one parent does not live in Minnesota, and collecting and processing payments.

There are 168 current cases in the county. When determining amounts to be paid - income from both parties are taken into consideration.

April 26 - No Program

In attendance: Reed, Ralph, Jack, Chris, Phil T., Jaime, Dave, Tammie, Ann

Monday, April 30 Dinner - who is helping:
Dave, Jaime, Chris, Jack, Phil M., Mike, Ralph (clean-up), Reed

Donation Box For Dinner - Jaime to bring

Rotary gave $100 to Willie Walleye and $150 to Fourth of July events. Extra funds might be distributed to the fall events.

Tom Heinrich at the DNR likes the Rotary Ruler idea and is looking into them for us. It would be a new fundraiser for the Rotary Club.

Jack is interested in a report on the financial status of the club and a look back at the different activities that we have supported over the years.

Phil M. gets fined for not being here for his Sgt. at Arms duties.

Happy Bucks: Dave, Tammie, Chris, Reed, Ann

50/50: Ralph

Friends of Zippel Bay did a clean-up last Saturday and found a large amount garbage from the ice fishing season. There may be a need for the resorts to provide dumpsters on the ice to help control the waste.

No program for this day.
Reed provided a report on the 180 Tour at the school. The program was well received. It provided a good discussion about building relationships with classmates and being OK with each others differences. Attendance was between 500-600 for the evening program and concert.

Sturgeon

In attendance: Reed, Gloriann, Ralph, Dave, Tom, Chris, Phil T., Tammie, Jaime, Marty and Phil M. 50/50 Draw: Phil Miller Motion made to desotry old banner board that was stored in the basement of the Ranch House - APPROVED Motion made to donate $900 to Dollars For Scholars - APPROVED Motion made to donate a total of $400 to Baudette LOW Chamber for Willie Walleye Day and Fourth of July Celebrations - APPROVED Reed had a birthday yesterday. Phill Miller provided Spaghetti Dinner flyers to distribute. We will plan for 200 people. Rotary members need to bring a pan of bars to donate for dessert. Jaime will contact McDonalds about getting a donation of cooler and juice. Tom Henrich is our program for today and our topic is the Sturgeon population. The decline and recovery of Lake Stureon in the Rainy River - Lake of the Woods. Commerical Lake Sturgeon Harvested in 1888-1940. The Sturgeon cannot maintain a large harvest. Two markets - eggs for caviar and isinglass for clarifying beer and wine. Much of the flesh was wasted. 1918 was the last year the harvest exceeded 10,000 pounds. Papermills opened in International Falls in 1910 and Fort Frances in 1914. Water quality in the Rainy River quickly got poor. A large population increase took place in the 1950's - this also added to the poor water quality. In 1914 a report was made that the Rainy River was an unsafe source of water supply without very careful purification, just four years after the papermills opened. In 1942, the Rainy River is badly polluted with the waste from the papermills. The spawning beds have been long since buried under blankets of pulp fiber. 1939-1943 - only seven sturgeon were observed 1955 - sewage treatment plant in International Falls 1964 - sewage treatment plan in Fort Frances for primary treatment 1970 - International Falls mill primary treatment of mill effluent 1971 - Fort Frances mill primary treatment of mill effluent The worst water quality based on BOD5 was in 1960. By 1985 the BOD5 had leveled off. In 1990, annual sturgeon sampling started in Minnestoa- we have caught fish that have hatched back in 1950. The largest number hatched in 1980. Sturgeon spawn in May - early June in shallow rapids. Water temp of 13-18 C

Custom Fishing Rods by Ralph

Attendance: Mike, Reed, Jaime, Chris, Phil T., Phil M., Marty, Ann, Jack, Ralph and guest: Bev and Tina
50/50 Draw: Phil M.
Happy Buck: Jack, Reed, Tina, Phil T., Chris, (2) Phil M., Ann, Mike, Jaime,

Discussion on the possible early open of this years fishing opener.
The spaghetti feed will be at the school on April 30th just before the mixed blood theater presentation. The dinner will be from approximately 4:30 pm to 7:00 pm. Each member should bring a pan of bars or cookies for desserts.

285 dozen roses were sold. It was suggested that we do roses for valentines day because there is no full-time florists in the area.
Bobber cooler ready to go for the regional conference.
Phil M. made a motion to donate $100 to 180 tour. Phil T. second. All in favor. Jaime will contact Sara Jeanne to provide logo.


Ralph:
Asked about fishing rods with guides placed around the rod not straight down the rod. The new design has the guides starting at the top of the rod and ending up on the bottom. The concept is to avoid line rubbing. The new design may not be the best option for casting but works well in other situations to project the fishing rod. Many rods are build in factories and attention is not paid to the spine of the rod. In the rod building class at the school we learn that the spine of the rod is important and you pay attention to it while building.

Ralph displayed ways to decorate the rods - his example was a butt wrap. This technique makes the rod special for gift giving.
Ralph had a collection of ice fishing rods that he designed, one was constructed with a broken pool cue. Ralph also demonstrated a custom ice rod that fishes on its own, the design prevents the rod from getting pulled into the hole.


On another note:
A new superintendent will be in place at Lake of the Woods School this coming July.

The Rotary was introduced to a new fish measuring tape for a boat. We may market them as Rotary Rulers - a new fundraiser.

March 29 - Chamber of Commerce

In attendance: Dave, Ralph, Reed, Chris, Phil M, Phil T, Jaime, Mike, Ann, Mike and Karoline.

50/50: Karoline

Request for donation for the 180 Tour.
Request for donation for the Warroad Summer Theater.
Request for donation for Willie Walleye Day and Fourth of July from Chamber.

Phil M. will start working on the spring spaghetti feed with the ECFE.

There will be enforcement from the DNR for invasive water species make sure the boats are drained of all water or expect a ticket.

Baudette-Lake of the Woods Chamber of Commerce

Agressive Calendar for 2012/2013:

April 2012
Coast Gaurd Auxillary Boat Safety Class.

Saturday, May 5:
Fourth of July Picnic in May 5. The fireworks crew will be working the event.

Saturday, June 2:
Willie Walleye Day will be on June 2. A day for the kids. Six different rented inflatables/activites coming in for this year. Music and family entertainment. 9:00 am to 5:00 pm. A 5K will also be on the schedule.

Thursday, Friday and Saturday, June 14-16:
Kicken Up Kountry Music Festival. Chamber sponsors the event and has a booth to sponsor the area.

Wednesday, July 4:
Fourth of July will be on a Wednesday this year and all the events will be on Wednesday on July 4. The night will end with the fireworks starting just after 10:00 pm. A 5K will also be on the schedule of events. Always looking for parade entries. Rotary will have the bobber race again this year.

Saturday, July 28:
Crazy Dazes

Saturday, September 29:
Fall Fest - Contests, Food and possible 5K.

Saturday, November 17:
Frost Fest - need parade sponsors!! - to coorespond with the extranvaganza at the school. The fireworks will return:)

March 22, 180 Tour to come to Baudette

Attendance: Reed, Jaime, Phil, Dave, Chris, Gloriann, Phil M., Guest: Curt Storebeck
Phil T. needs some assistance on Wednesday, March 28 to help deliver.

50/50 Draw: Phil T.
Happy Bucks: Phil T., Chris, Phil M., Dave.
Fines: Reed, missed his Sgt. at Arms Duty and forgot his pin; Jaime, forgot her pin; Gloriann forgot her pin.

www.180tour.com - Promotional Video: http://180tour.com/180-tour-video/
Coming to Lake of the Woods School on Wednesday, April 25.
Day assembly at the school and an evening concert at 7:00 pm.

The program is being coordinated through Pioneer Youth Center, Tammie Doebler, Curt Storebeck and Reed McFarlane. Pioneer Youth Center is a 501C3, donations to the program are tax deductible. The group is budgeting $9,000 for the program. The group is 1/3 of the way to their fundraising goal.

March 8, Mike Larson, Zippel Bay Resort

Marty, Mike, Tammie, Jaime, Reed, Steve Wymore (guest)


Ann will be coordinating the rose sales as Mike will be gone. Keep her updated with sales. The first count needs to be to Ann on March 23 - final tally on March 26. Phil will bring flowers to Baudette on the 28th.

Mike had decisions about the Clementson wayside.
Sunday night 7 pm at Ambulance Garage Zippel Bay Project Meeting.

Reed won the 50/50.


Mike provided the program for this day. He updated us on the work done by the Friends of Zippel. The group's goal is to secure funding to enhance the park facilities so there is economic gain to the local economy and better quality of life for local residents.

The park received a grant to updgrade the harbor area. Electricity will be installed in some areas of the park.

Using the 1985 park plan as a guide the Friends of Zippel have created a plan for further improvements to the park by applying for a legacy funds grant.

Some of the improvements included in the plan are:
Upgrade of road to two lanes
Install Electricity into Anglers Campground and improve access for RV's. Install electric pump for water. A new host site will be installed.
Install five camper cabins
Create additional parking near harbor
Increase miles of trails within the park for skiing, hiking, biking, etc.
Increase the use of signage for education
Join the Chamber of Commerce
Construct a 40-60 unit campground near the harbor - with electricity and water.
Install board walk over march to beach
Place three boat access camping sites along beach and bay access
Protect the grave site near the harbor
Improve the site of the flowing well near beach - with benches
Brush mow the are in front of Lake View Campground
Internet access at park in areas
Make the park horse friendly with a trail system and parking options
Playground equipment at the beach

The Friends of Zippel would like to accomplish these things in the next five years. Plans have been shared with county board and chamber of commerce.

March 1 - Baudette Grand Theater Digital Projector Fundraising Update with Jason Breuer

In attendance:
Mike, Reed, Marty, Phil T., Jaime, Ralph, Chris, Dave, Phil, GloriaAnn, Ann, Tammie
Guest: Jason Breuer, Patsy Olson

50/50: Jaime


Jack will not be available for a few weeks. Mike will provide the program next week, he will provide information on the Zippel Bay Project. Vicki Blake will be hosting another wine tasting the end of April or early May at Rosalies - are interested in attending as a social and possible membership drive opportunity for Rotary?

Mike handed out the Rotary Roses tickets. We will deliver to businesses, but individual orders can be picked up at the Rex Hotel at Floral Expressions.

Habitat for Humanity group biking from Green Bay to Winnipeg will be stopping here. About 60 to feed. The food will be at Timber Mill Park. Thursday, July 12.

TAKF planning starts tonight. Meeting tonight at VFW at 7:00 pm. TAKF will be on June 20 at Sportsmans Lodge.

VFW ice fishing derby this weekend.

New state record burbot caught on Lake of the Woods.

The Digital Changes at the Baudette Grand Theater - Jason Breuer

The film industry is moving to digital. Our reel to reel film projector will be obsolete. We can not modify it for digital projection. This change will happen in about a year. We are already feeling the pinch of new films coming out as they have already started to make more limited copies of film. It is more efficient for the film industry to distribute movies in this way.

How we finance this, projector, hard drive, network and sound system upgrades. We are looking at $75,000.

Letters have gone out to local businesses, information the newspaper. Looking to continue the purchase a seat program at $1,000 per seat. Looking for 75 people or organizations to target for this program. Some of the money saved by the theater industry will be packaged into programs to help theaters with this change, but our theater may not qualify for these programs.

Originally the theater was a community project to give local kids in the community a healthy activity.
If we can get this upgrade, we would only be able to run older films and access to even these old films would be limited.
The third option would be to close the theater in Baudette.

The owner in Wadena said it was a cost of about $100,000 to upgrade one of their screens.

Phil T. had a suggestion of a region 2 arts grant and to check into if they would be interested in this project.

Jason mentioned that the board has discussed if there would be a benefit to partner with theaters in the region and purchase the projection systems in bulk.

We also need to focus on getting attendance up at the theater. According to the recent census data our area had a 10% population rate drop.

Should we provide transportation from Warroad? Should we provide more early show times for the seniors in the community.

Another idea mentioned was how a restaurant gives out a free ticket to the movie.

February 23, 2012 - Kathy Wehman LakeWood Health Center

In attendance: Mike, Ann, Marty, Phil T., Chris, Reed
50/50: Marty

Everyone enjoyed the wine tasting. District Conference coming up in April. Need to get a bobber cooler and items to fill it. The package worth should total $100. Tina Rennemo will be joining us next week, she may become a member.

Roses will come in on the 28th of March. We will start selling with order forms next week. We can also deliver to Canada.

New Rule: If you are the winner of the 50/50 draw and you miss the next meeting and your 50/50 draw duties - you get double fined.

Chris has Jason Breuer lined up to present on the Theater Digital Projector project for our March 1st meeting.

Kathy Wehman joined us today from Cardiac and Pulmnary Rehab and the Diabetic Resources Center at LakeWood Health Center.

Interesting Data:

Abdominal obesity or those with an apple shaped body have an increased risk of having a cardiac event. Those with this body shape typically have the same size waist as they do inseam.

We discussed Coronary Artery Disease - the narrowing of the hearts arteries which is usually a result of atherosclerosis. Atherosclerosis is cholesterol deposits in the walls of the coronary arteries.

There is a blood test called CR-P that identifies a marker for having a cardiac event. The test looks for a specific chemical reaction in the body that is a marker for persons at risk for a heart attack. You have to ask your doctor for this test. It is a good test to ask for if your family has a history of cardiac events.

We reviewed a handout about what causes heart attacks and what can help stop the process, including a discussion on medications that are used and the importance of properly taking these medicines if they are prescribed to you.

Most Minnesotans are deficent in Vitamin D3. The vitamin is used by every organ in our body and a deficiency could be related to things like diabetes, kidney problems and more. The recommended dose is 2000 IU per day. As your doctor if this might be a good supplement for you.

Exercise should be everyday of the week - 5 days per week. 30 to 60 minutes. Get your heart rate up. Do not do weight training every day but every other. It builds bone mass and helps to prevent osteroperosis.

Kathy shared how important exercise is and how being active played a major roll in helping her survive four heart attacks.

Diet is not something that you start and stop. Diet is how you eat. We are the only society that eats meat everyday. We talked about our BMI and reviewed a BMI chart that Kathy provided.

170 lbs and under up to 33 grams of fat per day.

If you are diabetic ask your doctor about free shoes, there is a program that comes to Baudette once a year.

February 16, 2012 - Rotary Social

Vicki Blake from West Side Liquor joined the Baudette Rotary Club at Rainy River Resort. Blake educated the group on how to pair food and wine during our wine tasting event. Rainy River Resort prepared a meal of chicken and pork and students from Lake of the Woods High School choir performed.



Wines featured at the wine tasting:
Cupcake Moscato D'aste was served with the cake/dessert.
Monkey Bay Cab Sauv was served with the chicken.
Massino Rioya-extra was used for tasting.
Pinot Noir-Coppoal was served with the chicken and pork.
Clos du Bois Chardonna was the great wine with the salad.

February 9, 2012 - SWCD Josh Stromlund

In attendance: Dave, Phil, Mike, Ann, Jaime, Kent, Loretta, Josh, Jack, GloriaAnn, Reed, Phil T.

Happy Birthday to Mike Larson
50/50: Phil won the draw?

In conversation:
Jack is working on an April date for the spaghetti feed at the school.

Mike is working with the Friends of Zippel to target legacy funds for Zippel Bay State park improvements and has an upcoming meeting with the county board.

AIM Fishing tournament will be in Baudette the 3rd weekend of August.

SWCD - Josh Stromlund

Josh is the Director of the SWCD. The first topic of discussion was the Wheelers Point Sanitation District. This includes eight resorts and six small businesses. A feasibility study was down in this area and with a result of a high priority to upgrade the system. SWCD anticipated full implentation of a center pivot irrigation system by Fall 2013, depending on funding.

Next we discussed the Bostic Zippel Watersheds. SWCD clean water partnership grant to assess water quality. The NRCS federal resources helped modeling and soil fingerprinting in the area. A report has been developed with summary and public hearing in April.

For more information on SWCD project go to: www.lakeofthewoodsswcd.org

----
Next weeks meeting is at RiverView Resort. Wine Tasting with West Side Liquor and Vicki Blake.

February 2, 2012 - Pequana Playhouse, Joyce Washburn

In attendance: Jaime, Ann, Jack, Marty, Phil T., Ralph, Reed, Tammie, Dave and Joyce
50/50:Ann
Happy Bucks: Jack, Dave, Ralph, Reed, Tammie, Ann and Phil T.

In Conversation: Rotary club raised just over $200 at the ECFE carnival - the funds are for the backpack program at the school. Need to raise additional funds to help them cover one month of the program at approx. $700.

Habitat for Humanity Bicycle Team will be cycling from Green Bay to Winnipeg. They are interested in stopping in Baudette and wondering if Rotary would sponsor a dinner for them on July 12. The club seemed to be in favor of this.

Gift basket for district conference. Last year we did a bobber cooler. We will try and make that a tradition. Reed is looking into the cooler.

Phil T. to email us about a basketball fundraiser opportunity.

Spring Spaghetti feed at the school - Jack to coordinate.

We should invite Mary Jo Otten and any other potential members to the social on Feb. 16 at Rainy River Resort.

Joyce Washburn was our guest. She shared information on the Pequana Playhouse (PP). PP had their first meeting in 1982. They reincorporated in 1999 and have the current designation as a 501C3. They have a volunteer board of directors, Vicki Morrison Goble is their current President.

Over the years the PP has put on a variety of productions including: Wizard of OZ, South Pacific, Annie, Fiddler on the Roof, Sound of Music and murder mysteries.

The PP brings in productions from the Mixblood theater and the Prairie Fire Group does a one week kids camp in the summer that ends with the kids putting on a play for the community. This year the kids program will be Peter Pan. All children that are able to read are welcome to participate.

A Patriotic Pageant is being planned for the night before the 4th of July and a dinner theater is planned for the fall featuring the Foreigner.

Save the Date for April 9th - the next Mixblood production will be in town.

January 5, 2012 - LOW County Assessor Mary Jo Otten

Attdendance: Dave, Ann, Chris, Phil T., Reed, Tammie, Jack, Ralph, Gloria Ann, Marty, Jaime and Guest Mary Jo Otten

In Conversation: The Baudette Rotary Club will be hosting a fundraiser before the ECFE Circus on January 10. BBQ, Hot Dogs, chips, pickels, beans and juice. This will be a free will offering to raise funds for the back pack program. Volunteers are needed. Phil will contact Rotary members by email with more details and Reed is checking with the kitchen staff at the school for food ordering and prep information.

Today was spare change day. If you forgot your spare change, Phil will bring the bag next week.

50/50 Draw: Reed
Happy Bucks: Almost everyone had a happy or sad buck about this warm weather we are having - Dave, Ann, Marty, Chris, Phil, Reed, Tammy, Jack, Ralph, Gloria Ann.

Program:
Mary Jo Otten is the new Lake of the Wood County Assessor. Mary Jo and her husband recently purchased a home in Baudette. Her husband is retired and spends lots of time fishing. Mary Jo has worked for the Milacs County Assessors office since 1979. She started as an office assistant and worked her way up to Deputy Assessor over the years.

Mary Jo joins Dale Boretski and Joyce Lindquist at the Lake of the Woods Assessor Office. The Assessors job is to provide a equitable evaluation and classification of property based on what is happening in the market.

Today Mary Jo talked to us about how the replacement of the state's market value homestead credit program may impact our 2012 property taxes. A document with all the detials can be found at HERE.

Before the tax change
Market value homestead credit (MVHC) - Qualifying homeowners recieve a state TAX CREDIT on their property tax bill that reduces the amount of property tax they are required to pay. The state is supposed to reimburse the local governments, including cities, counties, and school districts, for the revenue lost as a result of the credit.

After the tax change
Homestead market value exclusion (HMVE) - Qualifying Homeowners will recieve a VALUE EXCLUSION, which means that they will pay taxes on only a PORTION of their home's value. The previous credit program will be eliminated. The exclusion will reduce the overall tax base so that TAX RATES WILL HAVE TO RISE in order to bring in even the same amount of tax dollars as last year to fund city/county services.