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Welcome to Helena Sunrise Rotary...
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Helena Sunrise

Service Above Self

We meet In Person
Tuesdays at 7:00 AM
Shellie's Country Cafe
1803 Cedar Ave.
Helena, MT 59601
United States of America
We meet the 1st and 3rd Tuesdays of the month
 
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Club Executives & Directors
President
Secretary
Treasurer
Immediate Past President
Home Page Stories
Speaking on Tuesday, June 20, 2023, were Claire and Terrance Jose (shown pictured with club member, Alice Hinshaw) from the Helena Avenue Theatre ("HAT").  Claire led discussion about the Theatre's upcoming and ongoing programs, much of which was previously unknown to several club members.  HAT is a member of the Montana Playwrights Network and more information may be gained at www.montanaplaywrights.org.  Thanks Claire and Terrance!
Our speaker on Tuesday, June 6, 2023 was Howard Skjervem, shown above with club member, Dewey Bruce, Community Relations Manager for Northwestern Energy.  Howard did an excellent job of explaining and discussing the challenges of delivering energy to consumers over a complex and multi-faceted power grid.  More may be learned at northwesternenergy.com.  Thanks Howard!
Shodair Children's Hospital CEO, Craig Aasved, and Major Gifts Manager, Adrienna Hines (shown above), were presenters at our May 16, 2023 meeting.  Shodair provides a myriad of services, including a world-class genetics research program as well as inpatient and outpatient psychiatric services for adolescents.  A major upgrade to Shodair's operations is a new hospital building in the final stages of completion.  The $66MM project is funded by a combination of fund raising and bond debt.  Efforts to enhance donations of all amounts are underway to sustain operations and continue to keep the physical plant up to date.  Shodair is a wonderful addition to the Helena community.  For more information, see: https://shodair.org/ 
Our May 2, 2023 speaker was Laurie Ladas, Executive Director of Rocky Mountain Development Council (shown above with club member, Gary Carlson).  Laurie reviewed all of RMDC's program work which includes senior, child and family, utility, and housing services.  RMDC does a fabulous job reaching Helena community members in need.  For more information, see: https://www.rmdc.net/what-we-do/ 
Helena Food Share CEO, Bruce Day (r) and Tim Joyce, HFS Development Director, spoke to Helena Sunrise Rotary on Tuesday, April 18, 2023.  Food Share is our local non-profit agency partnering with us on our next Trivia Night fundraiser.  Bruce and Tim updated us on the status of operations as well as progress on a new building to house Food Share’s services in Helena.  A building campaign has raised bit over $7MM out of a $10.3MM goal.  It is unfortunate that the need is so acute in our community, but reality indicates Food Share is a lifeline for many families and individuals.  Thanks Bruce and Tim!!
April 4, 2023.  As follow to a recent Trivia Night fundraiser by Helena Sunrise Rotary, The Helena Angel Fund founder, Marcia Wall spoke to the club and gave a history of its founding and growth over the years.  Angel Fund does an amazing job of partnering with the Helena Public Schools to provide supplies and clothing to children meeting qualification guidelines.  Marcia, as a former teacher, saw the need early in her career and led the program for many years, building a team who carry the work forward.  Thank you Marcia for being a dedicated and faithful community servant to those in need!  Marcia is shown above (R) receiving a check from Helena Sunrise Rotary club president, Kristina Warren for proceeds of the club's recent Trivia night event.
March 21, 2023.  Helena Schools Superintendent, Rex Weltz (R) and School Facilities Director, Todd Verrill (L) made a thorough and detailed presentation to the club about the physical footprint of Helena Schools and upcoming school levy votes.  (Also joining but not shown was Lisa Cordingly of the Helena Education Foundation who helped arrange the program).  The Helena Public Schools are housed in many buildings on multiple campuses to fit the "neighborhood" characteristics Helena voters have shown preference for, but raise significant challenge for maintenance and safety needs, as well as keeping up with demographic changes in student populations.  The upcoming levy votes will cover a portion of the overall needs that school staff have deemed most essential although actual infrastructure needs are much higher.  All are encouraged to vote on the levies.  Thank you Lisa, Rex and Todd!
Tuesday, February 28, 2023 saw an industrious crew of Sunrise Rotarians bagging Kids Packs for Helena Food Share.  "Baggers" included (left to right) Murray Strong, Kristina Warren, Brad Lancaster, Michelle Vanisko, Gary Carlson, Tony Perpignano and Greg Duncan.  Leading us was Food Share Program Manager, Mo Shirley (taking the picture).  We were pleased to load 448 bags for kids identified in our schools as needing a bit of a nutrition boost, especially over weekends.
Our speaker on Tuesday, February 7, 2023 was Nick Radley, board member of The Angel Fund (above [L] with club member Gary Carlson).  Angel Fund assists Helena school children (eligible for free/reduced lunch) with clothing, school supplies and other necessities.  Nick is also principal of Central gradeschool in Helena, so sees the significant impact of Angel Fund.  The Angel Fund is our February Trivia partner on February 15.
Our speaker this morning was Eric Parsons, Outreach and Education Coordinator for The Friendship Center (pictured above with club member, Marie Mullarkey - Marie is also a member of the Center's board of directors.)  Eric updated us on the mission of the Center: To be a safe haven for those affected by domestic violence, sexual assault, and stalking and to empower our community to flourish in relationships free from violence.  The Center services Lewis & Clark, Broadwater and Jefferson Counties.  Thanks Eric!
 
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