Dear Rotarians, I am quoting from History.com “Presidents Day is an American holiday celebrated on the third Monday in February; Presidents Day 2020 occurs on Monday, February 17. Originally established in 1885 in recognition of President George Washington, the holiday became popularly known as Presidents Day after it was moved as part of 1971’s Uniform Monday Holiday Act, an attempt to create more three-day weekends for the nation’s workers. While several states still have individual holidays honoring the birthdays of Washington, Abraham Lincoln and other figures, Presidents Day is now popularly viewed as a day to celebrate all U.S. presidents, past and present.” Yes, while we celebrate all US Presidents on this day, I remember when the nation and my home state celebrated both Presidents Washington and Lincoln separately. The story of President’s Day date begins in 1800. Following the death of George Washington in 1799, his February 22 birthday became a perennial day of remembrance. At the time of his death, Washington was the most important individual in American history. To further commemorate our Nation’s first President, the building of the Washington Monument in 1848 and the centennial of his birth in 1882, were national celebrations. Our nation’s 16th President, Abraham Lincoln is widely celebrated by the States. Guiding our fractured nation during our most difficult time, the Civil War, President Lincoln freed the Southern slaves and saved the Union. Washington and Lincoln still remain the two most recognized leaders, but Presidents Day is now popularly seen as a day to recognize the lives and achievements of all of America’s chief executives. Some lawmakers have objected to this view, arguing that grouping George Washington and Abraham Lincoln together with less successful presidents minimizes their legacies. Politicians arguing? No, can’t be! In its modern form, Presidents Day is used by many patriotic and historical groups as a date for staging celebrations, reenactments and other events. A number of states also require that their public schools spend the days leading up to Presidents Day teaching students about the accomplishments of the presidents, often with a focus on the lives of Washington and Lincoln. I and I guess many of you are very happy to know this piece of information. Here is a bit of trivia about President’s Day: Did you know? President’s Day never falls on the actual birthday of any American president. Four chief executives, George Washington, William Henry Harrison, Abraham Lincoln and Ronald Reagan, were born in February, but their birthdays all come either too early or late to coincide with Presidents Day, which is always celebrated on the third Monday of the month. Well, three-day weekends are always welcome as the passage of the Uniform Holiday Act in 1968 gave us this and several others throughout the calendar year. Only Independence Day, July 4th and Veteran’s Day, November 11th remain on the actual day. We are today, celebrating the Past Presidents of the Las Vegas Rotary Club. Please be ready to be amazed at what has been accomplished over the many years of the Greatest Rotary Club in The World! Jackie Thornhill President Las Vegas Rotary Club

February 13, 2020

• President Jackie Thornhill called the meeting to order.
• Ted McAdam gave the invocation.
• Jerry Engel led the club in singing “To My Valentine”, followed by the Pledge of Allegiance.
• Deb Granda was the Sergeant-At-Arms.
• We had 0 visiting International Rotarians, 4 visiting Rotarians and 19 Guests of Rotarians were introduced.
• The weekly drawing began at ­­­­­­­­­$4573 plus this week’s donations. The ticket winner was Bill Stieren who doubled his money. Barbara Billitzer won the Lawry’s Bucks.
• President Jackie Thornhill announcements/reminders:
  • International Convention held in Hawaii in June 6-10 an is filling up quickly
  • District Conference is in in Pasadena. Registration is open. They are celebrating their 100^th
  • People of Action Campaign is ongoing. Please send photos to President Jackie.
  • Your quarterly and monthly contributions help fund programs keep our projects moving. Please consider donating to the permanent fund.
  • Remember to recycle Wheels and tickets.
  • Foundation Match active-club will match up to 500 points.
  • Please help Rose Falocco 25 Club Secretary by signing up in the green book for weekly duties.
  • Please keep the green book moving QR code helps you sign up online.
• President Jackie Thornhill and Melanie Muldowney Presented the Barnard Family three Barnard Legacy Paul Harris’. Larry Barnard shared how much the LV Rotary meant to his family and his gratitude. We thanked the family for their $2000+ donation to the Las Vegas Rotary Foundation.
• Melanie Muldowney Shared info on Foundation matching period. Great time to move up to the next Paul Harris level. Presented Paul Harris +8 to Russ Swain and +3 to Jaime Goldsmith.
• Shannon Brown from Beckley ES invited us to Nevada Reading Week festivities look for an email to follow with details. Thanked the club for the career day support. Marie Walsh shared that the students read 410 Books this month.
• Rosalee Hedrick New member orientation was held Feb 11^th 6PM at Deb Granda’s home. Thanks to Deb for hosting. Great turnout with about 30 members attending to welcome 6 new members.
• 25 Club President Carey Grohs 25 Club Social coming up on Feb 25^th 6PM at the Neon Museum-Lights will be displayed beautifully. Tickets $40 with $10 supporting Destiny’s Rescue. Please sign up. 25 Club Members passed out roses to all the ladies in attendance.
• Karen Whisenhunt Mayor’s Cup 10,000 children between 14-19 that attend. German players have arrived. Max Dalvey helped with German pronunciation of the team name and asked for support at Saturday’s games in James Regional Park.
• Deb Granda ARC Blood Drive Feb 28^th 10 AM-3:30 PM sign up in the green book or at redcrossblood.org code: Rotary donors receive $25 in Lawry’s Bucks. Still need a minimum of 6 more donors.
• Past President Jim Hunt 21^st Patrick’s Cigar Social Friday March 13^th 6 PM bring 3 Cigars $10 goes to the Foundation. More details in The Wheel to follow.
• Bill Houghton Director of Youth Advocacy for LV Rotary. Support needed for RYLA Weekend March 20-22 in CA hosting 15 students. Need 13 more facilitators for the weekend. Need interviewers as well.
• Kathy Dalvey asked for participation in the upcoming District Conference May 1-3 at the Pasadena Westin. Pasadena Club is hosting and celebrating their 100^th Room rates $169 and to purchase all the meals $240.
• Janice Lencke Valentines basket raffle including 2 tickets to KA valued at $375 to Dan Adamson.
• 25 Club President Carey Grohs presented our speaker Kimberly Mull of Kimberly Mull Advocacy and Consulting. A new member of the Las Vegas community and an example how you can take a life experience and use it to make a difference. As a child she suffered abuse and has powered through those experiences to achieve a career in advocating for victims of abuse and sex trafficking . Currently working to influence policy makers and legislation in creating victim focused policies. If you would like to connect with Kimberly find her online: kimberlymull.com

President Jackie Thornhill presented our speaker with a “Share What You Can” award to benefit the local USO and then adjourned the meeting