Sertoman of the Year for the Brainerd Noon Sertoma Club is an individual who has set an example to all members of what an active Sertoman can be and will do, for the betterment of the club, and the community that this person has served and continues to serve.

This is an individual who doesn’t know the word "NO" and yet he is No Ordinary Gus! That’s right Steve Augustinack, or Gus as we all know him is our 2006 Brainerd Noon Sertoman of the Year!

Steve Augustinack has been a work horse like no other since he joined our club in April of 1998, he has been tireless in serving mankind and our club, and this is what he has been involved with in the last year!

He serves on the Following Committees: Technology, database management, member information, and web site improvements, Park Committee, assisting with development of the Sertoma Park in the Area, and Sertoma Winter Wonderland Lights, Co-chair, assisting in the development of the next big fundraiser for his club, Swinging Sertomans, serving has sound man, and backup musician, and promoter, and the Sponsorship Committee, assisting with the selection of groups and individuals we aid with our Sertoma dollars.

He has participated in numerous Pipe and Drape events, Bell Ringing for Salvation Army, Gossamer Ceiling setups, Sertoma Flag events, 06 Rookie Party DVD recording and production, attending Sertoma Monthly Board Meetings, and he is also the person who keeps our badges updated, which with 175 members is a thankless job in itself.

All in all, over the last Sertoma Year 2005-2006, Gus has logged over 300 hours of volunteer time, not including the time spend with the Swinging Sertomans performing and setting up at numerous gigs across the upper Midwest. Gus has brought numerous new members into our club and is a constant promoter of Sertoma where ever he goes.

Believe it or not Gus is a family man also, his wife, Ginger is a High School Math teacher at Brainerd Public High School, where his three children, Megan a senior, Tony a freshman and Paul a 4th grader all attend school. They attend the Lord of Life Church in Baxter, where he is involved with the church’s music program on a weekly basis. 2 years ago he also helped his son Tony and others create a skateboard park in Brainerd-Baxter area, an idea that Tony had expressed to him.

Gus is a business owner, as he works with his father managing August Enterprises which is just one of many jobs he is involved with.

He also serves as a consultant and instructor at the Media Center of the high school, where he is involved with students and other teachers in the media production of various projects at the school and in the Cities of Brainerd and Baxter. Gus assisted with the filming and production of the Camp Sertoma DVD, and continues with the duplication of it for Camp Sertoma as needed.

Gus also serves as a consultant with CTC Telephone Cooperative in Brainerd; his role there is in marketing and technology system development. Gus played a key role in the relationship between CTC and the 181 School District with the development of a partnership allowing fiber optic technology to be part of the new Forestview Middle School and the rest of the school districts facilities.

Needless to say this is No Ordinary Gus! A man who is always willing to help when asked and always brings lots of ideas and fun to anything he is involved with. I don’t think the word "No" is in Gus’s vocabulary, but that is what makes him such a valuable member and inspiration to many of us in the Brainerd Noon Sertoma Club!

This award is added to a growing list of accomplishments : a GEM Award Winner, Rookie of the Year in 1999, and Centurion Award recipient.

Gus was joined by his wife Ginger. He remarked, "The power of the friendship and spirit of the Brainerd Noon Sertoma Club keeps me going. It is a great pleasure to be involved in this great club."

Dave Clausen presented the Board Report from last week's meeting. We had five drops and one addition this last month. The big news was the grant for new Pipe and Drape for $2,000 which came from Grand Casino. Thanks Darren Larson and Amy Doyle for working on this. Watch your email for the complete Board Report.

Rory and Crystalie's blended family includes 3 daughters and grandchildren. He enjoys golf and construction projects especially helping Chystalie in their family business which is called the "Wooden Nichols". They live on a hobby farm with lots of animals including llamas.

Rory has been with Quality Graphics for seven years, starting as a salesman and eventually purchasing the company from Bill Mitsch. They are located in the Baxter Industrial Park and have four full time employees besides Rory. They specialize in four color digital printing and large formate printing. When he joined Sertoma in 1998 his sponsor was Tami Webb.

In his eight years he has been the sergeant, vice president, president and chairman of the board. Currently he is serving as Foundation District Representative for the North District. He remarked, "Being involved means growth and this club can be as much as you want it to be". He encouraged everyone to attend the regional convention which is just like a family reunion.

His most embarrassing moment involved an incident where he rolled out of a golf cart at a Sertoma tournament.

• Melody Banks paid a happy fine--she wants everyone to go to the Brainerd Dispatch neighbors section and see the picture of her grandchildren.
• John Raboin heard that Santa made the height requirement for his elves a bit higher so he has applied for the job.
• Congratulations to Todd Alguire on his new job with Kurilla. Welcome back Rod Converse and Todd Dunlap. Joyce Seymour is also changing jobs but has not announced her new one yet.
• Thanks for the cute clips of the Rookie Party Gus. Notice that there was a little technical difficulties not even related to being named Sertoma of the Year. But Gus persevered and copies are still available with proceeds donated back to the club.
• Speaking of Gus--Nate Grotzke decided he could only be elected Sertoman of the Year over Gus if he donated a couple of organs.
• Pooch had to make a little smart remark about wide lenses to our new Sertoman of the Year and it cost him.
• Holly turns off her cell phone so Bill doesn't call her just to fine her!
• Darren Larson is rumored to be collecting 10 % off the top--Sergeant Bill suggested he had taken too much off the top and needed to get some off the sides.
• Sergeant Bill's longest story to collect a fine award goes to the David Pundt mensa story today. You had to be there--it had visual aides and everything.
• How and why did Jerry Petersen show up at WalMart in a suit?
• Bryan Jelinski is getting bell ringing counseling. He got abandoned at the Red Kettle!!

Kari Barnes and her assistant Cathy Picek are the go-to folks for Pipe and Drape information.

Need awards? Did you lose your pin? Tami Webb is the person in charge of awards and meeting paraphernalia.