October 27th Meeting Notes

President Earl Crowe brought the meeting to order, the Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag was completed, and Jim A. gave the Invocation.

Wayne M. presented the Rotary Moment about "The Butterfly Effect" from the October 2020 Rotary Magazine.

Announcements

David Barshes would like to get one more mentor for another scholarship applicant. Please contact David if you would like to help with this part of our Challenge Scholarship Program.

Earl thanked the 8 Wenatchee Sunrise Rotarians who volunteered for the Wenatchee Make-A-Difference Day on Saturday, Oct. 24th. Clean-up at Lorraine Church's yard and at Rotary Park was completed by: PJ, Wayne, Jim and Carol, Erik, Jackie and Dan (our newest members), and Chris. We donated 30 hours of work. A newspaper article in the Wenatchee World listed our accomplishments.

Taro said the December elections are still happening. The club is still looking for a Vice President who, if elected, would take over that position in July 2021. If you have an interest, please contact Taro.

Kathleen announced that the Candy Cruz was still happening at Pybus on Saturday, Oct. 31 from 2-4 pm. Wear your masks or costumes to hand our candy to the kiddies as the parents cruise by in their cars. Rotary airplanes will also be handed out. Kathleen needs help in assembling the airplanes this Thurs. Oct. 29, 5 pm at Ridgeline Graphics. Show up if you can help.

Rebecca talked about today's Club mask contest. Earl wore a mask made by his wife Joy. It was topped with the NEW Rotary motto "Service OVER Self", because they didn't have enough letters to make "ABOVE". Jim A. wore a scary Phantom of the Opera mask, while his wife Carol wore a Groucho Marx fuzzy eyeglasses with an "I Heart Rotary" hat. Robin wore a veil mask for breathability and had a decorative headdress. Wayne wore his US Navy, Vietnam Veteran mask given to him by a shipmate. Rebecca wore a black mask custom-stitched with a spider made from dental floss. Kevin copied Carol's Groucho Marx look. The winner was Earl for Rotary spirit, Robin for most creative, and Wayne for "awesomeness".

Brags and Confessions

Jim and Carol's daughter is officially engaged and plans a wedding in March, 2021.

Robin said their Home Owners Association had its annual yard clean up. It was good to meet new neighbors.

Alan and Kelly's son was married to his sweetheart in Cle Elum on Tuesday, Oct. 10, 2020, along the Cle Elum River.

Ruth and her husband Geoffrey sailed to Stehekin, where they celebrated their anniversary. They hiked until they hit snow and then returned.

Program

Alan Walker introduced Lisa Brown, PhD, Director of the Washington State Department of Commerce. Lisa was appointed Commerce director by Gov. Inslee and began serving the agency in February of 2019.

Prior to serving as Commerce director, she served as chancellor of Washington State University, where she led the health science campus in Spokane. Lisa served in the state House of Representatives from 1993 – 1996, and in the state Legislature from 1996 – 2013. She has worked extensively on economic development across the state.

Lisa informs the Governor about economic recovery, especially during these times of the CoVid virus. Washington's downturn in the economy, about -5%, is the largest drop since the Great Depression in the early 1900's.

A current project of the Dept. of  Commerce is to provide broadband internet connections to all Washington homes. A survey can be taken at broadband.wa.gov and the results will be forwarded to the Dept. of Commerce to help improve Washington connectivity. Please click the link to check the speed of your internet and provide input to the Washington Dept. of Commerce. (NO personal data is stored.)

Lisa also introduced Diane Klontz, Assistant Director, Community Services and Housing Division. Diane has worked extensively with club member Alan Walker, Executive Director, Chelan-Douglas Community Action Council. Diane joined the Department of Commerce in 2001 and currently serves as assistant director for the Community Services and Housing Division. She began state service in 1994. Diane provides leadership for Commerce’s strategic initiatives to address the needs of vulnerable and low-income populations in communities throughout the state. Diane works with the Rent Assistance Program and the Eviction Moratorium Program.

Lisa introduced Tedd Kelleher, Senior Manager of the Housing Assistance Unit. Tedd also works closely with the Chelan-Douglas Community Action Council using the Rent Assist Program that helps renters pay their future rental fees. 

Questions were taken:

Q1: (Kathleen) Is there a formula to compute if someone is eligible to receive Rent Assist?

A1: (Tedd) Among other things, the applicant must earn about 50% of the area median income and have no unpaid rent payment due. Awards are for future rental fees. Up to 3 months is the current limit.

Q2: (Rebecca) Is it the renter or the landlord that usually applies for the rental assistance?

A2: (Tedd) It is usually the renter, but many landlords are trying to get rental money so they can pay their mortgage on that property. Alan Walker also added that there have been over 250 rental assists and eviction assists this year.

Q3: (Chris) Is the rental assistance only for rent or can it be used for Home Owners Association dues?

A3: (Tedd) It is only for rent.

President Earl said a children's book, dedicated to Lisa, Diane and Tedd, would be donated to the North Central Washington Library.

October 20 meeting notes

Announcements

Next Tuesday will be a Spooky meeting.  We are all encouraged to wear a mask, costume, etc. for our morning meeting.  Prize for the best of show.

October 24 is World Polio Day, when we can remember the destructive nature of that disease, celebrate our accomplishments to eradicate it, and help work to end polio forever.  Our District Governor, Richard DeRock, has suggested we all donate $20.20 to the polio fund this year.  If you would like to contribute this, or any amount, email Earl (ejcrowe1@yahoo.com) with the amount and it will go on your next invoice, or go to https://www.endpolio.org/donate if you would like your donation to go towards your Paul Harris.

Pybus hospitality/greeting went well on Saturday.  People asked about Rotary, and were appreciative of the help we provided. Thanks to Earl, Taro, Dan & Jackie, Jim & Carol, PJ, Kaity & Ethan, John Mc, and Rebecca.

Make a Difference Day October 24.  Several of our member will be at Rotary Park to help, and a few will take care of Lorraine Church's yard.  More help welcome.  Come to Rotary Park at 9:00 next Saturday.

October 31- Halloween candy giveaway at Pybus.  Several of our members are signed up in 4 - 1 hour shifts.  Contact Kathleen of you want to put on a costume/mask and join the fun.

Jim H gave the Rotary moment which focused on Service Above Self, and that we always seem to get more from our service than those we serve.

Brags/Confession

Kevin's daughter, Emily, is pregnant an due in April.  This will be Kevin & Lynn's 2nd grandkid.

Jim & Carol's daughter will be getting engaged this weekend.

Jim H said the Port District has put $3M into the community for COVID relief for small businesses, and has $1.2M more to disperse.

Ruth thanked Chris and Holly for hosting her & Geoff and PJ & Cookie at a inner for 6.

Robin had 14 guests at her home for a past-district governor social/meeting, and new governor designee selection.  New DGD will be Marjolane Lloyd from Kelowa.

Kathleen celebrating their 32nd anniversary.

Prayers for Craig and his family.  His mom went in for surgery and had a stroke.

Jim had the coveted unicorn wig this week.

Program

Rebecca introduced Jennifer Witherbee, Director of the Washington Apple Education Foundation, who shared about the organization.  WAEF has been the charity of the tree fruit industry since 1994.  From a start of $17,000 for 8 college scholarships in 1996, the foundation has grown to giving 300 scholarships worth $1M, 80% going to first generation college students.  WAEF has 200 volunteers.  30% of their funding comes from a permanent endowment, and 70% through annual fundraising and donations.

Recently the Apple Commission promoted the sale of Washington Apple license plates.  $28 from each plate goes to the WEAF, and the expect to raise over $90,000 by 2025.

Important aspects for students in the program include:

• utilizing a wellness program
• active mentors for each student
• trivia nights (virtual now)
• career exploration events
• virtual resume and interview workshops

For more information, and to order a license plate go to www.waef.org

October 13 Meeting Notes

Announcements

Make-a-Difference Day projects for October 24 will include work party at Rotary Park, and yard cleanup at Ron Griffith's and Lorraine Church.  Details to come.

Kathleen reported the next Pybus Farmers Market Take-Over is Saturday. Oct. 17th. Contact Kathleen if you would like to volunteer. There are still 3 two-hour shifts to fill. Wear your Rotary shirts, hats, masks, etc. We are the hosts and greeters. Let's have some fun and show off our Rotary spirit.

On October 31, Halloween, 2-4 pm, there will be a "Candy Crux" at Pybus Market. Parent will bring their kids by to pick up candy and drive off. If you are interested, contact Kathleen. If you attend plan to wear a costume or at least a mask. Kathleen needs some help assembling some foam airplanes with Wenatchee Sunrise Rotary Club logo on them. Again, contact Kathleen if you can help build airplanes.

Club elections will be in December and three club members have stepped forward to be on the ballot. Chris McDarment put his name in for a Board position. Rebecca Lyons has volunteered to be on the ballot for a Board position from Dec. through June 2021. Robin DeRock threw her hat in the ring for the Vice President position for that same period. We still need another club member to step forward to be on the ballot for the VP position starting in July 2021 through June 2022. Get nominations to Earl or Taro.

Earl attended an Area Presidents meeting regarding Polio Plus, and Oct. 24th as World Polio Day. Richard DeRock, District 5060 District Governor, proposed each member donate $20.20 to Polio Plus (can be billed to your dues invoice by Treasurer Craig Reese). Next week, the social committee will have a video on this subject.

Craig Reese gave a report on The Rotary Foundation and its goal of 100% of each club donating at least $50. In our club, if you donate $50, the club will match that $50 for The Rotary Foundation. More information to follow.

John Schapman gave a run down on the previous day's Board Meeting. There was discussion about moving to the Club Runner website, rather that continue to use the web services we have. The Public Image Committee is going to discuss this aspect and report back to the club in early November. The

Board voted to provide $900 to the Bruce Hotel Women's Resource Center for Christmas gifts for youngsters there. The East Wenatchee Rotary Club has opted to make a donation as well. The Board also approved the purchase of children's library books to be donated in our  club meeting speakers' names.

Program

Alan Walker introduced Kim Eads, Program Manager, for the Washington State Department of
Agriculture's Food Assistance Program. She has been supporting over 500 state food banks for over 34 years. Kim has a degrees in Agriculture and Forestry from Western Washington University.

Prior to the CoVid-19 virus, one in six Washington residents were using some sort of food assistance at a food bank or pantry. Since Covid-19, that number has grown by 50%.

Northwest Harvest ships the food products directly to the food distribution partners at no cost. Many "bonus foods", such as bulk cheese from the USDA, are distributed by Life Line on the West side of the mountains and 2nd Harvest on the East side of the mountains.

Washington Food Coalition formulates the strategies for the food procurement and distribution, thus serving the greatest number of people in need.

The emergency food program (TEFAP) has about 80 low-sugar and low-salt food products for distribution.

The F2FP program connects small farmers with the needs of different communities.

The WSDA uses Charlie's Produce to get left over vegetables. The airlines serving the Northwest also provide food donations from their meal preparation areas

The $100 million input from FEMA and other government funding will end December 31st, 2020. Foods in reserve have been stockpiled in warehouses.

Kim took a question:

Q1: Jim asked: With each 2nd Harvest truck costing over $4000, does the state fund this, or does 2nd Harvest?

A1: Kim said that the funding comes from 2nd Harvest.

Earl said the club would be donating a children's library book in Kim's name for being our speaker today.

Earl closed the meeting with the quote from John Wooden: "Make each day your masterpiece!"

October 6 Meeting Notes

Announcements

Make a Difference Day projects for October 24 will include work party at Rotary Park, and yard cleanup at Ron Griffith's and Lorraine Church.  Details to come.

Kathleen reported the next Pybus Farmers Market Take-Over is Saturday. Oct. 17th. Contact Kathleen if you would like to volunteer. There are still 3 two-hour shifts to fill. Wear your Rotary shirts, hats, masks, etc. We are the hosts and greeters. Let's have some fun and show off our Rotary spirit.

On October 31, Halloween, 2-4 pm, there will be a "Candy Drive" at Pybus Market. Parent will bring their kids by to pick up candy and drive off. If you are interested, contact Kathleen. If you attend plan to wear a costume or at least a mask.

Club elections will be in December.  Get nominations to Earl or Taro.  We need two new Board members, and two vice-presidents (one for the rest of this year through June, and one for 2021-22).

Brags & Confessions

Jim & Carol had a great trip to Teton and Yellowstone National Parks.  Only down side was driving through a parking lot when a big geyser erupted. The caustic spray drenched their car, and they had to spend big bucks getting it cleaned off.

Kevin sported the unicorn wig again, and vowed to pass it on. 

Alan & Kelly are celebrating 14 years of marriage, gained a new grandson, a son had a birthday, and another son is getting married - all in October.

Robin bragged about having two new "grandkids" - one from an Apple Sox player, and one from a Wild hockey player that they hosted in the past.

Program

Rebecca introduced Curt Soper, Executive Director of the Chelan/Douglas Land Trust.  Curt showed pictures and talked about what the Land Trust is doing.  The non-profit Trust was formed in 1985, and is conservation based on volunteer agreements with landowners, with 21,000 acres conserved.  There are 2000 members, 14 staff, and 16 board members.  They are now doing restoration of plants, trees, and waterfront areas.  They maintain many miles of trails through the lands.