Meeting Notes July 27, 2021

President Kathleen McNalty opened the meeting at 7 am. The Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag was patriotically led by Carol (stirring no doubt because of the Olympics) and Milt followed with the Invocation.

Jim Adamson introduced our guest Mario Perez, Head of the Coffee Roasting at Café Mela. He also mentioned that Mario and his wife own a roasting company in Poland where his wife still lives. Can't wait to hear more on that story!

Announcements

Green cups are on the table. Don't forget to bring your change for the donation cups!

Zach Pauw had his club orientation on Friday and five club members were able to join and tell their stories about Rotary and answer Zach's questions.

Calling on early risers (of the early riser gang!) We need some help setting up the room and taking it down after our meetings. If you can be at Pybus at 6:30am on meeting days or stay a little late to help break things down, that would be greatly appreciated. Let Kathleen, Wayne, Kevin, or PJ know if you can help and they'll give you an easy job to start. :-)

Robin gave a Goathead Warriors update from... a bathroom floor in Prosser. I know what you're thinking, but I checked my notes and that's what she said. I even wrote it down so I'd remember. I'm sure if she had a nickel for every time she'd been in this situation... Anyway, on to the report! It might not sound like much fun, but you know Sunrise Warriors, there was a lot of joking, laughing, and having fun. And it turns out when all you have to do is sever the tap root and you don't actually have to pull the root out, it's not too hard on you either. The promise of breakfast and bloody Mary's never hurts either. It was just some good old goats picking up goatheads. Want to know more about this great service project? See the EXCELLENT write up from this weekend!

Alan mentioned that Bike Ride sponsors are coming along and riders are signing up quickly too. Both are good to see. Lots of things to sign up for as this is an all-hands-on-deck event. The next meeting is August 3rd at 5pm next door at the Hilton Garden Inn.

He also reminded us that our club is teaming up with CVCH to hand out back-to-school supplies and clothing to Wenatchee Valley youngsters at Town Toyota Center on Sat. Aug. 14th from 8:30 am to Noon. We will have sign up sheets for shift. We will be spread around the different booths handing out supplies and clothing as needed. Easy volunteer opportunity!

Our final Farmers Market takeover will be August 21st. We've inspired another Rotary club to do the final two months. I'm sure they wouldn't say no to you helping them if you're interested in showing them how to do it right.

Brags and Confessions 

Carol read a nice letter that one of our former Rotary exchange students (2017-2018) from France wrote to us. His update included that he'd passed his first year of University in Switzerland. A huge relief. He also told us that he met up with two Rotary exchange students from Switzerland to go hiking last week. One he knew from his year that was in Revelstoke and the other was Adele who was our inbound after Joseph! He had never met Adele before that and enjoyed re-telling stories of our wonderful area.

Jim paid for Robin calling in an update from the bathroom. No one knew if he was bragging that he wasn't calling in or paying for Robin's confession. Too much information, Robin! Robin did clarify that Jim and Carol never told her this would be part of her duties!

Alan bragged (confessed) that while Kelly was off at the Market for some coffee, everyone picked their partners at the goathead rally and he was last pick, left without a team. That's the rough part about schoolyard picks! But in the end, he was left to gather goatheads in a section on his own, and while there was no one in our club to laugh with, he was able to make a new friend. A woman outside in her bathrobe waiting for someone. It wasn't fully closed, she wasn't fully clothed, and she wasn't waiting for Allan. Good thing Kelly didn't need to wring your neck. He made noise as he approached and she finally saw him and wrapped herself up. Right....

Program 

Kathleen introduced Linda Haglund, Executive Director of the Wenatchee Downtown Association. 

Kathleen also serves with Linda on the Wenatchee Valley Museum board where Linda serves as president. Linda likes to say she "was born here, raised here, and loves it here!"

Sometimes volunteering turns into something even greater and that's how Linda feels about the WDA. The Historic Main Street movement is an idea from the 1970s. Many of our downtown buildings are over a 100 years old. It's a state and nationally accredited program and allows for 75% of donations from local businesses to offset B&O taxes. Since the WDA Main Street is accredited and a 501c3 organization, the other 25% is a tax deduction. Sounds like a great program for everyone! While there is still fundraising needed, this has really freed the WDA up to focus on benefits they can bring their members, our downtown, and our community.

Many may not know this, but our own Alan Walker hired Linda 10 years ago! There were 12 accredited Main Street programs then, but there are now 36 and more looking to do the same. It's designed for smaller cities and towns and if your city grows big enough, it can grow out of the program.

The last 18 months were challenging for many, and it wasn't too different here. Linda went home for 30 days and it was very hard for her, because she likes to be out there in person, and they weren't able to do their three major fundraisers. A grant from the Chelan-Douglas Port Authority was a big help.

At first, there was a glut of information with COVID. The four-way test was needed often over the past 18 months. She had altitude sickness because she took the high road so often over the past year and a half. Many businesses were confused about the PPE program and all of the rules. The WDA had built up reserves so they were able to act quickly to help businesses and then seek reimbursement from other agencies after the fact.

They tried to source locally for masks and other items. And while they supplied many masks free of charge to businesses, they also handed them out to the public. There was one demographic that was hard hit in our area and were reticent to accept masks. They heard of a masking program in Pasco with a sister city in Mexico to get wrestler masks. The WDA tried it, found it so successful that they did it again for Dia de los Muertos in November.

They've tried a Girls Night Out and found that not everyone was ready, but there are a lot of people looking to get out. They're ready for Halloween so that it won't need to be a drive-through like last year and have sourced the candy through a local grocery store. Other upcoming plans are for an open house and wine walk. Tomorrow at 3pm meet at the old Sea-First bank building at the corner of Wenatchee Avenue and Orondo gather for a "Possibilities" walking tour to see some of the newly remodeled buildings and some to come downtown.

The partnerships with Wenatchee and East Wenatchee, as well as the Chelan-Douglas Port Authority and others, have been really valuable partners for activities. One of the more exciting and emotional programs is the My Heroes banners. In just the 4th year, they have increased from 21 the first year to now a hundred banners of heroes (65 in Wenatchee and 35 in East Wenatchee). The cities hang the banners at no charge. The banners cost $200, but donations have reduced the cost to $125 and every dime goes to the Bunker (Vets for Vets). The banners hang off lamp posts for two consecutive Novembers and then go to the family. Some Vietnam vets have talked about how the banner of them was extremely cathartic, and finally felt like their public acceptance of their coming home.

Linda says that the downtown is like a family, and that entrepreneurship is alive and well. COVID revealed strengths and weaknesses in people and businesses, and that she was proud that only two businesses went out during COVID. One that was already on the way out and another that moved out of downtown. She is excited for the lineage and PUD properties, as well as new apartments that are coming in the next five years. With other changes in the next five years, she believes you'll see businesses and restaurants open later and a more open and lively downtown.

If you haven't caught the "We Are Downtown" video, check it out on the Wenatchee Downtown Association front page. Linda was excited to give an example of being a family downtown in that if you join the WDA, you become a member of the Chamber as well. The WDA then gives a portion to the Chamber so they don't compete and work together. Individuals can join the WDA as well!

Closing 

Kathleen's ticket was drawn, but she prefers drama over winning! She also didn't think it would look good for the new prez to upstage all the losers that drew before her. Next week's pot will be higher than the $130 one this week! How many marbles are left? Are you missing yours? Look for the silver one next week!

Meeting ended at 8 am with a quote from Will Rogers: "Even if you're on the right track, you'll get run over if you just sit there."

So, get moving everyone and do that Rotary thing! See you next week!

Goathead Warrior Help

On Saturday, July 24, we met at Eastmont County Park to help the Goathead Warrior project! The project's mission is to convert Wenatchee, East Wenatchee, and the riverfront trail system into "goathead free zones". No more flat bike tires, limping dog paws, and no more spreading seeds. One of their primary areas of focus is at and around schools and their surrounding neighborhoods.

Today, we focused on the neighborhoods to the north of Eastmont Junior High School, Eastmont High School, and Grant and Kenroy elementary schools.

It's actually pretty easy to remove goatheads:

• Sever the tap root
• Pick up the plant carefully so that the thorns don't fall off
• Put in bag for disposal

Did I go too fast? Do I need to repeat the steps? Of course I don't, you can just scroll back up and read them again! But you do need to repeat the steps, over and over again to help eradicate this noxious weed.

The primary tools are gloves, a shovel, and a 3 mil thick bag.

Goathead Warriors started in our area in 2016 and each year they go back for more. I know you must be thinking they either really love, or hate, this vine. And you're right, they love hating puncture vine! The seeds can lay dormant for up to six years, but if everyone keeps at it, we can reduce and eventually eliminate these from our neighborhoods.

It's always a good to start with a reminder from a passionate Goathead Warrior himself.

Then it was off to remove goatheads!

After two hours, we regrouped for some "fish stories" about the size of the vines we picked up. Here's a group picture of everyone! Of course the identities were hidden to protect us from retaliation from the goathead cartel.

Just kidding, but now you know what happens when you take a group photo from the panorama setting!

After working up an appetite, we were off to Bob's for breakfast and fellowship!

See you all on Tuesday!

Meeting Notes July 20, 2021

President Kathleen McNalty opened the meeting at 7 am. The Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag and Invocation followed.

Jim Adamson introduced our guest Zack Pauw, via Zoom. Zack's new member orientation will be at Café Mela in Wenatchee on Fri. July 23 at 10 am. Anyone is invited to attend this prestigious event.

Jim also introduced guest Mario Perez, Head of the Coffee Roasting at Café Mela.

Announcements

Our Goathead Warriors local service project will be on Sat. July 24th at 7 am (!) at a site TBD. A sign up sheet was passed around. If you want to come pull some pesky weeds and didn't get on the list, contact Kathleen.

Kathleen said the "Take Over of the Farmers Market" at Pybus was a success again. Thanks go out to our club's volunteers: Kathleen, Robin, Chris, Craig and granddaughter Alea, Rebecca, Jim and Carol, Earl and daughter Lucy, John S. and wife Jennifer, Dan and Jackie, Taro, Zack and wife Alison. Over $60 cash was collected for the Humane Society and food and treats too. Alice Meyer and Mark Kulaas from the Wenatchee Rotary Club joined us!

Alan reminded us of the Bike Ride Committee meeting at Bob's Classic (Wenatchee) at 5 pm, Tues. July 20th. Apple Century Bike Ride, Sat. Sept. 25th!

Our club is teaming up with CVCH to hand out back-to-school supplies and clothing to Wenatchee Valley youngsters at Town Toyota Center on Sat. Aug. 14th from 8:30 am to Noon. We will have sign up sheets for shift. We will be spread around the different booths handing out supplies and clothing as needed. Easy volunteer opportunity!

Craig, our Treasurer, handed out our club's Mission and Vision Statement that the Board of Directors had been working on since their retreat in Tuscany (just checking to see if you read any of this! It was actually in Wenatchee!).

• Our Mission Statement: To create positive change through our JOY of service and spirit of FUN!
• Our Vision Statement: A world where people unite and take action to ensure sustainable change throughout the global community.
• Our Core values: The Four Way Test of what we think, say or do:
• 1. Is it the TRUTH?
• 2. Is it fair to all concerned?
• 3. Will it build good will and better friendships?
• 4. Will it be beneficial to all concerned?
• Our Areas of Service:
• Club Service
• Vocational Service
• Community Service
• International Service.

Kathleen said that Kelly Walker has volunteered to be the Membership Committee chair.

Brags and Confessions

Rani attended a planning conference.

Wayne's Mother-In-Law has been put into Hospice Care at Blossom Valley Assisted Living after a recent and lengthy hospital visit. Her level of care has increased. Wayne may have to spend more time in a support role, rather than attending Rotary Club meetings and events.

Bill McDowell made a trip to the Olympic peninsula with his girlfriend. The temperature never topped 65 degrees! Beautiful place to visit, and he's happy to be here in Wenatchee!

Kelly (and Alan, no doubt) has been dog-sitting two dogs (three counting Alan) for the past 8 days! "Fun! Fun!" she says.

Jim Adamson's grandkids were visited in CDA. Two of them gave Jim a run for his money on the golf course. Jim didn't get to wrestle the third one!

PJ Jones is back from Montana, South Dakota, and Kansas City. He visited the IHOP (International House of Prayer) and found it inspiring. He visited with Wendall Cayton, who was digging ditches in Wyoming for his son-in-law's meat packing plant. Sore back was the result!

Erik said the framing of his cabin at Lake Chelan has finally started after 2 years!

Program

Kathleen introduced Laura Merrill, Executive Service Director, City of Wenatchee.

Laura is a graduate of California State University, Fresno, with a BS degree in Business Administration, Marketing.

She joined the City of Wenatchee in February, 2020. Her duties include:

• Plan, organize and coordinate activities to meet organizational goals and to carry out policies set forth by the Mayor and Council.
• Monitor programs and policies and encourage development of strategies that maintain and enhance long term vitality of the city
• Represents the City in relations with community, advisory committees, authorities, local, county, state, federal agencies, and professional organizations
• Negotiates highly complex contracts and solutions on a variety of administrative, fiscal, and special projects
• Advises and consults with the Mayor on policy and strategic issues; assists with decision- making and provides leadership in problem solving.

Her presentation today centered around the Apple Capital Loop, a local transportation project that would improve the current congestion problems in our 11 mile loop. Over 100,000 vehicles per day travel on this metro area loop. If not completed by 2035, our roads will be overloaded. During an average year, $1 billion of the State's $3 billion fresh fruit industry is packed, stored, marketed and delivered all over the US and overseas from the Wenatchee Valley. Home for 75,000 people, we are only 1 of 8 metro areas in the US that has no 4-lane interstate highway connection.

With $140 million from a Federal Grant and local matching of $146 million, the total project is $286 million. The City of Wenatchee is in partnership with:

• WDOT
• Chelan-Douglas Regional Port Authority
• Douglas County
• Chelan County
• City of East Wenatchee
• Link Transit
• Chelan-Douglas Regional Transportation Council
• BNSF Railroad.

The new Confluence Parkway is a proposed 2.5 mile bypass corridor that is intended to reduce vehicle congestion on SR 285/N. Wenatchee Ave. The project extends from US 2/Euclid Ave. exchange (in Old Station), crosses the Wenatchee River on a new bridge, and extends South to the intersection of N. Miller St. and SR 285/N. Wenatchee Ave. Portions of the N. Wenatchee Ave. will also receive some additional signal lights and signage.

Other transportation project that will tie in with the Confluence Parkway are:

• A new roundabout will aid traffic flow at the corner of Easy Street and Hwy 2
• A roundabout on the East side of the river at Cascade Ave. and Hwy. 2 will aid in flow on the East side
• Widening of the Sunset Hwy to four lanes in Douglas County between 9th and 23rd St NE and will help those navigating the East side.

For more information on the overall Apple Capital Loop project, use this link:

Apple Capital Loop

For more information on the Confluence Parkway, use this link:

www.wenatcheewa.gov/confluenceparkway

President Kathleen thanked Laura for the presentation, and said that our club will donate a children's book in her name to the Regional Libraries.

Closing

Wayne's lucky number was drawn, but in his excitement, he forgot what color marble to draw. Pot next week will be over $120!

Meeting ended at 8 am with this quote: "I think men who have a pierced ear are better prepared for marriage. They’ve experienced pain and have bought jewelry." — Rita Rudner

July 13, 2021 Meeting Notes

President Kathleen (PK) called the meeting to order at 7 AM. Erik led the the Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag, and Ruth gave the Invocation. The members said "Howdy!" and then waded through the announcements. There's a lot going on!

Announcements

Earl and Kaity became bequest society members and Dan presented certificates and PK presented pins. Way to go and sooo easy! Ask them how they did it!

Women in Rotary will meet tonight (Tuesday) at 5:30pm at the Hilton Garden Inn. Don't be fooled and go to the one by the airport, this is the one by Pybus.

Kevin asked for help with the flags at Rotary Park. When the state determines flags need to be lowered to half-mast, Kevin and Phil Rasmussen get an email telling them to lower the flags. They share duties but Kevin would like some backup help for when he is out of town. Erik volunteered to help, but let Kevin know if you would also like to learn what to do and when!

John S gave a board update from yesterday's meeting.

• Chris and Carol/Jim were welcomed as new board members. At a previous Tuesday meeting, club members offered to help sponsor a Sister Connection widow through the in3 program. Since club members donated $900, the board agreed to fill the remaining $600 to complete the 3-year donation.
• Snuggle Bunnies requested a $1500 donation and the board decided to table any further decisions on donations and support for any new requests until the next meeting. Between now and then, the club will decide on a vision and mission statement to help our club focus on direction. Be looking for this at a meeting soon!
• The process for background checks for club members in the mentor program is under review by Dave and Craig.
• Craig discussed financial goals including increased controls and auditing for the treasurer. Looking to add an assistant that can provide depth and separation in the process. 
• For committee reports:
• The fundraising committee is always looking for more help and new ideas. If you are familiar (or would like to become familiar) with state rules on gambling, we need you! The Road Apple Roulette could use some assistance in navigating past the obstacles to get approved.
• The Challenge Scholarship is getting ready to distribute the 2nd stipend round.
• Tomorrow night there is an unveiling of the "Connecting People with Purpose" slogan.
• Join us Wednesday at 5:30pm on Zoom - No masks required.
• ZOOM EVENT:
• WEDNESDAY 5:30pm 
• Join Zoom Meeting
• https://us02web.zoom.us/j/82774995325?pwd=SUlCd1RjeFc2anZBNjhzRUNqYzc1dz09
• Zach Pauw will have his orientation on 7/23.
• And finally, Fellowship will try to coordinate with service projects. Look for an opportunity following our next project - this month after goathead annihilation. Sorry, those goatheads really get my... uh, goat.

Jackie promoted our next Farmers Market takeover on July 17th which will once again include a pet food drive for the Humane Society. And if the Humane Society said they need help with, it's cats, cats, cats! They have a hundred and one cats and need help. And not the kind you make a movie about! They need cat food and dog treats. Pybus Takeover again on August 21st. 

We'll do a final pet parade and accept Humane Society donations on October 30th at 10:30am at Pybus.

Then on 7/24, at 7 am, we'll be helping Goathead Warriors at a location TBD. Fellowship afterward!

We'll also be helping with the backpack giveaway at CVCH again this year on August 7, from 8-11am.

Ruth read a Stage Kids 10-year old's response to the clubs' support and donations. Thank you Erik and Kristen for matching the club's donations and then some!

Next week's Tuesday club meeting will be in the board room at Pybus rather than in the main event center so that we can practice and get in the spirit of Snuggle Bunnies.

Dan read a Foundation Minute. The Rotary Foundation is the charitable arm of Rotary International and maintains non-profit status. It is supported solely by voluntary contributions from people who share its vision of a better world. Its sole mission is to support the efforts of Rotarians through Rotary's mission, and the achievement of world understanding and peace through local, national and international humanitarian and educational programs in our back yard and around the globe.

Alan gave a Apple Century Bike Ride update. The 34th edition is set for 9/25 and will start and end at Walla Walla Park. Thank you PUD! He complimented John M on the turn by turn directions and gave a few statistics for past rides:

• Average rider is over 50 years old
• 75% are male
• 75% ride the entire 100 miles

Sponsor level forms and pledge forms are available to all. Get out and help draw support for the ride!

The next meeting will be 7/20 at the original Bob's on the corner of 2nd and Wenatchee Ave in Wenatchee at 5pm.

Wayne encouraged members to fill those green change cups to the brim! With change! For a charity to be determined later in the year!

Wayne also mentioned Ron Griffith (honorary member) sold his house and has moved to Blossom Valley on Orchard Ave here in Wenatchee. Ron would welcome visitors. He's in room #112.

Program

Chris introduced Debbie Gallaher (Visitor Services Manager) and Bob Bauer (Public Educations) from the Rocky Reach Discovery/Visitor center, and Casey Hall project manager of the renovation.

Debbie started by thanking John M for all his help over the years with the Salmon Festival and poster contests. She has worked for the PUD over 42 years and will retire in December of this year. She knew when the time would come that it would be good, but she was intent in staying through the new Discovery Center and making sure it was something the valley and surrounding communities would be proud of. She has dreamt of this project for 16 of the 18 years she and Bob have worked together.

The new Discovery Center has generated a lot of interest from locals and people outside the region as well. Those familiar with the old visitor center will be surprised at the significant changes that have been made. The theater has been changed from one large theater to several smaller theaters (one on each floor) where the videos have been updated (and more will be generated going forward). Many more exhibits have been created for the new center as well.

Because access to the powerhouse will now be restricted to guided tours only, access to the new Discovery Center will no longer require going through security. Access will be available up top or you can park below and access from the fish viewing area once again. The fish viewing windows have been replaced and there is the opportunity to view fish from nearly the floor to the ceiling keeping toddlers and those with disabilities in mind. It will have a feel more like an aquarium.

Casey said construction has been going great in spite of a few surprises along the way. The PUD started looking at alternatives in 2015 and did a study in 2016, presented the results to the Board of Commissioners, and received the go ahead and design a new Discovery Center. By then it was 2018 and design took two years. Construction started in October 2020 after the visitor season. The project is about 95% complete with a month to go.

The original terrazzo floor remains and it is the same building footprint, but they've found ways to add some square footage to the approximately 42,000 square foot space. There is a new mezzanine level and free-to-use telescopes. They've gutted the building and really transformed it into a space that previous visitors won't recognize. The cost was $7.7 million and helps fulfill one of the missions of the PUD for education. Visitor counts are expected to double in its first year of operation compared to previous years.

While the Walter Graham mural did not fit into the new plans, and the PUD tried to find a home for it at the museum and other places, but there were no takers. When Chris heard that, he found room at the new service center to make it work as a center piece of the new PUD System Operations Center.

Bob put the Columbia River into perspective and asked us all to imagine being at the base of the Seattle Space Needle and looking up at its 605 foot height. Then stack a 2nd, 3rd, and 4th Space needle on top of that. Then put another half of one on for good measure. That is how far each water molecule from Columbia Lake drops in elevation to reach the ocean. Since the Columbia River is 1243 miles long, that works out to about two and a quarter feet per mile compared to three inches per mile for the Mississippi.

All the water and snow on the mountains that eventually reach the Columbia River provides what we need to generate electricity. It's an incredible natural resource, providing:

• Drinking water
• Irrigation
• Food source (fish, etc.)
• Recreation
• Power.

There are eleven dams in the United States and three in Canada on the Columbia. The water from Columbia Lake goes through all of them, generating more power each time it pass through a project. The Discovery Center is where this natural resource meets the human resource.

The new facility has eight exhibit areas:

• Welcome - Introduction/mini-theater
• The People's Power - Evolution of the PUD and PUD hydro-projects
• Hydro Health - Clean, Renewable, Reliable, and Affordable energy
• Columbia River Hydro System - 14 projects/Hydro Know How
• The Living River - First People/Explorers/Transportation/People Today
• Maker Space - Learning while you have fun
• PUD/Hydro Industry Careers - The Natural & Human Resource
• Fish Tales - Everything is connected/Anatomy/Journey

The new facility will be focused on STEM interactions (Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics.) For kids, it means getting them thinking about possible great careers where they can apply this knowledge. The PUD even runs a STEM academy for this in the summers that draws high school and recent graduates from all over to learn with immersive, hands-on projects to see what different careers look like. The PUD partners with FWEE and even get students out to Douglas and Grant PUD's projects.

They've gotten support from local schools and "trained" 160 teachers on accredited teaching methods while highlighting many of the incredible careers in the hydroelectric industry. It's another path to a great career that doesn't always require a large debt from college. Many of the jobs at the PUD have a three year apprenticeship focused on learning a craft. Even some people who went to college are hired for these jobs and still need to go through the apprenticeship. The best part is an apprenticeship is like being paid to go to school!

One of the exhibits that was popular before but wouldn't fit through the Discovery Center doors was the dugout canoe. That didn't stop the PUD as they knew they wanted to keep it as an exhibit. Where there is a will, there's a way. They built a special container to keep it safe and then devised a way to lower it through a skylight to its new home. While the canoe is in its resting place, it will be telling a story for years to come.

Other displays are new or updated to include STEM aspects. They've incorporated your senses into many of the exhibits with an attempt to make much of it interactive. You may remember the old sternwheeler photo and wheel where you could stand in front of the pilot wheel and imagine navigating the rapids. Well, now instead of a picture is a video and based on how you steer the wheel depends on whether you make it through the Rock Island rapids or end up on the bottom of the river like the Selkirk in 1906. 

Another exhibit goes through how energy consumption has changed based off of types of usage as well as energy conservation and efficiency gains. Another has a six foot by three foot salmon. Put your rods away as this has a cutaway for people to learn about the anatomy of the salmon. Part of the focus is on moving and seeing how processes works.

You can even use your smart phone or tablet to fly an augmented reality drone around the tailrace and explore the different elements of the Rocky Reach project. Using this same technology, you can see how a water molecule goes through the project or follow the salmon run.

The Discovery Center operates with a very small staff, primarily Debbie and Bob! They do have summer students help with tours. If you like talking to people from all over the world, you can be part of the ambassador program. Participants in this program get to decide when they'd like to volunteer.

With the remodel comes new hours, now open year-round! It will be open 9:30 am-5 pm 7 days a week until November 1st when it will drop back to just 5 days a week Tuesday through Saturday; same hours. The café will be back with new, amazing, upper level outdoor seating.

A small ribbon cutting ceremony for the new Discovery Center will be held the morning of 8/25 at 9 am, and at noon, there will be a soft opening to the public. The grand opening will be Saturday 8/28 starting at 8 am and will include many festivities.

For 8/28, the PUD will have:

• The Reptile Man
• Cowboy Buck and Elizabeth (Musicians)
• A local artist helping make salmon windsocks
• Dancers that you have to come see!

The people of the past dreamed and believed in this clean, renewable energy source. The PUD hopes you'll come see all the changes to the Discovery Center. You'll really need to go to see it all!

Look for more information on the PUD website chelanpud.org and their ad in Good Life magazine.

Raffle and Closing

Brags and Confessions were postponed until next week as we ran out of time.

Sam had Wayne draw the raffle ticket and Dave's number was drawn, but he didn't want to win. 

Dave just wanted to make your odds better next week! That's the spirt Dave!

A children's book was donated to the library in the speakers' name.

PK closed with a George Carlin quote, "Don't sweat the petty things and don't pet the sweaty things!" Great summer advice!