August 31 Meeting Notes

As everyone reflected on the close of the blogger's birthday month (perhaps, it was just a reflection after all) President Kathleen called the meeting to order at 7am; John M led the pledge and Milt provided the invocation.

ANNOUNCEMENTS

Remember the Alamo! But if you forget about that, then remember the Green Cups! Your pocket change can make a change in the world. Earl will tally and make the combined donation to a charity each quarter.

Bike Ride – next Bike ride committee meetings are Tuesday evening (9/7) and again on 9/14; then the Tuesday morning meeting (9/21) will be all about the ride. Both evening dates are 5pm at the Hilton Garden Inn next to Pybus. Can you feel the excitement? If not, PJ and Alan can hit you with an assignment; you’ll feel that!

The Membership Committee will have a meeting on 9/14 at Pybus immediately following the regular morning meeting.

Sign-up for helping with set-up or breakdown in the morning. And quit signing up for emotional breakdowns; that’s a different list and the sign-up sheet is only so long. Kevin and other sergeant of arms need help. If you can help, please do so.

Kathleen is also looking for volunteers to help with invocations. See her about available dates or sign up on the form that goes around at the meeting. See how easy it is?

Lastly, think about the meeting space. Do you prefer the main room or the executive board room. There’s a small difference in cost (main room is slightly more), but which do you prefer? Not making any changes for now, just seeking input. Look for more discussion on meal options in the future as well.

BRAGS AND CONFESSIONS

Robin finally made it to Canada with the DG (and made it home!) They visited many wonderful clubs and were encouraged by their trip. She also heard a school bus for the first time in a long time and the kids were waving (goodbye to the cruel world probably).

Dan and Jackie are on their way to Coeur d’Alene to celebrate Jackie’s birthday tomorrow.

Ruth got her daughter dropped off at college and she was able to land a new, better internship!

PJ was invited to a wedding! Wait… no, yes. That’s what my notes say, he was invited to a wedding! He really enjoyed the invite as the couple are into rodeo and the picture had them kissing at the same time their horses were kissing!

John S’ youngest daughter had her 2^nd birthday yesterday and his wife thought she was turning three. That’s either a sign of having young kids or a side effect of COVID! See if you can still smell a glass of wine to be sure (after the kiddos go to bed of course!)

Kathleen went kayaking on Lake Osoyoos. She also was able to go hiking and cycling and enjoyed her time there. However, she was stopped by the border patrol on her hike as she was about to stray across the border. (No word on whether she picked up the “package” she was looking for.) She’s also headed to Las Vegas, Bryce Canyon, and Zion next week so Robin’s in charge!

The story about Osoyoos reminded Bill that he’s about to complete an estate that has been 11 years in the finalizing. It was one of his smallest and longest cases. Maybe he can finally let his license lapse now!

ROTARY MOMENT

Kevin referenced John Germ, Chair of the Trustees of The Rotary Foundation, September 2021 message on literacy and education. Mr. Germ highlighted Malala Yousafzai, a young Pakistani activist for the education of girls and women. As a teenager, Malala, whom the world knows by her first name, courageously spoke out for the rights of girls to learn. Extremists in her country disagreed with Malala, and she was shot by a Taliban gunman on her way home from school. But the attack didn’t dissuade her; it made her more determined. As soon as she recuperated, she resumed her mission of education activism. Today the Malala Fund supports education through projects around the world.

One of Mr. Germ's mottos is "If you can dream it, you can do it." The Rotary Foundation makes dreams happen and dreams can transform a community over time. For more information on this story you can read his message online.

The Rotary Moment led into a Paul Harris (+4!!!!) presentation for Robin! It is not often we have the opportunity to present someone with their 4^th Paul Harris Fellowship. It only happens when someone really believes in the good works of Rotary and wants to be a part of its mission. We were privileged today to recognize one of those people in our own Robin, first lady of Rotary District 5060. Robin commented that it is really easy to set up automatic payments and earn Paul Harris’ over time. Modest to a fault, but she also has a point!

PROGRAM

Kelly arranged our speaker for today and Kathleen introduced Shiloh Burgess, a Wenatchee native and Executive Director, Wenatchee Valley Chamber of Commerce whose mission is to champion our Valley’s quality of life and economic vitality through collaborative leadership and sound business advocacy.

The WVCC is 118 years old this year and has a strong membership, growing to the largest membership ever this year. They are active in advocacy and tourism. They have five focus areas.

Advocacy Program

• Five years ago the WVCC hired Bruce Beckett, a lobbyist with the Beckett Group to advocate for our business community. Key focus are how long term care tax and Apple Capital Loop transportation projects. The long-term care tax was not well executed and should be delayed, re-worked and put to a vote of the people. Many of the Apple Capital Loop transportation projects were recently awarded federal funding, but that did not include the new Wenatchee river bridge. They are working on funding options with the state legislature.

Tourism

• Tourism is returning to the valley and there is a large labor challenge – some hotels can only operate at 50% capacity because they don’t have enough staff to turn more rooms over. On September 4^th the federal unemployment benefits expire and may help. The WVCC is sponsoring a job fair on September 21^st for local businesses which is a follow up to one this spring.

Community Development

• Our Valley Our Future started as Our Valley, What’s Next and broke down many barriers between 2017-2021. They are helping develop the next Action Plan for 2022-2026, Our Valley, Stronger planning project. Unfortunately COVID has allowed some barriers to return so much work remains.

Workforce Development

• Help youth with a work path; help connect kids with careers. They encourage people to look beyond for jobs beyond what you see on the surface. The PUD is more than just linemen, Ag is more than just pickers, the Hospital is more than just doctors. These companies have HR staff, accountants, engineers, computer programmers, and more. They encourage kids to broaden their perspective and help them get there.

Community Leadership Wenatchee Valley

• This nine month commitment to personal growth, professional development, and community awareness is one Friday a month from 9-4. Helps open people’s eyes to new challenges and opportunities and the role they can play in the future of the region. One example is Ag. They will cover the complete life cycle in the fall: growing, packing, marketing, shipping, and governmental policy impacts. 

• Topics Covered:

o   Economic Development

o   Forest Health

o   Hydropower

o   Agriculture

o   Technology

o   Healthcare

o   Education

o   Public Safety

o   Social & Health Services

o   Outdoor Recreation/Tourism

o   Local Government

o   State Government/Trip to Olympia

• The goal of the course is to build better leaders, a better understanding of our area, and a group with community connections. As such, they look for diversity (different fields of expertise and different companies) as space is limited to 16. This is their 19^th year with the program! Go to http://wenatchee.org/community-leadership for more information.

In the Q&A section, Shiloh offered opinions on an increasing amount of multi-family housing and the challenge builders (and home buyers) have with legacy pesticide presence on former orchard land. Costs of abatement can be high for many here and while the chemicals are known to be bad, we need to know more about the actual impacts of them in the soil and balance the cost with the benefit.

She also agreed that there may be an opportunity to partner with us and our Challenge Scholarship program and their youth development and workforce programs.

In the end, Shiloh was presented with a children’s book that will be donated to the local library on her behalf. But if you a regular reader of this blog, you’re not surprised, you probably saw the writing on the wall. Or did you just read ahead?

CLOSING

Kathleen thanked Jim & Carol for greeting everyone this morning; David for helping Kevin set up and Ruth for helping break down the meeting space; and Sherrie for the coffee and breakfast service! 

Kevin had Robin draw his own number but he didn’t check so we re-drew when no one claimed the ticket and drew Ruth’s ticket! The clean-up crew started early! Ruth’s ticket won an opportunity for the $175 jackpot! 

Nope, didn’t do it. Ruth couldn't help adding to Kevin’s generosity so she didn’t left the winning marble in the bag. There are now 17 marbles that have been removed and are running around loose. If you’re missing yours, come see Kevin. The winner will be drawn next week! (maybe) Disclaimer – must buy ticket to win.

Kathleen closed with a joke from book that John M gave her that you had to be there to hear! 

ROTARY FOUNDATION MOMENT

What is a Paul Harris Society Member?

The Paul Harris Society recognizes Rotary members and friends of The Rotary Foundation who elect to contribute $1,000 or more each year to the Annual Fund, PolioPlus Fund, or approved global grants. The purpose of the Paul Harris Society is to honor and thank individuals for their generous, ongoing support of The Rotary Foundation.

Paul Harris Society contributions also count toward Sustaining Member (Annual Fund contributions only), Evert Rotarian Every Year (Annual Fund contributions only), Paul Harris Fellow, and Major Donor recognition. Recognition consists of a chevron style pin and a certificate provided by your District Paul Harris Society Coordinator.

Paul Harris Society members are listed in the Paul Harris Society Report.

Are you interested in taking the next step in supporting our Foundation? 

Many thanks in advance for sharing with your club members.

Pete Erickson, PDG

District Foundation Committee Chair 2021-2024

perickson@nctv.com