June 7 Meeting Notes

Welcome guest Wayne Steele (application in).

Our meeting was led by Craig Reese, as both Kathleen and Robin are in Houston at the Rotary International Conventions.

Announcements

Mark your calendars

June 18 - Pybus greeters and Pet Parade

June 21 - Leadership Changeover Dinner at the Museum. Bring family, fiends, and/or guests along with your beverage of choice.  Around $20, which can be added to your quarterly invoice.

June 28 - Bike ride meeting, 5:30, Hilton Garden Inn

July 4/5 - Manning the parking lot at the Toyota Center, and park clean-up the next day as a fundraiser.

September 21 - Dedication of the Peace Pole Project at Rotary Park at 5:00.

Brags and Confessions

Allie bragged about the first AppleSox game (which they won).

Ruth is tired from being with grandkids, and bragged that her son is the Commander of the new Technology Information Support Company.

Wayne seeded some areas in his yard, and was sad that the rain washed away his new lawn seeds, so he was replanting.

Carol bragged about the challenge scholar she is mentoring.  A complete turn around.  She graduated last Friday, and was given the EHS "Most Effort" award. She is also working, and moved into her first apartment with a friend.

Alan bragged that he and Kelly went to the Chris Stapleton concert at the Gorge last weekend.  He also bragged that Chelan/Douglas Community Action Council (where he is the director) was awarded the Westside HS Partner of the Year.

Robin injured her ribs taking out the trash right before they left for the Rotary International Convention in Houston (blames her husband).  It hurts to laugh, and she's doing a lot of that.

Program

Today we improvised, and spent time talking about RI Conventions.  Robin and Richard DeRock were on zoom to give some highlights of the Houston Convention. 11,000 are in attendance from all over the world.  All the RI dignitaries are there (past presidents, president, incoming president Jennifer Jones - our first woman president, 17 Board members, and 17 Rotary Foundation trustees). There was entertainment, speakers on the polio progress, Ukraine relief, and other projects.  They have also had time to explore areas around Houston with guided tours.  Robin went to the Johnson Space Center, Buckey's Truck Stop, and the underground mall.  They had a huge House of Friendship where people can look at projects, hear about Rotary Fellowships and Action Groups, and meet Rotarians from all over the world.

Jim A talked about the experiences he and Carol had at the Chicago RI Convention in 2005, where over 40,000 people celebrated the 100th year of Rotary.  They also attended the RI Convention in Copenhagen, where they experienced home hosting and events in Denmark and Sweden.

Wayne talked about the RI Convention he and Karen attended in Sydney.  It was a game changer for him.  He is going to the next convention in Melbourne, Australia, and is again the district promotional chairman for the RI Convention.

Craig talked about all the people who are using Rotary Park, and that we all need to check it out.  There are opportunities to help support the park, the Peace Pole Project, and the new pickleball court construction.  Forms will be on the tables each Tuesday.  

Craig also talked about the Ukrainian families that are settling in the area, the support they will need, and how we can help.  Wayne raffled off a Rotary vest and two shirts, and club voted that the money go to the community refugee fund.  He also mentioned how good we have it in the US in contrast to the people in Burundi.  He's looking for members who would like to go with him to see the work that is being done there to help the people.  He is looking for a Rotary club there to help support a possible Rotary international project.

After Notes

Raffle ticket drawn was Milt's, but he didn't pick the right marble.  Bring your money next week, the pot is growing (over $430 next week, and a small amount of marbles left).