May 17 Meeting Notes

 Welcome guests Kim Radach, Brian Mooney, Wayne Steele (zoom), Laura Merrill, and Stacy Gold (approved new member).

Announcements

We had a great Rotary District Conference last weekend hosted by District Governor Richard DeRock and First Lady Robin.  Thursday was a dinner with salmon, authentically cooked by some local Native Americans. Tribal Elder Randy Lewis spoke about the history of the area and the importance of salmon to their people. Friday was a time for optional activities around town (golf, pickleball, wine walk, bike ride, pub crawl, etc.), and the popular home hosting, where area Rotarians hosted our visitors for dinner.  Almost half the attendees of the conference were from Canada - fun!  Saturday was filled with internationally renowned speakers, awards, break out sessions on Rotary topics, evening band and dancing, and lots of fellowship opportunities.  Sunday morning was dedicated to Rotary youth programs (youth exchange, Interact, and RYLA - ask someone of you don't know what these are), and the passing of the torchy to next year's District Governor, Karl Ruether of Leavenworth Rotary.  Congrats to Richard and Robin on a great conference, and all the hard work they did for two years.

A thank you note was read form Barbara Tilly, thanking us for the $1500 donation to the Ukrainian families settling ion NCW.  There are about 30 people in Wenatchee and Soap Lake.

Speaking of Ukrainian refugees, there will be a benefit concert to raise funds to help the refugees in NCW (and those to come).  Gladsong will sing a variety of musical numbers, with all proceeds going to the refugees' fund.  Join us at the Grace Lutheran Church at 7:00

Bike ride meeting Tuesday, May 24, Hilton, 5:00.  Good stuff to discuss at this meeting.  Everyone welcome.

Pet Parade is June 18 at 10:00 at Pybus Market.  It will be a beach theme, with photo booth, parade, and food drive for the Humane Society.  We'll need some greeters and helpers that day.

June 21 is the Presidential Changeover Dinner, which will be a BBQ at the Museum.  Mark it on your calendar so we can celebrate Kathleen's year, and welcome Robin as our next president.

Allie, Amber, and Woody are doing the 50/50 raffle at the Applesox games to raise funds for the PAC and the Humane Society.  Any other charities we engage with on this?

Jim passed out information sheets on the Peace Pole Project at Rotary Park.  The work will start soon, but we have lots of money to raise.  The fliers had ways to donate.  You will hear more later, but think about who you may want to buy a tile, bench, salmon, to basalt column to honor.

Jim presented Karen Krisjensen of the East Wenatchee Rotary Club with her $500 winning from the Road Apple Roulette.

Braggs and Confessions

Jim bragged on Robin for the work she did helping to organize the district conference.

Kevin was back after complete knee replacement.  He said he is at 90%, but is shooting for 120%.

Carol put money in for Marcy's birthday (#40).

Besides being her birthday, Marcy said she is excited about moving to a new apartment.

Rebecca put in for Mari. She just turned 16 and has already had two hit-and-run accidents (not her fault).  Rebecca also added funds to the Salisbury Challenge Scholarship Fund for her birthday.  She celebrated in Seattle May 6.

Wayne confessed that he had the Ukrainian flag upside down at the opening ceremony at the District Conference.

Kelly got to see her granddaughter again.

Allie went to her first concert at the Gorge.

Robin is glad that the District Conference is done!  Our club presented a gift of 3 quilts in their honor at the District Conference.

She showed the club the 3 quilts we had put together for her and Richard in honor of the last two years of work and dedication to our district.

Program

Kathleen introduced Laura Merrill, Wenatchee City Executive Service Director, who talked about the future of the Riverfront Park .  She had slides and detailed project plans that outlined the process and schedule of gathering information and public input, design considerations and the preferred plan, and the development plan.  In addition to the 39 pages with this information were 54 pages of appendices detailing analysis, public engagement, design alternatives, cost estimates, and the design toolkit.

The project is projected to be done in three phases, ranging from 2022 to 2036. Way too much information to relate in the blog, but I'll have the detailed planning book there next Tuesday.  You can also check it out on the city website: www.wenatcheewa.gov (check out the tile walls at Rotary Park on the home page).

After Notes

Glenn's ticket was drawn, but not the right marble.  The pot will be at over $375 next week.

Next week's programs will be Cari Horning on Career Connected Learning, and Earl will give a final update on the Road Apple Roulette numbers.

May 10 Meeting Notes

Welcome guests Dena King (Glenn's wife), Stacy Gold, and Pinnacle Prep people - Wyatt Delozier and parents Cory and Kristi, Sara Rolfs, and Karen Rutherford.

Announcements

Stacy Gold has been approved by the Board for membership. This is her one week posting, so if you have objections, contact Kathleen, Kelly, or Jim A.

We finished a successful Road Apple Roulette fundraiser, and gave away $12,000 to 5 raffle winners.  Section 4 was the first to be pooped in on Saturday, and Cathy Ornelas, a para educator in Quincy was the big $10,000 winner.  Carol and Kathleen met her in Quincy to deliver the check.  Earl will give us the final report of tickets sold, income, expenses, etc. at next Tuesday's meeting, so you don't want to miss it.  See photos at bottom of page.

Bike Ride - next committee meeting is May 24, 5:00 at the Hilton Garden Inn.  Everyone welcome.

Pet Parade is June 18 at 10:00 at Pybus Market.  It will be a beach theme, with photo booth, parade, and food drive for the Humane Society.  We'll need some greeters and helpers that day.

June 21 is the Presidential Changeover Dinner, which will be a BBQ at the Museum.  Mark it on your calendar so we can celebrate Kathleen's year, and welcome Robin as our next president.

Rotarian of the Month - Kathleen selected Dave Freimuth as the April ROTM.  Dave has been updating the club calendars with speakers and events for quite some time, and does other things behind the scenes to serve our club.

New Member Induction - It is with much pleasure that we have added Glenn King to our
membership.  Sponsor Chris McDarment introduced Glenn, and membership chair, Kelly Walker, presented Glenn with his pin, license plate frame, and other Rotary items. The club did the traditional welcome.  Glenn is a retired Tree Top Vice-President of IT, and a hobby photographer.

Brags and Confessions

Chris paid for Bill McDowell's vision of the winning poop section, and for Earl's and Kathleen's dedicated work to make the Road Apple Roulette a fun and successful event.

Ruth went to her youngest daughter's graduation, who graduated Magna Cum Laude in Biology in just three years.

Wayne met with other Rotarians at Joe's' Log Cabin. Alan paid for his lunch because he forgot his wallet.  PJ was there and gave him $20 to give to the club.

Program

Karen Rutherford introduced Wyatt Delozier, a 6th grader at Pinnacles Prep school. Wyatt is great at math and baseball.  He talked about his "Passion" project, which is to raise money for a library at the school.  The language arts teachers need lots of books for the students.

Sara Rolf, co-founder, talked about the forming of the school, and answered questions about it.  The charter school has been four years in the making, and this is the first year of operation.  Pinnacles was started as another option for a smaller school experience.  It has about 105 students in grades 6 and 7, and will expand one grade level each year through grad 12.  The 9 teachers also act as mentors.  Math , science, and humanities are taught each day, with  STEM and music every other day.

Much of the learning is experiential and hands on, with lots of learning taking place off campus in natural settings.  They have clubs  that meet the last half hour, and the students will be able to join the regular high school sports teams at the middle and high school levels.

Kathleen contributed $500 from her business, and Mansour gave $50 to the library project.

After Notes

Earl's raffle ticket was drawn, but he picked the wrong marble.  There are about 14 marbles left, and a pot of over $200.  Odds are getting better, and the pot is growing faster.

Next week's program will be Laura Merrill with an update on the waterfront development, and Earl with the RAR results.

Pictures from the Road Apple Roulette drawing.

Winner Cathy Ornelas with Carol and Kathleen.

May 3 Meeting Notes

 Announcements

We welcome guests Glen King (who is becoming a member), Stacy Gold, and Diana Stumbaugh.

We need people to sell tickets at our booth in Memorial Park through Friday.  It's fun and easy to sell as you talk with all the people coming by.  Call Kathleen to let he know when you can take a shift.  This is our last push before the big parade Saturday.  We have now sold nearly 2000 tickets, but have 3000 left.

Earl would like all the tickets (sold and unsold) turned in be Friday night.

We also need 10 helpers to monitor the 5 marked off areas near the Courthouse from 10:30 - 12:00 to see which area gets the first poop droppings.  We will be drawing the 5 winning tickets at 3:00 at the main entertainment stage.  Lets all show up and show our excitement and support.

Thanks to Alan, Mark, Woody, and Robin for helping as parade marshals for last Saturday Youth Parade. Jim & Carol were busy driving the junior royalty finalists down the parade route.  The rain stopped about 15 minutes before the parade started.

The parade marshals

                Jim & Carol with the Junior Royalty                                                         

Last chance to register for the Rotary District Conference next weekend.  Register online at www.rotary5060.org.  We have scholarships for first time attenders.

Next bike ride meeting will be Tuesday, May 17, at 5:00 at the Hilton Garden Inn.

Brags & Confessions

John Schapman has a new baby girl this morning at Marie Katherine Schapman was born at 3:15 this morning, and they were all headed home already by the time we were meeting.  Congrats John and Jennifer.

Baby Marie

                                                           The Schapman kids with  the new arrival

Wayne got his pool open Sunday.

Chris' son Brady got promoted to full underwriter a year early.

Kelly was in Richland to visit the grandkids last weekend.

Rebecca said that Mari turned 16 and passed her driver's test.  A blessing and a curse.

Carol said she sold 66 raffle tickets in two hours Sunday at the food fair.  She also thanked Earl for all his hard work on the Road Apple Roulette fundraiser.

Woody is going to Arizona for a friends wedding next weekend.

Bill gave his Mercedes convertible to his grandkid (who now get to pay all the insurance).

Program

Kathleen introduced Brian Brett, Fire Chief of Chelan Co. #1/Douglas Co. #2 Fire District.  Brian talked about the state of the fire district, the new combining of the Chelan County #1 and Douglas County #2 districts to cut costs and increase efficiency.  He discussed the wildland fires, and the aggressiveness they are taking to put them out quickly.  Downside is that it costs a lot to get air support ($150,000 per retardant drop, helicopter costs, etc).  Brian also mentioned the partnership with Bureau of Land Management, Department of Natural Resources, and the US Forest Service.

Next Brian talked about the changes in structure fires related to the more modern combustible, fast burning materials.  He went over some things we can do to be safe (close bedroom doors, don't leave with dishwasher or dryer going, ect.).  Brian also talked about the increasing demand for services and the decrease in volunteer resources.  There are about 5200 calls, 60% of which are medical.  Brush fires, rescues, and house fires (about 2/month) make up the rest.  The fire districts have 65 engines and trucks and 2 helicopters.  They would like more firefighters.  Brian talked about the need for a tax to keep up the level of service.. Every 6-10 years they have to come to the voters to approve taxes for needed resources.

After Notes

Eric's raffle ticket was drawn, but not the correct marble.  Again, less marbles and more money ion the pot next week.

 

April 26 Meeting Notes

 Announcements

Welcome guest Glenn King again to our meeting.

We are looking for a secretary to start in July.  Contact Kathleen if interested.

We can still use volunteers to be parade marshals this Saturday. Contact Alan Walker for details.

Wayne needs help manning the registration table on Friday and Saturday (May 13 & 14) for the district conference.  Several shifts are open, so contact Wayne if you can take a shift.  This is a fun way to meet other Rotarians from around the district as they check in.

I hope many of you have signed up to attend the conference May 12-15 (optional activities in that time frame).  We have scholarships for first time attendees.  This is an excellent opportunity to expand your sense of Rotary and fellowship with Rotarians from Canada and Central Washington.

June 18 will be our 2nd annual Pet Parade at Pybus.  We will also be at the entrance to greet people and help vendors. This will be fun.  We'll be signing up later, but mark your calendar.

May 4th is the Apple Blossom All Service Club Luncheon.  Steve Raible (former Seahawk player and announcer) will be the speaker.  We will have at least one table for our club.  Contact Kathleen, and pay her the $25 for the ticket.  Good lunch buffet and a chance to hang out with fellow members.

Brags and Confessions

Ronnie heard from a former WWII pilot when she was in high school, and learned from listening to the elderly.  Point is, share your stories with the youth.  They can learn from us.

Robin needs people to respond to the survey she sent out via email last week.  This will help her plan for her year as president, which starts in July.  It's your chance to give valuable input on what you think our club could do better, and give ideas for the future.

John announced that his wife Jennifer was in labor, so we hope to have some exciting news next Tuesday.

Kevin had knee surgery, and everything is looking good.

Wayne auctioned off some Rotary apparel, which Jim A. and Taro were high bidders for.

Program

Jim introduced Brian Ross, Pre-arrangement Specialist for Jones & Jones & Betts Funeral Home.  Brain has been there for over 8 years.  Prior to that he served as a church pastor.  He discussed the value of pre-arranging things concerning your death while you are still in good health.  He talked about selecting a Power of Attorney and filling out a Cremation Authorization Form ahead of time if that is your wish. Chris brought  up the point of making sure your spouse is not just a user, but a joint credit card holder.

Here are 5 aspects that make this so important to do:

1) peace of mind for you and your loved ones
2) makes your wishes clear
3) documents necessary information
4) it's an extension of your estate planning, and helps family with immediate decisions
5) relieve emotional and financial burden for the family

Brian helps people gather information, make selections, estimate costs, and plan funding.  He provides emotional support, and helps families at their most difficult time to navigate the process.

After Notes

Carol's raffle ticket was drawn, but not the correct marble.

Jim Huffman closed the meeting with a bad joke.

Next week's program is Wenatchee Fire Chief Brian Brett.

Greeters are Kathleen, Zach, and Mansour.  Also, any of the new members should jump in to be greeters this month so we can get to know you better.

April 19 Meeting Notes

 Announcements

Welcome guests Pete VanWell (Wenatchee Rotary Club), Glenn King, Blake Suzeli, Diana Sotelo, and East Wenatchee Mayor Jerrilea Crawford.

Our meeting today was led by President-elect Robin DeRock.

Quarterly invoices have gone out, so check your email (and maybe the spam folder) if you have not seen it yet.

Bike Ride - 

Alan emailed the meeting notes from yesterday to everyone.  The next meeting is Tuesday May 24, 5pm at the Hilton Garden Inn.  Thank you to Wayne and Robin for taking on additional tasks. 
 We currently need volunteers to help with: sponsors, food donations, swag bag donations, beer/wine garden vendor, music performers, route map updates/printing, poster printing, and poster distribution.   
 
Storage Unit work party is scheduled for Saturday June 25, 8:30am to Noon.  We will need 5-7 people to help with modifying our bike racks, sorting supplies, discarding outdated/not needed stuff, and ensuring everything is clean/repaired and ready for use.  We will meet at our Ohme Garden Storage, 501 Ohme Garden Road, Wenatchee, gate access code is 2453, Unit # D99.   More information to follow.

April 30 is the Apple Blossom Kid's Parade, and our club has always provided parade marshals along the route from 9:00 - 12:00.  Contact Alan Walker if you would like to be a volunteer for this fun activity.

                                                                                                                                                    

Chris introducing guests Glenn & Blake

District Conference to be here May 12-15.  Pete VanWell is recruiting people to host a few visiting Rotarians for dinner Friday night.  You just need to pick them up and bring them to your home for dinner.  This is a fun way to meet and get to know Rotarians from around our district.  Fast friendships are often formed that last a lifetime.  Contact Jim, Carol, or Kathleen of you can host.

 Jim talked about the other events of the conference, which include an authentic Native American salmon dinner at the museum on Thursday night, a reenactment of Canadian David Thompson's landing near the confluence of the Wenatchee River while exploring the Columbia by canoe on Friday afternoon followed by home hosting, speakers and break-out sessions on Saturday that will provide lots of great Rotary information and ideas, a semi-formal dinner that night with dancing to a band, and a youth segment on Sunday morning.  Lots of time to network and fellowship with great people.  Register now on the district website www.rotary5060.org.  Price goes up after May 1.

New Member Inductions

It is a pleasure to welcome Woody Lotts, Mark Van Horne, and Kollin Harmon into our club.  These new members have attended several meetings, and will be great additions to our club.  They all bring many talents and energy that will be much appreciated.  Sponsors Rebecca, Wayne, and Kelly handed out the Rotary pins, license plate frames, and other Rotary information.

                         

                      

 

                               Woody Lotts with sponsor Rebecca

Sponsor Wayne with Mark Van Horne

Kollin Harmon with sponsor Kelly Walker

Brags and Confessions

Ruth will be performing in Handel's Messiah as part of the Wenatchee Symphony and Columbia Chorale presentation this week.

Mansour is celebrating a 52nd wedding anniversary with his wife Linda.

Rebecca is back from a work trip to Berlin, Germany, and is getting over jet lag.

Alan celebrating sip and paint, and all the art work they have in their garage already.

Guest Glen King introduced Blake Suzeli who is giving a free talk at Malaga Springs Winery on Friday at 7:00 pm.  Topic is on "Be the Hero", and how to share your own story.

Robin bragged about Jim Huffman being in attendance today.

Sip and Paint Social

We all had a great time of fellowship, food, and painting Thursday night with Leavenworth Rotarian and artist, Steve Schwind.  Here are some of the pictures form Thursday night.

Allie and boyfriend Joel

Artist Steve Schwind took us through the steps top paint this masterpiece.

Robin needed more wine.

Jim was concentrating too much.

Kelly and friend Erin enjoying the painting.

Program

Kathleen introduced East Wenatchee Mayor Jerrilea Crawford, who talked about the strategic plan East Wenatchee has adopted.  Jerrilea was a director of the Chamber of Commerce, and city council member. She thanked our club for all the great things we are doing for the community.

The strategic plan has 6 goals:

1) managing growth - they are now annexing different areas as they are only at 45% of the urban growth boundary;

2) housing affordability - streamlining the process for contractors;

3) a vibrant community and economy - maintain festivals, define downtown area with more access;

4) outreach - talks and presentation in the community;

5) community health and safety - new school resource officer, police presence, connections with other law enforcement agencies; and

6) effective and efficient government - awareness of resources, good stewardship and communication. 

After Notes

Mark Van Horne pulled his own raffle ticket, but drew the wrong marble.  Stakes are getting higher.

Program next week is about pre-arrangement planning before you die.

April 12 Meeting Notes

We welcomed guests Betsy McDarment, Mark Van Horne, Glen king, and Diana Sotelo.  Also the Apple Blossom Royalty and their chaperones, Kathy Campbell and Adele Haley.

The Blog editor was busy getting his computers, cameras, and zoom links working, so didn't get much of the meeting notes.  For a schedule of coming activities and events, scroll to last week's notes.

Below are photos of the Apple Blossom Royalty presenting their program. Queen Rianne Salcido, and Princesses Ainsley Shearer and Presley Nelson, did a great job talking about their Apple Blossom experiences so far, some facts about themselves, and some Apple Blossom promotion for the Festival coming April 30 - May 8. 

Princess Presley, Princess Ainsley, and Queen Rianne.

Kathleen with Betsy McDarment, presenting the children's book we will donate to the library in honor of our guests.

Next week's program will be Mayor Jerilea Crawford who will talk about the East Wenatchee strategic plan.

Kathleen had her raffle ticket drawn, but again, the money marble was not pulled from the bag.  More money next week, and less marbles.

April 5 Meeting Notes

Announcements

Welcome guests Mark Van Horne (soon to be installed as a member) and Kate Taylor (our program).

Thanks to Mansour (yes, he's back), Wayne, Allie, and Carol for setting up and cleaning up today.

Rotarian of the Month - Kathleen presented the award to Wayne Massing, praising him for his consistent work setting up the room, and filling in on the Blog.  He is an all-around servant and a leader in our club. Way to go Wayne.

Joel Banken said that youth exchange is back.  Our club is sending a student out in August (Carley Sagesser), and will be getting a foreign student.  We need three host families to house the student for 3+ months, and we need all our club members to help welcome, entertain, and do things with him/her.  Contact Joel if you would like to host, or if you would like to help on the youth exchange committee.

Upcoming activities and events - here is a list of future happenings.  Lots of opportunities to get involved in social events and service projects.  One thing to add is the "Class with a Glass" social on April 21 at Ridgeline Graphics at 5:30.  Bring your own drinks and an appetizer to share.  Rotarian Steve Schwind (Leavenworth club) will be guiding us in the painting.

Also, Cashmere Rotary club is having it's annual dinner and auction at the Chelan County fairgrounds this Saturday (4/9) from 6:00-9:00.  Just show up an buy your tickets at the door ($35 each).

We need parade marshals for the Apple Blossom Kids Parade on 4/30, and people to watch the horse poop fall in the sections during the Grand Parade on May 7.  Contact Kathline to sign up.  T-shirts available to those working the parades.

Volunteers are needed for Nick's Bricks Lego giveaway on May 21.  Here are ways you can help:

Brags and Confessions

Chris is back from Las Vegas, and donated half his winnings ($0).  HE shared teh good news that his dad's business has officially been sold.

Mansour is back from Arizona, will be back and forth between here and the Portland area this summer.

Jim & Carol are back from 2 weeks in Puerto Vallarta.

Robin says 39 days until the District Conference, and they will be celebrating the end of Richard's District Governor term at the end of June.'

John's 4th child is due on April 26, so he may be out for awhile.

Program

Carol introduced Cate Taylor, owner of The Organized Owl.  Cate's day job is a support specialist for
PUD projects.  She has worked for 501 Consultants, and as a hospitality properties manager.  She has completed the area leadership program, and was one of the past People Under 35.

Cate caters to homes and businesses to help them get organized.  She said there is a six step process she takes them through, and that you can do yourself if you want to get organized.

1 - rethink your space, set vision and goals for the space, and a budget;
2 - schedule time to do it;
3 - categorize, purge, and clean.  Move everything - toss, donate, keep piles;
4 - design your new space - measure, draw, create floor plans, etc.;
5 - shop for supplies or find what you need for your new space;
6 - place items, fine tune, and label things.

Learn more on the website www.organizedowl.com or on her Facebook page. 

After Notes

Next week's program will be the Apple Blossom Royalty.  This will be a great time to bring daughters, granddaughters, and guests.

Shari (our morning server) had her ticket drawn, but nit the right marble.  More $$, less marbles next week.