September 1 Meeting Notes

Announcements

We are looking for a 2-3 bedroom apartment for a challenge scholar and her family.  Contact Wayne of you have any leads.

We are taking over hosting duties again for the the Sept. 19 Pybus Farmer's Market. Kathleen will make a sigh up sheet, but you can email her if you can do one of the shifts (7:30-1:30).

Dinner socials will take place in September.  We have 4 hosts and 16 guests who will having some dinner and fun tome together.  If you missed this one, we'll be repeating this event later in the year.

Board meeting September 14.

Brags/Confessions

Chris found a replacement for son Brian so he can now commute to and from CWU

John S wore the unicorn hat, and will pass it on (look out). His daughter turned one, and school started online for their son.  He was instrumental in helping the school raise $75,000.

Kevin survived 8 days with their grandson.

Robin's friend (a DG from another district) has recovered from COVID.

Kathleen is back from their trip to Orcas and Lopez Islands.

Rebecca was a zoom guest at h er aunt's Rotary club in California.

Rotary Moment 

Wayne gave the Rotary Moment by telling us about Rotary Fellowship Groups. These are made up of Rotarians from all over the world who meet virtually or in person to share their common interests in a variety of areas (skiing, bridge, biking, travel chess, fishing, etc).  There are lots of fellowship groups, and we encourage our members to check them out and join one or two.

Program

Carol introduced Darci Christopherson, Director of the Washington State Apple Blossom Festival.  Darci was Apple Blossom Queen in 1985, and has been the director of the festival for the last 27 years. She has a BA in mass communications, and went to work after college at KYSN Country radio, and then Nikkle Ads. Through these jobs she made many connections, which has been very helpful for one of the most important aspects of her festival job - relationships with sponsors and volunteers.Darci discussed a bit of AB history. The festival broke away from the Chamber in 1994, the year Darci started as festival director.  Cruising was banned in 1995.  The $300,000 budget then has grown to $600,000 today, with more activities, entertainment, etc.  The festival has been impacted greatly from COVID.  Cancellation of the 2020 festival, postponement of the big auction, loss of revenue from festival activities, Royalty with no where to go, etc.  They are working on plans and contingencies for 2021 pageant and festival, and the festival is financially in good shape for now.  

Next week's program is Ron Berschauer, owner of Jerry's Auto, who will talk about how small businesses can survive in this day and age.