March 29 Meeting Notes

The meeting was opened by Club President Kathleen McNalty. The Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag was rendered and Milt read the morning prayer.

Announcements

Welcome guests Mark Van Horne and Woodie Lotts (both have signed up to become members of Wenatchee Sunrise Rotary Club)! Jose Oglesby, owner of the Wenatchee Apple Sox, was a returning guest.

Thanks to Mark and Wayne for setup and cleanup. Thanks to Marcy and Alan for being morning greeters.

Alan reminded the club of the Bike Ride meeting Tuesday, March 29th at 5 pm at the Hilton Garden Inn, next to Pybus. All club members are welcome.

Kathleen said our club would have a table at the Non-Profit event at Pybus on Saturday, April 9th from 10-2. Volunteers are needed to be present to answer questions about Rotary, and to sell tickets for our Road Apple Roulette fundraiser in May. See Kathleen to be added to volunteer list.

Robin reminded the club that the District Conference will be held in Wenatchee, May 12-15, 2022, and that many volunteers from the local club will be needed to put this event on. The cost for attendees is $199 (USD), a bargain! Some highlights are The David Thompson Canoe Event Re-creation on Friday. Also on Friday is Home Hosting, where local Rotarians host visiting Conference Rotarians for dinner in their local homes. Registration for the District 5060 Conference can be found here: District 5060 Conference Registration

The Wenatchee Apple Sox players are arriving on June 3rd for their first game on June 6th said Allie, General Manager. Host families are needed to house players. All they need is a bed and something to eat! Families hosting players get season passes and other benefits. Contact Allie@applesox.com to host a player. Jose Oglesby, owner of the Apple Sox, nodded his head in agreement!

Wayne had received a text from former club secretary Joanne Rosenthal to thank him and the club for condolences cards for her husband Arron.

Brags and Confessions

Wayne bragged about having seafood in Anacortes while visiting his wife Karen's daughter on Samish Island. While there, he also had lunch with a former Naval Reserve shipmate from 35 years ago. A great drive each way with no rain until he got home!

Alan said he had nothing on his schedule so did nothing special.

Kathleen and hubby Steve went to Phoenix for Cactus League baseball. They attended 4 games and 3 of them ended in ties. No playoffs for tie games during Spring Training!

Robin and DG hubby Richard attended the Blue Denim event where the new District Governor was being trained. It was also training for the District First Lady (proper hand waving during parades, how to wear a tiara, etc.). Robin and Richard are going to miss those flights on the District Governor's private jet!)

Program

Milt introduced our speaker Monica Lotts, owner of the Wenatchee Valley Shuttle service, and Mike Smith, WVS Manager. 

Monica and husband Bryan believe in "Life is what you create it to be. It gets better daily!" Monica is from Wenatchee originally and return back home again after studying music at BYU. She and Bryon have 5 children.

They studied shuttle services around the Western US. The one in St. George, Utah, runs to Las Vegas 7 times daily. Shuttle services are regionally regulated.

After moving back to Wenatchee, they were licensed by the state to operate in the Central Washington region. Wenatchee to Sea-Tac airport with intermediate stops in Peshastin, North Bend, and Bellevue (3-6 shuttles daily depending upon season and demand). Former route was from Wenatchee to Spokane Geiger Airport, but was dropped due to low ridership. This Spokane route may be reinstated in the near future.

Her husband also started a nationwide trucking company but that proved to be a challenge for Monica, who was the nationwide dispatcher and troubleshooter. They decided to end the trucking! Her husband has several construction-related businesses in the Wenatchee Valley that are doing very well.

In the hiring of shuttle drivers, they always told the drivers that they were being "hired for their hands and feet, but also for their hearts and heads"!

Riders on the shuttle are requested to complete the online survey regarding their ride. All the surveys are read!

Monica said that 75% of their shuttle service is between Wenatchee and Sea-Tac airport and that 25% is charter service for groups like the Wenatchee Apple Sox, private groups to Seahawk games, and high school sports teams. (Wenatchee Sunrise Rotary Club chartered a WVS van to take 20 club members to the Boeing Final Assembly plant in Everett in 2016!)

Questions and answers:

Q1: What are the vehicle sizes available for hire?

A1: In the next 3 months, they are getting 3 more new buses. They currently have 3 large buses (55 pax), several mini-buses (34 pax)) and 5 shuttle vans (14 pax). Seat cushions are replaced yearly for a better passenger ride!

Q2: What about Spokane? Will that shuttle be reactivated?

A2: They are looking into getting a license for that region of Washington. It might start up again next year, depending upon volume.

Q3: What about pricing? Are your rates competitive with the Greyhound bus?

A3: Yes. The Tacoma to Sea-Tac Shuttle is about $56 for 45 miles. WVS is $54 for 151 miles. (Rate to increase to $59 soon.)

Q4: What about electric vehicles or hybrids?

A4: With the obstacles faced enroute to Sea-Tac airport (mountain passes, avalanche control, stopped traffic) it is not an option. The charge time would add additional time to the trip which is already at 3 hours with a gas vehicle.

Q5: What about using aircraft (planes or helicopters)?

A5: Bryon is looking into helicopters...stay tuned!

Q6: What happens when a flight is canceled at Pangborn?

A6: Alaska Airline calls WVS to see if they are able to send a bus or van up to Pangborn Airport to take people to Sea-Tac Airport. The bus would then depart from Pangborn terminal.

Club President Kathleen McNalty told Monica our club is donating a children's book in her name to the library.

Raffle

Kathleen's ticket was drawn, but the wrong marble was pulled. Better luck next week! The pot will be worth $160 or more!

Meeting was adjourned at 8 am.

March 22 Meeting Notes

The meeting was opened by Treasurer Craig Reeves in absence of Club President Kathleen McNalty. The Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag was rendered and Milt read the morning prayer.

Announcements

Welcome guests Mark Van Horne and Woodie Lotts (both have signed up to become members of Wenatchee Sunrise Rotary Club)!

Thanks to Milt, Mark and Wayne for setup and cleanup. Thanks to greeter Marcy and Alan for being morning greeters.

John Schapman, Club Secretary, read a brief compilation of the Club Board meeting from March 14th.

• The club has applied and received a gambling license for the 50-50 Raffle at the Wenatchee Apple Sox game.
• The Wenatchee Museum and Cultural Center will receive $3k in matching grants for children's projects there.
• The Rotary Peace Pole project will come to fruition in September this year for Rotary International's World Peace Program. A Peace Pole will be erected in Rotary Park during that time.
• Three potential members were approved by the board. Maryam and Mark Van Horne and Kollin Harmon. Orientation will take place this coming week and induction will be at a future club meeting.
• Our club will be updating our incorporation rules.
• There was a discussion about the need and future for the position of Vice President. Other clubs have eliminated that position. From July 1st, 2022, our club will cease to have a Vice President position.

The Bike Ride Committee will have a meeting on Tuesday, Mar. 29th at 5 pm at the Hilton Garden Hotel next to Pybus Public Market.

Earl announced another "square" sponsor for the Road Apple Roulette during the Apple Blossom Parade May 7th. Apple Valley Pumping donated $500. Over 1200 tickets have been sold for RAR!

Robin reminded us of the District 5060 Conference May 12-15th. Registration is only $199 (USD) and it is open to register right now. There will be 4 local hotels for attendees to stay. A special treat will be a reenactment of the David Thompson group in canoes (The Wenatchee Row and Paddle Club) meeting the local indigenous tribes. 

Brags and Confessions

Robin bragged about a girl friend's visit from San Diego. The friend introduced Robin to her husband Richard 42 years ago. Robin's brag resulted in $42 into the club's treasury.

Alan bragged about he and Kelly driving around the eastern part of Washington in his truck. He DID not brag about the gas mileage!

Bill McDowell bragged up his grandson, who was in Eastern Washington playing sports.

Program

Dr. Erik Holmberg and wife Kristin recently traveled to Israel to visit their son Ben, who is working there. Erik told of the huge construction program there to build a multi-billion-dollar chip plant for the Intel Corporation.

After a 14-hour flight and multiple Covid tests, they arrived in Israel.

His son Ben lives in the company housing there in Tel Aviv, which is a major city in the region. It is on the Mediterranean coast, some 40 miles northwest of Jerusalem.

While there, the 3 of them toured along the western coastline and inland to the Sea of Galilee. Many religious sites were visited, and were captured in hundreds of photos.

Erik explained that their "weekend" was Friday and Saturday, with Saturday being the holy day. From Friday night until Saturday night, those observing the occasion, did not use any electronics (no phones!!), no elevators or pushing of elevator buttons (Special elevators stopped on every floor of high-rise buildings), no latte's, etc.

Many of the larger hotels there had car elevators to park your car. You drove onto the elevator and it took you to a parking garage floor where there were parking spots.

A trip to Haifa and its famous gardens was disappointing because they were closed during CoVid. It was a walled city with Erik's favorite restaurant Uri Buri's!

Terrain in Israel changed from flowing fields of grain to vineyards to pine-tree forest with rugged rocks. Many communes dotted the country-side. Trump Heights was a high point of the tour!

A trip to Masada National Park was very interesting. It is an ancient fortress in southern Israel's Judean Desert. A famous battle between the rebels and the Romans. The Snake Path takes 45-60 minutes to walk up to the to catch the views. A cable car is available. It is the most visited place in Israel.

A good visit was had by all! Too many photos for this blog. See Erik for more!

Acting Prez Craig presented Erik with a children's book that will be donated to the library in his name.

After Notes

Earl's ticket was drawn (a cheer went up that Wayne's ticket was not drawn for a 4th time!), but the wrong marble was pulled.  More money next week, and fewer marbles.

Meeting was adjourned at 8 am.

March 15 Meeting Notes

Announcements

Welcome guests Mark & Maryam Van Horne.

Thanks to Milt, Kevin, Marcy and Wayne for setup and cleanup.

Grant update - we have been approved for a $10,000 district matching grant.  We have $8000 combined from the 4 area clubs, in which Sunrise contributed $2500.  This grant will be used to help construct the children's corner in the museum.

Trophy for the one who sells the most tickets.

Road Apple Roulette

177 tickets sold at the recent Home Show.  
1270 total tickets sold to date ($6,350).

1 new $500 sponsor (Apple Valley Pumping)

23 members who have sold tickets and/or worked at the two Home Shows.

TRF (The Rotary Foundation) - they are collecting for the Ukraine relief effort.  If you give to TRF you can designate to that cause, or to ShelterBox, a Rotary affiliate that supplies tents and supplies to house up to ten people.

Fellowship coming events include "class with a glass" in April (learn to do a painting and sip some wine), pickleball fun in May, and and evening at Martin Scott Winery in June.

Spring Training - March 19 on zoom.  Free sessions on Rotary topics.

April 9 is Pybus Non-profit Day.  We will have a booth to promote our club, and sell raffle tickets.

Maryam Van Horne (proposed member) showed us samples of "cold porcelain" flowers that she made, and would offer to teach us in a social event at some point.

Brags & Confessions

Wayne said he and Mark had a fun time at the Home Show selling tickets and fraternizing with the Prospector's Club.

Kelly had guests last weekend, and found out she needs to get her passport updated soon.

Zach's daughter had her first birthday.

Alan had a birthday, and CD Community Action Council got $1M funding towards a $4.5M food distribution warehouse project.

Milt's wife had a birthday, and he found some 35mm slides of their wedding day 61 years ago, and had them made into prints.

Craig is back from Burundi where he met with the staff there to plan.  He also got to meet with 20 widows in the vocational program.  His next trip to Burundi will be at the end of April.

Program

Ana Gonzalez, Program Manager of Behavioral Health for the Chelan County Sherriff's Department, talked about her program. Ana has had training in all kinds of mental health counseling and crisis intervention.  She started out as a child advocate, then moved to diversion, mental health care, health and human services, and finally to the sheriff's department.  In her role she spends time in outreach and intervention riding with the patrol officers.  The goal is to divert people from going to jail to getting mental health care and other things they need (food, housing, etc.).  She and the other person in the program are the eyes and ears for social services in our community.  They also train deputies in the signs of mental illness and basic intervention.

After Notes

Wayne's ticket was drawn (for the third time in a row), but the wrong marble was pulled.  More money next week, and fewer marbles.

March 8 Meeting Notes

Announcements

We welcomed guests Kollin Harmon (our program), and Mark & Maryam Van Horne.

The Century Bike Ride next committee meeting will be March 29, 5:00 at the Hilton Garden Inn.  Everyone welcome.

Not too late to take a shift at the KPQ Home and Garden Show, March 11-13. Just show up anytime.  We need to sell raffle tickets and promote Rotary.  Speaking of raffle tickets, Earl said we have sold 865 tickets, almost 20% of our goal of 5000.  If you don't want to sell tickets, how about buying $50 - $100 worth to support our club's fundraising efforts.  This is a project for everyone in the club.

District Conference in Wenatchee May 12-15, and District Training (zoom) on March 19 (9-12:00).  Watch for links to registration and more information coming soon.

Women in Rotary will meet at the Residence Inn at 5:00 on March 15. 

Looking ahead, our club will be doing the Pybus Takeovers (greeting) at some of the summer Farmer's Market again.  They will be the third Saturday in June, July, and August, and on June 18 we'll kick off the summer with a "Strut Into Summer" Pet Parade.

Jackie and Carol won "wine walk" tickets for answering Rotary trivia questions. However, the club was lacking in being able to recite the 4-Way Test.  We may have to do this again for a few weeks to remind us all that the 4-way test (of what we say and do) is a key part of Rotary ethics.  Who first proposed the 4-Way Test?

Brags & Confessions

Kelly's granddaughter is on the honor roll with a 3.7 GPA.

Chris reinjured his toe, so is back in a boot.  They had family visiting from Portland and Iowa.

Ruth's son has been deployed somewhere as a Special Forces helicopter pilot.

Jackie has had fun with 6 girlfriend dates in the last week (sorry Dan).

Kathleen did a 28 mile roundtrip bike ride to Anjou Bakery to start her training for our Century Ride in September.

Program

Some of our members (Alan, Wayne, Robin and Kathleen) came incognito to avoid any investigative recognition by our speaker.

Kollin Harmon, Private Investigator, told us about his career journey that ended in Wenatchee with opening his PI office, Harmon Associates.  Here is a summary of his talk:

My name is Kollin Harmon, and I have recently opened a Private Investigation, Security and Consulting firm in Wenatchee.  I have 20 years of experience in law enforcement, security, white collar crime, fraud investigations, political corruption and conflict of interest investigations.  I am experienced in interviewing and interrogations, due diligence inquiries, covert surveillance, location and skip-tracing, litigation support, process service, risk mitigation, loss prevention, courtroom preparation and testimony, non-inclusive.  I pride myself on doing complete, thorough work and will diligently assist you in your needs.  I will work tirelessly to find the answers that you need or complete a task that is delegated to my firm.

My family comes from Pennsylvania and we moved to Wenatchee, WA 2 years ago.  My wife, Dr. Kimberly Skelding is an Interventional Cardiologist at Confluence Health.  She began the TAVR (Transcatheter Aortic Valve Replacement) heart program here in central Washington. She has been a practicing Physician for 20 years.  We have two children who are thriving here in Wenatchee and are currently building our “dream home” in Sunnyslope. 

I worked as an Undercover Investigator, Personal Protection Agent/Bodyguard, Drug Investigator, Special Investigator for the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania Office of Inspector General and The Office of Attorney General.  I was lastly employed as a parole officer and Special Deputy United States Marshal as a member of their Fugitive Task Force.  I retired in 2013 to become a stay at home father to my daughter and son, who are older now, which is one of the reasons I had decided to open my own Private Investigation firm here in Wenatchee. 

As a private investigator, I can perform a myriad of services as listed above.  Most people equate PI firms with marital investigations, however that is a very small part, and one service that I do provide if requested.  One of my favorite tasks is digging through records to find that one small piece of evidence that a client may need.  I call it my “a-ha” moment.  That is very gratifying to me. 

In my leisure time, I have been a musician for 45 years as a drummer, pianist, and vocalist.  My father had been a drummer for countless touring musicians in the 1950’s and 60’s, including The Supremes, Gary US Bonds, Jay and the Americans, Chubby Checker, and  Bobby Rydell to name a few, and toured with the Dick Clark Cavalcade of Stars.

I maintain an office in the Fuller-Quigg Building, 103 Palouse Street, Suite 4.  I am honored to have been invited to speak to the Sunrise Rotary Club, meeting so many fantastic, fun people, and look forward to being a part of the Wenatchee community and the Rotary.  

After Notes

Wayne's ticket was drawn, but not the magic marble.  Pot getting close to $150.

Program next week is Anna Gonzalez, Chelan County Behavioral Health

March 1 Meeting Notes

 Announcements

Welcome guest Tina Vinson, Wayne's sister from Spokane came to help Wayne celebrate his birthday.

New Member Induction

We are proud and excited to welcome three new members into the club today.  Kelly introduced them, and she, Jim, and Robin handed out the new member goodies (Rotarian at Work shirt, license plate frame, pin, membership certificate, and other Rotary paraphernalia).  Here is more about of new folks:

Marcy Treat - I grew up in Selah Washington. I began attending college at Yakima Valley Community College for chemical dependency studies program in 2004. I received my counselor certification in 2004, began working as intern, and obtained my Chemical dependency Professional certification (CDP) in 2009. I relocated to Wenatchee, Washington in 2019 to begin a new job at Columbia Valley Community Health CVCH as a Clinical Supervisor of the New Path SUD outpatient program with CVCH. I was recently given a new job title as Associate Director of New Path CVCH. I am a single mom and I have two children.  I enjoy spending time with my family and friends. I love camping, hiking, swimming, paddle boarding, and snowboarding. I enjoy crafts such as painting, crocheting, and making jewelry.  I belong to Sage Hills Church.  I am Christian and I consider myself to be more spiritual than religious. I love being involved in my community and I am very excited for this amazing opportunity to join the Wenatchee Sunrise Rotary club. 

Born and raised in Atlanta, Georgia, Allie Schank is a graduate of the University of Georgia, where she majored in marketing and minored in sports management and consumer economics. While in school, she served as a special events coordinator for her sorority for two years and then on an academic advisory board the following year. Allie led a corporate fundraising team through another student-run organization for two years, the fundraising and direct assistance going to Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta. Upon graduating in May of 2018, she took a job across the country and moved to Wenatchee and in January 2021, was officially appointed as the AppleSox general manager. Since moving to Wenatchee, Allie has been able to enjoy so many new outdoor activities that North Central Washington has to offer, including cross country skiing, kayaking, snowboarding, and simply enjoying the beauty in the mountains around Wenatchee.

Steve Cope grew up on Whidbey Island and has a long history of public service.  He has spent more then 20 years combined serving as both a Lt. firefighter and providing life saving support as an Emergency Medical IV/Airway Technician. Now, Steve lives in Wenatchee with his family where he is the Sales and Project Manager for Arctic Refrigeration & Heating, but still has a passion for public service.  Discovering, and joining, the Sunrise Rotary Club is a way for him to re-engage into actively participating in public service efforts.

The Century Bike Ride will be September 10, beginning and ending in Walla Walla Point Park. We are thinking a chili and baked potato dinner at ride's end.  Next committee meeting will be March 29, 5:00 at Residence Inn.  Everyone welcome.

Amber announced that the Blueberry Hill pie day fundraiser is fast approaching.  If you want to buy a pie ($30) to help support the Humane Society, contact Amber soon.

Sign up for a shift at the KPQ Home and Garden Show, March 11-13.  We need to sell raffle tickets and promote Rotary.  Speaking of raffle tickets, Earl said we have sold 865 tickets, almost 20% of our goal of 5000.  If you don't want to sell tickets, how about buying $50 - $100 worth to support our club's fundraising efforts.  This is a project for everyone in the club.

District Conference in Wenatchee May 12-15, and District Training (zoom) on March 19 (9-12:00).  Watch for links to registration and more information coming soon.

Women in Rotary will meet at the Residence Inn at 5:00 on March 15.

Brags & Confessions

Wayne announced his birthday (74) and donated that amount to our Community Foundations fund.

Robin confessed to not bringing her dog this week.

Kelly spent time with her daughter and a couple of her grandkids.

Kathleen spent time in Washington DC (zoomed from there this morning), and saw all the monuments and memorials.

Rebecca spent the weekend at a retreat in Mazama and did some X-country skiing.

Alan announced they booked a trip to Italy ion September (after the bike ride).

Program

One of our newest members, Amber Halberg, gave her classification story today.  She was born in southern California, then moved to Nebraska in 3rd grade.  She was a goof-off (editor's words) until a teacher asked her why she shouldn't be first in her family to go to college.  Form that time on, she has learned to take negatives and turn them into positives.  She studied in South Dakota University (why?), and U of Nebraska in Kearney.  She studies abroad in Finland and got to visit other counties in the area, as well as 28 states so far.  She joined Cross Fit gym and lost 65# in three years.  After graduating, she helped with a Community Response Program, and then with coordinating the  care for New Path at CVCH.  Amber now works at the Humane Society in fundraising and marketing, and uses her passion for grant writing and non-profits.  She also is interested in politics, and would like to run for an office someday.  Amber now serves on the City of Wenatchee Enforcement Board.  Amber is a Christian, and one of her dreams os to write a devotional book of how God works in our lives, highlighting people's testimonies of this.  Another dream is to start a homeless non-profit that deals with the root issues, and not just temporary help.  She loves her little Chiwawa-Corgi, and enjoys trying new things (like x-country skiing and snowboarding).  Amber has already made a positive impact on our club, and we are fortunate to have her as a member.

                                                                       Amber modeling the new badge 

After Notes                                           

Milt drew his own raffle ticket today, but didn't draw the right marble.  The $125 continues to grow, and the number of marbles continues to shrink.  Odds are getting good.

Program next week is a Private Investigator.  Robin suggest we all come incognito.

Can you guess who this belongs to?  Give your answer to Jim A.