Club Information
Rotary Club of La Conner

Service Above Self

We meet In Person
Mondays at 5:30 p.m.
Shawn O'Donnell's Farmhouse Restaurant
11376 LaConner-Whitney Rd
Mount Vernon, WA 98273
United States of America
Everyone is Welcome
5:30 - Set-Up, Social, Meal
6:00 - Formal Meeting
Note: 3rd Monday of month is devoted to Committee Reports & Boards. All members are invited. Auction tickets
District Site
Bulletins
Venue Map
Who we are
We are a hands-on service club committed to improving lives locally and globally. We achieve this by promoting and investing in literacy, public health, and community service. We are the club people want to join because we have fun while making a difference.
The Latest News from the "Make it Happen" Club
Success Seminar 2025
Highlights from our December 8, 2025: All Member Meeting
 
Inspiration by Doug on various times with Rotary themes starting with:
In a message to the 1914 Houston convention, Paul Harris said “The future of Rotary is shrouded in expectant mystery. It will be for you, my Rotarian friends, to aid in the unfurling of the Rotarian destiny. Whatever Rotary may mean to us, to the world it will be known by the results it achieves.”
Ending quote: “if you want to go fast, go alone; if you want to go far, go together.”
 
Guests:  Althea Leader from North Cascades Institute
Althea briefly spoke about our donations, which support La Conner fifth graders at Mountain School with the North Cascades Institute.  It is a 3-day and 2-night program in May during their spring season. She mentioned reflective postcards from prior attendees and read one from an Anacortes student.
There was a recap of thoughts from the Success Seminar attended by Lori, Don Wick, Connie, and Dennis on Nov. 6, and attended by Marty and Audrey in Canada.
 
While rotary membership is increasing in underdeveloped countries, it is decreasing in countries like the US and Canada, so overall membership doesn’t look as if it’s declining.
 
We went around the room with each person answering two questions:
1) What brought you in the door?
      Often people came in the door due to a direct invitation from a current member.
2) What keeps you here (in Rotary)?
      Many remarked about opportunities to serve, and the camaraderie of our group.
 
Marty passed out the list of what we budget (not grants) to support each year. Everyone noted which ones we should continue, which are maybe less relevant now, and which we could stop funding.   Marty collected our responses.
 
The merging of Public Image, Membership, and RI Foundation has been a theme. We don’t promote ourselves well enough.  We should put our hands-on activities in the La Conner Weekly News calendar. Isabell from La Conner Weekly News will be writing an editorial about our Santa Breakfast.
 
Too often, we say what we do, but not why we do it.
  • We donate to La Conner foodbank and contribute to Helping Hands because if you are hungry, you can’t learn.
  • We give third graders dictionaries because teachers want students to have the opportunity to have a book in hand. 
  • We help kids experience the Symphony, art, and poetry.
We need to find ways to reach new members.  Can we reach out to more business and civic leaders such as fire and police chiefs?
 
The benefit of RI Foundation is it shows Rotary is worldwide with a worldwide reach. An easy way to contribute to RI Foundation is through monthly donations.  RI Foundation donations come back to the district for district grants after 3 years.
 
We had a calm, well-organized, successful Santa Breakfast.  We got comments on the good food. It was well attended with a reasonably steady flow. The La Conner High School senior students were the best we ever had.
 
Birthdays/anniversaries: Don Wick 12/30, Doug Moore 5 years with Rotary
Doug ran the raffle and happy bucks.
 
 
Roy Anderson has joined as our newest member.
 
Dates to Remember
January 5: How are property taxes assessed
January 9, 10:30am: La Conner United Meeting at La Conner Swinomish Library
 
Apply for Large Project grants by 01/31.
La Connor Service Organizations 2025
At our Dec. 1, 2025 Meeting, inspiration by John who read a poem he wrote, “My Friends and I” which was printed in the Peace Arch Journal in 2012.
 
Guests besides speakers: Pat Clausen from Kiwanis, Charles Yousling, Fidalgo  Island Honorary Member and Carla Eck, Lyanne’s German Exchange Student who visits nearly every year.
 
La Connor Service Organizations Overview (La Conner United)
The meeting focused on introducing and comparing various local service organizations in La Connor, including PEO, Kiwanis, and the La Connor Civic Garden Club. The discussion aimed to foster collaboration and increase awareness of each organization's contributions to the community.
Mary Newby from PEO (Philanthropic Educational Organization) detailed the organization's history and educational programs, emphasizing their support for women's education and emergency assistance.
 
Kim Rubinstein from the Civic Garden Club highlighted their local focus, including fundraising for community events like the Pioneer Picnic, scholarships, and supporting local needs such as school playgrounds and senior care. They also maintain the butterfly garden at the Civic Garden Club.
 
Macella Baker from Soroptimists had just come from a membership meeting where the focus was on inviting community friends and ensuring new members have fun. Soroptimists, an international organization, focuses on improving the lives of women and girls through social and economic empowerment, including providing support for families in need and new mothers.
Lori Buher talked about Kiwanis which was founded in La Conner in  1919.  They engage in various service projects, fundraising activities like daffodil sales and craft fairs, and provide scholarships to local students. They also highlight 3 students of the month each month: one elementary, one middle, and one high school student. The Kiwanis motto  is “Serve the Children of the World.”
Kim shared information about the Anacortes Kiwanis Club's Action Club, which supports people with developmental disabilities and raises funds for Meals on Wheels. Her daughter, Elizabeth, is a member.
 
 
 
Days for Girls locally 2025
 
At our November 24, 2025  Rotary Meeting, our Speaker was Charlie Teel on “Days for Girls Locally”
 
We heard previously about the Days for Girls kits provided in other countries that allow girls to attend school during menstruation. Tonight, we heard about the program’s local impact.
Charlie Teel is the director of the Stanwood-Camano Island Days for Girls and told us she participated in a 5th grade distribution of the washable menstruation kits today. There is a huge need for local kids since 20-25% can’t afford the paper products sold in stores. So, the solution is the kits sewn by Days for Girls which are washable, reusable, and environmentally friendly. These products are chemical-free, require little water for washing, are fast drying, sustainable, high-quality shields and pads that last month after month. Many of us have probably not realized that girls in our own community may be missing school monthly because the family can’t afford feminine hygiene products. Grants have allowed the $15 kits to be given out free which creates equality for all girls in their local area.  This changes the lives of people immediately.
Charlie explained the process they went through to find the right school district person to get the Days for Girls kits distributed during education about growth and development. National Honor Society members distributed the kits at the food bank which brought the idea to their parents and then to people in the Stanwood-Camano School District. The
Executive Director of Student Support Services reviewed the curriculum that had been taught for 50 years. She brought the curriculum up to date and included distribution of the kits to 5th grade girls. Middle school and high school students will be added next year.
 
In a girl’s lifetime, paper menstruation products create 400 pounds of waste at a cost of $6,000.
 
Days for Girls volunteers can be sewers or non-sewers.
 
Menstrual cups which are not presented to 5th grade students are made from medical-grade silicone and can last 5 years.
District Award
Audrey announced that the Rotary Club of La Conner was second in District 5050 for per capital giving to the Rotary International Annual Fund for the Rotary year 2024-2025!
 
 
Structure of Rotary and Foundation 2025
At our Rotary Meeting, Nov. 17, 2025  
 
The inspiration was provided by Dennis: A World War II Veteran Escaped from a Nursing Home for the 70th Anniversary of D-Day.
 
Rotaract President Ruth Medina, Noami Rodriguez, and Rosa Juarez explained the Rotaract Toy Challenge:
Rotary Clubs are asked to compete to see who can provide the most toys for teens who attend the Triumph Teen Life Center, many of who come from families facing financial hardship. Rotarians and their friends are encouraged to participate and/or spread the word so other people can provide gifts. La Conner gifts should be brought to COA in La Conner. The flyer is attached.
 
La Conner Rotary is also collecting money to buy gifts for our 5 SPARC families.
 
Audrey Gravely, our Assistant Governor, presented the Structure of Rotary. 
Dennis Milliken, our Foundation Chair, presented the Rotary International Foundation and the reasons why all Rotarians should give $100 every year to the RI Annual Fund. He also provided several easy ways to make your Every Rotary Every Year donation.
Read more...
Flag Tribute & IPA 2025`
At our November 10,  2025 Rotary Meeting.
 
The inspiration was provided by Ollie:
                  The dictionary defines ‘inspiration’ as the process of being mentally stimulated to do or feel something, especially to do something creative.
  1. “Far and away the best prize that life has to offer is the chance to work hard at work worth doing” -Theodore Roosevelt
  2. “Discontent is the first necessity of progress.” -Thomas Edison
  3. “Intelligence without ambition is a bird without wings.” Salvador Dali
  4. “We make a living by what we get, but we make a life by what we give.” -Winston Churchill
  5. “If you always do what interests you, at least one person is pleased.” – Katherine Hepburn
  6. Alone we can do so little; together we can do so much.” -Helen Keller
Don Wick introduced our guest speaker for the evening, Lee Sherman, who led us in the Pledge of  Allegiance and then gave a tribute to the flag.  From memory, Lee recited a moving history of the flag, and also honored our veterans.
Marty was our second speaker and gave us an update on the International Project Alliance. She has just returned from her 17th trip to Honduras. There are now 14 clubs in the IPA.
 
Most village kids stay  in school at least to 5th  grade, while their parents only went to 2nd or 3rd grade. The percentage of those who go on to 6th grade has not changed, unfortunately. The children who go on to 6th  grade often go to on to 7tth. A steady ~250 kids  are  in middle school  and about the same number in  high school.
50 students are in university currently.
 
Bernie Halliday is the president  of the IPA as  of 7/1/25.
Major donation allowing for 4 large initiatives.
  • Best high school in the region
    • Opening a weekend high school at a middle school campus
    • Providing transportation for students to attend
  • Computers  in the school
  • Expanding the number of university scholarships
  • Trade  schools for both high school students and adults
    • Current successful businesses are Small stores, livestock raising or  vegetables Nothing works if transportation Is required
    • Villages asked for a trade school for adults
    • Well established trade school agreed  to open a satellite
    • 50 adults so far
    • Need consistent campus
    • Equipment
    • Establish a lender to
    • Sewing baking  beauty and welding
    • Next year: add refrigeration, advanced sewing ,  electrical,  carpentry to the others
    • 64 students have graduated so far
    • 83% have used the knowledge gained for business
    • Projecting another 100-140 more graduates this year
  • Villages have 50-100 homes each with about 5 people
Adopt a school
Our club funds 3 schools
One girl needs a sponsor because she is going on to7th grade; Don Wick will sponsor her.
 
Announcements: 
  • November  16, 1pm:  Tulip Planting in the La Conner traffic circle
  • November 18, 10-12: Helping Hands Food Bank Volunteering  Marty, Dennis, Pam, Don Wolf, Audrey
  • December 6: Santa Breakfast
The Raffle for the chance at the $150 pot was won by Charles Yousling,  however he failed to come up with the yellow.   Next week the $165 pot will be waiting for some lucky winner. Danya and Lyanne each won $5.
 
Connie collected happy bucks.
Etta Project 2025
At our November 3, 2025  Rotary Meeting.
 
The inspiration was provided by Connie and came from a Facebook post:
  1. Compliment three people every day.
  2. Watch a sunrise at least once a year.
  3. Be the first to say, "Hello."
  4. Live beneath your means.
  5. Treat everyone like you want to be treated.
  6. Never give up on anybody. Miracles happen.
  7. Forget the Joneses.
  8. Never deprive someone of hope. It may be all he has.
  9. Pray not for things, but for wisdom and courage.
  10. Be tough-minded but tenderhearted.
  11. Be kinder than necessary.
  12. Don't forget, a person's greatest emotional need is to feel appreciated.
  13. Keep your promises.
  14. Learn to show cheerfulness, even when you don't feel like it.
  15. Remember that overnight success usually takes • about 15 years.
  16. Leave everything better than you found it.
  17. Remember that winners do what losers don't want to do.
  18. When you arrive at your job in the morning, let the first thing you say brighten everyone's day.
  19. Don't rain on other people's parades.
  20. Never waste an opportunity to tell someone you love them.
 
 
YES Students
Youth Engaged in Service (YES) students Rosie Abiles, a Junior at La Conner High School and Sebrina Hill, a junior at Anacortes  High School are both being sponsored as YES students by the Rotary Club of La Conner. Each of them needs to attend leadership and team-building training, volunteer 80 hours during the year, and raise $1,500 for their trip to Honduras next June. They talked to us about their excitement for being chosen for the program and told us about themselves.
They are selling raffle tickets for $10 each. The winner will be drawn at The Luck of the Irish on March 7th.
Rosie is a cheerleader and part of two clubs, Varsity in Volunteering, and Eagles Nest, a club she helped start last year. She is president of the Eagles Nest Club. Currently, Rosie volunteers for the Braves Club, and she will soon begin volunteering at the La Conner Retirement Inn. She enjoys meeting new people and trying new things.
 
This is Sabrina’s first year at Anacortes High School where she participates in softball and volleyball. She also plays club volleyball. Sabrina belongs to the Fellowship of Christian Athletes and Young Life. Her primary volunteer site will be Creekside Continuing Care Community in Burlington. Sabrina  LOVES CATS!
The ETTA Project
Audrey introduced our guest speaker for the evening Dino Maccari who joined the Etta project in 2017 and is currently the Executive Director.
 
Background
Dino provided background, explaining how the Etta Project came to be.
Etta Turner was a 16-year-old Rotary International Exchange student in 2002 in Bolivia who died in an accident. She was recognized by the people in Montero, Bolivia as an open minded, outgoing, strong woman and they wanted to do something to remember her. Etta’s mother, Pennye Nixon, and the people in Montero raised funds to help kids in Montero: two feeding centers for malnourished children. (Local Rotarians Jack Frisk and Matthew Paul both traveled to Boliva as volunteers on this project.) The centers fed at least 200 children a day and organized training for women’s employment skills. Those centers were turned over to the Catholic Church and are still open today. The mission had changed to finding solutions to water sanitation and healthcare in  rural communities.
Dino talked about the water distribution systems, training for families, children, and water committees. Then he referenced the sexual health program which we supported last year. These programs are ongoing as funds are available.
 
Dry Composting Toilets
The focus of today’s presentation was dry composting toilets that are being built in 47 rural villages in Bolivia. These replace pit toilets that are just holes in the ground that people squat over with not much privacy.
 
The dry composting toilets are each built for one family and take a week to build. The exterior is brick. Families are trained to keep them in good working order. The door on the bathroom helps keep women safe because they don’t have to use the outside pit toilets.
Pee goes into one chamber, can be used for liquid composting. Poo goes into back chamber. No water is used. After 5 or 6 months, the toilet bowl is moved to the other side of the bathroom. 6 months later, the first poo chamber can be used as human compost. It is shoveled out,  kept in the sun for 48 hours, and then can be used for composting crops, just not vegetables.
 
Prior to building, a needs assessment is conducted, ten mandatory workshops for families, once a week for 2 hours, are held and families sign an agreement. Once the toilets are built, there is personal training for each family member. Volunteers are also trained to be Sanitation Promoters to make sure all is going well.
 
The cost per unit is $800-$1,000. The Rotary Club of La Conner presented $2,000 to the Etta Project.
The next Dry Composting Toilet build trip will be in September or October of 2026 if anyone would like to participate.
 
Announcements: 
  • November 8: Rotary Success Seminar at  Shawn O’Donnell’s
  • November 15: Rotary Success Seminar in Canada  for anyone who did not attend on November 8th
  • November 18: Helping Hands 10-12 volunteering
  • December 8: Christmas Party at Skagit Golf and Country Club. Sign up with Lyanne
Happy Birthday  to Don Wolf on November 7th!
Dennis collected  Happy Bucks.
 
 
Journalism - La Conner Community News
At our Rotary Club Meeting, President-Elect Lori Buher read an inspiration that was printed in  Daily Word on October 16th.
I find my inspiration in acts of goodness and grace.
 
Today I give thanks for the encouragement, mentoring, and kindness I have received throughout my life.
 
When I was in school, I had favorite teachers whose wisdom continues to bless me. During my career, I have had colleagues whose work ethic and abilities inspired my own. In my relationships, I have learned from friends and family who were patient, empathetic and compassionate with me. Even my pets have inspired me over the years with their unconditional love and trust.
 
Inspiration surrounds me; I need only have eyes to see it. I feel blessed by the examples of selflessness and service I find everywhere. They inspire me to act in kind.
 
Children of the Valley
Jessica Rodriguez and Flora Lucatero from Children of the Valley.
thanked the La Conner Rotary for the $2,000 grant that provided technology upgrades for Children of the Valley.  They explained how important this money is for supporting students with their learning through technology and teachers with improved technology tools. Currently, 175 students are served in the after-school program and all are referred by teachers for academic needs.
They also told us about their $5 million Capital Campaign that will be going for the next three years: $3 million as part of an endowment and $2 million for capacity building. They shared a video about their campaign that highlighted the positive impact Children of the Valley has on students and the needs still to be met.
 
La Conner Community News
Kari  Mahr is the editor and publisher of the La Conner Community News. She told us about her journey to take on that role and especially emphasized Newspapers in Education.  Her goal is to provide the La Conner Community News in paper form to every middle and high school student and teacher in La Conner. The $25,000 price tag is due to the cost of printing. It is valuable for students to be able to interact with an actual paper rather than reading it online. Newspapers are great teaching tools when combined with curriculum, thoughtful questions, and study of what it takes to tell the news in an honest, unbiased manner. Here are some things Kari said in her presentation:
Truth-telling takes courage, but it's what we need. It's the way that we will know the difference between our reality and something that was generated by artificial intelligence. And, our children are watching us and learning how we negotiate the relationship with truth. And with context, and with bias. Let's give them the tools they need to be well-equipped to handle those issues.  Truth is not automatic.  It must be defended, practiced, and taught. Newspapers write the first draft of history.
 
The La Conner Community News is also starting an after-school journalism club. Kari wants to grow the next crop of journalists.
Chinook Enterprises 2025
At our October 13, 2025, Rotary Meeting, 
The inspiration and 4-Way Test talk were provided by Lori Buher who said she regards the 4-Way Test as an evaluation test for Rotary and life, much like the Golden Rule and the 10 Commandments. It’s how she conducts her life. For the inspiration, Lori read us the back cover of the book Theo of Golden by Allen Levy. She said she has read the book twice and finds it very inspirational:
“Questions linger about Theo, a pleasant but mysterious stranger, after his arrival in the southern city of Golden. Who is he, and why is he here? He arrives early one spring and by chance — or is it? — he visits a coffee shop where 92 framed pencil portraits are on display. Inspired, Theo sets out on a mission of purchasing all the portraits one at a time and quietly bestowing them on their 'rightful owners.' Stories are told; friendships are born; and lives are changed.”
 
Marty introduced our guest speakers from  Chinook Enterprises: Nikki Wegner, Chief Executive Officer and David Wilder, Advocacy Specialist. Also in attendance: Rob Martin, Founder.
 
David talked about being a Disability Advocate: Life lessons from a chair.  He has worked for Chinook  Enterprises for 26 years. Both Nikki and Rob added to the conversation. The goal of Chinook is to help disabled people or people with other barriers become productive members of society so they can pay rent, buy food, etc., in the communities in which they live.
There are 21 million working-age adults with disabilities in the world.
200-250 people are served annually by Chinook.
 
Chinook Programs that fund the company’s mission with integrated employment, disabled and non-disabled:
Assembly and Manufacturing Services including Aerospace (parts manufacturing)
Commercial Grounds and Landscaping Maintenance (800 acres per week)
 
Employment Services:
                  Vocational assistance
                  Employer support
The average person from Chinook stays in a job for 7 years and calls in sick less often.
Job coach checks assist the employee and employer.
Accommodations needed for a disabled employee are typically under $500.
 
Chinook Enterprises website has great information and videos of their work.
 
Bylaws
The updated bylaws have been disseminated to all the members, and they have had three weeks to comment. Dennis Milliken moved, and Audrey Gravley seconded approval of the updated bylaws. There was a quorum present who voted unanimously for approval.  
 
Announcements: 
  • Membership forum Friday Oct 24th 10-11:30, La Conner Swinomish Library
  • Rotary Success Seminar 11/8 here or 11/15 in Canada, all members are welcome
  • Membership: It’s everyone’s responsibility to invite guests
  • Mount Vernon has put aside 6 tickets for us at their auction 11/15
  • Christmas party 12/8: Lyanne handed out dinner choices
  • November 15th Skagit Historical Museum Fundraiser is at Maple Hall
Happy Birthday  Martin Howard  on October 19th
Happy 10th Rotary Anniversary October 17th to Christi King
 
Ollie also collected Happy Bucks.
Who We Are
We are a hands-on service club dedicated to improving lives locally and around the world. We do this by promoting and investing in literacy, public health and community service.  We are the club people want to join, because we have fun while making a difference.  Our La Conner Rotary Foundation is a 501(c)3 organization.  Our tax ID# is 26-2730981.  Learn More About Our Club
 
Please note that we meet most Mondays at The Farmhouse starting at 5:30pm.  Please check the speaker list and/or event schedule for changes to the venue for the Monday meeting.
 
Contact Us!
Mailing Address
PO Box 2111
La Conner, WA 98257
 
Email Address
click on the link to send us an email
Speakers
Christmas Party - Skagit Golf & Country Club
Dec 15, 2025
Christmas Party - Skagit Golf & Country Club - All members in Person
Christmas break
Dec 22, 2025
No meeting
New Year break
Dec 29, 2025
No meeting
Denny Hagen Skagit County Assessor
Jan 05, 2026
Skagit County Tax Assessment System - All member hybrid
Galina Gandy, Island Health
Jan 12, 2026
Galina Gandy, Chief Information Officer - Island Health - All member hybrid
Club update and board meeting
Jan 19, 2026
Club update and board meeting - All member hybrid
TBD
Jan 26, 2026
TBD - All member hybrid
TBD
Feb 02, 2026
TBD - All member hybrid
TBD
Feb 09, 2026
TBD - All member hybrid
Club update/board
Feb 16, 2026
Club update/board - All member meeting
TBD
Feb 23, 2026
TBD - All member meeting
TBD
Mar 02, 2026
All member hybrid
TBD
Mar 09, 2026
All member hybrid
Club update/board meeting
Mar 16, 2026
Club Business - Hybrid Meeting
TBD
Mar 23, 2026
All member hybrid
Fifth Monday fun
Mar 30, 2026
All members and guests
TBD
Apr 06, 2026
All member hybrid
TBD
Apr 13, 2026
All member hybrid
Club update/board
Apr 20, 2026
All member hybrid
TBD
Apr 27, 2026
All member hybrid
Wen Chen - The Renaissance of Chinese Culture
May 04, 2026
Wen Chen - The Renaissance of Chinese Culture - All member hybrid
TBD
May 11, 2026
All member hybrid
Club update/board
May 18, 2026
All member hybrid
No meeting
May 25, 2026
Memorial Day
TBD
Jun 01, 2026
All member hybrid
TBD
Jun 08, 2026
All member hybrid
View entire list...
Club Executives & Directors
President
Martha Pease
President Elect
Lori Buher
Membership
Christi King
Vice President
John Milnor
Past President
Audrey Gravley
Secretary
Connie Milliken
Treasurer
Don Wolf
Community Services
Patsy Good
International Projects
Danielle Mullen
Vocational Services
Doug Moore
Youth Services
Adam McGarity
Foundation
Dennis Milliken
Public Relations
Keith Stobie
Rotary Links
 
Local Links