At our July 28, 2025 Rotary Meeting. John Milnor explained the origin of the 4-Way Test.
In 1932, a company called Club Aluminum was going out of business and the bank appointed a man named Herbert J. Taylor to run the company and see if there was any way to save it. He determined that maybe they needed to treat their customers, and the public in general, better. So, he spent some time trying to come up with something. Initially, he didn’t come up with anything, so he prayed about it. Then, he came up with the four questions of the 4-Way Test, tried it out for himself for a few weeks, and it made an improvement. He was surprised to see how much of their literature was not very accurate in terms of what it was trying to portray. He called in his four department heads, one Roman Catholic, one Christian Scientist, one an Orthodox Jew, and one Presbyterian to ask if there was anything in the 4-Way Test that would bother anyone in their religion and they all said no. So, the company imposed the 4-Way Test on all their employees, all 250 of them. And in 1943, Rotary first adopted the use of the 4-Way Test. In 1954, Herbert J. Taylor became Rotary International President and gave the copyright of the 4-Way Test to Rotary.
The inspiration was provided by Don Wolf
Vacation Time-camping
There are all kinds of vacations, but camping—in an RV, a tent, or just a sleeping bag under the stars—is the best way to really appreciate life. As Danya and I prepare for our next adventure in the wild, these inspirational thoughts fill our dreams…yours too.
- John Muir said, “The mountains are calling, and I must go. To lose my mind and find my soul.”
- Albert Einstein reflected, “Look deep into nature, and then you will understand everything better.”
- “Money can’t buy happiness, but it can buy an RV, which is kind of the same thing.”
- “It always seems to rain on your tent. Think about it, that rainstorm traveled thousands of miles, fighting against prevailing winds just for the opportunity to rain on YOUR tent!” You are pretty special.
- Another quote from John Muir: “Of all the paths you take in life, make sure a few of them are dirt.”
- And last but not least, a quote every parent knows from their children embarking on a road trip: “Are we there yet?”
Adam McGarity shared that he is starting Skagit Farm and Forest School (Pre-School) for ages 3-5. After taking care of his son, Turner for 3 years, Adam got his early childhood teaching certification at Whatcom Community College and wants to focus his career in this way. The classes will be held outside unless there is inclement weather and will focus on farming, gardening, and outdoor exploration. They will actively partner with families. There is a lack of licensed preschool/daycare programs. This school will address the need for kids to be in nature and will be an active, engaging, and fun experience for kids. It will be the first outdoor school in Skagit County, and Adam hopes to open it in March of 2026 with highly skilled teachers. He will teach and be the director. He hopes to start with 12 kids the first year, then increase over time. The first two years, the school will run for four hours a day, then move to full day after being licensed. The Skagit Farm and Forest School is currently a Washington State non-profit and Adam hopes to have 501c3 status soon. If you want to help Adam with this endeavor, he is looking for assistance with donations, volunteering, partnering, advising, and referring people. He is still looking for a site if you have ideas or connections. Please contact Adam if you want to know more or can help/support in any way. Adam will also be doing a presentation in October for our Rotary Club.
Marty presented her Year’s Planning PowerPoint with a quick recap of what was already decided and then went on to request volunteers for key areas still needing to be covered.
Recap of what was decided in June
- Dues increase to $200, which includes District and Rotary International dues
- Club Director for Membership replaced Club Service Director
- Connie is taking care of the Duty Team recruitment and scheduling
- Patsy is in charge of the Storage Unit
Community Service
- Need more hands-on projects: Dennis Milliken volunteered
- Do some projects on the weekend so working members can participate
Other Opportunities
- Speakers’ Manager: Audrey Gravley volunteered
- Dictionary manager: Keith Stobie volunteered, and Connie Milliken will assist
- President-elect for 2026-2027 Waiting for a volunteer…
- Assist Pam with internal audit of the last year’s books: Adam McGarity volunteered
- Publicity committee: Waiting for volunteers to join Keith Stobie
- Fifth Monday planner for March and June 2026 Danielle Mullen volunteered
We are already going to New Use Energy on the Fifth Monday in September.
Membership: We have an active committee chaired by Christi King
- Need to rebuild the club
- Everyone is responsible for inviting members
- Invite guests based on their interest in speakers
- Mentor guidelines have been updated
Foundation: Dennis Milliken will be bringing information to the club about The Rotary Foundation and the importance of our contributions.