Las Vegas After Hours Rotary Club president visiting our Tulip Festival for the first time, stopped by our Tulip sales booth. "Marty was wonderfully hospitable and the Rotary dog was such a fun surprise. Wanted to share a few pictures."
"The length of time that each bloom lasts depends on how warm it is. During a cool spring, with temperatures between 45-55 degrees Fahrenheit, tulips will bloom for 1-2 weeks but if the weather is warmer, each bloom will last for just a few days."
We've had a lot of warm sunny days this April.
Thanks to all of our buyers for supporting La Conner Rotary.
Friday (3/29) begins sales of 10-stem bunches of tulips for $6 from booths during the Skagit Tulip Festival. Get some fresh flowers for Easter. Sales will run daily 11 AM - 5 PM at Shawn O'Donnell's at the Farmhouse parking lot (LaConner Whitney Rd & State Route 20) and at the La Conner roundabout by Hedlin Farms (Chillberg Rd & LaConner Whitney Rd).
All proceeds support projects in education, public health, and community service.
At our April 1 meeting, no joke, we discussed our upcoming August 24 auction with the theme: the Magic of Rotary.
We also had Jo Wolfe, director of the Skagit County Historical Museum. La Conner Fire Chief Aaron Reinstra reported that the museum’s fire detection system should be replaced.
She thanked Rotary for its donation which completed their fundraising for a fire alarm system.
At our March 25 meeting, speakers Leon John and Bev Keys spoke to us about the wellness center didgwálič which is Swinomish for the flower camilis.
The clinic is located next to Moka Joe Coffee on S March Point Rd and they are seriously looking at the drive in property for expansion. The idea for the wellness center started in 2016 when in one week the tribe at 4 deaths from drug overdoses. Though the tribe runs the center, it is open to anyone who suffers from addiction and they serve Skagit, Whatcom and Island counties. 67% of people with addictions live on the street and therefore are without resources. Their main source of funding is Medicaid. They are a holistic clinic and address many aspects of addiction including transportation, housing, employment assistance. They have medical staff, counselors. Their mission statement is to "Remove Barriers to Care" They have purchased the apartment complex on Maple at the base of the bridge and the adjacent house. The facility will be transitional housing and there will be security and counselors on the premises.
The grant committee presented Taylor Podroga, Alicia Schwind and Jess from the drama club a check to support the program.
At our March 11, 2024 meeting, Ryan Patrick and Chloe Madison were our speakers for the evening from the Braves Hub. As noted in La Conner Weekly News:
The La Conner Rotary Club gave a $2,000 donation toward food and snacks at the Braves Hub and another $600 earmarked for the end-of-year senior class trip. “We’re blessed that La Conner Rotary supports our programs,” said La Conner Schools Superintendent Will Nelson.
Ryan and Chloe wanted to come to our club meeting to THANK US for the $2000 grant monies. As they explained, it could not have come at a better time. Many financial challenges happened in the last couple of years and now with some additional grant monies for 5 years and money from the Rotary Club of La Conner, Ryan and Chloe were able to join the program and keep it going. Academic enrichment, snacks for all the children, and supplies for the activities allow all programs to be free to the students/parents in the program. Ryan is the Program Director and Chloe is the Site Coordinator.
This month’s project is to build rockets and building a safe habitat. The children can be tired and hungry after a day of school so they are developing fun topics to get them energized with snacks to give them a boost. Celebration of kits as well as making volcanoes with elephant toothpaste for the eruption, reading, robotics, etc.
They serve 35-40 children regularly, although they have registrants of over 120+ children. Children must register to be allowed into the program. Many of the older children from Middle School and High School volunteer time to teach the younger children. Word of mouth is the best way to attract all that need the service in the area. The hours of Operation are 3:00-6:00 pm and include children from both sides of the Channel. There are also similar programs at the Boys and Girls Club. They also focus on problem-solving and academic needs. The summer project – the Monday after the 4th of July week will allow for Mon-Thurs 9:00-2:00 hours with (4) classes. Teachers, parents, and volunteers will be helping during this time. There will be transportation to and from, along with lunch and snacks.
Thank you Ryan and Chloe our speakers, for sharing.
At March 4, 2024 Rotary meeting, Damond Morris started by passing out some literature highlighting the Lincoln Theatre and talking a bit about its history, the upcoming shows, and a couple of campaign fundraisers.
Damond Morris serves as the Executive Director for the Lincoln Theatre Center Foundation in Mount Vernon, WA. He is the founder and former Artistic Director of Shakespeare Northwest from 2000-2008. He served as a tenured faculty member and Chair, prior to the elimination of the Drama Department at Skagit Valley College in Mount Vernon. Damond obtained his PhD from the University of Oregon in 2013, with studies in directing, acting, environmental sustainability, eco-criticism, post-colonial theatre and theatre history. His dissertation “Presenting Oregon: Formative Forces of the Oregon Unit of the Federal Theatre Project” explores the formative forces of the Oregon Unit of the Federal Theatre Project, under the Works Progress Administration during the Great Depression, including the Little Theatre Movement, West Coast vaudeville and the Oregon State mythos. He holds a master's degree from Western Washington University and a Masters in Sustainability Leadership (Oregon Leadership in Sustainability) through the Planning Public Policy & Management Department at the University of Oregon. Damond’s master’s thesis, "Towards a Recycled Theatre: Industrial Ecology Applications in the Theatre Industry," is an analysis of real-world answers to the problem of waste in the theatre industry. Following this passion, his development efforts to preserve the Lincoln Theatre, center on lowering the building’s carbon footprint and preserving the structure for the next 100 years!
He shared that Western Washington Shakespeare Festival was the 1st Club to share Skagit County at the Edge Water Park in Mt Vernon. It has 300 seats and now Western Washington Shakespeare NW is at the Rexville Amphitheatre. Granges across Washington were collapsing, and with a great idea from the Quincy Grange to host theatre and liberal arts events and drawing a profit, other Granges followed suit to stay alive and viable.
Today State and Federal Funds are participating to upgrade and save the Lincoln Theatre utilizing a Capital Campaign. One such project is “Keeping Cool” which upgrades the fire suppression system at the Lincoln.
In 2022, the Lincoln won the Jay Inslee Award, as well as the Heritage Award. This last year, the Lincoln was awarded 350K from City and County funding for the HVAC & Fire Suppression “Keep Cool Campaign”.
Damond also shared the upcoming events flyer, which is on the web page. Oscar Night which allows people to come together and watch the Oscars, eat popcorn, and visit the Art Bar. On the website, there is also a link to Damond’s biography and dissertation. It also goes back into the history of the 1930’s Great Depression, and the history of the theatre, which was originally a home of Elton D Pollack in that location and became the 1926 Lincoln Vaudeville Theatre. A portion of the history speaks to the impact of BNSR impact on our community and the fact that Vaudeville would not have been an industry w/out trains in our area. Many upgrades have been put into the theatre over the years. The 1926 boiler has been upgraded however, it has no air conditioning. A 3.2M feasibility study was performed to get HVAC Heat Pump System and handicap seating, as well as adding a lift to the basement and the fire suppression. A part of the feasibility study was to also reduce carbon footprint, reducing the need for utilizing natural gas by moving to all-electric.
After several questions from the audience, we thanked Damond and he signed a book for our Mobile Library. Thank you Damond for the great program!
President Connie welcomed Cathy Squires to the podium to award her an Honorary Membership to the Rotary Club of La Conner and a Paul Harris Fellow award for her generosity and kindness. You embody “Service Above Self”! Each year, Cathy and her BUNCO friends, donate BUNCO winnings and time to purchase bicycles and helmets for the SPARC donation each Holiday season. Thank you Cathy for your kindness to our club members for the last 30 years and week after week serving and caring for us as well as your kindness to the community! Welcome! Cathy shared how much this club means to her and she considers us all friends whom she dearly loves and cares about. She was very honored and thanked Connie and the Club for this very special award.
Program:
Lori Buher introduced our speaker for the evening Joel Hingston, a Spanish Language teacher at La Conner High School. A Spanish Learning Trip is planned so Joel brought Marlin Bralins, a sophomore student, to share about the trip and what he hopes to experience and learn. Marlin shared that the students will be going to Ecuador for 9 days, students are raising their own money, in November they will be having a Fundraiser, and to date, he has earned a large percentage of the money by driving and doing yard work in the area. Students need $3590 ea and Marlin is down to his remaining $700-800 for the trip. They will spend 2-3 days in Quito to start their learning and the opportunity to see other cultures in the world and how they live. They will be at an indigenous camp for half a day and then will have some time for hiking in the National Forest and meeting the people who live there. They will have the opportunity to take a rafting trip down the Amazon River. One of the foods that are quite a delicacy are “guinea pigs” which are roasted. Marlin would like to try, even if only once. The trip is 4 weeks and includes 10-11 students all on one bus. They will be doing the trip adventure/experience together.
As a second speaker for the evening, President Connie introduced Cory Ertel, Boeing Grassroots Advocate to come to the podium and share about his role at Boeing. You may remember Cory from when he spoke to the Club when he worked at the Refinery and other Rotary of Anacortes Club interests. Cory attended Ballard High School where he enjoyed playing baseball in the Seattle area. He attended Central Washington University. Cory has been married for 17 years and has 3 children. His career has mostly been in Public Affairs, most recently hired at Boeing Washington in Government Affairs. He worked at the Shell Refinery until July 2022 when he joined Boeing. The Boeing assignment is Grassroots Professional Government Official. Cory has been a member of Anacortes Rotary since 2012,
Cory began by acknowledging and sharing an update of the Alaska Flight 1282 in January, where the door plug exited the airplane and pilots successfully landed the aircraft with no series injuries. He felt that he should share the seriousness of the incident and the levels at which Boeing is committed to ensuring nothing is more important to the company than ensuring the flying public is safe. Boeing regrets that it happened and commended the pilots for getting the AP landed safely. The investigation is ongoing and will ensure enhancements to Quality programs to ensure safety. Boeing is being transparent – There is a one page write up if you would like to follow up on the information at Boeing.com.
Boeing was formed in 1916 by Bill Boeing at the Red Barn. If you have never visited it in the Tukwila area, it is a fabulous museum. Boeing is a leading global aerospace company with product and services support to customers in more than 150 Countries, and contracts with more than 12,000 suppliers globally. Boeing employs more than 140,000 across the US and in 65 countries, A Diverse Team committed to innovating for the future. Washington is the headquarters of Boeing Commercial Airplanes, Boeing Subsidiary Insitu, and Boeing Test and Evaluation with 65,000 + employees, which is more Boeing employees than anywhere else in the world. The Boeing average wage in Washington is $106,514 compared to the average wage in Washington State which is $84,167. Boeing currently has 3,494 employees in the Learning Together Program, where Boeing has paid $23,466,982 to date in our State for employee education. Boeing has a direct and indirect economic footprint in Washington, supplier 1K+, annual purchases $2,25B, and jobs supported 205K. Boeing Everett produces wide body aircraft, 767, 777, Composite Wing Center, 777X, 4th 737 production line, the KC-46 Modification Center, and the The Renton facility produces the 737 MAX family of commercial aircraft and the E-7 and P-8 military aircraft. The Seattle/Tukwila facility is home of the P-4 Military Delivery Center, and the Renton product Commercial Delivery Center. Kent houses the Kent Space Center and the 737 Engine Build up, as well as the Auburn Fabrication Division in Auburn and in Moses Lake there is a 737 Production line to catch up on the MAX build that was stopped for 2 years, after the crash of (2) -900 MAX aircraft internationally. Over the next 20 years, Airlines will need 42,595 new aircraft.
Cory shared that Washington State s very important to Boeing, as well as 842 Skagit Boeing employees as well as 1045 Skagit Valley Retirees. Company matches Boeing employee and retirees giving through Company Match. Boeing hired it’s 1000th employee as a part of the “Kids from High School” program. If you would like to see more information on the Boeing Company, you can visit www.watchusfly.com.
Thankyou Cory for such an educational presentation.
Our guests for Feb.12 were Jessica Rodriquez and Flora Lucatero with Children of the Valley and Alexia Reed, our sponsored YES student.
Jessica and Flora thanked the club for grant support for summer enrichment programs for the Children of the Valley. They presently operate in four locations in Mount Vernon, Burlington, and Sedro Woolley serving 180 students last year. Their auction is coming up on April 26th.
Alexia volunteers at the Children of the Valley and shared some of her stories. She returned to the club to sell more raffle tickets to raise money to go to Honduras.
Luck of the Irish: fundraiser for the YES program Honduran project materials, Saturday 3/2, 5 PM at Maple Hall. Tickets are available on line https://auctria.events/LuckoftheIrish2024.
Danielle has been busy organizing the next District 5050 Friendship Exchange. This time it is with Hungarians, who will be in the district 8/25-9/8. We don't know yet the dates they will be visiting our area. If you are willing to host a guest please let Danielle know. The district team is visiting Hungary 10/5-19.
At our Feb. 5 was Katie McDougall, the Clinical Liaison for Hospice of the Northwest. She has been with hospice for over a year but has over 10 years in the medical field including respiratory and durable medical equipment, home health, and now hospice. She has a personal connection to Rotary as she was selected to be an exchange student out of The Dalles Oregon and went to San Juan Argentina for her junior year of high school.
Hospice of the Northwest is Medicare-certified and Washington State-approved. They have been serving residents of Island, San Juan, Skagit, and North Snohomish counties since 1984. They provide care to 200+ patients a day and are a not-for-profit organization. They currently have 100+ employees and 60 volunteers, who live and work in the communities they serve.
Katie covered Aging in place with 3 parts: Assess, Plan, and Prepare in the areas of
community, financials, transportation, social connection, technology, health and wellness especially falls prevention.
What if I sign up for hospice and change my mind? You are free to leave hospice care at any time, for any reason, without penalty. You can re-enroll later. The hospice benefit is available to you anytime if you meet the medical eligibility requirement.
How do I get started? Get permission from the patient via the Referral Center. They are available 7 days a week from 8-5 pm. You provide basic information such as name, date of birth, insurance, and primary care physician. They determine eligibility and then schedule an informational visit.
To get started, a doctor must determine that the patient meets medical criteria during the intake process, and anyone can make a referral – Self-referral, family members, friends, physicians, other healthcare providers, social workers, counselors, and clergy. Things to consider when choosing a hospice provider would be: Is the provider a for-profit company or a not-for-profit organization? What extra services do they offer? How do they handle urgent needs? Will someone come to my home if there is a crisis in the middle of the night? Is the provider Medicare-certified and approved to provide hospice services in Washington State? Are they accredited by an objective third party? What’s the provider’s history and reputation in the community?
There is HOPE in hospice care. Hospice affirms life. It is not about how you want to die; it’s about how you want to live. Our team works with patients to create an individualized care plan and HOPE is a big part of that. We focus on your needs and goals, so you can live life to the fullest in comfort and dignity. Hospice care is about more than just pain and symptom management. It’s about maximizing your quality of life. Research shows that people on hospice live longer, and with a greater quality of life. Some patients experience improved health once they are in hospice. There are even patients who “graduate” from hospice.
Hospice is not a place; it is a model and philosophy of care. Services are provided wherever the patient calls home. Patient’s home, home of a loved one, nursing home, assisting living community, memory care community, and correctional facility, homeless shelters Wherever you are, transportation is provided to and from appointments as needed. To help you get your home ready for aging in place get the AARP HomeFit guide.
Very enlightening and educational program! Everyone was very engaged and had some great questions.
At our Jan 29 Rotary meeting our guests included Cora Thomas, Executive Assistant to the Director of Skagit River Poetry Foundation, Fidalgo Island artist Anne Schreivogl, and Molly McNulty, Executive director at Skagit River Poetry Foundation. The Skagit River Poetry Foundation revealed its 2024 Poetry Festival poster art by Anne Schreivogl.
Molly, a fellow Rotarian, thanked La Conner Rotary for past donations and support. This October 3-5, poets Tony Curtis (from Ireland) and Sam Green will be returning. A major target for poetry is students especially high school students.
As a supporter of Poetry in the Schools, we once again donated $1,500 to the Skagit River Poetry Festival.
At our first meeting in January, we had two more Harris Paul award winners including Danielle Mullen.
Alexia Reid, our Youth Engaged in Service (YES) student, shared with us some information about herself. At Burlington-Edison High School she is active in several clubs. She is doing her community service including Children of the Valley. To raise money for her contribution for a trip to Honduras, she sold raffle tickets where winners will be drawn at Luck of the Irish.
Jessica Clement and Alicia Schwind spoke to us about their newly founded nonprofit called Skagit Passage. Its mission is to nurture a rich storytelling culture throughout the Skagit Valley. They create opportunities within our local community to perform, listen, play, and engage in story.
They are both active in drama and have been involved with the drama club in the La Conner school district. All drama classes and support of the drama program have been cut from the school budget, so they decided to create a nonprofit to fund and support drama in the high school. Their first focus is on the school's spring production. A production costs $25,000-$40,000 to put on. A production requires collaboration.
The pieces and parts to put on a production include people and skills and provide an amazing opportunity for volunteers. Trade experience and career pathways include carpentry, cosmetology, and electrical.
Their long-term goals are to continue to be active in the school but also reach out to other schools, start a community theater, and maybe even a storytelling event.
Connie shared that as a club we more than matched Connie and Dennis' contribution to Steve Miller Medical Mission. In total we donated $4,440!!
Luck of the Irish is March 2nd at Maple Hall, doors open at 5 PM, game starts at 6 PM. Dinner, wine, beer, and friendly gambling fun are provided. The funds raised go to the YES project in Honduras: this year, paint school buildings, provide electricity, and build a playground and a fence around it. Please see the attachment for how to get tickets online.
Marty is leading a trip to Honduras 4/3-4/10 geared towards curious people about the IPA, family, and friends. The pace is more laid back and touristy oriented. Let Marty know if you are interested.
Our next meeting's speaker is Natalie Milligan, a Rotary scholar.
For more than two-thirds of his life, Doug Jones has been a Rotarian. The 95-year-old Channel Drive resident joined Rotary when he was 31. He has been a Rotarian longer than the 52 years he was married to his late wife Ruth and almost, but not quite, longer than he has been a father. "Rotary has been a way of life," Jones told an appreciative crowd at the Dec. 18 La Conner Rotary Christmas party, as his 64 years with the service club were celebrated.
He brought energy to the La Conner club when he and Ruth built their Channel Drive home.
President Milliken, oversees a club that gives away about $100,000 annually. Much of it goes to La Conner Schools as scholarships, clothes for the clothes closet, food for the food closet and support for the preschool and the Braves Club. As part of its focus on literacy, the club pays for a book a month for any child under five within the school district registered in the Dolly Parton Imagination Library.
Rotary is also involved in the development of La Conner's Waterfront Park and gives grants to groups like the Skagit River Poetry Festival, Children of the Valley, and the Anacortes Family Center.
"All of our work is focused on the county, except for our international work in Honduras," Milliken says. Members record 50 to 90 volunteer hours at every Monday meeting as they live out the Rotary slogan, "Service above Self."
"Keeping Drama Alive in La Conner Schools" will be the topic at the January 15 La Conner Rotary meeting at 6 p.m. at O'Donnell's Restaurant on Highway 20.
At our December 4, 2023 Rotary Club of La Conner, our guest speaker for the evening was Dr. Steve Miller, from the Fidalgo Rotary Club/
President Connie thanked our very successful Santa Breakfast leaders Patsy Good and Lori Buher. Lori thanked everyone for their help and shared that she and Patsy made a list of what worked well and a few changes for next year. Thank you everyone!
John Milnor announced we were doing very well in our collection for SPARC gifts to deliver on Dec 12th.
Our guest speaker Dr Steve Miller is an active member of the Anacortes Fidalgo Island Rotary Club and a founding member of the Podiatry Institute. Its mission is to be a supportive global network of members, colleagues, and friends that enhance the quality of life of patients with foot, ankle, and leg disorders through innovative education, research, and service. The Podiatry Institute is a non-profit educational foundation that offers a variety of programs including conferences, workshops, and postgraduate courses. The institute has achieved national and international recognition for its leading role in developing and advancing podiatric medicine and surgery. The faculty members are all volunteers who serve without compensation. They are committed to ongoing education in the area of foot and ankle surgery. Together they bring podiatric surgical care to needy children in the underdeveloped parts of the world.
Dr Steve shared with the club his story of Medial Missions that have made a difference by changing the world one child at a time through “Healing the Children Oregon and Western Washington. He shared his experience in 1999, 2000, 2003, 2004 at Foundation Pediatriia Guatemaltea near Guatemala City. In addition, Venezuela- Barinas 2000, Vietnam- My Tho 2005 and Hanoi 2007, Nepal 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, Nepal 2014, 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018 and 2019, Ecuador Riobamba 2010, Indonesia- Ungaran 2011, El Salvador – San Salvador 2012, Guatemala-San Lucas Toliman 2011, Honduras-Comayagua 2018, 2019, 2020, 2021, 2022, 2023.
He recalled one of his favorite RN’s Bojan Kuure 1942-2017 who quoted “All I can wish for is for you to try and do something that makes you happy, leaves a legacy, and makes yourself UNFORGETABLE”. He shared a picture of San Lucas Toliman Guatamala 2019/2020 where Karen Ryan was able to join. I believe Danielle was also on that trip. He introduced Dr Will and Diane Boegel from Virginia Mason Department of Orthopedics in Seattle, who had a calling to move to their new home and location in Guatemala to continue the work.
Dr Steve shared the Opal House that was funded by the Fidalgo Rotary Club in San Lucas Toliman Guatemala 2012-2023 as well as the expansion of Hospital Obras Sociales de Monsignor Gregorio Schaffer expansion serving a city of 35,000 people.
The backbone of the organization is led by Physicians, Surgeons, Nurses, IT Specialists, Logistics, Construction, Fund Raising and Translators. Steve shared the story of Ester, all healed from her surgeries and time for new shoes. Ester was born with her feet pointing backwards and was so happy when she could wear shoes.
Dr. Steve also introduced Dr. Libby Weber and Trauma Surgeon specializing in treading cerebral palsy patients who were able to correct both legs of a patient that were backwards. The team treats Pediatric Clubfoot, Neglected Clubfoot, extra toes/fingers, post-polio problems, fractures, fracture complications, cerebral palsy complications, and other foot, ankle and leg problems.
So many were touched by the team's great work that they wanted to donate. Here is the address and instructions to send donations --
Checks can be mailed to our PO Box - P.O. Box 125, Anacortes WA 98221. Please make sure they are noted to be for Miller Medical Missions so we know to earmark the funds.
Thank you Steve for the very inspirational stories and rich discussion!
Dennis Milliken provided the inspiration – Since we are in the SPARC gift-giving time of year, Dennis shared a lovely story of a father talking to his son. One day, the father told his son, that he watched a woman collapse on the subway. I summoned an ambulance, I was Santa. Now it is your turn to be a Santa. Never tell the truth about Santa until a person is ready, and look for every opportunity to help people.
Marty shared that the YES (Youth Engaged in Service) program is going very well. We have 10 students, and our sponsored student is from Burlington, Alexia Reed. She is a Junior, her family is divorced, and she is very excited for the opportunity to travel and do the YES project. They will be traveling to the village of Copan with IPA (International Project Alliance), working on a new kindergarten with electricity, and building a playground at the end of June. They are hosting dinner at the Brick to practice leadership and fundraising.
John Milnorshared where we are with SPARC (Skagit Preschool and Resource Center) gifts and shopped for the fathers to provide food baskets and gift cards.
At our Nov 20, 2023 meeting, our guest and presenter for the evening was Marna Hanneman, La Conner's mayor-elect.
Audrey offered inspiration from an editorial from the La Conner Weekly which had quotes from The Boy, The Mole, the Fox, and the Horse.
Marna's professional career included property management, a printing business, and a yoga instructor. She moved here 20 years ago and has been active on the planning commission since 2014. Her motto is Communication, consensus, and collaboration equal community. The town did a survey and from that the council has established four main goals.
Maintaining public facilities such as the water treatment plant. It is in need of an upgrade and it is close to maximum capacity for 1200 people.
Promote economic vitality via tourism.
Infrastructure such as schools, library, Maple Hall, and emergency cooling stations.
Retain the workforce and maximize efficiency.
She challenged us to create plaques with QR codes that hold historical information. A high schooler created the codes and did the history research but they are presently posted in obscure places and on paper in merchant’s windows.
Start the morning with a Pancake Breakfast hosted by the Rotary Club of La Conner at Maple Hall. Pancakes, sausage, scrambled eggs, OJ, Coffee. Have your child's picture taken with Santa after breakfast! Pooch's can get pictures with Santa too! Cost $10 per adult, kids $5, children under 5 free!
Holiday craft fair at Maple Hall from 9 am to 3 pm
At our November 13, 2023, Rotary Club of La Conner Meeting, our guests for the evening were District 5050 Governor David Lukov and Area HAssistant Governor Susan Guterbock. The theme for David’s sharing tonight is “Why Rotary”.
David is a storyteller leader and shared that many other associations and clubs have lost membership, and Rotary continues to go strong. He asked us:
“How many find that Rotary has widened and broadened their view of the world?” Several members answered the question of what the rotary experience has done for them. He shared that for him, Rotary allows him to provide service work with his hands, mind, body, and soul. He shared a story with us about when he was at a parsonage in Wilmington. He and his young daughter were in the front yard when he heard the squealing of tires approaching. The speed limit in the area was 20 MPH, and the fast-approaching vehicle had its window down, music blaring. As it went by, David yelled at it to slow down and that it was in a residential area. The driver proceeded to affectionately produce a middle finger. Not long thereafter, David was driving in the downtown area with many beautiful row houses. David was in a hurry and driving way too fast. From one of the houses, David heard “Hey, slow down” as he reflected back on his own experience at his house.
David shared that we all have a tendency to see what we want to see and that is our greatest challenge. As we read the newspaper and social media, we choose those that align with our beliefs. Rotary for David allows us to take our blinders off and see the world more broadly. For our Club, he recognized our work with La Conner United and our International Projects in Honduras and how they make such a difference in our world. It allows us all to broaden our views, the myopic narrow view widens.
David then asked us:
“How many of you believe you are a more effective leader by being a Rotarian?” Several members shared their thoughts. David told the story of (3) CEOs sitting on a park bench in Central New York. Sarah was on one end of the bench She had been a very successful CEO in the 1970’s and was now retired. On the other end of the bench was Sam, also a very successful CEO with a substantial impact in his community in the mid 1990’s and was semi-retired. Tom who was sitting in the middle, started asking and sharing what led to their success. Sarah stated that she read a lot and kept adjusting as she went. She was a real trailblazer for other women. Tom shared that he experienced everything he could, learned and became a stronger and stronger leader. When asked, Sam stated his success was “LUCK”. He had good training, many college conferences, and a lot of listening. He shared that when you have a strong vision, you have to guide and help people to see it, follow you and it requires a lot of listening. You learn when to talk and when not to. Leadership involves taking an experience and opportunity and doing something with it.
David shared that in my rotary, there is a lot of really great training. Leadership is just one of many choices. It used to be the Learning Institute and now is both online and presented at many of our conferences. YAIL, RYLA, YES graduates come out with confidence, get to see the world, and come back with really strong leadership traits. David recognized and thanked Adam for his good work in leadership as he was able to start up Skagit Rotaract. Adam exhibited servant leadership, guided and then handed off to them and their leader. He was a fabulous mentor and guide allowing them to set it up the way that felt best for them.
David asked us: “Why have you stayed in Rotary?” Some said the companionship, the good works and vision, and the love of people. David shared “You are what you do”. He has been in 6 different Rotary Clubs, when he joined the Mt Vernon Club, he didn’t feel the connection or welcoming environment, but he returned many times to give it another try. It was not until Della Moon and Art Palmer who were the elderly members and were sitting off by themselves invited David over. They didn’t want to talk about them, they wanted to hear all about David. It was then he knew Mt Vernon was for him. Every human has a need to feel they belong and are welcome. You will stay when you know you belong.
David shared that he wants to host an affordable, fun, Rotary District 5050 Conferencefor the community and all Club members. He has decided it will be a Mt Vernon High School Conference, $100 per person or $400 for family. It will be May 4, with other events on May 3 and May 5thsuch as Bowing at Riverside Bowling, dinner at Max Dale, and ending up at Kamp Kory. He will soon have bookmarks to announce the conference and events. Fun, simple, and engaging.
David presented John Milnor and Don Wolf with an award for their long and exemplary leadership in Rotary, always behind the scenes, with enthusiasm. He expressed his gratitude and thanks on behalf of Rotary. He also has a District Governor award for Doug Jones which will be presented. David recognized our Club for our energy, projects, community impact, and the fun we have while doing good work.
The next time you see someone in Safeway, walking in downtown La Conner, or one of your neighbors, find out their story – Listen What is your own story and how did it shape you to see the world – We are all a part of a family.
Thank you, David, for the very inspirational stories and rich discussion!
Click read more for David’s background and the inspiration for the night
At our November 6, 2023 meeting, our guest speaker was Pennye Nixon – Etta Program in Bolivia.
Pennye Nixon was Selected as 2017 Greater Tacoma Peace Prize Laureate. Pennye Nixon thoughtfully responded to an inquiry about her work. “I like to talk about poop.” Nixon explained that there are two precursors to public health – clean water and sanitation – and that sanitation is often forgotten about when assisting impoverished areas. As the Founder and Director of Operations for Etta Projects, Nixon directs projects that construct sanitation facilities and provide clean water in rural Bolivian villages. These exceptional peacebuilding efforts are why the Greater Tacoma Peace Prize (GTTP) was proud to announce the selection of Pennye Nixon as the 2017 Laureate this evening, at the Etta Projects 13th Annual Auction.
Pennye shared that the Etta Project was created to honor her daughter who was killed in a bus accident in Montero Bolivia. The project is a Global Grant focused on Sexual & Reproductive Health through education and making informed choices. The 2-year project cost $96,530 and assisted 30,000 students, created 21 health clinics, 1000+ women received long-acting (4) year contraceptives, and directly touched 30,000 people. The Etta project partners with the Bolivian communities to identify needs and together create sustainable solutions. Over 42,000 villagers served the Community Health promoters, 47 villages were provided with clean and safe drinking water, and 743 composting latrines were built with keeping clean hygiene in mind. 7950 adolescents have been trained in sexual health and Womens’ empowerment.
She showed pictures of the training classes for teens on the use of condoms and contraceptives which were presented in a fun lighthearted manner to engage the students. Aids and other STDs are a huge problem in the area.
The woman on the left, a 92-year-old community member who was blessed with a family latrine, said: “I know I will not be in this life for long. My only regret is that I cannot bring my beautiful new latrine with me!” Dona Juana, age 92, after Etta Projects built latrines in the village of Betania.
What a beautiful and heartwarming presentation and sharing. Thank you Pennye Nixon and Etta Projects!
At our October 23, 2023 Rotary Club of La Conner meeting, president Connie presented a grant check to Marcus Rosecamp for Camp Kirby ping-pong table.
Dustin Johnson – Executive Director of Anacortes Family Center (AFC) described the AFC and the History of Homelessness in his program. AFC’s solution starts with a rental assistance program, and as inventory is added, such as the new building complex, these families and single members are provided housing. The AFC community outreach program partners with the Police Department and Parks to provide engagement and referrals to services for homelessness, domestic violence, mental health, and chemical dependency
The mission of AFC is to serve homeless women, children, and families in crisis by providing shelter in addition to comprehensive and transformational services to achieve long-lasting personal success and self-sufficiency. AFC’s unique approach has led to the distinction of being one of the most successful shelters in the state at helping clients achieve self-sufficiency.
Thank you so much Dustin for the outstanding program!
Michael Bucy came to share with us his experience as a Rotary Exchange Student in the Philippines in 1973. He is forever grateful to Rotary for this life-changing experience.
Michael is 65 years old and has lived in the PNW most of his life. He has lived in La Conner for the last 5 years, with music and guitars very much in his life. He is a member of the Parks Department, and, as you walk downtown, you can often hear his music coming from inside Studio 623. Michael attended Highline High School in Normandy Park, and when he was a sophomore, he saw that anyone interested in being an exchange student for Rotary could apply. He filled out the forms and told his parents he really wanted to attend. He stated he had a way to always convince his parents of what he wanted to do, and they fully supported him. He was selected and was given the opportunity to go to the Philippines in 1973/1974. He travelled from Seattle to Guam to Manila, where he spent the night. He found himself with a family on the island of Mindanao, on the bottom chain of islands. The father was a doctor and the mother a commissioner.
Michael shared many experiences and learnings, the first being not to climb trees due to ants. They crawled up his pants legs biting him, and he had to be stripped down to get them off. Michael got to experience a different family about once per month, which he loved due to his desire to travel and meet people. A couple of other exchange students taught him to play the guitar as well as music from the Allman Brothers, which he taught himself. He learned to play mahjong and eat delicious foods. The host families would try to prepare for him American food, but he shared that he really wanted to try all their foods – dinuguan stew (which is made from pig blood and entrails), barbeque chicken, jackfruit, balut (14-day-old duck eggs), bok choy soup, and San Miguel Beer. He met many other exchange students. In all, Michael stayed with 12 different families, each one with a different lifestyle. It was so eye-opening for him and such a wonderful experience. When he came home, he was a bit out of touch with his family, friends, and all the changes. He would not change the opportunity or the impact it had on his life. Michael again shared how grateful he is to Rotary.
Thank you, Michael, for blessing us with your stories and adventures.
Our Oct. 2nd presenter Marketa Vorel with Sunflower F.U.N.D. and her assistant Trish.
Marketa grew up in Czechoslovakia and had experienced firsthand Russian occupancy. She with her family successfully escaped and ended up in the United States. Because of her history, the war in Ukraine means a lot to her and she wants to help at a grassroots level. She visited earlier this year and made firm connections with four organizations she wants to support that are offering assistance to Ukrainian citizens at the front lines.
Her first priority is to support Path Home for Women and Children shelter in Odessa.
The second is evacuation teams rescuing people from the war zones.
The third is Army Aid Foundation which offers aid to the front line soldiers.
Lastly the war crimes investigation unit, particularly investigating Russia.
Her presentation was very moving with pictures, people's stories, and the perseverance of the Ukrainian people.
Our guest speaker for the evening – Iris Carias – Migrant Program Educator, Mount Vernon School District.
Iris immigrated to Mount Vernon from Honduras in 1994. She and her husband Alexis have lived here ever since, where they raised their daughter Alejandra who is currently pursuing a law degree.
Iris has always been involved in the community; first as a volunteer in the Police Department’s domestic violence unit, then with Sea Mar Community Health Centers, DSHS, Skagit Valley Hospital and the Friendship House.
Iris has a bachelor’s degree in Humanities and Education from the National Autonomous University of Honduras. She has also taken courses at Skagit Valley College.
She currently works for the Mount Vernon School District as the Migrant Program Educator and is also a member of the Washington State Migrant Education Advisory Committee (SAC). Iris also helps families as a liaison at Community Action of Skagit County and works as a nursing assistant with Sunrise Services. Iris currently serves as a board member of Skagit County Child and Family Consortium, and Skagit Immigrant Rights Council, she is also a member of Community Action’s Latino Advisory Committee. Mount Vernon is growing and changing and we need a city council that represents all of the residents. Iris believes in giving everyone a voice and helping them achieve their potential. As a social worker, paraprofessional educator and caregiver, she has worked steadily and passionately for the good of our city and its residents.
Iris wants to be an inspiration for the whole community, especially our youth, who will become our next leaders. Let’s work together to unite our community and help our city grow in a healthy and prosperous way!Iris Carias has the most beautiful smile and accent. It was a little hard to pick up all of her message via ZOOM, but I hope that I captured her passion and desire to help all Migrant Families and this community. Her key messages:
Iris wants to be an inspiration in the community.
Her message to the next generation is “Do Your Best – We cannot do everything but keep messaging yourself – I am going to do my best today”
Don’t be negative , don’t complain, always do your best and help to find solutions to help yourself and help those around you who might be struggling
The work she does at the School District is based in culture.It is in our nature to be human and thankful.
Iris started in 2011 and is still surprised at how much the program has grown year by year
They now have 300 graduates that have been assisted and guided to “do their best”
66% of the Latino and Hispanic community live in Washington State, with 36% in the Mt Vernon area – Washington is 2nd place only to California.
These families bring so much to our community:Apples, Pears, Tulips, Peaches, Chicken Processing, Eggs and the best berries in the United States
Many Hispanic families are undocumented but do not believe the lies being told that they are criminals – They are very honorable people working hard to have a better life for their families.
They pay into Social Security, Pay Taxes, working hard to support their families.Yes they utilize the food stamp program for their children when they need to, like any family.
All of us have immigrated to these United States from somewhere, back throughout our family history.
Draper Valley Chicken processing, here in our area, is very hard work – cold challenging work.They work to keep good food on our tables and to take good care of their families.
Iris works hard to open doors for Migrant Students allowing them to dream and find and support their passion.
They all take good care of each other.Families help to care for the children taking turns to ensure they have food, a place to stay and never are on the street or sleeping in their vehicles.
Migrant children can help in the fields only during summer when they are not attending school
Thank you Iris for what you do and for sharing the story of the Migrant Workers in our area!
Thanks to our other guest Dan Berard, Skagit Sunrise Rotarian and Executive Director of Categorical Programs at Mount Vernon Schools.
Patsy, Connie, and Audrey volunteered on behalf of our Club at the Skagitonian Auction, which was a great success.
President Connie – Welcomed Bruce Eskeberg and Steve Miller to the podium. Steve said a few words about his friend Bruce and why he introduced Bruce to the Rotary Club of La Conner. President Connie formally inducted Bruce as our newest member of the Rotary Club of La Conner, pinning him, and providing him with his package and Rotary Badge Welcome Bruce, we are so lucky to have you as a new member to our Club.
Brandon Burbank is a mental health advocate, author and speaker. He was born and raised in Whatcom County. Brandon has an AA in Arts and Sciences with Business Classes. Brandon is the author of the book "Comeback 2 Success: Relentless Commitment for a Better Tomorrow" and several UTube videos. Brandon specializes in doing talks on mental health speaking from a peer-to-peer perspective. He has his peer-to-peer counselor certification from the Washington State Health Care Authority. The title of Brandon's speech is "Embracing Your Mental Health."
Brandon Burbank – Thank you all for having me this evening to share with your Club. Brandon shared with us his passion for sharing his story and that doing so, allows him to help others in similar mental health challenges and darkness and helps him find his purpose which also keeps him in a healthy place. Brandon shared that when he graduated high school in Bellingham Washington, he went on an adventure to Barcelona to help him discover and grow. He was always independent and driven, and this type of change he felt would help him discover his purpose and career choices. When he came back to Bellingham, he started having real struggles with depression, and was diagnosed with Bipolar. He felt isolated and totally lost with no sense of purpose or hope for the future. Brandon was in and out of Hospitals, therapy, and halfway housing which he hated. It was a very dark and difficult time for him. He had lost his sense of purpose and hope. Brandon shared there are 50M people which is about 1 in 5 people who struggle with mental illness and have similar struggles that Brandon faced. Brandon started his journey by doing personal journaling, as suggested by his treatment and therapists. During those times of self-discovery, he realized there are (5) steps that can provide hope and allow him to take ownership of changing his life and struggles. He describes the (5) steps as:
1) Self Awareness,
2) Confide in an advocate,
3) Take charge of your situation and life,
4) Accept change,
5) Be patient for change to come.
Click "Read More" for details of his speech.
Brandon brought some books to sell to the Club members and also had a drawing to sign one, which Pam was the lucky winner. Thank you, Brandon! What an inspirational message and program!
On Saturday, we not only have a live auction but also a silent auction where you can pre-bid to become the highest bidder. A few, of many examples, from the silent auction catalog
Cozy up for an intriguing classic, "Murder on the Orient Express" is packaged in a beautifully hand-made basket, protected with your own "evil eye" protection ornament. Asian carpet coasters will protect your table-top as you enjoy Turkish Coffee, a pot to brew it in and beautiful cups to sip from. If tea is your preference there is a wide assortment to choose from as well!
On August 7th, we met for our annual summer "picnic" at the home of our gracious hosts Doug & Kris VanderSanden. We enjoyed a great pot luck dinner. Our speaker was Dr. Lee Harman who has been actively working on Rotary's PolioPlus project for many years. He described the effort to eradicate polio and Rotary's major role. He is currently raising money for PolioPlus riding his Model A, Miss Vicky, on an edurance trip from Alaska to Mexico.
July 31 meeting had Jan Taylor as our guest speaker from Skagit Adult Day Program (SADP) – Board President.
31 years ago, with a dementia diagnosis in the family, Jan joined the Burlington Lutheran Church in 2005 where she found a program to give caregivers a break from the day-to-day responsibilities. In 2009 Winnie Bradford who as an OB/GYN started Bradford House in the Christ Episcopal Church in Burlington, as a supervised daytime program where adults with special needs can participate in a supportive group setting with friends. Another facility in Anacortes is Gentry House, started by Kendall and Nancy Gentry with a mission of high-quality care for those diagnosed with Dementia, with over 104 types. The one we hear most about is Alzheimer's but is only one of the types. The vision for these facilities is to stimulate cognition, improve mobility, find solutions to social isolation and a goal to support the caregiver. It also serves as a way for patients to live longer at home with the care of their family or caregiver, giving them a break throughout the day to also take care of themselves. No medical care is provided at these facilities, only to prompt them to take their medicines and to measure their progress as they participate. To apply to the program, a client and their doctor both have to agree that it is a good fit for them. Once the client starts to attend, they are greeted with coffee and cookies, made to feel welcome and slowly are introduced to the different programs. With a focus on helping people to socialize, there are different activities they participate in if they feel comfortable. Some like to sit and tell their stories, or tell jokes, play word games, trivia games etc. Those that are more talkative like to interact with others, and those that are more reserved might find it more relaxing to take a nap in one of the many recliners. Chair exercises take place at noon each day for those that would like to participate, followed by sing-alongs. It is not unusual for Steve to appear playing his guitar and dressed in bright neon suits. It is a way to tie music to memory, allowing those that would like to play along to tell stories from their memories associated to the songs.
The day starts at 10:00 and ends at 3:00 where clients are greeted by their family members to return home. There was a flood at Gentry House in Anacortes during COVID and was forced to close. They are looking for another place to reopen and needs to be a dedicated space vs. a shared space. At Bradford House in Burlington, there are 4 employees to help with toilet and shower needs, conversations, movement exercises, general merriment, and food service. There is a nurse on call who documents the care plans for clients, take vitals, talk to family members, take temperatures for example. Some families utilize private pay, but also have assistance from NW Regional Council for others needing financial help. The benefit to the client is measurable in how they warm up to the social connections and friends they make. The benefit to the caregivers is priceless in allowing them to take a break, take care of personal matters such as doctor appointments or merely to get their hair cut. Caregivers can become exhausted and frustrated with the inability to leave their loved one unattended, and with this level of stress 3 of 4 will develop their own health issues.
There are also learn and listen support groups for caregivers at the Burlington Senior Center, where others share their caregiving stories. Topics such as how to age at home safely, as well as 6-week classes on caregiving, which allows people to share ideas and find time for themselves to stay healthy during their time as caregivers.
Click "Read More" for more background
What a wonderful and educational program. Thank you, Jan, for sharing your story and educating us all on Bradford House and their services.
John Milnor, Vice President presented President Connie Milliken her Paul Harris +7 pin and Don Wolf with his Paul Harris +4 pin. Thank you both for your service and dedication!
Hanna Kang and Emma Clark, our Youth Engaged in Service (YES) Students, share their experiences leading up and attending the trip to Honduras. Hanna and Emma did a tag team approach to sharing their gratitude and appreciation for what they have experienced and learned on the YES journey to Honduras.
Thank you, Hanna and Emma, for sharing your journey, your learnings and the passions you both have and bring to our community.
Click Read More for much more extensive description and photos.
All proceeds of our Hope Springs Eternal auction further promotion of Rotary education and humanitarian projects.
Our Hopes Are:
• Every Child with the tools needed to learn • Food security every day • Art and poetry in Classroom • Continuing education opportunities for all • Monthly Books from birth to age five • Leadership experiences for students • Education opportunities beyond our borders • Polio free world
So, We Support:
• Principal discretionary Grants • Weekend nourishment for kids • Art Supplies for students • Poetry in the Classroom • Scholarships for Graduating Seniors • Dolly Parton's Imagination Library • Youth Engaged in Service • Honduras schools and students • Libraries in Honduras & Guatemala • Rotary International Polio Plus
Marcello Coradini – Chairman, International Space Advisory Board and CEO Space Systems Solutions - spoke July 17 on Impact of Planetary Environment on the Human Body
Marcello shared with us the effects of the environment on our physical being. He spent his entire career researching how the human body would evolve as a function of our environment. He believes that for the species to be guaranteed survival, evolution will be accelerated, with things like the global warming. He has researched the effects as it relates to the larger universe and those environments. In a higher radiation environment, the human will develop thicker skin. Eyes would probably be more sensitive to UV and X radiation and the perception of reality would be totally different, where we would perceive the structure of object instead of just their shapes.
The shapes of our head to house the brain could be totally different. Perhaps a big shiny head in the future may then very well be a statement of beauty in 50,000 years. The brain will change over time due to environment as well as teeth and the shape of the mouth to match what is required for the types of food we would eat. In addition, according to geneticists, the intensive use of computers and screens will alo affect the size of the human eye. When you look at the shapes of noses today from different parts of the world, you realize how the environment affects the breathing and nose shape. From Dinarid, to Roman, to Armenid, to Syrid, the different is due to the current environment to allow people to breath freely. As the atmosphere changes, so does our nose shape. Also affected is our size. As gravity changes, so will our compression on our spine and with a change in gravity, can allow for humans to be much taller, and/or much shorter. All characteristics are not changed by genes, but rather by environment. Parameters determining the human morphology are gravity, atmospheric composition, atmospheric composition, atmospheric pressure, magnetic field and temperature/climate. As we search for other planets to provide living spaces, all of the above will be taken into account to ensure the human species can survive.
Wow, what an interesting presentation with so many GREAT questions and thought from all the members.
At our July 10 meeting, President Connie passed out the 2023/2024 Goals to the members. She asked that each table discuss the page of goals they were given and share thoughts with the larger members in 30 minutes. (See Read More for document).
President Connie collected the sheets back from the tables with comments that she will summarize. Some of the highlights were:
For International, encourage members while traveling to visit local Rotary Clubs – get credit as a make up meeting but more important to meet and share with Rotarians around the world
Continue Rotaract and Interact and identify “host” members when families are visiting in the area.
Website will be updated 1-2 times a week, so share pictures/stories etc. with Keith
Looking to write (4) stories per year about the Rotary Club good as publicizing and attracting new members with similar passions.
Work on additional promotional materials
As a part of Literacy & Education, how we better publicize what we do with Dolly Pardon Imagination Library project
More focus on Vocational Interests / Rotary Fellowship activities
As a part of Social Activity – partner with the sports teams in the area as a way to get to know students and their parents
Connect with local businesses – Get them involved as speakers. Listen and find ways to get guest involved, additional membership opportunities.
Join local bird expert Jed Holmes for a half-day guided tour of the top birdwatching hotspots of the Skagit Valley. The tour will be specially tailored to find your favorite feathered friends, from owls, eagles, and falcons to swans, geese and oystercatchers. The tour can be scheduled at your convenience during the winter birding season (December - March) and will accommodate up to six participants.
Private tour for up to 10 people of Washington Bulb greenhouses with Leo Roozen. Have a look inside the operation that provides fresh flowers to the world all year round. Tour to be followed by lunch at the La Conner Pub and Eatery.
Have fun exploring Kiket Bay. Launch from a private beach, kayak 30-45 minutes to a nearby island, and enjoy a 20 to 30 minute walk around the island. Kayak back to a delicious lunch awaiting you on a sun deck. Wonderful way to experience the beauty of the PNW! Eagles and seals may join us.
Our June 26 meeting had an additional Scholarship winner speak briefly
and was the installation of our new President, officers and directors.
Adam McGarity end his term as president with the speech and presentation given below:
I’ll start by saying, wow! What a year we had! We had some great club meetings and guest speakers. We hosted fun, successful events. And we put on massive fundraisers. We volunteered our time and expertise. We donated our dollars, and directed that money towards worthwhile projects. We strengthened friendships between one another, and friendships with the community at large. We improved the workings of our club. We made La Conner an even better place to be. And we strengthened our ties abroad through service, giving, and fellowship. We advanced Rotary’s mission, And we did our best to live up to the Four-Way Test each and every day.In preparing for this speech, I started thinking about your individual contributions. I began a list...but the list got longer, and longer, and longer. Ultimately, I found it very difficult to single out individuals, even the most active and engaged among us. Because I know that each and every one of you gave the time that you could, offered what expertise and widsom that you have, and donated what money you were able... both to our club, and to Rotary at large. This club has a generous spirit that we should be proud of, even the humblest among us. I want to say thank you to you all... You’re the reason I’m a part of this club, and it’s your generous spirit that keeps our club true to its name, the “Make it Happen Club."
See "Read More" below for the middle of his speech.
In closing, I’d like to say, Connie, I know you’re going to have a great year... You have a supportive, engaged club, and fine line-up of leaders You have a community that appreciates the work we do And you have a past-president that will support, advise and assist however you need. Here’s to a successful club year in ‘23-’24
Our guests at the June 19 meeting were our High School graduates Scholarship winners and their families: Not all were physically in attendance but were recognized.
Hadley Shears $4000 from the Fred Martin Academic Scholarship,
Rachel Haley $2000 from Rotary Scholarship Fund,
Josie Harper $4000 from Bert Langenhorst Community Service Award,
Eleanor Drews $4000 from Don Bakken Women in STEM,
Gage Tenborg $2000 from Jim Hulbert Vocational,
Ariana Siddle $2000 Bob Hart Vocational, and
Charity Dakota Johnson $2000 from Jack Frisk 2nd Year Renewal Scholarship.
Two winners shared with us the schools they are attending and their dreams. They also shared their gratitude for the Scholarship.
Our speaker for the evening Karen McBride – Principal CEO - Karen McBride and Associates - Aerospace Consultant for Space Exploration. Karen was the former project executive/scientist for deep space missions, including Galileo, and Mars Phoenix Lander. Karen shared with us the story of Mars, the last frontier. Mars is the only other planet in the Solar System that lies in the habitable zone, therefore the focus on Mars exploration. The scientists have done a comparison of earth to Mars where earth has 365 days in a year to Mars 686 days, Mars gravity is 38% of earth, Mars sunlight is 44% of earth, and compared the levels of CO2, N2, O2, H20 showing that Mars and Earth of quite different today, however the exploration efforts are to determine how to adapt since it is most conducive for habitation.
In the phases of exploration of Mars, it is mapped in (4) phases. From 2001-2022 1) Follow the water, 2) explore habitability, and 2024 & beyond 3) prepare for future human explorers and seek signs of life. In phase 1, follow the water, what has been discovered from Mariner4 in 1965, Mariner 9 in 1971, Viking Lander in 1976 shows thermal, epithermal and fast neutron data from the GRS & HEND instruments indicating large quantities of hydrogen, interpreted as water ice within the top meter of the Martian surface over a wide area.
At our June 12, 2023, it was noted that YES –The Interact Club performed a community event of trash clean up.
Our guests were Randy Myers and Steve Frishlings from the Semiahmoo Club. Also recognized was Keesha Dorosz from the Canadian Club, who was unable to attend this evening. Randy and Steve shared that Semiahmoo adopted a school after having the chance to visit. They shared that seeing it firsthand gave them so much energy and education. It was truly an amazing experience. They have 13 children in the school they adopted from grade 7-12. They also helped to get the Canadian team off the ground.
It is amazing that one has to travel to Dublin to meet people from Skagit County! Terry and Wendy Brazas, former owners of the Farmhouse where our club still meets, arrived in Dublin the same day as Danielle Mullen. They met for dinner at the Brazen Head Bar, the oldest bar I Dublin dating from 1198. Terry and Wendy send their regards to the club. Terry looks so relaxed since selling the restaurant. On May 30, Danielle was able to meet with Tony Curtis for lunch and then he took her to the Royal Hibernian Academy of Arts and the National Gallery of Ireland and the Library. Tony Curtis is an Irish poet who is a regular guest poet of the Skagit River Poetry Festival. Tony sends regards and best wishes to everyone. He will be back next year for the Poetry Festival.
Betsy Anorbe is President of the new Skagit Rotaract Club. Betsy shared with his that she is a mother and a realtor, born in Skagit County and currently living in Sedro Woolley. She had the pleasure of attending the RYLA celebration and thanked our club for our generous sponsoring. It was a very meaningful event for her and the others. The speakers at the celebration were wonderful and the facilitators had activities for the participants that made them feel like they knew each other for a long time. Thank you Betsy for sharing and for being our guest!
Susan Guterbock, District Assistant Governor awarded President Adam and President Elect Connie Milliken with a 2023/2024 theme pin. The theme for the upcoming Rotary year is “Create Hope In the World”. She thanked Adam for the fabulous job he did as President 2022/2023 year and gifted him a wonderful “lively” pair of socks.
She commented what a wonderful energetic club we have with a lot of energy. She contributed our great successes to our President Adam. Thank you Adam for all the guidance and leadership you provided our Club.
Marty Pease provided us an update on the International Project Alliance (IPA). Marty created a wonderful game with wind up toy prizes to quiz the Club on key aspects of IPA and the many successes. What does IPA Stand for? International Project Alliance
What country does the IPA operate? Honduras in the region of Copan
The IPA needs help. A few very important opportunities are available is you are so called: IPA Secretary: The duties include recording discussions and decisions made in monthly meetings and distribution to IPA email list the Rotary club members. You would need MS Word knowledge. Budget analyst: Follow the money, track pledges, verify accuracy, research any issues. Basic accounting and excel knowledge would be needed. Trip planner: Manage our trips in November and February Database developer: Manage the present database and possess knowledge of MS Access and VBA programming. If you are called or are interested, please reach out toPeter Martin at pgm@seanet.com
Thank you, Marty, for such a creative and fun way to share all the good works and needs of the IPA!
At our last May 22, 2023 meeting, Daniel Castillo introduced the students responsible for building the Chicken Coop in the La Conner High School CTE (Career and Technical Education) Residential Construction program.
La Conner Rotary provided the funds to acquire material to build the Coop allowing students to use the tools most commonly used on a job site. The students presented pictures of the coop and some guidance.
Their work and their presentation was so inspirational! Well done Daniel and team.
At our May 22, 2023 meeting Danny Hagen, Skagit County Assessor, presented.
Danny is a member of the Rotary Club of Burlington-Morning Club and has been an Assessor Appraiser since 2015. He was a featured speaker in the IAAO (International Association of Assessing Officers Magazine. Danny is highly involved in Community Service/Involvement and has held roles as Advisor, Master Advisor, Shine & Rise Toastmasters, Board of Director Chinook, and Community Action Committee.
Danny shared with us that his favorite book “A Good Tax-Legal and Policy Issues for the Property Tax in the United States” by Joan Youngman, really helps the reader understand what Property Taxes are about, how they are calculated, and the one tax that strives to be fair and equitable for all and very transparent. Danny’s job as an assessor is to fairly value a property. Assessed Value times the Levy Rate = Taxing Districts Budget.
They are returning to a budget base in 2023 which will help stabilize rates.
Danny reminded us that we should all stay diligent. Go to www.skagitcountynet/search/property which is a one-stop shop to review your data, signup for e-notices, talk to your neighbors, ask questions, and share anomalies you see back to the Skagit County Assessors. They review 80,000 property parcels in Skagit County and are done manually.
The intent of the webpage is Transparency, Local Accountability, and Efficiency
At our May 1, 2023 meeting Barb Lupo and Jenn Lockwood with Brigid Collins Family Support Center and Carl Bruner also on the board for Brigid Collins and a member of Skagit Rotary shared information about Brigid Collins Family Support Center. The center provides prevention education and family support. The Stewards of Children program educates children and adults on what to look for with predators and child abduction. The family support side provides case management to help people find the services they need. They provide counseling for children and adults and parenting classes. They also have advocacy services for those in the court system. Their main area of focus is Whatcom and Skagit counties and provide some services in Island and San Juan counties.
May 15, 2023 meeting with Will Nelson, Superintendent of La Conner Schools.
Will has been the Superintendent of La Conner Schools since July of 2021. The benefits of a small school include the personal touch and smaller class sizes. When playing sports, students can play all sports and are on the team, since they need all the players.
Will shared with us some of the strategies he has been in place. 1) Proficiency Learning Community, where the teachers collaborate and take learnings on what is working class to class and share ideas to be most effective. 2) Universal Design for Learning – standardizing curriculum and designs across classrooms and 3) Student Choices where they can select the books they want to read and the concept is to understand the author’s purpose. That allows everyone to read whatever they are passionate about and boil down the author’s main points and purpose. 4) Equity – Different teaching styles to align to learning styles. You can teach it, but if students don’t learn it, you didn’t really teach.
Thank you, Will, for a great program.
The La Conner Rotary members that attended the District Conference were all wearing their “Be The Good” shirts and shared with us what they learned. They all stated it was the best speaker lineup they had ever attended. Thank you Dennis, Connie, Marty, Audrey Danielle and Pam for sharing.
More details about Will and challenges for La Conner Schools:
On April 24, 2023 Carol Hendricks and Janet Leister presented an introduction to Days for Girls and shared information about a focused effort in Eswatini, Africa. Days for Girls offers reusable feminine hygiene kits and every time they are distributed there is an educational component. Days for Girls has also introduced an educational piece for men called "Men who Know".
The Rotary Club of La Conner and the La Conner Elementary School Rotary Club of La Conner sponsor “SNACKS For STUDENTS” – A March 2023 Community Project
The Rotary Club of La Conner, in partnership with La Conner Elementary School, would like to thank La Conner and the surrounding Skagit Valley for your kindness and generosity for our Spring Fund Raiser Tulip Sales and our Annual August Auction. Thanks to all of you, it was a tremendous success.
Skagit Valley Clean Energy Cooperative presented at our April 17, 2023 meeting
The core purpose is to encourage clean energy using locally available resources and to become a valued source of information promoting greener and more sustainable communities in the Skagit Valley.
There will be a kickoff May 13 in Maple Hall for more information, and also June 10th and July 8th, which will explain the program.
Rotary Club of La Conner again held a successful Farmers and Merchant's night. Organized by Doug Moore with kick off by club president Adam McGarity.
The speakers included:
La Conner Superintendent of Schools Will Nelson started on math progress and five-year plan.
Third-generation farmer and founder of Skagitonians to Preserve Farmland Dave Hedlin spoke about the history and future of farming in the Magic Skagit.
University of Washington climate expert Dr. Guillaume Mauger discussed flooding threats.
Outgoing four-term La Conner Mayor Ramon Hayes reviewed some of his accomplishments and concluded with 3 future challenges of Water, Sewer, and Flooding infrastructure.
Mark Hulst is the Executive Director for the La Conner Chamber of Commerce, a lifelong Sedro Woolley and Mt. Vernon resident and was the owner of Bavarian Auto House for 14 years. He started Skagit Cellars in 2012 where he was chief wine maker and CFO. He also held 3 terms as Mayor of Mt Vernon, was on the Skagit Transit Board. Volunteers of American Board and President of Mt Vernon Chamber in 2010. He is married, has 3 sons and 7 grandchildren. He enjoys boating, fishing and gardening. Mark shared that the most common question he gets asked is “why sell your business” and take on an Executive position at the Chamber of Commerce. The Chamber position allows him to take his Business and Politic experience and blend them – The Government side and the Business Side.
Mark had two priorities as he came into the Executive position.
Nyamuswa Tanzania Grant Water Project update by Vicki Dilley and Moses Lauwo. They provided a thank you and shared updates to our Club for our Grant dollar donation.
You can see the installation of the very heavy overhead gravity water tanks and it includes the names of the Rotary Clubs who sponsored the project.
Feb. 6 program included Travelogue Antarctica program by Marty Pease and Keith Stobie. The pictures shared were breathtaking. We post a few on the webpage so those that could not attend can see a few.
Rotary Club of La Conner will sponsor two young adults (18-30) to attend a 4-day leadership conference May 12-15...the Rotary Youth Leadership Awards. Sponsorship covers the cost of registration, plus food and lodging during the event. Here is the application link to apply for sponsorship, plus more info:
On Monday, we were honored to have Galina Free present to the club. She told us all about her training for the New York Marathon, and how she leverages her running to support pregnant women around the world through Every Mother Counts.
Congratulations to our newest Paul Harris Fellow - Keith Stobie! On July 18, we recognized Keith for his generosity to the Rotary International Foundation....you're a great example of Rotary values, Keith!
Ollie, Martin and Jerry were at it again, weeding the traffic circle so it was attractive to our town guests over 4th of July weekend. Thank you guys!!!
We finally were able to meet in person after 15 months. The final meeting of the Rotary year was the first time Christi King had a chance to lead a meeting live. She did an incredible job during the Covid Rotary year leading our club via electronics. The new board for the next Rotary year was formally sworn in by District Governor Bev Harrington. We had a fantastic meal prepared by the Farmhouse and relished giving each other hugs. It was the official start of the presidency year for Marty Pease.
Linda Banaszak shared with us her pride in owning Caravan Gallery. Her love for crafts from third world countries started during her Peace Corps experience. She has had some marvelous adventures seeking unique crafts from remote villages in Indonesia and Thailand. She has shared the challenges of being in the import business, especially with the impact of Covid on shipping. She is very grateful for her wonderful staff and her success in La Conner.
Speaker Spotlight: Linda Banaszak, Caravan Gallery owner
Welcome Kim Rubenstein, a local entrepreneur and a member of the Skagitonians To Preserve Farmland! Kim spoke at our Monday, April 19th member meeting. She is shown here with her daughter Elizabeth.
Together, we see a world where people unite and take action to create lasting change — across the globe, in our communities, and in ourselves.
Rotary’s vision statement drives us to work together to make a better world for everyone and that means tackling racism in all its forms.
Each person has a unique and different background or upbringing which contributes to unconscious bias against other human beings. As a young boy growing up in rural B.C. in the 1950s, I heard in my home, my school, and my community, many derogatory names and statements about people who looked different from me. Some I questioned, but I know that I absorbed many of them without even knowing. So I have to recognize that I have unconscious biases and must be continually aware of it and question myself constantly - I must keep looking inward to unlearn and relearn.
Nelson Mandella said “education is the most powerful weapon which can be used to change the world”.
So I ask that you join me in District 5050’s efforts to tackle racism by participating in upcoming online sessions on racism that you will soon hear about. Our goal is to help members and their communities work to end racism.
Statement from Rotary International:
At Rotary, we have no tolerance for racism. Promoting respect, celebrating diversity, demanding ethical leadership, and working tirelessly to advance peace are central tenets of our work.
We have more work to do to create more just, open and welcoming communities for all people.
We know there are no easy fixes and that challenging conversations and work lie before all of us. Rotary’s strength has long been our ability and commitment to bringing people together. We will tap into that strength now as we stand with those who are working for peace and justice.
Rotary will do our part to listen, learn and take action to ensure that we continue to contribute to making positive change.
La Conner 8th graders gain insights into occupations with professionals over pizza
The library at La Conner High School was buzzing with questions and conversations between 45 8th graders and 18 adults. They were gathered together for two hours on Wednesday, Jan. 8, to take part in "Pizza with Professionals."
The Rotary Club of La Conner wishes to thank you for joining the 2019 Harvesting Hope Auction "Roaring 20's" and making it such a tremendous success!
With your generosity and support, the auction grossed over $64,000 for our literacy projects in the community and world-wide.
We are excited to share that the Fund-A-Need brought in nearly $19,000.00 to support our La Conner High School Scholarships in 2019 and community projects. In addition, the $20 a Child brought in nearly $4000.00 to be used to send more than 200 children to school in Copan, Honduras, as well as funding the La Conner Back Pack Program and the Dolly Parton Imagination Library.
We cannot thank you enough for kind donations and amazing support that will benefit so many children and the overall community.A special thank you to the La Conner, Anacortes, Mount Vernon and Burlington merchants who supplied many of our silent and live auction items. We would also like to recognize and thank La Conner Seafood & Prime Rib House, who catered our incredible hors d'oeuvres and dinner service, along with the many volunteers from the La Conner community; La Conner High School Students and 2019 Scholarship winners, volunteers from Rotary of Anacortes. Thank you John Milnor- Master of Ceremonies, Rotary of La Conner President Pam Narron and Paul Schenfeld Auctioneer of Stokes Auction, for your partnership in making the night so special.
Again, we thank each and every one of you. We cannot do it without YOU! We look forward to seeing you next year at our 14th annual Harvesting Hope Auction and will be sending you "save-the-date" information soon! We hope once again you will be able to join us.
June 24th was the LaConner Rotary Installation Dinner.
After a short cocktail hour, outgoing President John Milnor opened the meeting; followed by a group trip through the wonderful buffet line. John then thanked the outgoing Board and Tulip Chair Martin Howard and Auction Chair Christie King with bottles of wine due to successful fundraisers this past year.
President John recited the history of the Rotary Foundation and the background of the Paul Harris Fellowship. PHFs were presented to Patsy Good (PHF + 1) and Jerry Willins (PHF + 3). John then presented a special PHF from the Club to Treasurer Don Wolf (PHF + 3). Don not only does an outstanding job as Treasurer but he sponsored John into the Rotary Club of Mount Vernon in 1981.
PDG Jane Helten came forward and installed three new members of the club: Jose Mederos, Deb Davis-Bundy and Adam McGarrity. Adam was also presented, by Doug Jones, with a Rotary Pin honoring his military service in the Marines.
The new Board were then installed by PDG Jane followed by the installation of Pam Narron as President for 2019-2020.
Pam then made brief remarks and presented outgoing President John with a wine carafe and stand. The dinner ended ahead of Schedule.
The Rotary Club of La Conner with great sadness announces the passing of longtime Rotarian Don Bakken.
Don was the last living charter member of the Rotary Club of Lynnwood which he helped start in 1955 at age 27. Don served that Club in many ways including President and Chair of the long running Lynnwood Air Show. Don joined Rotary while self employed as a metal fabricator and later became Manager of Paine Field.
During the last 20 years or so, he has been an active member of the Rotary Club of La Conner. Into his mid-eighties he still came out to work in the cold of Smelt Derby and the winds of Tulip Sales. Don’s legacy will live on as the La Conner Rotary Club will continue to have club social functions out at his family’s Big Lake property. Don was always a gentleman with never a sour word except (in fun) to his long time Rotary Buddy-Doug Jones. He remained mentally sharp to the end which was a blessing.
Don will live in our memories but cannot be replaced
Thank you once again for supporting the Rotary Club of La Conner's tulip sales! Because of your support we had a successful April which will allow us to continue the work we do locally and internationally!
Did you know August is Rotary Membership and Extension Month? Here are some ideas on membership building from rotary.org.
All Rotarians are ambassadors of Rotary and their clubs. This is especially relevant during Membership and Extension Month in August, when the focus is on building strong, vibrant clubs by inviting prospective members to join Rotary. Interested in growing your club but not sure how to get started? Here’s an easy three-step plan to bring to your next club meeting.
Maureen grew up in La Conner and graduated from La Conner High School. She worked summers in Skagit farm fields. She attended the University of Washington and has degrees from: Western Washington University – B. A. in English and Speech and an M.A. in School Counseling. She later earned her Principal Credentials from Gonzaga University.
Maureen served for many years in a variety of capacities with the La Conner School District. She taught in the elementary and middle school and then became a high school teacher for English, humanities and leadership. From there she became the district's K-12 counselor, and then middle school principal, also teaching Speech and Drama.
After officially retiring from the district, she took the position of Planning Director for the Northwest Technical and Career Academy located on the Skagit Valley College campus. She reported to the seven Superintendents of Schools in Skagit Valley. (!!!!)
Twenty years ago, Maureen gathered a group of women in Maple Hall to start the process of forming Soroptimist International of La Conner (SILC), at the encouragement of a fellow school counselor from Burlington-Edison. The new SILC was sponsored by the B-E Soroptimists. Today the organization is going strong with more than 50 members.
Maureen grew up in La Conner and graduated from La Conner High School. She worked summers in Skagit farm fields. She attended the University of Washington and has degrees from: Western Washington University – B. A. in English and Speech and an M.A. in School Counseling. She later earned her Principal Credentials from Gonzaga University.
Maureen served for many years in a variety of capacities with the La Conner School District. She taught in the elementary and middle school and then became a high school teacher for English, humanities and leadership.
Artwork by Katieann Cook, La Conner High School Class of 2018
Your participation in our 12th annual "Harvesting Hope" auction makes projects like the following possible!
Seven La Conner High School graduating seniors received $14,000 in scholarships, the La Conner Regional Library Foundation received $11,700 toward its building campaign, the Town of La Conner received more than $11,000 for audio-visual upgrades to Maple Hall, and the new Conner Waterfront Park received $10,000 from the Rotary Club of La Conner during its 2016-17 budget year.
Approximately $14,500 of the total amount donated to various causes went to the club’s international projects, including water, sanitation and support for poor rural schools in Copan, Honduras, including sponsorship of primary and secondary students, and for mobile libraries in Honduras and Guatemala. Internationally the club also contributed to The Rotary Foundation’s polio eradication efforts and purchased wheelchairs.
Rotary Fellowships are international groups that share a common passion in recreational activities, sports, hobbies or professions. These groups help expand skills, foster vocational development and enhance the Rotary experience by exploring interests while developing connections around the world! Being part of a fellowship is a fun way to make friends around the world, explore a hobby or profession, and enhance your Rotary experience!
April is normally a very busy month for the Rotary Club of La Conner with our annual tulip sales, and it was compounded this year by a longer-than-usual tulip season and a six-day visit from 12 Rotarians from Thailand on a Rotary Friendship Exchange.
Our Thai guests were hosted in the homes of Rotarians Dan & Carol Cain, Christi (& Chris) King, Susan Macek (& Dave Buchan), Whitney Meissner, Marge & John Milnor, Jerry (& Kathy) Willins, Marty Pease. Other members who were drivers and sponsors who helped defray some of the costs for our guests were Carol Johnson, Doug Jones, Cheri Lenssen, Karen Ryan, Alice Collingwoodand other anonymous club members. Some of the home hosts also served as drivers and sponsors.
We took our guests shopping in La Conner, for a VIP tour of the Boeing Everett plant (with a lovely hosted lunch), a ride on the Deception Pass Jet Tour Boat and visits to Tulip Towne and Friday Harbor. One of the highlights was their presentation to our club over dinner at the La Conner School District board room, where Swinomish Elder and carver Kevin Paul shared stories and native drum songs.
It was a jammed packed few days, and we all learned a lot from each other and shared more than a few laughs – and many photos. Chief organizers were Susan Macek and Marty Pease. Danielle Mullen of our club is the District 5050 Friendship Exchange Chair, who orchestrated the exchange and was also a sponsor and driver.
Our tulip season was longer than usual, thanks to some cool weather that made the tulips last about five weeks instead of the usual four. Thanks to amazing efforts from too many club members to name, we exceeded last year’s sale amount, meaning more scholarships and support for local non-profits.
Special thanks go to chief tulip wrangler Randy Goembel; his partners Martin Howard, Dan Cain and Jerry Willins; and Linda Ryan, who set us up with a great on-line scheduling tool. Countless club members staffed three tulip booths, visited many area Rotary clubs, and sold and delivered tulips to merchants in La Conner, Burlington and Mount Vernon.
We survived and thrived!
Tulips & Thais – A Busy April for La Conner Rotary
Beginning at 11am on Monday, March 26, the Rotary Club of La Conner will once again be selling Tulips.
Tulips are $5 per bunch of 10 stems (compare this to Seattle where they sell for $2 a stem!) and $225 for a box of 45 bunches.
For our Canadian friends paying in Canadian dollars (yes we take them) the cost is $6 for a bunch of 10 stems and $250 for a box of 45 bunches.
Want to order a box for your customers? Send an email to rotarycluboflaconner@gmail.comwith your order details. We will send an invoice that you can pay with cash (on pick-up or delivery within a 10 mile radius), check on pick-up or delivery or by credit card.
We look forward to seeing all of you at one of our two booths:
1. The Farmhouse Restaurant at Hwy 20 & La Conner-Whitney Road from 11am to 5pm on M, W, Th, F, Sa, Sun
2. La Conner at the Roundabout from 11am to 5pm on M, W, Th, F, Sa, Sun
When Dolly Parton presented her 100 millionth book to the Library of Congress Feb. 28, members of the La Conner Rotary Club were able to take pride in helping achieve that number through their participation in the Dolly Parton Imagination Library.
The club signed onto the Imagination Library in 2011 when Connie Milliken, who coordinates the club’s participation, was president. Bobbi Krebbs McMullin, the first coordinator, did a fantastic job of setting up the program and getting children enrolled. Since then, the La Conner Rotary Club has donated more than 3,800 books to children from birth to five years of age residing in the La Conner School District. T
“The La Conner Rotary is passionate about literacy, and the best way to inspire literacy in children is to instill a love of books right from the very beginning,” Milliken said.
The La Conner Rotary Club budgets funds each year to pay for the books and register children with the Imagination Library, which then mails books to them. Because of budget limitations, the club restricts participation to children living within the La Conner School District boundaries. The program may be expanded to include children in neighboring school districts if increased donations are made available.
Dolly Parton's Imagination Library started in 1995 as a book-gifting organization that has mailed 100 million books to children in Australia, Canada, United Kingdom, and the United States, according to the Library of Congress. The program currently mails age-appropriate books to more than 1 million registered children in participating communities from birth until they start kindergarten. Visit www.imaginationlibrary.com to learn more.
La Conner Rotary Club Helps Push Dolly Parton’s 100 Millionth Book
Posted by Posted by Linda Ryan for Greg Brennan - Sonoma Valley Rotary on Jan 20, 2018
Members of Rotary Club of Sonoma Sunrise and Rotary Club of Sonoma Valley jumped into action practically at the first scent of smoke over the valley. Since then the clubs have collected and distributed at least 50 tons of dry goods, and we're working to distribute more than $400,000 we've collected via SonomaStrong.org to fire victims and first responders in the valley. We're proud to be Rotarians.
We're proud to be Sonoma Strong!
We’ve raised about $600,000—distributing it to victims and first responders in the form of cash, checks, and gift cards for local retailers. Money continues to come in, but we’re referring people to LARCA and the Redwood Credit Union funds. We hope to have fully distributed all of the money by mid-February.
The Red Grape (Sam’s business - Sam is the Rotary Club of Sonoma Valley's Foundation Treasurer) and other restaurants provided more than 12,000 meals to first responders in the early going of the fires… The first responders started calling it “The Ten Pound Fire” because of the quality of the food they enjoyed from businesses like Sam’s.
Additionally, we put together 200 “kitchen kits” for people who lost their homes in the fires – filled with pots, pans, and kitchen items to get them going again. The materials were supplied by various kitchen equipment suppliers. The value of each of those kits is about $750
We assembled and distributed food for 4000 families of four that enabled them to prepare their own dinners nearly immediately.
We also established a popup shop for people to pick up their own food and dry goods for two weeks after the fires began.
We collected and distributed more than 50 tons of dry goods, food, pet supplies and water.
The La Conner Smelt Run has three options for anyone at any level to join. Certified 5k and 10k routes that start along the historic waterfront of La Conner and out across the mostly flat farmland of Skagit Valley finishing back at La Conner High School.
There are two less intense ways to get in on the action at a 2K family walk and a kids dash for the little ones.
The Smelt Run is just part of the events during the Smelt Derby Festival hosted by La Conner Rotary. There are many other Smelt Derby events to partake in while in La Conner. Hope to see you here.
***Day of Registrations WILL NOT receive an official chip time***
Event details and schedule
Course Description: Starting and finishing at La Conner High School the certified 5K and 10k courses take you through historic downtown La Conner then wind through the flat Skagit Valley farmland.
Parking: La Conner High School parking lot.
Dress for the weather: It is supposed to be cold
Day of Race Schedule:
7:30am - Registration & Bib number pickup opens in HIGH SCHOOL Gymnasium
8:45am - Registration CLOSES
8:45am - Kids Dash Starts
9:00am - 10K, 5K, and 2K all Start
Post Race - Hot soup, & refreshments provided for all participants.
Awards: Immediately following the conclusion of the races
Ribbons awarded to the top three finishers in each age group as follows
La Conner Rotarians, Karen Ryan and Marty Pease, recently visited Honduras in conjunction with International Project Alliance.
The IPA is a collaborative effort with 12 clubs in the Skagit Valley and the Rotary Club in Copan, Honduras. The joint efforts include supplying schools with supplies, a mobile library, sponsoring 56 schools with grades K-6 so all children of the Mayan village can attend school as well as sponsoring individual students with private party donations through the "Adopt-A-Dream" program so they can attend grades 7-12.
Other efforts include building latrines for homes and schools, providing a water supply to the villages, silos for grain storage, a woman's health clinic, supplying an ambulance. For some villages, the Rotary is providing electricity and lights/fans to schools, white boards, fixing school roofs and floors. In two locations, there are plans to start a middle school.
The Rapid Development program is supporting and educating members of three villages on budgeting, banking procedures, starting business, starting a savings and loan organization with the goal of bringing the villages out of poverty. Also there are plans to have the YES students in June work with one of the villages. All of these efforts are in collaboration with the villagers. The projects are per their requests and they provide the labor while Rotary provides the supplies.
On this trip, Karen and Marty collected and repaired mobile library books. They visited the village schools, 2-4 each day. On these visits, they had the opportunity to see school improvements, observe what else was needed and to sing and dance with the children. They also observed the Rapid Development trainings. The main goal of the trip was to connect with the local Rotarians and village residents.
Other members of the team included members of the Rotary Clubs of Fidalgo Island and Burlington.
It wasn't all work! Tourist activities included a walking tour of Copan, visiting Macaw Mountain and the Mayan ruins. Karen got to practice her Spanish which was a huge help in translating, interacting with village members and school kids and getting to know people. Marty had two instances where she put her physical therapy skills to work. Both Karen and Marty got to know Dania better, the student sponsored by Marty through the bilingual school.
New Addition for Santa Breakfast 2017 -- PET PHOTOS!
We’re excited to offer this new opportunity for pet photos with your family or by themselves, and we are grateful to Town Hall for granting us access for pets. It is very important that you follow these instructions to ensure that all goes well and we can do this again next year:
Pets must be kept in your car until it is time for their photos. They are not allowed in the hall with you during the breakfast. You may get them when you are finished eating and ready for your Santa photo session.
All pets must be on leash or in carriers.
Pets will be brought in through the door in the covered sculpture alcove on Commercial Street near the stage and taken onto the stage only when Santa is ready for them.
Pets must be brought in with one family at a time and must be taken back out as soon as their photo shoots are finished.
Please make sure your pet has had a chance to relieve himself and be prepared to clean up immediately if there is a mishap.
We are really looking forward to adding cute pet photos to cute kid and family photos and thank you in advance for helping us make this new offering a success.
Pictured from left to right are Rotarians Dick Johnson, Martin Howard, Dennis Milliken, Lee Carlson,
Jerry Willins and taking the picture Ollie Iversen.
Once again our local La Conner Rotary stepped up donating their time Saturday 10/28 to clean up the kayak launching area at the south end of Conner Waterfront Park. Out of the beach area above the high tide line they wrestled out over 1000 pounds of manmade material, including broken concrete, piping a derelict picnic table along with handfuls of plastic refuse. After the cleaning this area now has a more natural look and it will be a possible launch site for kayaks.
336A East Fairhaven Ave, Burlington WA 98233 | 360.941.6616
Sonoma Valley Rotary is Asking for Your Help
Fellow Rotarians,
As a member of the Rotary Club of La Conner WA and former Grant chair of District 5050 I have had the privilege of seeing and working with Rotarians on disaster relief projects all over the world. We now have another one very close to home, the devastating fires in Northern California. My wife, Connie, and I have a home in Sonoma CA, and though our place was thankfully spared many others were not. The area was devastated and over 5000 homes and businesses have been destroyed by fires just in the last week. Included in that were a significant number of Rotarian’s homes. Thousands of people have been evacuated and are staying in shelters or at friend’s or family’s homes. Despite that, Rotarians have risen to the challenge. The Sonoma Valley Rotary Club has set up a fundraising effort to directly help those in the greatest immediate need. They would appreciate, and I am personally asking for, all the help we can give. We never know where the next disaster can occur and I know that if it were to happen here Rotary would be at the fore-front of the relief effort.
To give some perspective of the magnitude of the damage and the phenomenal response of the community and first responders, I have included a few photos showing the extent of the damage. I cannot say enough about the help Sonoma Valley has received from fire departments all over the United States and Canada. They, along with multiple police forces and medical personnel, have saved countless lives as well as both the downtown communities of Napa and Sonoma. As an example of that sacrifice a very active Rotarian and former President of the Sonoma Club had several fire trucks trying to (and ultimately succeeding) in saving his home only to find out that one of the firemen while saving his house had his own burn down.
Now we need to begin the rebuilding and healing process, and the Rotary Club of Sonoma Valley will be at the forefront of that. Contributions of any amount would be gratefully appreciated. 100% of the proceeds from this campaign will go to continuing the work Rotary of Sonoma Valley members are already doing to support fire victims, evacuees and first responders. The need is only beginning. I am asking all club presidents to please pass on this request to their members. As I write this, the battle is not over. Not all of the fires are contained. But I also know that every effort is being made to prevent further loss of life and homes.
Please click on the link below which will take you directly to the Rotary Club of Sonoma Valley’s #SONOMASTRONG donation page. It is simple and can be done via any computer or mobile device.
In the early morning hours last Monday many residents awoke to fire in and around their homes, while the rest of Sonoma Valley was alerted by the smell of smoke. For Rotarians, it was a call to action. Within hours, Rotarians were providing food and basic necessities to fire victims, evacuees and first responders. Since those early hours, Rotary has helped to facilitate the donation, preparation and delivery of nearly 10,000 meals, mostly to first responders while they fight to protect people and their homes all over Sonoma Valley. Rotary is facilitating the collection, organization, and distribution of basic necessities pouring in from all over the state, getting help to those who need it, where they need it, when they need it. Rotary has already distributed over $20,000 in gift cards and many truckloads of goods.
In the days and weeks ahead we are focusing our efforts on helping displaced residents stabilize and rebuild. Rotary will directly provide funding for food, clothing, home goods, kitchen goods, transitional housing assistance, education grants, business rebuild grants, and whatever is needed to help victims of this devastating disaster. Together we will rebuild Sonoma. We are #SonomaStrong.
Rotary of Sonoma Valley is coordinating the delivery of any needed service, goods, or funds for the direct benefit of Sonoma Valley Fire victims, evacuees, and first responders. The club is one of over 34,000 clubs comprising the largest service organization in the world. Our club supports our local and international community through financial and hands-on support. 100% of the proceeds from this campaign will go to continuing the work Rotary of Sonoma Valley members are already doing to support fire victims, evacuees and first responders.
Rotary's motto is "Service Over Self."
Sonoma Valley Rotary Foundation is a 501 (c)(3) nonprofit organization—Tax ID #68-0343129
La Conner Rotarians helped make this year’s veggie racers at Hedlin Farms during the Festival of Family Farms tOctober 7 & 8, 2017 a great success!
Rotarians made1800 wheels this year. Added to the 700 left from last year, there were 2500 wheels waiting to be transformed into racers from beets, potatoes, squash and leeks. One box of 600 wheels was left at the end of Sunday’s festival.
Great job to everyone who made wheels and volunteered! You brought joy and smiles to hundreds of children and famiilies. You are awesome!!! Farmer Dave Hedlin appreciates our service and our friendship.
Wonderful Wizards of Wheels:
Dan Cain, Randy Goembel, Martin Howard, Dennis Milliken, Marty Pease and David Tracey
Valiant Veggie Racer Makers:
Dan Cain, Ollie Iversen, Don McKeehan, Marty Pease, David Rapella, Linda Ryan, and La Conner High School students Gavin Brown, Josue Gonzales, Sky Morse and Lark Rodriguez
Benevolent Blue Ribbon Awarders, Race Track & Art Table Monitors:
Heather Bourns, Carol Cain, Alice Collingwood, Louise & Craig Edens, Randy Goembel, Patsy Good, Cindy & David Tracey, and Whitney Meissner
On a beautiful Saturday Evening in La Conner the Rotary Club of La Conner held its 11th annual
Harvesting Hope Auction “Moonlight and Margaritas”. Thanks to the generosity of the community of La Conner the auction raised over $58,000.00.
Beginning the auction we were honored with a wonderful piano concert played by our own Mayor, Raymon Hayes.
The Rotary Club of La Conner presented a Paul Harris Recognition to community leader Cathie Wyman.
Utilizing the new systems that were installed this year with a partnership between the Town of La Conner and Rotary Club of La Conner, s a new sound system, wifi router and overhead projector were installed bringing 21st century technology to Maple Hall.
The bidders raised their paddles to provide over $9,000.00 to fund education for children to go to school in Copan, Honduras. It will also help fund food for children in La Conner on the weekends and funded the Dolly Parton Imagination Library, which mails a book a month to children 0-5 years of age within the La Conner School District boundaries.
Thanks to the generosity of the La Conner community we also will be able to fund additional projects in La Conner and the around the world!
The Rotary Club of La Conner Foundation presented a check for $11,700 to Richard Wisniewski, president of the La Conner Library Foundation Board, on June 12,2017.
This generous donation is designated for the new La Conner Library project. Over the past three years La Conner Rotary has contributed more than $20,000 to the project. This year's gift is made possible by the fundraising events sponsored by the club including the annual dinner-auction held in late August and tulip sales. It also includes proceeds from the Smelt Run, presented in February by Rotary and the La Conner High School Booster Club, which also benefitted the Booster Club's scholarship and football programs.
Rotary Club of La Conner Grants$11,700 to La Conner New Library Project
SVC Faculty-Mike Beemer, President Susan Macek, Kyle Von Stroberg
We took our meeting “on the road” May 22 for dinner, a program and a tour at Skagit Valley College’s Marine Technology Center, a school for boat mechanics, construction and repair.Mike Beemer, the college’s marine technology chair and instructor at the center, talked about the program, which graduates 28 students a year, ready for high-demand jobs in the marine field.The school was founded in 1968, and the new facility was built in Anacortes in 2010.High school and college classes are held there, and students can earn a one-year certificate or a two-year associate degree.They also offer adult classes on weekends and special one-week classes during the summer.We also heard an inspiring talk by Kyle Von Stroberg, an ex-inmate and graduate of the technology center.He said the school changed his life so much that he raised funds for and started a Second Chance Scholarship fund for ex-inmates that is managed through the college foundation.
Rotary Club of La Conner Members Tour MarineTechnology Center in Anacortes!
Marty Pease accepts her Rookie of the Year Award from fellow La Conner Rotarian Dennis Milliken. The award was announced at the District 5050 Conference, held in Seattle in early May 2017. Congratulations, Marty!
Rotary Club of La Conner is honored to present Martha (Marty) Pease into nomination for Rookie of the
Year. Marty joined our club on May 9, 2016 and immediately launched into numerous activities that
supported the local club, the La Conner community, District 5050, and Rotary International. She has
demonstrated a life dedicated to "Service Above Self"; and she exemplifies what it means to be a
Rotarian.
On the Club level, Marty volunteers freely to our projects, contributing generously with her time, talents,
and resources. In her first year of membership, she built parts for children's individual vegetable race
cars for Skagit County's Festival of Family Farms and volunteered to help children on the day of the
event; she volunteered and supported each of the clubs fund raising projects; La Conner Boys and
Girls Club students were benefited with Marty's participation in an afternoon of pumpkin painting and
refreshments provided by the club; Marty records and sends out weekly summaries of each club
meeting and has recently assumed club secretary duties, due to the recent resignation of our 2016-17
secretary; Marty has been nominated to be our club secretary next year. Dedicated to the well-being
and education of students, Marty is the co-chair of a successful Starfish-like backpack program, serving
La Conner Elementary students, and she brings her dog to the school every Friday to assist with
reading development with select students. In support of the club's commitment to literacy, Marty has
generously supported, with her contributions, the La Conner Library Foundation.
On the District and International Service levels, Marty has become very interested and involved with the
multi-club International Project Alliance (IPA), which benefits several villages in the Copan region of
Honduras. In addition to individually sponsoring a high school student with uniforms and educational
resources necessary to continue her education, Marty traveled with an IPA team to Copan at her
personal expense last winter, assisting, hands on, with numerous projects that benefited local
communities and children in concert with IPA and Copan jointly determined goals and objectives. Upon
her return, Marty's commitment to the region and associated projects was clearly expressed in an
excellent presentation through a club meeting program. Marty attended the 2016 District Leadership
Conference, returning with shared ideas that will improve our club.
Marty is a supporter of Rotary International, committed to Every Rotarian Every Year with generous
contributions.
Rotary Club of La Conner is extremely fortunate for Martha Pease's membership, As you can tell, in her
first year, she has contributed mightily to the ideals of Rotary on a broad scope. Her Rotarian growth
potential is clearly limitless, and her selection as "Rookie of the Year" will be an honor for Marty and our
club, as well as a continuing inspiration of her work to others.
You can order, pay and either pick them up at one of the booths (Farmhouse or at the roundabout in La Conner) or arrange for delivery all the way up to a full box! Canadian Customers are welcome as well!
Please note that there is a minimum order of individual bunches for delivery within 25 miles of La Conner of 10 bunches or $50.
Pictured left to right: Ollie Iversen, La Conner Parks Commissioner; Susan Macek, President, Rotary Club of La Conner; Mayor Ramon Hayes: Town Administrator John Doyle.
The Rotary Club of La Conner gave an early Christmas present to the Town of La Conner on Dec. 19. During its weekly meeting, club president Susan Macek handed a $10,000 check for Conner Waterfront Park to La Conner Mayor Ramon Hayes, Town Administrator John Doyle and Park Commissioner Ollie Iversen, who is a club member. The club had committed to three installments of $5,000 over three years but upped the ante by giving $10,000 for the final installment, for a total donation of $20,000.
“We were totally surprised when Susan handed us the last of their gifts for double the amount they had pledged,” Iversen said. “This month we received a second matching grant, which this donation falls under, so the double we received from Rotary will again be doubled by the grant.”
The park under the Rainbow Bridge has been in the works for several years and will be moving forward toward completion starting at the first of the year. Picnic tables and a salmon sculpture that doubles as a children’s slide are already installed.
Rotary Club of La Conner Makes Major Donation to Conner Park Project
We are so very close to eradicating polio from the face of the earth! Join in today and learn more about what Rotarians around the world are working on to eradicate polio.
Our club is involved in parallel international projects in Copan, Honduras.One is grant funded in partnership with nine other clubs, and the other is funded by our club and individual members.
Grant-Funded Project
This International Project Alliance (IPA) is a holistic approach to a community need – education, sanitation, potable water, economic development and the infrastructure to support it.
Eleven area clubs have pledged to pool funds.Other clubs are considering joining the alliance.Our club contributes $5,000 per year plus a district grant.The Fidalgo Rotary Club manages the funds and serves as the lead club for grant management, with each participating club having one vote.Jerry Willins is our club’s representative.Projects are initiated by the village through the Copan Rotary Club.
So far, the IPA has provided funds for a new school and several renovations, replaced furniture in several schools, built a wooden bridge and several other hands-on projects, provided school room supplies for all schools and have facilitated teacher training. We are working to rebuild a large water system that will benefit thousands. In short we have approved, started, and finished a couple of dozen projects with an annual pooled budget of more than $30,000 and additional donated and grant dollars exceeding $25,000.
Club-Funded Project
This includes our Adopt-a-School and Adopt-a-Dream Programs.The nine clubs involved in the IPA currently support 19 schools and more than 926 children and hope to cover seven additional schools in 2017. Of these, our club supports two schools, Nueva San Isidro and El Cisne.
Our money can go a long way toward supporting Copan school children through Adopt-a-School:
$10/year provides what a kindergartener needs to go to school.
$20/year provides for students in grades 1-6.
The Adopt-a-Dream program costs $200/year or less (varies by school) and supports an individual student in grades 7-9.This level of education is now mandated and requires most students walk a couple of hours to schools outside their villages.Adopt-a-Dream asks for a three-year commitment for each student funded.
Individual members can also support these schools Adopt-a-School and Adopt-a-Dream.Checks can be made out to the Rotary Club of La Conner Foundation.Be sure to specify Adopt-a-School or Adopt-a-Dream.
What do 2000 Wheels and 500 Veggie Race Cars equal? Happy Children!
What a great turnout from our club to make wheels and then volunteer to make the veggie racers October 1 & 2, 2016 at Hedlin Farms - Festival of Family Farms. Thank you!
The Hedlin family was most appreciative, and there were lots of smiles everywhere - kids, parents, grandparents, dogs too!
Thank you to wheel makers David Rapella, David Tracey, Dan Cain, Martin Howard, Marty Pease, Dennis Milliken and Dave Buchan.
Thank you to our veggie racer volunteers during the Festival: David Rapella, Dee & Lee Carlson, Heather Bourns, Alice Collingwood (and her Aunt Carol), Patsy Good, Charity Starkenburg, Louise & Craig Edens, Martin Howard, Cindy & Dave Tracey, Marty Pease, Randy Goembel, Linda Sanford (friend), John Clark (friend), Susan Macek & Dave Buchan. We had a few high school helpers too, and are grateful for their support.
On a warm and sunny Summer Saturday 130 people came to Maple Hall in La Conner to celebrate “Moonlight in Margaritaville”, the 10th Annual Auction of the Rotary Club of La Conner. Donations from numerous community businesses helped make this year’s Auction the BEST ever, with gross sales of over$62,000!
The Rotary Club honored Dave Hedlin of Hedlin Family Farms with a Paul Harris Recognition for his many outstanding years of supporting the community of La Conner and the Skagit Valley. A special video was presented and he was tickled with his favorite music, Home Grown Tomatoes.
With the money raised this year we received $11,500.00 for La Conner High School Graduates and $5980.00 to support Honduras School Children with annual tuition.
Thanks to everyone that helped make this year’s Auction an incredibly fun and festive event!
2016 Rotary District 5050 Golfun held at Hazelmere Golf & Tennis Club in Surrey, B.C., is now in the past but a grand time was had by all who participated! Pictured here are Club President, Susan Macek; President Elect, Alice Collingwood; Patsy Good, Dee Carlson and Marty Pease.
Richard Wisniewski accepted a check from the Rotary Club of La Conner for the La Conner Regional library Building fund. The check in the amount of $5,000 was a second annual installment of $5,000 toward the new library.
Wisniewski, President of the La Conner Library Foundation Board said “the library is a place for life-long learning and inspiration and it’s a key resource available to everyone in the community…. One day we’ll break ground for a new, larger, environmentally green library that will provide more open space, including quiet areas for study and reading, digital access, and a community room open to the public for library programs and new offerings.”
According to Lee Carlson, Past President of the La Conner Rotary, literacy and education are major focus areas for the club’s contributions, in terms of both service and financial support. “We have supported the library’s homework databases for the benefit of students for many years,” Carlson said. “We recognize the value that a new library will bring to the community, and are proud to support this project that will serve the community -- from babies to seniors -- well for many years.”
Matthew, who joined the La Conner club on January 1, 1972, led a life of service, hard work and dedication to his family, friends and colleagues. Among his many accomplishments were his two terms as president of our club, from 1986 - 1987 and 1995 - 1996. He was a Paul Harris Fellow in 1990. Our club's annual Tulip Sales project began under his leadership more than 20 years ago. Over the years we have raised more than $125,000 toward our local and international programs and projects.
His service to Rotary, his friendship and his amazing legacy will be cherished.
Just a few of our many thoughts about Matthew.....
I always enjoyed Mathew's positive attitude -- coupled with his perpetually infectious sense of humor. Whenever he took on a project with the Rotary Club, he did it with a determined dedication and exemplary follow through. Matthew was so much fun to be around. He will truly be missed by all of us who had the pleasure of knowing him.
-- Don McKeehen
"Matthew was a great Rotarian and a wonderful friend. I remember him talking about his trip to Nepal (I believe) to deliver wheel chairs and how it broke his heart to realize how much that act impacted the recipient quality of life. He was also incredibly kind to me when Willie was ill and eventually passed away. Matt was a big man with an even bigger heart, we’ll miss him tremendously."
-- Audrey Gravely
"Matthew had "Retired" from promoting the tulip sales, handed the project over to Deacon George. When circumstances changed Matthew headed up the "Tulip Fundraiser" again, assisted by Dan Cain. - In his account on the trip to Bolivia he reported shampooing children's hair, to rid them of head lice, not just handing out wheel chairs."
--Irene Johnson
"Mathew was one of my heroes. Forged in the horrors of Dutch resistance to the Nazi occupation, immigrating to a new country and learning a new language (boots?), succeeding in the US economy, and raising a great family, these and more are the reasons why we should welcome all who seek freedom and want to work hard. Oh, did I mention that he was a quintessential example of what a Rotarian should be."
--Jerry Willins
"My lasting impression of Matthew Paul: He was full of Dutch and American pride, strong of conviction, loving of family and friends, hardworking, humorous and a dedicated Rotarian. I'm so glad I had the chance to go with him to Lynden last year to sell tulips."
Our meeting on Monday, March 28, WILL NOT BE at the Farmhouse as we will be attending a special Membership Matters seminar in Anacortes at Village Pizza located at 807 Commercial Street. If you are a Rotarian, please consider joining us as it's a fantastic program.
The meeting will begin at 5:30pm and end at 8:00pm.
For all of the amazing farmers in the La Conner and Mount Vernon area, you should have received your invitation to join us next Monday evening at 5:30pm at La Conner Flats. PLEASE RSVP so that we can ensure an ample supply of dinner eats and libations and another great evening of the Rotary Club of La Conner thanking you for all that you do!
We are heading into the second year of international projects in Copan, Honduras. The International Project Alliance started with six Rotary clubs here in the Skagit Valley and this year has grown to 10. It allows for the ability to apply for larger grants at both the District and Rotary International levels allowing for larger projects to be tackled. Check out the webpage for the IPA by CLICKING HERE.
On Monday, September 21 we learned about how extensive the problem of human trafficking is in Skagit County as well as across the United States.
This was an eye opener for everyone present. We feel we live in this safe place called Skagit Valley, but the exploitation by force, fraud, or coercion of vulnerable people for commercial sex operations and for forced labor has invaded our peaceful valley. The Coalition is working with the schools and getting the word to organizations like Rotary about this problem. For more information you can go to their website www.SKCAT.org.
Corporate Member, Peter Voorhees, will once again be in charge of the Turkey Trot that will take place on the morning of Thanksgiving! Proceeds from the Turkey Trot will benefit the La Conner High School track and cross country teams.
If you would like to get involved and help there are some tangible ways to do so.....
1. Sponsorship - For a generous donation, your company can have their name and logo on the shirts, digital media, and printed material for run. The goal of sponsorship is to cover the overhead cost of the event so 100% of race registration goes to help the Track Team.
2. Donate a Prize - There is a raffle give away at the end of the race from everything from massages to pumpkin pies - an opportunity for good publicity or help out.
3. Help with Race Administration - Helping with set up on Wednesday Nov 25th (afternoon for 3 hours) and or help with morning of registration and packet pick-up on Thanksgiving morning (Done by 10:30am)
4. Help promote the race on social media by 'sharing' and spread the word.
5. Sign-up and participate - We are hoping to have over 350 people this year.
If you would like to participate OR help in any of the many duties needed to make this another success, contact Peter at 360-420-0423
The Rotary Club of La Conner welcomed our newest member on Monday, September 28! Cheryl Sullivan is the new principal at both La Conner Middle and High Schools and is part of the new corporate membership of La Conner Schools and joins Lori Buher and Peter Voorhees.
La Conner Rotarians Martin Howard, Jerry Willins, Dave Tracey, Lee Carlson, John Milnor, Dick Johnson, Thomas (member Patsy's son) and Susan Macek worked dilligently on Saturday, September 12 pressure washing the parking areas, gutters, replaced front door lightbulbs, trimmed the tree out back and cleaned out the garden patch below it, took all the weeds and limbs to the compost station. Many hands made for a quick clean-up!
The Town of La Conner then came in and repainted the parking space stripes and the handicapped parking spaces!
Service Project at the La Conner Regional Library!
Recent gifts totaling $6,726 from the Rotary Club of La Conner benefitted the both La Conner Regional Library and the La Conner Library Foundation.
Two grants totaling $1,726 from La Conner Rotary and Rotary District 5050 funded three homework help databases for school students and other patrons. World Book Online Reference, American Indian History Online and A to Z USA, from World Press Media provide accurate information for school reports and support lifelong learning as well, according to Library Director Joy Neal.
Rotary also awarded a $5,000 grant to La Conner Library Foundation for the new library building fund.
"The Rotary Club of La Conner is pleased to support the library foundation’s campaign for the new La Conner library,” said Marge Milnor, 2014-2015 president. “We look forward to continued support for this important project that will provide much needed space and expanded programs for the benefit of everyone in the community. We have a proud legacy of hard work that makes it so rewarding to be able to contribute to the vision of a new La Conner Regional Library.”
Pictured are Joy Neal, Richard Wisnewski (La Conner Regional Library Foundation President), Marge Milnor and Susan Macek
When I went to do this weeks recap I found I must have forgot to hit the "send" button on last weeks so I sent it out today. It does have directions to the picnic in case you need them.
Our meeting on the 27th included the following announcements:
Dave Buchan, Susan Macek's husband told us of an opportunity to help the "Veggie Races" at Hedlins Farms on and before October 3rd. Dave was looking for volunteers to make wheels beforehand and people to work on Oct 3rd. I can assure you it is a fun time.
Louise Eden told us there would be a meeting at the La Conner Food Bank on September 14 at 12:00 NOON to find out what opportunities there are for us to help this very worthy cause. Come and see where we can help.
The picnic is next week, Monday August 3rd at 5:30 at Don Bakken's daughter's home on Big Lake. Directions are in recap from last week. Everyone is invited.
On August 31st we are planning a Cruise out of Anacortes on Island Adventures. The Fidalgo Club and possibly the Anacortes Noon club will be joining us. It begins at 5:00 PM, bring an appetizer and beverage. We will have sign up sheet at August 10th meeting and the cost will depend upon the number of people who sign up (Hopefully $25 per person, maximum $35)
Don't forget if you signed up to sell hamburgers, etc at the Car Show August 1st. .. Jeanie, Dave Rapella and Karen are coordinating this event. It is an easy and fun way to get together.
Lee brought us up to date on the District Survey on your satisfaction with Rotary. Our club
had a high degree of satisfaction with most items in the survey.
And, lastly but definitely not least was our very interesting and informing speaker, local author William Dietrich, who writes fiction and non-fiction in a broad spectrum of history. His books are available at Watermark Books in Anacortes
We had two very interesting speakers at the meeting:
Alex Wirth,our former ambassador from the high school brought us an update on his first year at the UW, the activities he is involved in and his desire to major in the International field. He told us about his experience participating in the YES program through Rotary last summer in Guatemala. He worked with 5 other high school students at Opal House, a Montessori school and farm where they planted avocado trees. He told us this experience was his incentive to major in International Relations.
Sean Hogan entertained us with the multiple mistakes he made as a club president. In rethinking membership he wanted a way to enable those who could not attend regularly to enjoy full membership rights and privileges. He began looking at the totality of membership, events worked at, extra duties assumed, e-club make-ups, board meetings attended ,social meetings. This has enabled several members to remain active, interested and engaged.
The member at large is to attend two meetings a month, attend some district functions and make a donation once a year to the Rotary foundation and to every member every year. The dues remain the same..the goal is to ensure the member remains connected to our Rotary club and with Rotary.
Cindy and Jerry brought us up to date on the Auction. We need everyone's participation in this major fund raising event by:coming up with or being part of a team for a live auction item, obtaining silent auction items, and most of all coming to the auction and bringing guests.
The minutes for the Board meeting held after this meeting, and the Budget for both Administration and the Foundation can be found on the La Conner Rotary website, www.laconnerrotary.org;
See you July 20th at the Farmhouse. Susan Macek will talk about committees and Linda Ryan will give a demonstration on how to use Club Runner which is our La Conner Rotary website. She will show us how to use the email communication, member directory and record keeping program.
We had a full house for Lee's first meeting, including 9 guests. Scott Dudley, his wife Christine and their 4 children helped us get to that number of guests.
The meeting include a classification talk by Martin Howard who entertained us with his journey from Economics/History major in college to a 31 year career with Great West Life, spending his time between Washington and Oregon. He and Chris retired to Skagit Valley where they bought what they named, Barking Dog Farm. Restoring the farm house and restoring vintage cars has been his avocations in retirement.
President Lee then awarded Martin with a President's Citation for his work for Rotary in the community over the past year.
Susan Macek gave a presentation on Club Committees and handed out descriptions of the Club Directors areas and needs for committee members. If you didn't get the hand out, Susan will have some at the meeting on the 13th.
Chuck Ackerman from Westminster Presbyterian Church in Anacortes presented our club with an opportunity for community service. Every Sunday a late afternoon dinner is served at the church, put on by service clubs/churches/community groups to anyone in the community in need of a healthy meal and fellowship, for whatever their need. Dave Rapella volunteered to head a group from our club.
More information to follow.
Lee reminded us of: July 19th, District Governor's Installation, Augut 3rd our picnic on Big Lake and August 7th Golfun on Whidbey Island.
The management of the Farmhouse has asked that we pass along to our members that there will be an increase in the price of our meals to $15.00(which includes 1 non-alcoholic beverage) starting July 13th. There has not been an increase in price for 8 years.
Lee's thought for the day........I believe if life gives you lemons you should make lemonade ....and try to find somebody whose life has give them vodka and have party!!!
Next weeks program includes Sean Hogan speaking on Rotary-at-Large Member Category and Alex Worth, who was our H.S. Ambassador 2013-2014 to tell us about his YES experience last summer.
Rick will be Sergeant at Arms, Barney and the rest of the July team will cover the balance of duties. If you know what you are doing, team members let your President know before the meeting.
On Monday, March 16, 2015, the Rotary Club of La Conner made a donation to the new Conner Park project that is in beginning stages to the Parks Commission and the Town of La Conner as the Club's commitment to the Town of La Conner and local projects.
The new park will be located on a scenic, grassy stretch of town-owned waterfront property just south of Rainbow Bridge.
"The RotaryClub of La Conner is pleased to support the first phase of development of the new waterfront park with a contribution of $5,000," said President Marge Milnor. "These funds represent the dedicated efforts of our La Conner Rotarians who have a long history of supporting our community. We have a proud legacy of hard work that makes it so rewarding to be able to give back to this new park. It's a wonderful vision that will provide much enjoyment for children and families in the years to come."
Pictured are John Doyle, Town of La Conner Administrator; Ollie Iversen; Marge Milnor, President Rotary Club of La Conner;
We are selling tulips at The Farmhouse and just west of the Roundabout coming into La Conner (next to the old Morris Street Station).
Booth Hours are as follows:
Monday
12 - 6 PM
Tuesday
CLOSED
Wednesday
12 - 6 PM
Thursday
12 - 6 PM
Friday
12 - 6 PM
Saturday
11 AM - 5 PM
Sunday
11 AM - 5 PM
Tulips are $5 for a bunch of 10 and the proceeds help fund scholarships for graduating seniors from La Conner High School, Dictionaries for 3rd graders, a project in Copan, Honduras providing school uniforms and supplies to students in addition to clean water and sanitation. We have many other projects in and around the community.
If you are a business in the cities of La Conner, Anacortes, Burlington, Mount Vernon or Sedro Woolley and would like tulips for your work area delivered, please contact Linda Ryan at (360) 870-9509 or claminator@gmail.com to place your order.
Here is a picture of the pergola, that we are considering purchasing for the new Park in La Conner. It will be at the end of Washington Street, next to the Pier 7 building.
We are thankful to Doug Jones and Don Bakken for their program on the
history of the wonderful air show that they created and put on in
Marysville. I know how much work an auction, Smelt Derby and selling
tulips can be, I cannot imagine how much work it would be to put on an air
show!!!
Please go to the District 5050 web site to see all of the events that
are coming up this spring.
Smelt Derby is just around the corner, so please help Linda with
posters and collecting prizes. We should all be selling our Raffle
tickets and visiting other clubs. Don and Danya are passing out the
Raffle tickets, be sure to sign them out and return the money or tickets.
We really need to document each ticket for the Gambling
Commission. Following these rules is imperative because the consequences
of not following them can be dire, especially for the
President.
Please remember our members who are ill or dealing with family illness
in your thoughts and prayers.
Next week our program is Lee Harmon from District 5050, speaking
about the RI Foundation. The word "Foundation" can be
confusing, so in the next few weeks we will be trying to clarify the
different "Foundations" .
On Monday our duties are: Greeter - Dee
Carlson Inspiration - Susan Macek
Club member David Rapella can always be counted on for innovative ideas, community spirit, networking and humor! His career as a clown began with a tour to Vietnam to assist on a medical mission. A member of the Rotary Club of La Conner since June 1, 2000, David is a tireless community volunteer. His Rotary moment accomplishments include working with the (1) La Conner School District's Middle School on an aeronautics project--the students building and flying model airplanes; (2) Pumpkin painting with the Boys and Girls Club of La Conner; (3) volunteering as a clown at Rotary events; (4) volunteering for the upcoming Paddle to Swinomish. David is also past president of our club, from 2005 to 2006. He became a Paul Harris Fellow in 2002 and in 2009 received a Ruby Pin as a Paul Harris Fellow.
Imagination Library Club Member Clown David Rapella
On February 26, 2011 the Rotary Club of LaConner will sponsor the 46th Smelt Derby which is older that the Super Bowl by one year. The original focus of the Derby is to fish for Smelt in the Swinomish Channel, 45 years ago this was mainly accomplished by dipping for the Smelt. However, due to changing economic and environmental rules, there is less food material being dumped into the Channel in LaConner. Hence, there are fewer fish, so these days most fishermen try to snag their fish on lines containing many hooks. The Rotary Club of LaConner with the assistance of judging by the LaConner Sea Scouts awards prizes in a number of catetories (under and over age 13) including: longest and shortest smelt, longest herring, biggest fish, and strangest object to be hooked and turned in for a prize. The fishing prize winners select their prize from 25-30 merchandise prizes selected for fishing prizes.
The Derby also has a large focus on the raffle that carries a Grand Prize of $750 plus 75-100 merchandise prizes. The Grand Prize is awarded at about 3PM on Derby Day with merchandise prizes being awarded every 15 minutes or so during the day. Raffle prizes commonly include, a rubber duck, gift certificates to local restaurants, fishing gear, teeth cleaning at a local Dentist’s office and many more unusual prizes donated by LaConner merchants. Raffle tickets NO LONGER entitle the bearer to fish. In order to comply with State Gambling Rules, fishing tickets must be purchased separated. The good news is that Raffle Tickets and Fishing Tickets are only $2 each. Prices have remained unchanged for as long as this author has been a member of the LaConner Rotary Club.
Other events take place on Derby Day also. There will be a pancake breakfast that is used to help fund a donation to the LaConner High School Senior Class. There will be free fish printing at Maple Hall during the morning hours, kids and others can put paint on a real fish and then print an impression of the fish. There will also be a hot dog stand operated by Rotarians.
The other BIG event of the day is the Skagit Symphony Smelt Run operated by the Symphony. This event was cofounded about 15 years ago by Rotary and the Symphony. After two years of joint operation, the Run became fully operated by the Symphony, though most years Rotary provided modest assistance. In 2010 Rotary was invited to one again play a larger role in the Smelt Run and responded with volunteers in a number of jobs most importantly being the course volunteers strategically placed to encourage volunteers.
Derby proceeds are derived from Raffle Ticket Sales, sponsorships, food sales and a profit sharing arrangement with the Symphony. The Rotary Club of LaConner Foundation then uses the proceeds to help fund the Senior Class, scholarships, the Dolly Parton Imagination Library, other literacy projects and other donations made by the Rotary Club of LaConner throughout the year.
Rotary volunteers are involved in obtaining raffle prizes from local merchants, manning headquarters at the fire museum, selling raffle tickets, working at the pancake breakfast and hot dog stand, and volunteering at the Run. As Derby Day approaches Rotarians are urged to volunteer for several of these low key jobs and to recruit friends and family members to help with the Run.
Our most memorable Rotary Moments are the experience of attending "Rotary International" in Montreal last June. Connecting with Rotarians from other continents and feeling a kinship with them shortly after meeting was truly remarkable. We ordered the CDs, to share part of our experience through those speeches that were available, had hoped for all of them but realized that Greg Mortenson, Queen Noor, and Dolly Parton had not signed a release. We were pleased to be part of the District 5050 delegation, and we wondered if we were the club with the highest percentage participation as there were 9 La Conner club members in attendance.
Irene and Richard Johnson
Rotary Moments - memories of 2010 from club members Irene & Richard Johnson
Thank you so much to make the Imagination Library event so successful! We signed up approximately 60 children within the La Conner School Disrict.
The Imagination Library will remain in La Conner indefinitely. Children within the school district between the ages of birth and their 5th Birthday will continue to be eligible. The Rotary Club of La Conner is very proud to bring and keep this program in the district and to give children the gift of books while helping them to be better prepared for preschool. It's a gift that keep on giving.
Should you know an eligible child or a group that would be interested in joining our email list or would welcome our pamphlets in their establishment or would like a speaker, please let Bobbi Krebs-McMullen know. She can be reached through the main page of our club website, in the column on the far left.
Team Guatemala's departure is right around the corner! Our club is welcoming fellow Rotarian Steve Miller (Anacortes club) on this journey. This is the proposed itinerary:
Saturday, January 22 - Arrive Sunday, January 23 - Walking tour of Antigua in the AM, Free time afterwards, market, etc. Monday, January 24 - AM go to Chimaltenango with a stop at the Bodega to package some books for Yepocapa and then work with Bethel Ministries, drive to Yepocapa in the afternoon Tuesday, January 25 - reception by Yepocapa school, begin cataloging Wednesday, January 26 - Continue cataloging, small groups get tours of town, possible family visits Thursday, January 27 - Continue cataloging, small groups get tours of town, possible family visits Friday, January 28 - Catalog in the AM, farewell/thank you lunch, leave for Lake Atitlan with a stop to visit Opal House on the way - near Godinez on the way to Atitlan Saturday, January 29 - Boat trip to San Juan Laguna - visit women's coop/coffee coop - Free time in the afternoon Sunday, January 30th - Go to Sunday Market in Chichicastenango in the AM, return to Antigua in the afternoon - Final dinner Monday January 31 - Leave Guatemala
Yerda Yearsley, who operates a business in France, with a link here: Rival's France, carries the Rotarian spirit with her and shares a Rotary Banner from Gary, France, with our club president Connie Milliken. Welcome home Yerda!
Club Member Yerda Yearsley presents Rotary Banner from Gary, France
Club members, Irene Johnson and Heather Bourns, are updating our club member biographies for our club website. There are three categories of biographies.
Public. This biography can be viewed by anyone in District 5050.
Vocational Description. This vocational description is intended for public display in a future release of a Rotarian business directory.
Private Biography. Private biographies are only viewable by your club members are not available to District 5050 members.
The Rotary Club of LaConner once again presents “Pancake Breakfast with Santa” on Saturday, December 4 from 8:30 to 11:00 am. Santa will be waiting for all of the good little boys and girls at Maple Hall, 103 Commercial St., La Conner. The cost is $12/family or $6 for adults and $3 for children. Every child receives a photo with Santa and a pre-Christmas from everyone’s favorite jolly old elf. This has become a seasonal tradition for many families. Come and join the fun and spend the day enjoying all of the holiday spirit La Conner has to offer!
The members of the Rotary Club of La Conner are celebrating Christmas by sponsoring four families,who are involved in the SPARC program of Mount Vernon, Washington. Fulfilling their Christmas Wish Lists, our club members volunteer to shop; and each club member makes monetary donations to make this possible. Food boxes provide cookies, nuts, cider, Christmas lights and decorations. A food gift card is also provided. Each family member receives a gift, including the dads. Often the most requested items are new clothes for the children.
Every child in the La Conner School District is eligible to an age-appropriate book every month of their life,from birth-to-their-5th birthday -- absolutely free! Sign-up events will be held on Tuesday, December 14th, 3 pm to 6 pm at La Conner Elementary School's cafeteria AND Wednesday, December 15th, 10 am to 2 pm at the Swinomish Tribal Social Services Building. Events include story time, clown, ice cream and giveaways. Parents, grandparents,or legal guardians must complete the registration form. Presented and hosted by the Rotary Club of La Conner. Questions? 360-466-4693
Featured photo of Bobbi Krebs-McMullen describing the Imagination Library at a recent club meeting. Photo credit: Danielle Mullen
The Dolly Parton Imagination Library is Coming to Town
At the regular meeting of the Rotary Club of La Conner on November 1, 2011, the nominations for 2011 - 2012 were opened. The nominees are as follows:
President Elect for 2012 - 2013 is Gary Tollefson
Secretary is Linda Ryan
Treasurer is Don Wolfe
Foundations is Barney Bourns
Public Relations is Patricia Paul
Membership is Danielle Mullen
Service Projects is Karen Ryan
President is Carol Cain (our current president-elect)
These nominees, as well, as a call for additional nominations will continue to be announced until the ELECTION. A special thanks to the nominating commitee!
NOMINEES for 2011 - 2012 Board and Executive Committee
The Rotary Club of La Conner's biggest event of the year -- loads of fun, great food,wonderful people, and fundraising for all of the work that Rotary does locally and globally. August 27, 2011 at Maple Hall, La Conner, Washington. 10:00 am to 2:00 pm (Brunch) Hawaiian attire encouraged.
The Nominating Committee has been selected: Carol Cain, Jerry Willins and Danielle Mullen.
Article 3 Election of Directors and Officers
Section 1 –
At a regular meeting one month prior to the meeting for election of officers, the presiding officer shall ask for nominations by members of the club for president, president-elect, secretary, treasurer, and four directors. The nominations may be presented by a nominating committee or by members from the floor, by either or by both as a club may determine. If it is determined to have a nominating committee, such committee shall be appointed as the board may determine. The nominations duly made shall be placed on a ballot in alphabetical order under each office and shall be voted for at the annual meeting. The candidates for president, president-elect, secretary, and treasurer receiving a majority of the votes shall be declared elected to their respective offices. The four candidates for director receiving a majority of the votes shall be declared elected as directors. The candidate for president-elect in such balloting shall be the president-nominee and serve as a director for the year commencing on the first day of July next following the election, and shall assume office as president on the first day of July immediately following that year.
Audrey Gravley and Jerry Willins were honored on August 9, 2010 with Paul Harris pins. Audrey received a pin with two sapphires. Jerry received a pin with one sapphire. Featured in photo are two honorees with club president, Connie Milliken, center. Club photographer Danielle Mullen captured this moment.
Paul Harris Fellow/Multiple Paul Harris Fellow
D onors of US$1,000 or more to the Annual Programs Fund, PolioPlus, or the Humanitarian Grants Program, or people who have that amount contributed in their name, can be recognized as Paul Harris Fellows. Each new Paul Harris Fellow receives a commemorative certificate and a pin.
Visiting Australian aboriginal peoples participating in a Rotary Group Study Exchange sponsored by the Rotary Club of La Conner. The Rotary also sent representatives from Northwestern Washington tribes to Australia.
Sea Scouts is a non-profit organization that serves coed youths ages 14-21 and is part of Boy Scouts of America. The La Conner Rotary Club is our sponsor and we are well supported by them and the La Conner community to continue our efforts of stewardship.
Thanks to everyone for making the Santa Breakfast a big success this year. We make nearly $1000.00! Special Thanks to Lee Carlson for all the great adverting and especially getting flyers out to all the kids at the La Conner School. For Audrey Gravelry and David Rapella for making the food fabulous!! For my son in law, Eric Krebs who took great Santa pictures!! And especially to John Milnor who is the best Santa ever!!
We had a wonderful time on Tuesday with our fellow La Conner Rotarian's and guests! John Milnor did a fabulous job as Sargent quizzing us on fellow Rotarian's. Do you know how many La Conner Rotarian's were born in another country? Or who starting flying at the age of 15? Or who was born in Massachusetts? if you were there you learned a lot about your fellow Rotarian's! . If you missed the event, we missed you! Our entertainment from the chorus of Mount Vernon High School was fabulous. Take a peak at their performance.
Our meeting on 6-4-12 was lively and interesting. Lee Harmon from District 5050 stopped by to inspire us to continue giving to Polio Plus and the Rotary International Foundation. He gave us many statistics on where polio still exists (3 countries) and how many cases (64). This is indeed good news, but Rotary cannot give up until it is completely gone for 3 years. India has been polio free for 18 months!
Jerry Willins helped induct 2 new members, Corey Stout and Frank Marzec. Please remember to welcome them at our next meeting. I had the honor of presenting Ric Buldoc with a Paul Harris +2. Our club is vital and growing. Please remember that to increase membership it is up to everyone to invite a friend to a meeting or an event. I sent out a survey to guide our next board in funding projects. We need your input. If you did not receive one I will have them at our next meeting.
Installation of new officers will be June 18th and it will be a spouse night. Please come and help us celebrate the beginning of a new Rotary year.
Next week our program will be brought to us by Sid and our duties are:
Greetings Rotarians! It was great to be back at our meeting on Monday. As you probably know, my mother is ill and I will be in and out for the next few weeks. I am working out a schedule that will allow me to be at all the meetings in June. If you need something, or have a problem, please contact Linda Ryan or my husband Dan.
We had a wonderful speaker on Monday, her name is Amanda Wilson. Amanda was a Rotary Exchange student to Bhopal, India. She shared her interesting perspective on a year in India. She is a close friend of Danielle's and will return to show us her pictures. Thank you so very much to Danielle for bringing this lovely young woman to our club.
I am very pleased to announce that we have two new members, Frank Marzec and Corey Strout. Please be sure to welcome them at our next meeting. They will be formally inducted into the club on June 4th.
I have included a link to view the progress of Scott Dudley and his incredible donation of a kidney to save someone's life. Scott takes Service Above Self to a new level. We wish him the very best and a safe recovery.
At our meeting on May 21st our program will be Mark Schraeder. Our duties are:
Greeter: Linda Ryan Inspiration: Connie Milliken Raffle: Dee Carlson Sergeant:
Cindy Tracey.WE WILL NOT MEET ON MEMORIAL DAY, MONDAY, MAY 28TH.
Last night Five Paul Harris Awards were given out to Martin Howard, Bobbi Krebs McMullen, Jean Barkley, Matthew Paul, and Linda Ryan! Congratulations to Everyone and Thank You for all your hard work!
Dan and I missed the meeting last week, because we wanted to get a little California sun and see our son before tulip season started. What we really got was a little sun, but mostly rain, high winds and flooding on our way home. It is good to be home to our normal rain and wind.
Please remember that our District Assembly is on April 14th, it is at Skagit Valley College this year. District Assembly is a great place to learn about all aspects of Rotary.
Thank you so much to Linda Ryan for bringing Naomi Williams to us this week. Naomi is a volunteer for Relay for Life in Anacortes. She is very passionate about raising money to find a cure for cancer. As a result of her visit, Connie Milliken has volunteered to be a captain for a team from our club. We named our team Heart for Hart in honor of Bob Hart. So this will be a project for us this spring. Details on how and what we can do will be coming.
Next week is Farmer's Night. It is a tradition in our club to honor the farmers in La Conner. It is a special spouse night and I would like to see our entire club come that night to welcome and visit with our honored guests. We are trying to keep the cost to 18-20$. Please let me know if you and your guest are planning on attending so that we can give the Farmhouse an approximate number for dinners. My email is carolcain17356@yahoo.com .
Duties for Farmer's Night: Greeter - Irene and everyone Inspiration - Linda Ryan
Raffle - Jean Barclay Sergeant - Danya Wolf
Have a good week, and please remember our members that are ill or traveling in your prayers.
We had some wonderful guests at our meeting this week. Bernadette Halliday and Shayla Brown from the Rotary Club of Burlington came to sell raffle tickets to raise money to send a group of High School students to Guatemala to build efficient stoves to help the people in a small village. You can find information on their web site.
Our program was Christine Valdez and David Conover from the Boys and Girls Club. David is the new regional director and they gave a lively program on the needs of the Boys and Girls Club. They need volunteers as well as financial support.
Please go to the District web site to see all of the District events coming up this spring.
Linda Ryan is getting us organized for Smelt Derby. Please contact her if you can help out by visiting other clubs to sell tickets.
This Wednesday, February 15th at McIntyre Hall, there will be a reception to honor Dr. Gary Tollefson. It begins at 4:30.
I am very pleased to announce two new members that have been approved by our board last night. They are Ron Wigal and Marge Milnor. According to our by-laws our members have 7 days to submit in writing any concerns about these prospective members. If we do not hear from anyone, we will vote at our next meeting.
On Monday, February 27th we will have a "Winter Celebration Party". It will be a pot luck celebration at the Garden Club instead of our regular meeting at the Farmhouse. You will receive an email from Cindy with more information.
Contacts: Lee
Carlson, (360) 466-0127 or Sandy Stokes (360) 466-3315
History-making in 2012
Over the years
families have made a tradition of taking the children, grandchildren and even
great grandchildren to the historic smelt derby. It’s a special family event. You don’t last 47
years without offering something to those who participate and the community
that supports the events. Each year local merchants donate over 100 prizes and
others provide substantial cash sponsorship to keep the derby going.
Over the years
the Smelt Derby has developed a fun, family day to remember. Here are the events:
·Breakfast:
As in years past, the Rotarians will serve up pancakes, eggs and all the
trimmings at Maple Hall from 8 to 10 a.m. The breakfast benefits the La Conner
Senior Class
·Smelt
Run: Work off the meal with the Skagit Symphony’s USATF Certified 5K or 10K
run. Or take the family fun walk around town, see the town’s award-winning
public art displays and maybe even glimpse one of La Conner’s town turkeys. 10
a.m. start.
·Fishing: The
Smelt Derby fishing contest is on the town docks from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. Kids can win cash prizes of $100 for bringing
in the largest smelt. Other prizes for
unusual catches from the channel. Pick up a life jacket at derby headquarters.
·Kid’s
activities: Kids will love the fishing action and the free fun at Maple
Hall, the site of the famous “fish printing” where the budding artists can
create a masterpiece out of a dead fish and paint. 10 am. to 2 pm.
·Boat
tour: Also for the youngsters, La Conner Sea Scouts will offer tours of
their historic schooner, “Rejoice.”
·Raffle
and more: Adults can spend $2 to try their luck in a raffle with over 100
fabulous prizes and a $750 cash Grand Prize.
They can feed the kids and families can enjoy $2 hot dogs. Meals for $4
with a polish hot dog.
·Meet the
Smelt Queen and hear what smelt has meant to her.
·Participate
in a geocaching contest. Prizes are located
throughout the town.
It is hard to believe that another month has whizzed by. Our
program this week was Lee Harmon from the Arlington club. Lee explained
about the work of the Rotary International Foundation and the bequest
information. We thank Barney for bringing us this program.
Don't forget to sell Smelt Derby tickets. This year it is very
important to sign your tickets out and then sign in the unsold tickets and the
money. The Washington State Gambling Commission is cracking down on
raffle tickets sold to the public. We continue to need to have people visit
other clubs and get the Smelt Derby word out and the tickets sold.
A huge thank you to Danielle for planning a Membership event this
week!!!!! We had five prospective people attend (we were expecting 14),
but it is a good start. Danielle did an excellent job of explaining what
Rotary is and how to become a member. Thank you also to our club members
that came to show their passion for the work of Rotary.
Next week is a very important club assembly. We will look at the
ideas that were shared in the fall and how we can become a bigger, bolder and
better club!!!! This is your Rotary club and we really need your input
!!! Please come!!!
Our Duties for next week are: Greeter: Lee
Carlson Raffle: Dee Carlson
We were blessed by a lot of wonderful guests at our meeting last
night. We had Bobby Pulson, one of our high school ambassadors give us an
update on how things are going at La Conner High School. He also updated
us on how the teams are doing. Go Braves!!
Our District Governor Jane Helton, visited us to promote the
District Conference in Semihamoo this June. The conference will take
place at Semihamoo Resort near Blaine, June 1-3. You can register for the
conference on line at the District 5050 web site. She also presented
Linda Ryan and Karen Ryan with Paul Harris Awards. Karen is a plus
2. We have a VERY generous club!!
One of our esteemed visitors was Sam Green, State of Washington's Poet
Laureate. Our program was given by Molly McNulty. Molly is the
Director of the Poetry Festival in La Conner. She had a student read her
beautiful poems. It was an inspiring program. The Festival will
take place this year and they will need volunteers. So there will be more
to come on this event. See additional photos in our photo album!
Next week's program will be Kim Lorentz with World Vision. Come Join Us!!
Harvesting Hope 2011 was a great success!! We will be beginning the planning for Harvesting Hope 2012 in February! Our first meeting will be after the first meeting in February! We will meet each month after the first meeting of each month and will schedule additional meetings when necessary. If you have signed up to be on a committee-Thank You! See you at our first meeting on February 6th! The date is scheduled for August 25th, 2011.
75 canoes landed yesterday afternoon. Protocols will be held each day to honor the cultures of each of the tribes represented. The community is invited to have breakfast and dinner, during the event! The La Conner Rotary has volunteered to help serve at this event. For more information, go to http://paddletoswinomish.com / http://youtu.be/nBHmDZUuww8
Opportunities abound to deliver and fit wheelchairs in Guatemala. La Conner Rotarian Barney Bourns traveled to Guatemala in January 2010 and is shown here fitting a wheelchair.
A project of the Rotary Club of La Conner. Pearson Publishers donated 53,000 Spanish language children's books. The gift did not include shipping. The club applied for and received a grant for the shipping of the books. Two trips are planned to assist in the cataloging and distribution of the books. One trip in October 2010 and the second in January 2011. Working with Child-Aid we will distribute books to 28 rural locations. The photo is of La Conner Rotarian Barney Bourns working on literacy on a trip in January 2010 to Guatemala.
Our club has a project to replace or put new signs on historic homes in La Conner. Back in 1995 the club did a similar project and installed signs on many of the historic homes in La Conner. Some have faded and deteriorated so we launched a campaign to get them replaced. Home owners pay for the signs, but our club places the order with Mortenson Signs and then we install them if the home owner wishes help with that. This sign featured is from a home dating to 1909 and was originally owned by Mary Fletcher.
Recipients from the 2010 graduating class from La Conner High School are as follows: Fred Martin Academic Scholarship: Megan Raymond. Bert Langanhorst Community Service: Kevin Ketchem. Jim Hulbert Vocational Scholarships: Thomas Kahn and Alicia Pedroza. The Service Above Self Scholarship: Alana Quintasket.
$12,000 in Scholarship Awards to 2010 Graduating Class
The Charley Too, owned by Rotarian Barney Bourns, motored along with the Salmon Dancer canoe. Aboard were Harvesting Hope Auction bid winner, Danielle Mullen and a guest.
Six lucky winners of the Rotary auction item participated as canoe pullers on the Salmon Dancer, owned by Swinomish tribal chairman Brian Cladoosby. Susan Macek and Dave Buchan; Tamera and Gary Tollefson; Darcy and Steve Wells were guest pullers.
Kevin Paul, Master Carver (classification) was inducted as a member in Rotary Club of La Conner on Monday, August 16, 2010. Co-sponsors were Bob Hart and David Rapella.
To see all of the 2010 Live Auction Items and get a copy of a invitation to the 2010 Harvesting Hope Auction to be held on Saturday August 28th at Maple Hall at 11:00 AM, please go to or click on our 2010 Harvesting Hope Website at www.laconnerrotary.vpweb.com
Members, please come and join us in the 4th of July parade in La Conner starting at 12:30 pm. I will have the club banners and my 54 Chevy pickup. The parade will assemble at the North end of First Street at about noon.
Also on the 4th, our club is selling hot dogs and hamburgers in the afternoon for the fundraiser party for the Skateboard Park from 6-10 pm. The event is to be held on the S. First St. dock (across from Maple Hall). There will be with live music by Lane Fernando, DJ Heidi, food, beer, wine & pop. The tickets are $10 per person or $25 for families. Fireworks over the Swinomish Channel start at 10 pm. Celebrate the Independence of our country with the whole family! Bring your own chairs.
A gala brunch and many creative experiences will provide memories to cherish and adventures to look forward to.
The date is August 28th from 11-3 at Maple Hall in the town of La Conner.
A sampling of packages featuring one-of-a-kind experiences:
A photo safari in vintage touring cars
A native canoe trip sponsored by the Chairman of the Swinomish Indian Tribal Community
Tickets to the ballet with two nights at the Camlin
Jazz on the patio for 30 of your friends
A murder mystery and dinner at a famous location
A barge trip down a river in France
Harvesting Hope raises money that funds local scholarships and literacy projects. Reservations by August 14.
Cost is $65
Brunch with minosas' and wines especially selected to go with the foods. This year we are serving sweet breads, Greek quiche with feta, artichoke and spinach, and medallion of beef, fresh fruit, and hash browns and Pavlova dessert. This wonderful brunch is being prepared by La Conner Seafood and Prime Rib. Hellams' Vineyard is selecting the wines to compliment the food.
Thank you Bobbie Krebs-McMullen for getting us started with our Imagination Library Project. Bobbi is looking into the process to make it happen for La Conner. If you would like to be involved I'm sure Bobbi would love to hear from you
We want to thank Danielle Mullen for all her hard work with the GSE team from India. Arun Kumar Jain, Dr. Divya Choudhary Sharma, Rashmi Maurya, and Aniti Sharma shared about themselves and their families. Arun shared a wonderful presentation about the history and culture of India. This has been great experience hosting our GSE team. A special thanks to our host families, The Howards, The Willins, Doug Jones and Ruth Taylor, and Bobbi Krebs-McMullen . What a gift towards making the world a better place.
Photo taken on San Juan Island when Patricia Paul and Danielle Mullen had a wonderful day excursion with GSE Team India!
Incoming directors chose what committee they would like to chair for the next term:
Public Relations - Pat Paul; Service Projects - Dan Cain; Rotary Foundation - Danielle Mullen; Membership - Gary Tollefson
It is time to think about our contributions to the "Every Member Every Year" campaign. The club again is matching contributions so a fifty dollar contribution meets your requirement for Every Member Every Year but better yet, a one hundred dollar contribution will be credited as two hundred dollars towards your Paul Harris Fellow. It has been our goal to achieve 100% club participation and last year we were very close. This program is the method used to generate monies for our matching grants of which our club has benefited from. Half of the funds the District have to distribute come from our Every Member Every Year contributions. Thank you in advance so please support this worthwhile campaign.
Our Club has taken on a service project of revitalizing the historic plaques on homes in La Conner. The last time the signs were done was in 1995 and some have faded and deteriortated. The new design is distinctive with a black border and a colored Rotary wheel and our club name. The home owner is sent a letter and order form from the club which they fill out with pertinent information and return to us with their check for the sign. We provide the service of placing the order, picking up the signs from Mortenson Sign Co and then delivering and helping put up the new signs if the owners request this service.
Please log on and make sure that your member profile including contact information is up-to-date. This will help tremendously for both District and Club communications!
Click on the Login link.
Enter your Login Name and Password, then click on the Login button. Forgot your password? Click on the Forgot your password? link and follow the directions to have your Login Name and Password emailed to you.
Now that you're logged in, update your Member Profile:
1. Make sure you are on the Admin page.
2. Click on the Edit My Profile link in the For Members box.
3. Update your membership information (including changing your Login Name if you prefer something different than what was assigned to you) and click Save.
4. If you'd like to change your password, click on the Change My Password link, make the change, and click the Save button.
Questions? Contact Pat Paul
We thank you Danielle Mullen for the installation of our newest member Bobbi Krebs-McMullen. Your words remind us all why Rotary is so important to our community, the world and to each of us individually. Photo credit: Danya Wolf.
Thanks again to Matthew Paul and Jim Hulbert for their work on putting this year's farmer's night together. We had a great turn out with a total 17 visiting farmers and their guests. Photo credit: Danya Wolf.
Danielle Mullen, world traveler, makes up Rotary meetings when she travels abroad. Here she exchanges banners with the Bangkok Port club in Bangkok, Thailand.
There is nothing more fascinating than doing a Rotary make up meeting in another country. In Chiang Mai their speaker for the evening was their District Governor Nominee. While most in the club (men only the night that I was there) spoke English - some not too much - they were all very welcoming. I was asked to tell about myself, my club and the projects that the Rotary Club of LaConner supports. I started with folded hands in a prayer position, a slight bow of the head, and said Sawadee Ka, which pleased them very much. That is the typical greeting meaning hello, good morning, good afternoon, good evening. When their DGN started to speak he apologized to me that he did not speak English and that his presentation would be in Thai. I said that since I did not speak Thai, we would get along just fine. An English gentleman who has lived in Chiang Mai for over 15 years was very kind and kept me informed. The members wanted to know where I was staying and how I got to the meeting. When I told them that I had taken a tuk tuk, they were amazed, but insisted that they return me to my hotel. You cannot beat Rotary hospitality.
Sponsor: The Rotary Club of La Conner
Saturday, Feb. 27
Contacts: Lee Carlson, (360) 466-0127 or Sandy Stokes (360) 466-3315
History-making in 2010
The Super Bowl completed its 44th year. The Smelt Derby is even older celebrating its 45th year. Since the President had to turn down his invitation due to a prior commitment, La Conner Mayor Ramon Hayes has again agreed to stand in for him in the Politician Fishin' Exhibition. There will be live action smelt jigging duels between the mayors of surrounding towns and cities and county commissioners. Over the years the Smelt Derby has developed a fun, family day to remember. Here are the events:
• Breakfast: As in years past, the Rotarians will serve up pancakes, eggs and all the trimmings at Maple Hall from 8 to 10 a.m.
• Smelt Run: Work off the meal with the Skagit Symphony's USATF Certified 5K or 10K run. Or take the family fun walk around town, see the town's award-winning public art displays and maybe even glimpse one of La Conner's town turkeys.
• Fishing: The Smelt Derby fishing contest is on the town docks from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. Kids can win cash prizes of $100 for bringing in the largest smelt. Other prizes for unusual catches from the channel.
• Kid's activities: Kids will love the fishing action and the free fun at Maple Hall, the site of the famous "fish printing" where the budding artists can create a masterpiece out of a dead fish and paint.
• Boat tour: Also for the youngsters, La Conner Sea Scouts will offer tours of their historic schooner, "Rejoice."
• Raffle and more: Adults can spend $2 to try their luck in a raffle with over 100 fabulous prizes and a $500 cash Grand Prize. They can feed the kids and families can enjoy $2 hot dogs. Meals for $3 and $4 with a polish hot dog.
Rotary Club of La Conner donates cash to the Salvation Army Food Bank in Anacortes, Washington. $2,165 was donated for the year 2009 to 2010. The high monthly donation was $208 and the low month was $156. These are straight donation dollars from our club members! The Salvation Army serves LaConner and Anacortes. One of their recent publications quotes Anacortes Mayor Dean Maxwell, "Contributions to the Salvation Army will benefit the many needy families and senior citizens in our town, as well as La Conner." Major Jerold Forney is scheduled to present in our program at our May 10, 2010 club meeting.
http://www.salvationarmynw.org/corpsdetail.asp?ID=523
by: Christopher C. Mooney, Director, Bethel Ministries International. Chimaltenango, Guatemala.
I promised to send you pictures of last week's work, so here they are! With the help of 3 men sent by the La Conner Rotary Club in Washington State, we had the privilege of building a home for Claudia Saquiel and her 3 children. What a blessing for her. 12 needy families in the community were visited with bags of groceries, bringing aid to their suffering. We worked with the La Conner Club to bring 50 wheelchairs and other medical equipment to Guatemala City.
The 45th Smelt Derby Festival in La Conner is Saturday February 27 from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m.
The day starts with Pancake Breakfast from 8 to 10 a.m.
The Fishing Derby is 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. on the town docks. La Conner Sea Scouts will judge the fish and prizes will be awarded in lots of fish categories.
The Sea Scouts will host an "open boat" all day on their historic schooner.
Skagit Symphony will start it's 5- and 10-K walk and run at 10 a.m.
Activities for children include fish painting at Maple Hall from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Raffle drawing for a $750 cash prize will be at 3 p.m.
The Rotary Foundation has established the
Haiti Earthquake Relief Fund
for U.S. Rotarians who want to donate toward recovery efforts after a powerful earthquake rocked Haiti on 12 January.
After looking at Ginny's list and the list from Chris Mooney here are the categories of gifts we are looking for before our Guatemala trip:
Personal Hygiene Kit
Hygiene bag
toothbrush
wash cloth
comb
soap
shampoo
School Kit
Pen
Pencil
Colored Marker
Scissors
Paper notebooks
crayons
Books
Coloring books
Spanish language books
small toys
Rubics cube
used books
dictionary
Donations
To purchase a wheel chair $50
Cash for purchasing food.
Note from Pat Paul: Two Mondays to bring these items prior to the team leaving for this international service. This evening, January 11th and next Monday, January 18, 2010.
Club members are requested to bring small gifts to the January 11th and January 18th club meetings for the Guatemala orphanage. Suggested items are paper goods, Spanish language books for young people and small toys and colored markers. Cash contributions gladly accepted!
Karen Ryan, Rick Bolduc and I on our way to a concert in Birmingham. They attended the 100th Annual International Rotary Convention in the United Kingdom. Here's a note from the convention organizers:
The Host Organising Committee and the people of Birmingham hope that you had a great time in Birmingham at the 100th RI Convention. We were enormously proud to welcome you to our city and the United Kingdom and hope that you'll visit us again one day.
A group of 40 visiting Rotarians from Northern Italy, including their District Governor, 2 past DGs, 13 club presidents and members and family,were at the Winchester Club when I was there.They were doing a historic tour prior to convention.They all adopted me.Their current District Governor presented me with their Italian Banner and we all had a wonderful luncheon.I met up with many of them at convention.My Winchester coordinator, Colin Cook, invited me to stay with his family and included me in this wonderful meeting.
If you have always wanted a crash course about Rotary, go to rotary.org and sign up for the International Convention.You will find out more that you ever thought you could learn about Rotary in 4 (long) days.
RI International convention is a microcosm of the world.You meet fellow Rotarians who are more than happy to share their stories of how they became a Rotarian; what their clubs do and what projects, both locally and internationally, that they support.
When asked to prepare a President's Message to the club for this year the first thing that came to mind is to talk about our international theme.
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Every year the incoming President of Rotary International chooses a theme to represent his year as president. This theme is then adopted by clubs around the world as their theme to be used as a guide for their next Rotary year. Last years theme was "Make Dreams Real".
Â
Our International President John Kenny's theme this year is "The Future of Rotary Is in Your Hands". Being elected president of a club as dynamic and wonderful as ours is an honor and privilege not to mention an awesome responsibility. Â Â These words are not a call to action but a wonderful statement of affirmation, a statement of John Kenny's confidence in each and every one of us. These words bring Rotary into being and show in black and white what we already know "The Future of Rotary Is in Your Hands"
Lee and Dee
Carlson
hosted a lovely dinner meal at their home on November 3, 2009 to discuss the logistics and other details of the planned club service to Guatemala in January 2010! Club members with interest attended. Details are available on the home page, left column, 'Site Pages' and scroll down to Guatemala Project 2010.
Dave Rapella, founder and committee chair of the annual Fall Festival, reports that the event was a huge success! Hosted by the Boys & Girls Club of La Conner, fifty-five (55) youth decorated pumpkins on October 22, 2009! Seventy-five (75) pumpkins were donated by La Conner Rotarian Bob Hart.
Betty Jo Anzaldua has been selected to represent Rotary of La Conner and District 5050 and participate in the Rotary Foundation's Group Study Exchange to India from late December 2009 through January 2010! Photo: From L to R; Rebecca and Betty Jo.
The day was more incredible than any of us could have imagined. Maple Hall never looked better. We served the most incredible brunch to one hundred and elven guests. There was energy in the air that is hard to describe. Silent auction items rimmed three sides of the hall while live auction items flashed continuously on the huge screen at the front. Beautiful flower arrangements were the backdrop for white clothed tables adorned with three tier serving platters, elegant place settings and napkins in hand made floral napkin rings. This club was "out of control" incredible coming together as only we can to make this event happen. With all the physical, financial and moral support, we did it...resulting in the one of the most successful Harvesting Hope Auction to date. Kip Toner and his auction house group did their magic to help us raise over
Special
thanks to Don, Doug and helpers for another great picnic. It was just a
delightful evening with the best food around. Also, thanks to all who
furnished those wonderful appetizers, salads, side dishes, and way too
yummy desserts. Everything was prepared to perfection. I know I won't
be alone in saying, let's do it again next year.
Thanks again to Pat and Kevin Paul for providing us with the most incredible fish.
Footnote, the last thing most of us saw were Kevin, Pat and Don heading off in the sunset with the boat…more fish?
Paul Harris, a lawyer, gathered together three friends to meet on February 23, 1905.The three were Silvester Schlele, a coal dealer; Hiram Shorey, a merchant tailor; and Gustavus Loehr, a mining engineer.They met in Loehr's business office in Room 711 of the Unity Building at 127 North Dearborn in downtown Chicago.The purpose was to discuss Harris' idea that business leaders should meet periodically to enjoy camaraderie and to enlarge their circle of business and professional acquaintances.They decided to meet weekly and to rotate the meetings at each others' offices (hence the name Rotary).To promote diversity they decided to limit members to one representative from each business and profession.
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Iris Carias has the most beautiful smile and accent. It was a little hard to pick up all of her message via ZOOM, but I hope that I captured her passion and desire to help all Migrant Families and this community. Her key messages:
Click "Read More" for details of his speech.
Rotary Club of La Conner will sponsor two young adults (18-30) to attend a 4-day leadership conference May 12-15...the Rotary Youth Leadership Awards. Sponsorship covers the cost of registration, plus food and lodging during the event. Here is the application link to apply for sponsorship, plus more info:
Ollie, Martin and Jerry were at it again, weeding the traffic circle so it was attractive to our town guests over 4th of July weekend. Thank you guys!!!
Ollie, Martine, Jerry and Randy did some much needed weeding and general clean up of the Conner Waterfront Park. Rotarians in Action!!
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The Rotary Club of La Conner with great sadness announces the passing of longtime Rotarian Don Bakken. 
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Maureen grew up in La Conner and graduated from La Conner High School. She worked summers in Skagit farm fields. She attended the University of Washington and has degrees from: Western Washington University – B. A. in English and Speech and an M.A. in School Counseling. She later earned her Principal Credentials from Gonzaga University..jpg)
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Linda Ryan! Congratulations to Everyone and Thank You for all your hard work!
