Newberg Noon Rotary Newsletter for July 25, 2018

Newberg Noon Rotary Newsletter for Wednesday, July 25, 2018

~ GREETER ~

Today’s GREETER was Denise Bacon…..Thanks, Denise!

~ Our new President ! ~

Brimming with her usual enthusiasm, our new Club President Om opened our meeting with a personal…today, July 25!…experience of “Be the Inspiration!”….as she wore her new Newberg Rotary polo shirt to an eye appointment…resulting in an opportunity to extol the virtues, opportunities and excitement of Rotary!

~ Opening Pledge ~

Kurt Walker did the Pledge today….Thanks, Kurt….

~ Visitors/guests ~

Our guests today included Nick & Chris Morace, Ashley Mumm and our speaker, Brian Snider…..a big Rotary “HELLO and WELCOME!”….

~ Rotary Moment ~

Judy Robinson provided this week’s Rotary Moment for us, relating a pleasant discovery of a large Rotary sign at a public recreational site she visited recently….saying how good it felt to see Rotary’s name publicly displayed that way! Thanks, Judy!

~ “Tunes on Tuesday” ~

Corey reminds us again of the “Tunes on Tuesday” free summer concerts during July & August at the Cultural District Plaza…for more information go to:

www.TUNESONTUESDAY.com

~ Pancake Breakfast ~

Jeff Lane reminded us of a number of open volunteer slots for both Saturday & Sunday for our Annual Pancake Breakfast jointly held with the Newberg Early Birds…. AND….don’t forget to contact Kurt Walker for Pre-Event tickets…as all the proceeds from those we sell PRIOR to the event go into the club’s coffers! Not much time left on THAT! [Editor: Remember, this newsletter principally deals with the 7/25/2018 meeting….BEFORE the Pancake Breakfast….however….I usually do not “put it to bed” until the following Monday….SO….we now have some….]

…..LATE BREAKING NEWS!! The Pancake Breakfast is now in the HISTORY books! Beautiful weather…FULL MOON!….LOTS of breakfast eaters! Terrific parade! The COMBINED ROTARY PANCAKE BREAKFAST TEAM did a FANTASTIC JOB of keeping things moving and feeding all those hungry mouths! AND…some “special kudos to some special kiddos” who helped make this event yet another great success: NHS Interactors, Macy Schowalter and Abigail Hein; Walter Want’s family,: wife: Julie, their daughter Susan, her husband Keith and their two kids, Jacob and Julia. Also helping out at nearly every volunteer position were Boy Scouts, Cub Scouts...and their leaders, too! THANK YOU ALL!

~ The Duck ~

Patrick Bancke handled this week’s DUCK “offerings”…and managed to “extract” contributions from several Rotarians present…bragging on a variety of subjects….including Shannon Buckmaster’s announcement that she and her hubby have signed up for several shifts volunteering at this week-end’s dual-club fundraiser…the Rotary Pancake Breakfast in Memorial Park….GO SHANNON!

~ Today’s Program – Artificial Intelligence ~

Today’s PROGRAM speaker was Brian Snider, from the Department of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science at George Fox University ….speaking to us on AI – Artificial Intelligence….

Historically, humans have “assigned” special intelligence and powers to inanimate objects such as stone idols, etc. for millennia. But the notion of artificial intelligence didn’t get a real start until we had devices that could be programmed/mechanically directed to take on tasks normally done by humans…for normally time-consuming mathematically-based functions as an example.

With the dramatic advances in computer technologies and capabilities in recent decades, more and more “intelligence” arenas have been placed under the label of AI – Artificial Intelligence. With current informational database review capabilities equivalent to millions of books PER SECOND…. AI devices such as IBM’s “WATSON” can take a question, review its database[s], make inferences/comparisons as needed, and come up with the correct answer not only quicker than can a human…even a very bright one like Jeopardy’s favorite expert, Ken Jennings…but virtually in an eye blink or two…and with greater accuracy.

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Brian also touched on ethical questions that have come up regarding uses/abuses of AI…as well as the challenges of translating various databases from other languages into algorithms used in AI. Brian used autonomous autos as an example several times to make a point…and basically feels that on THAT subject, “we are not really there yet…but…”. A final example was of a female android/ humanoid/robot granted “citizenship” in Saudi Arabia in 2017….a human-female-appearing “robot/android” that does not have to wear the traditional Muslim headgear, and would not be granted citizenship as a human woman, but has been granted it because ”she” is not human….and the subject raises a lot of questions…. Use of AI is a daily occurrence today….but in accomplishing limited results…such as voice-activated devices, the GPS management in your family car/SUV, etc. He also mentioned a trend toward “fear-mongering” among some in discussing AI…with the expressed concerns of AI taking over…and…ultimately…turning against humanity. Brian did an exemplary job of explaining a complex subject that borders on “sci-fi” for many of us! Thank you, Brian!

~ Next Week’s Program ~

As of this writing, Corey has yet to announce a program for the meeting of August 1…any ideas/leads/suggestions – contact him a.s.a.p.

~ and Prez Om closing this week’s meeting with….. ~

President Om closed our meeting today with recitation of Rotary’s Four Way Test and her constant example and reminder to…..

~ “Be the Inspiration!” ~

Sell those tickets and we’ll see y’all at the Pancake Breakfast!

In Continuing Rotary Service,

Rick Kaufman

Newberg Noon Rotary

Newsletter Editor

[BTW…the Membership Committee met today before the regular meeting to discuss dues, meals, attendance, Rotary membership types, recruitment concepts/ideas, etc. Committee Chair Shannon Buckmaster will have a full report in the near future. Newsletter comments, additions, deletions and/or corrections should be directed to my e-mail at: rmkaufman@yahoo.com ALSO….I need a volunteer each week to help me keep track of who- says-what in meetings as even my “corrected” hearing is less-than-youthful!]

Newberg Noon Rotary Newsletter for Wednesday, July 18, 20118

~ GREETER ~
Today’s GREETER was Deborah Cathers-Seymour…..Thanks, Deborah!
~ Our new President ! ~
Our “bright & shiny” new Club President Om opened our meeting with her usual exuberance!
~ Opening Pledge ~
Michael Pollok did the Pledge….Thanks, Michael….
~ Visitors/guests ~
Dr. Stan’s guest was his son John Kern…..a big “HELLO and WELCOME, John!”….
Welcome to Visiting Rotarian Steve Jensen from the Tigard Breakfast Club! Glad you could join us today!
~ Rotary Moment ~
Walter Want provided yet another SOLID Rotary Moment for us….Thanks, Walter!
~ “Tunes on Tuesday” ~
Corey reminds us of the “Tunes on Tuesday” free summer concerts during July & August at the Cultural District Plaza…for more information go towww.TUNESONTUESDAY.com
~ Pancake Breakfast ~
Jeff Lane reminded us of a number of open volunteer slots for both Saturday & Sunday for our Pancake Breakfast jointly held with the Newberg Early Birds…. AND….don’t forget to contact Curt Walker for Pre-Event tickets…as all the proceeds from those we sell PRIOR to the event go into the club’s coffers!
~ The Duck ~
Laura Tilrico handled this week’s DUCK “offerings”…and did her usual fine job of it, too! A Special Thanks to Auggie for covering MY* brag on another [46th!] very successful Concours d’Elegance put on this past week-end by the two Rotary Clubs in Forest Grove! [*note: Rick.
….your “humble” Newsletter Editor…is the surviving co-founder of THAT Rotary fundraiser in F.G…and proud of it! What a FANTASTIC TEAM EFFORT for Forest Grove Rotary!]
~ Today’s Program – Scouting ~
Today’s PROGRAM speaker was Boy Scout District Executive, Dave Carroll, giving us an update on Scouting programs….locally, council-wide…and internationally, as well. Our local Boy Scout Troop 265 is doing well, lots of activities..and growing. Executive Carroll also spoke extensively on the matter of females in Scouting…noting that there are females in most Scouting programs across the globe except in Muslim countries. Scouting’s Venture programs are geared for Scouts wanting to tackle specific, more focused activities. FAMILY SCOUTING is now being stressed in the new Scouting programs. Dave provided written/ graphic material the organizational structure of how all this fits together. He spoke to other programs for youth and how approximately 60% of today’s youth are NOT involved in ANY youth-oriented programs…. Executive Carroll also encouraged adults’ recruitment of more youth into such programs as well as adult participation in not only Troop activities, but volunteering in District leadership/ advisory capacities. THANKS for YOUR continuing dedicated Scouting efforts, Executive Dave Carroll!
~ Next Week’s Program ~
Brian Snider, Department of Electrical Engineering & Computer Science, George Fox University, will talk to us on AI – Artificial Intelligence…at Friendsview…Don’t miss it!
~ and this week’s closing with….. ~
President Om closed our meeting today with an enthusiastic reminder to…..
~ “Be the Inspiration!” ~
Sell those tickets and we’ll see y’all at the Pancake Breakfast!
In Continuing Rotary Service,
Rick Kaufman
Newberg Noon Rotary
Newsletter Editor
[BTW…any/all additions/deletions/corrections/suggestions/special stories of Rotary Service, are welcome…as I am just getting the hang of this “newsletter” job! My e-mail is: rmkaufman@yahoo.com]

Newberg Noon Rotary Newsletter for June, 27, 2018

Wednesday, June 27, 2018

Summary of today’s Rotary program:

Visitors/guests

WELCOME to: Tony Black, Terry Weldon, John Kerekanick, Ann Dolan.

🙁 A Farewell from Suzanne Miller 🙁

Last week was my last as a Newberg Noon Rotarian, as my husband and I are moving to Arizona. I have thoroughly enjoyed my membership in the club and getting to know each of you. You are truly fantastic people. I plan to join a club in AZ and to stay in touch. Hope you will look me up if you are in the Phoenix area.

~ Special Recognitions ~

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Years of Service Award to Tony Lelack

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Club Officer Award to Terry Weldon

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Outgoing Club President Todd Engle presents a Club Officer Award to Terry Weldon, and a Years of Service Award to Tony Lelack…CONGRATULATIONS, Rotarians!

~ Pancake Breakfast time again! ~

It’s July–Time to purchase Pancake Breakfast tickets to sell. Please see Curt Walker to get some. The $72 purchase requirement and automatic billing has now been eliminated this year……so it is extra-important we all sell some! July 27-28-29. Lots of volunteer opportunities…sign up now!

~ “Tunes on Tuesday” concerts ~

Both Newberg Rotary clubs are sponsors for the July 10 kick-off of this year’s “Tunes on Tuesday” concert series at the Chehalem Cultural Center Plaza. Mark your calendars for a great time listening to the Motown/swing music of High Street. Gates open at 5:30pm and the free concert starts at 6:30. Volunteers are needed to staff the sponsor tent. Please contact Paula or Leah to sign up.

~ New Newberg Noon Rotarian! ~

Membership Committee Chair Shannon Buckmaster inducted our newest member, Kimberly “Kim” Abraham. Leah Griffith will be Kim’s mentor. Welcome, Kim!

A brief “bio” on Kim:

I’ve been in the mortgage industry since 2005, now working for Directors Mortgage, founded in 1988, and am passionate about helping each and every one of my clients obtain financing that best suits their needs. I was a Sr. Loan Processor for most of my time in the industry, starting a transition to sales in late 2016. I did both processing and sales until late 2017. Knowledge in the industry, experience helping close multiple difficult transactions, and ability to think outside the box has helped me grow in my career tremendously. In my free time I love spending time with my family & friends. I have a three year old daughter named Maraya who keeps me very busy when I’m not working. I love camping, fishing, sewing, scrap-booking, painting, lots of crafts, hiking and gardening. Thank you! Again, WELCOME, KIM! [For more information about Kim, ask her personally as you welcome her to our club at a meeting!]

~ Today’s Program – St. Paul Rodeo! ~

Remember– no meeting this week because of the holiday! Instead, how about going to the St. Paul Rodeo? Festivities start at 10am on Wednesday with the Fourth of July parade. Two rodeos are scheduled that day: 1:30pm Family Day and 7:30pm Patriot Night. Fireworks Spectacular nightly. For more info or to buy tickets for the event, which runs through July 7, go to www.stpaulrodeo.com, call 1-800-237-5920 or at the box office, 20025 4th St. in St. Paul. Ticket prices from $16.

Rodeo Board Chair, Kevin Smith

Al Herrigues introduced today’s program: The St. Paul Rodeo Royal Court, Foundation President Dick Smith, and Rodeo Board Chair, Kevin Smith, all joined us for a program about this year’s 83rd annual Rodeo, scheduled for July 3 through 7. Representing the St. Paul Rodeo today were Al Herrigues, Kevin & Dick Smith, Nancy Dale-Buyserie, Dick Buyserie., “This rodeo is one of the Top 10 in the nation,” said Kevin…“We get the best crop of human and animal athletes.” He provided information about the various events and the history, and introduced the Royal Court:

Queen Tess Scott

Queen Tess Scott of McMinnville is a 2014 graduate of McMinnville High School. She is currently a senior at Oregon State University studying Agriculture Sciences with a minor in Crops Science. Tess plans to obtain a Master’s Degree in Agriculture Education upon graduating in the spring 2018.

Princess Maddie Coleman

Princess Maddie Coleman is from St. Paul. Maddie is a graduate of Sweet Briar College with a BS in Biology. She is currently pursuing a Doctor of Pharmacy degree from Oregon State University and Oregon Health & Science University. In the future, she hopes to practice community pharmacy in rural and medically under-served areas of Oregon.

Princess Alexis Goughnour

Princess Alexis Goughnour is also from St. Paul and attends St. Paul High School. Alexis plans to attend college in the fall to pursue a career in equine assisted therapy where she can use the animals she loves helping those with special needs and disabilities.

Foundation President Dick Smith

Dick Smith, president of the St. Paul Rodeo Foundation, said that the proceeds of the Rodeo provide scholarships to St. Paul students, which helps the community. Our club was also acknowledged for the inauguration of the Bill Dolan memorial scholarship. This year’s rodeo will also honor Bill.

Denise Bacon won the drawing for the St. Paul Rodeo Belt Buckle!

Remember…”Laughter is the best medicine!”….and….”If you don’t toot your own horn, someone will use it as a spittoon!”

Respectfully submitted,

Rick Kaufman

Newberg Noon Rotary Club Newsletter Editor

[If you want to add and/or correct something in the newsletter….please contact me via my e-mail address at rmkaufman@yahoo.com ]