A BIG THANKS to Mike Caruso for allowing us use of the ZOOM account to at least have an “online” meeting! Next week the same will be true…check your e-mails for the ZOOM access information.

This weeks’ meeting notes courtesy of Paula…and photos by our favorite photographer, Auggie! THANKS, Paula & Auggie!

Rotary Club of Newberg Zoom Meeting

Wednesday, April 22, 2020

Call to Order

President Corey Zielsdorf welcomed Rotarians and Friends of Rotary to the Zoom meeting at 12:00 p.m. Wednesday, April 22, 2020.

Rotarians and Friends of Rotary

Zoom meeting participants: Mike, Corey, Paula, Leah, Gene, Ann, Brandy, Shannon K., Denise, Paul, Jim, Tony, Judy, Lisa, Auggie, Geoff, Joe, Lynn, Shannon B., Walter, Julie, Om, Dale

Flag Salute

Corey lead participants in the flag salute.

Visiting Rotarians

Welcome to Leah Griffith, formerly of the Rotary Club of Newberg and now a Rotarian with the Seaside Rotary Club! Leah is a Director on the Seaside Rotary Board. Her club is also conducting Zoom Rotary meetings.

Guests

Geoff Gilmore welcomed George Fox University artists: Madi Vinje, Corrie Patton, Bryce Heimuller, Amanda Bays, Natasha Schuyler, Carla Cieza Espinoza and Megan Nipp. This group of seven artists will complete the newest Rotary mural.

Rotary Moment

Mike reminded Rotarians that every Tuesday at 6:30 p.m. the Rotary Peace Club schedules an e-meeting. Most recently, the group discussed a water project in Haiti. The $2.3 billion project is funded by Rotary and the World Bank.

Next Tuesday, April 28^th, the Rotary Peace Club invited Mark Maloney, Rotary International President, as guest speaker. Mike will send out the meeting link. If Rotarians are interested in learning how leaders of Rotary International are doing during the time of COVID-19, —this could be the meeting!

Club News

Joe announced the Newberg School District served more than 20,000 meals to students.

Auggie’s background Zoom picture celebrates Earth Day! Auggie noted that 50 years ago we celebrated our first Earth Day. A positive by-product of the “Stay at Home” order is a lessening of pollution and visibility of the Himalayas–for the first time in years.

Gene, a Junior in high school on very first Earth Day, says he has a much better understanding of the magnitude of Earth Day and our responsibility as residents of planet Earth.

Judy reports The Mask Force completed 2,433 masks as of today. This number completes all current orders. The group will place masks in reserve to create a reserve supply for anyone needing a mask.

Auggie: When wearing a mask and coughing and/or sneezing, do not turn to the side as droplets can escape from the mask.

Jim reminded Rotarians that Oregon is a “vote by mail” state. There is a need for volunteers to pick up ballots from drop sites. If Rotarians are interested in helping with ballot pick up, contact Yamhill County Clerk, Brian Van Bergen at clerk@co.yamhill.or.us

Paul reports his church is loaning their bus to the County Clerk’s office to provide social distancing and increased safety for volunteers when picking up ballots.

Ann: Thank you to Newsletter Editor Rick Kaufman for including humor in our weekly Rotary newsletters.

It’s Bee Season!

Paul Jellum reminded all that “It’s Bee Season!” Paul recently discovered five or six gallons of bees hanging in a tree.

Why do bees leave their nests? Paul and Shannon K. indicated that hives get crowded in the spring. A portion of the hive may decide to leave with a new queen. So many bees in the hive produce friction and heat—causing some of the bees to leave.

Today’s Program: 2020 Mural Artists from George Fox University

Geoff Gilmore introduced seven mural artist interns from George Fox University. Each artist shared a portion of their portfolio and discussed why they want to be an artist and how their work will impact the world.

Megan Nipp

Junior Megan Nipp is scheduled to graduate from George Fox University in 2021. She sees Studio Art as a way to express identity. Megan’s role on the design team is curation and art administration. Megan sees curation as a way to give people opportunities. (Curating is the act of selecting, organizing, and presenting objects for display.)

Megan enjoys painting and printmaking. “In my work I value intentionality, craftsmanship and technicality. Her motifs include thorny vines and floral aspects.

….…

Megan curated an art show this spring. In addition to student work displayed on the GFU campus, Megan arranged for over 50 pieces of student work to be displayed in the lobby of Friendsview Retirement Community. Megan wanted to bring residents joy during this time and provide opportunities for more students to share their work.

Amanda Hays

Amanda is drawn to pinkish colors. She reports that this quarantine time has been a great opportunity for her to dive in and try different art forms to express herself.

…….

Amanda promotes other people’s art and vision—e.g. the Mary Rose Foundation helps young men and women who have dealt with eating disorder and depression—a portion of the proceeds from fashion show support clients.

Amanda created a special shoe based on her brother’s interest in designer shoes. Amanda is minoring in marketing. She became an artist at age three when she began drawing on the walls at home. She created countless portfolios—made collections and gave them to her grandparents.

Corrie Patton

Corrie is a GFU Sophomore from Eugene. She enjoys illustration and wants to use her art to be a storyteller. “Now that I’m here I feel like I really belong here. I want to tell stories visually.”

Corrie uses a variety of media. She is mostly self-taught and taught herself oil painting. Corrie finds oil paint very smooth and bright.

….….

One art assignment was to paint a still life that represented a parable from the Bible. Corrie chose “Light of the World”, Salt of the Earth” using her art to tell the story through symbols and get the viewer thinking.

Corrie is currently working on a commissioned piece for a University of Oregon professor who is writing a book. The work is all pen and ink. Corrie said the work definitely improved her as an artist and she learned about drawing. Corrie would like to be a concept artist and character designer.

Bryce Heimuller

Bryce is a Senior Illustration Major. He enjoys working in a variety of medium e.g., legos, graphic art etc. Bryce said he knew he would be an artist someday. Bryce initiated a teen drawing group at the Newberg Public Library.

….…

He would like to do animation, graphic design and recently created animations for a jazz concert. He previously worked on murals in collaboration with GFU Serve Day at Joan Austin Elementary school—and at Joyful Servant Lutheran Church.

Former Newberg Public Library Director Leah Griffith complimented Bryce on the creation of the young student art group. To view Bryce’s work: go to his website www.bryceheimuller.com

Carla Cieza Espinosa

Carla is a Freshman at George Fox University. Her love of art began at a very young age as her father has a passion for art. Carla knew as a child that she wanted to be an artist. Her work focuses on characters—storytelling and aspects of her life, and culture. Carla creates pictures that evoke questions.

…..…..

Some of Carla’s illustrations are made digitally. She also created a self-portrait representing aspects of her personality and her life.

Madi Vinje

Madi is a Studio Art Major. She found that drawing was an escape from the world. “Art was a calming place for me, I later used it to express emotions—a couple of prints I made—show my dreams or thoughts during that school year. Art is a way of showing emotion and letting go of feelings.”

…..….

Madi hopes the mural will increase the feeling of community in Newberg.

Natasha Schuyler

Natasha is a Junior Illustration Major at GFU. Natasha saw a need for art when she was in high school. She began by doing design and product design.

….….….

Natasha sees a need for art in the real world—especially during this quarantine time—art brings so much more significance.

….

Natasha interned with the Spiritual Life Team at GFU. She was asked to illustrate a visual version of the Gospel of Mark. Natasha explored screen printing—a medium she just learned. Post GFU—Natasha has a passion for working with small businesses as an “amazing way to get good designers and illustrators on the small business team to promote their products or business.

Status of Mural Project

Geoff reports the City of Newberg’s sign code requires community feedback for the mural project. Given the current COVID-19 climate, they will likely use Zoom to meet the intent of the sign code. The mural wall is prepped. Geoff is getting close to beginning the selection process for 2020 interns. Students are then enrolled in a course offered by GFU.

Next Week’s Program

Joy Baley of A Family Place: A Family Place helps reduce childhood abuse, neglect, and foster placements in Yamhill County.

Rotary’s Four-Way Test of the things we think say and do:

First – is it the TRUTH?

Second – Is it FAIR to all concerned?

Third – Will it build GOOD WILL and BETTER FRIENDSHIPS?

Fourth – Is it BENEFICIAL to all concerned?

Sequestration…social distancing…isolation.…whatever you call it….it’s awkward and frustrating to everyone, especially to those of us who are gregarious and normally very socially “involved”. HOWEVER…this, too, will pass….SO …in the meantime we get creative in our ways to communicate with one another. For those of us who rely on the use of our computers and/or SMART devices, ZOOM has proven to be a very useful tool! Mike Caruso’s usual generosity has provided us with THAT tool so we can continue our Rotary meeting efforts, albeit at a slightly different level. Paula has again provided the meeting notes needed to create this newsletter*. Her invaluable participation and various contributions bring up a point your Editor would like to make. The May 2020 issue of The Rotarian features a smiling young woman on the cover, with an article title of “WOMEN AT WORK” supportive of the importance of women in Rotary…as THAT has not always been the case. [BTW – the articles are FASCINATING! Take the time to read them!] The “younger” [that’s most of you…compared to me!] Rotarians may not internalize “Rotary without women”. There may be others who remember, but Dr. Stan K. and I have both been in Rotary long enough to well remember when it was “men only”. Growing up in a “Rotary family”, I full well knew Rotary was a “men only” organization. But when I joined in late 1968, and, as a young dentist having the privilege of working with a team of very bright/talented women, it seemed to me that Rotary was “missing the boat” by excluding women from being active Rotarians. THEN…IT HAPPENED! THAT changed…and a then-bank-branch-manager…Marge….was the FIRST woman sponsored into the Forest Grove Rotary Club! Marge was a friend then and though long since retired, is still in that club today… and still a friend! She has ALWAYS been very active, and in multiple roles. To this day we are like “family”! And isn’t THAT a main part of ROTARY? That’s the way ROTARY FELLOWSHIP works! That’s a major reason I so thoroughly enjoy being a Newberg Noon Rotarian! SO…as I approach my third year with you, a BIG THANK YOU to all my Newberg Noon Rotarian friends! Rick Kaufman

*NOW…on to Paula’s meeting notes:

Rotary Club of Newberg Zoom Meeting

Wednesday, April 15, 2020

Call to Order

President Corey Zielsdorf welcomed Rotarians and Friends of Rotary to the Zoom meeting at 12:00 p.m. Wednesday, April 15, 2020.

Rotarians and Friends of Rotary

Zoom meeting participants: Shannon B., Paula, Mike, Kathie, Corey, Lynn, Dale, Laura, Brandy, Walter, Jim, Judy, Connie, Shannon K., Julie, Geoff, Michelle, Karen, Denise, Om, Auggie, Matt.

Thank You to

Mike for hosting today’s Rotary Zoom meeting!

Rotary Moments

Shannon B.: While Shannon and Mike talked genealogy it seems the two discovered they are “related.” Both have relatives born and raised in the communities of Roy and Verboort.

Auggie was serving in the Rotary Dental Mission to Guatemala when the first case of coronavirus was reported in Oregon. Knowing that Newberg Urgent Care would need to stock up on certain supplies—Auggie doubled the order, however, everything was placed on back order and allotment basis. When Auggie returned to Newberg he determined that Urgent Care would run out of masks in two days. Auggie then made calls out to Rotary dentist friends. Dr. Bergquam, Newberg Noon Rotarian, came up with boxes of masks and gowns which were lifesavers.

Corey: A week ago Corey was walking and social distancing with a friend who had a compromised health issue. Corey reached out to Rotarians Will and Judy. Judy brought two masks for Corey’s friend. Corey’s friend donated $10.00 to Rotary for the masks. The friend was very appreciative as the masks now allow him to participate in daily walks with greater confidence.

Rotary Sharing

Connie: All students are at home and will not return for the remainder of the school year. Part of Connie’s job at Catalyst (Newberg High School’s Alternative High School) is to share careers. Connie is in the process of launching a new pathway—Career Connections with Connie. Connie invites Rotarians to share their careers so Connie can share with students.

Geoff: Geoff’s mother passed away on Christmas Eve last year. In the process of resolving his mother’s estate, Geoff and family cleaned out his parent’s home in Sandpoint, Idaho. Two days after the home was listed, the family received a full cash offer followed by a letter from the buyer—a woman in her mid-80’s who fell in love with the house and who especially liked the garden. She will turn one of the rooms into her daughter’s craft room. She loves it when her daughter comes over and does craft with her.

Geoff wrote back thanking the buyer for her thoughts about how she would use the house. Geoff shared that as a Rotarian he is honoring his mother and father by donating some of the proceeds from sale of the house to advance the children’s library in Sand Point. A fountain will be installed in memory of Geoff’s parents.

Laura’s teenage grandson, who is autistic, was worried about germs in the time of COVID-19 so he is cooking for the family. According to the family, he made the best chicken piccata ever!

Om: Today, April 15^th is Thai New Year. Happy Thai New Year to all!

Jim: Geoff asked if Jim could help the mural project at the Library Annex by getting the side of the building cleaned. Jim determined that scaffolding and an electronic lift would be needed. When Jim contacted Reid Rental the owners said they would “just give us the scaffold and the lift when we need it.”

Laura’s middle son, who lives in California, came down with all the symptoms of COVID. Laura called fellow Rotarian Judy for advice about how to administer the inhaler. Laura said she trusted fellow Rotarian and nurse, Judy, with advice.

Lynn: Now that we know schools will not be in session, we will go through our scholarship process virtually—perhaps arrange for Zoom interviews.

If schools don’t open in the Fall—is there a contingency plan for scholarships? If colleges are not in session, funds would be returned to Foundation. It is likely most colleges and universities will continue with online learning.

Judy: Thanks to Lynn for staying on top of the scholarships. Judy also thanked Will who was unable to participate in our Zoom meeting as he’s too busy giving out mask kits. A connection was made with a Rotarian in McMinnville who is initiating her own mask group. Today The Mask Force reached a milestone of 2,000 masks!

Brandy: If Rotarians know someone who is a parent and/or teacher—try to connect with them—maybe provide a meal or some other support.

Denise reports there fewer Interact members participating in the recent Interact Zoom meeting while some participants were new. For the most part, students were upbeat and reported that being on the Zoom call was helpful. Students know that people are there for them and listening. Interact continues to move forward with their garden project. Denise will continue to bring Interact together. The Ford Family Foundation is paying for student lunches to be Door Dashed.

Dale: Auggie owes a fine for having Newberg Urgent Care as background in Auggie’s Zoom picture. Dale noted that Newberg is a wonderful community. Dale’s neighbor has two young boys who are learning online via Chromebooks loaned by the Newberg School District. Dale gave a “shout out” to Joe and the entire school district for doing an amazing job taking care of our kids.

Presentation: Inarm Jitiang, Thai Exchange Student, Hosted by Rotarian Brandy and Family.

Inarm “Arm” came to Brandy’s family in January. Arm was with the family for about three weeks and then the coronavirus arrived! Brandy reports all are still alive and thriving during this time!

The following are excerpts from Arm’s presentation:

• School is seven to eight hours per day. Students remain in one room and teachers move. Arm’s school has an assembly every morning where students sing the national anthem, and wear school uniforms at both public and private schools. Arm attends a private school.

• Thai students focus on academy and not sports. Sports are played for only a few days—around December where there are parades, marching bands and cheerleading and students can play the sport all day.

• Great Thai Foods: Tom Yam Kung (Spicy Ship Soup), Khantoke, Thai Mango Sticky Rice Dessert, Yellow Curry Chicken and Thai Fried Noodles

• Seasons: Thailand has three official seasons: hot, cool and wet. The hot season runs from March through June with April and May the hottest months of the year. The monsoon season is usually accompanied by heavy rains and rough seas. In the cool season the temperature can be 55 degrees in the morning but can rise to 80 degrees later in the day.

• Attractions: Thailand is known for tropical beaches and a modern cityscape.

• There are floating markets in Thailand.

• Loy Krathong is a Thai Festival. Loy Krathong is known as the “Thai Festival of Lights.” Loy Krathong is held annually all over the country and in parts of Laos and Myanmar.

Q. When will Arm Return to Thailand?

A. Arm is expected to return to Thailand July 7^th.

Q. Was there an experience of culture shock when you arrived in Oregon?

Arm was surprised at the meals in Oregon—in the United States different foods are generally served at breakfast, lunch and dinner. In Thailand all foods are eaten regardless of the meal.

Future Rotary Programs

Shannon and Brandy will collaborate in scheduling Rotary programs. Future Rotary Programs include: A Family Place, George Fox University mural artists, Trudy Sharp, Boy Scouts of America etc.

Meeting Adjourned 1:00 p.m.

THANKS, PAULA!

As the Rotary year unwinds, and in spite of “social distancing”, Rotarians are still, and increasingly so, following the RI President, Mark Maloney’s, theme of….

“Rotary Connects the World”!

Respectfully submitted, Rick Kaufman, Newsletter Editor

AND…HAH! Gotta have some humor & wisdom….especially under these “isolation” circumstances:

HUMOR:

– I suppose I should get out of bed or I’ll be late getting to the living room….

– In case you lost track, today is March 97th…..

– Day 7 at home and the dog is looking at me like…”See, this is why I chew the furniture…”…..

– I’m kinda starting to understand why the pets try to run out of the house when the front door is opened….

– Back in my day the only time we started panic buying was when the bartender yelled, “Last call!”….

– I swear my fridge just said “What the hell do you want now?”….

– Happy hour is starting earlier and earlier….If this keeps up, I’ll be pouring wine in my cereal!

– Today’s Weather? Room temperature……..

WISDOM:

– “Nature is pleased with simplicity. And nature is no dummy.” ~ Isaac Newton

– “Every thought we think is creating our future.” ~ Louise Hay

– “You don’t need strength to let go of something. What you really need is understanding.” ~ Guy Finley

– “He that’s content, hath enough; He that complains, has too much.” ~ Poor Richard

– “If you let yourself be blown to and fro, you lose touch with your root.” ~ Lao Tzu

– “I’ll lean on you and you lean on me and we’ll be okay.” ~ Dave Matthews

– “The first wealth is health.” ~ Ralph Waldo Emerson

 

 

 

More Social Distancing…..has only slowed down Rotarians’ activities…NOT stopped them!

A virtual meeting was held on April 8, via Mike Caruso’s ZOOM account [THANKS, MIKE!]. For technical reasons Yours Truly was unable to participate. HOWEVER…. Newberg Noon Rotary Club has a fantastic internal resource who came to my rescue…Paula Radich! Paula took notes during the ZOOM meeting and they ARE the newsletter for this issue….to wit….

Rotary Club of Newberg Zoom Meeting

Wednesday, April 8, 2020

Call to Order and Flag Salute

President Corey Zielsdorf welcomed Rotarians and Friends of Rotary to the Zoom meeting at 12:00 p.m. Wednesday, April 8, 2020. Corey lead members in the Flag Salute.

Zoom Basics

Brandy shared Zoom Basics e.g, how to raise one’s hand virtually, muting one’s computer, chat features and screen sharing.

Rotarians and Friends of Rotary

Zoom meeting participants: Corey, Mike, Brandy, Paula, Laura, Dan, Dale, Judy, Denise, Ann, Gene, Shannon B., Kim, Shannon K., Lynn, Kathie, Geoff, Auggie, Joe, Julie and Walter.

Thank You to

Mike for hosting today’s Rotary Zoom meeting!

Denise and Brandy for assisting members in connecting to the meeting.

Rotary Moment

Brandy participated in the Newberg Early Bird online Rotary Club meeting. It was Brandy’s first time as a visiting Rotarian.

Joe gave a “Shout out” to Service Above Self to Newberg School District staff involved in the distribution of meals to students. There are 16 meal sites across the district. In rural areas, buses drop off meals to neighborhoods. Rotarians who wish to assist the district are advised to call the main District phone number: 503-554-5000. Volunteer names will be added to the queue of volunteers.

Laura participated in Rotary District 5100’s Training Assembly attending four meetings.

Judy gave a “shout out” to Lisa, former helper for our Rotary auctions who reached out to the Newberg Mask Force with an offer of fabric from Newberg High School.

What’s Happening?

Denise, Rotarian and Field Coordinator with the Ford Family Foundation, is working with the Ford Foundation to push out $2 million in funding to rural communities during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Gene reports that the Newberg City Council meeting went okay via Zoom. However, it is likely Gene enjoyed his family’s Happy Hour via Zoom more than the Council meeting.

Shannon B. simultaneously attended our Rotary Zoom meeting while working with Business Oregon. Small businesses have been hit extremely hard.

Newberg Mask Force

Judy: Fellow Rotarian and Newberg Public Library Director Will, connected with Judy and the Newberg Mask Force to involve library staff in helping to make face masks for those in need. Over 1,000 masks were given to support workers in healthcare settings e.g., Hospice, Visiting Angels etc. Judy reports, “we have sewists coming out of the woodwork to help.” Volunteers pick up supplies at the Newberg Public Library where Will’s team provides the kits.

Rotarians and Friends of Rotary can access masks for themselves and their families. Judy will send a link to Paula to share.

Are You A Sewer or a Sewist?

Are you a “sewer” or a “sewist”? Merriam-Webster cites the first usage of the word “sewer” meaning “one that sews” in the 14th Century. Over time, a variety of terms have evolved to describe those who sew garments. Sewer remains the dominant term, but sewist (combining “sew” with “artist”) appears to be gaining popularity, especially among sewing bloggers. Luckily, there’s room for us all, whether we identify as “sewers” or as “sewists”.

Ann: Friendsview residents are also participating in a mask project. Ann is one of Friendsview’s many “sewists.”

Laura: Judy sparked the interest in sewing masks so Laura called ladies from her church and initiated a sewing chain.

Do You Want to be a Sewist?

If you wish to volunteer as a sewist Email Judy at realpropertyforless@gmail.com and Judy will send you the video link. If you have your own supplies, please return completed masks to the Newberg Public Library Monday-Friday from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Knock at the library side door when you need to pick up supplies.

How to Remove Gloves Safely

Auggie: provided tips on how to safely remove rubber gloves. Click on the link for instructions: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xTYioOo__6U

What Have You Learned About Yourself and/or Your Partner During This Time of Quarantine?

Brandy lead Rotarians and Friends of Rotary in a discussion as to what we learned about ourselves during this period of quarantine. The following are excerpts from member comments:

Auggie: We had to figure out how to isolate and quarantine in our house. Biggest takeaway—there are a lot of things we take for granted. When we slow down we can then appreciate.

Dale: I was supposed to go to Sudan in early March. During the period of time I would have been there travel was shut down. I am grateful to be at home. Our routines are not much different as we both work from home. We’re the lucky ones to have communication, a healthcare system and the ability to maintain our jobs.

Shannon K: I learned that I don’t tell the teachers that work with my kids often enough how grateful I am for them. My kids require engagement. I always thought I loved my job—I always thought I would want to work from home but I miss my customers and you. I’m practicing gratitude–being intentional about gratitude.

Shannon B. I’ve learned that I really enjoy our day to day interactions. I was out for a walk and saw Shannon Knight. I wanted to run up and hug her—I was happy to see someone I knew. Professionally, I’m in the right place at the right time. I feel useful in what I do.

Lynn: It’s nice to see everyone and connect with friends via Zoom. I think of myself as a homebody but realize how much I value seeing everyone. There is something about giving a hug or a High-5—being privileged to have a job. I think about students that I know have a hard time. We have a lot to be thankful. I’m happy that Rotary is active on a Wednesday. Stay Well.

Kim: I’m a pretty good preschool teacher. It hasn’t been easy to work at home. I get up super early then work, then work with my daughter on preschool things. I am so grateful for extra time with my daughter. We’ve even started our own little garden.

Kathie: I’ve gone from 70% in the community to being in my office 100% of the time. The majority of staff work at home. I am glad that I still love my husband and still like his company. Two of my children have moved back home but we’re surviving. On my vacation—I watched 20 hours of “How to Raise Chickens” on YouTube. I appreciated Shannon and Rotary calling everyone.

Geoff: I got a text from a friend who asked me how I was doing. I told him I was doing “extraordinary”. We are living in history. We are not looking back in time—we are in history right now and it’s up to us to decide how best to remember this. I was missing going to the gym everyday—so needed to retool into something positive. I’ve been going up and down the stairs—a new routine. I went to Jupiter yesterday and saw amazing pictures on NASA site. I’m really enjoying this time—looking forward to using this time to learn new things.

Joe: Now is an opportunity to do what we said was impossible before. Trying to do new things that you’ve never been able to do before. Totally break things and try to rebuild.

Gene: After a long life of serving other people we got hit by our kids that we are “older people and vulnerable”—having a partner who is immune compromised we’ve had to re-think how we do things. We take daily walks. Our 19-year old daughter is at home so we have distance in the house. This time is changing the relationship with young adult children. This time has helped our relationship about what really matters in life.

Walter: This is a new experience—a very interesting societal occurrence. One reason I married Julie–she was an excellent cook—we would share one of these wonderful biscuit contraptions with you. I’ve learned that I really miss my friends. After lunch, nap and check on the internet. We have a better understanding of ourselves—that’s what I learned.

Ann: the exercise I shared with Walter—it’s opening a bottle of wine. I, too, have been finding exercises on line—it’s easier than you think so there are no excuses. I learned that I can be a slob—I put the dishes in the sink and leave them. I’m willing to accept my imperfections a little more—settling into a routine was a little strange—it’s nice to have down time. I like to go to Excel Fitness three times a week and miss my exercise buddies. I also realize what we’re going through now we will be able to use in the future.

Laura: I realize how structured a person I am—I forget what day it is. We are going to have an Easter Service live online. Now I’m thinking of three kind things I can do each day. I want to make more time to paint, time to think and keep my mind busy.

Auggie: I think of a quote from the movie “Star Man”—about an alien that came to earth and took on a human form—observed that people in a crisis were at their best when things were at their worst. I could not have imagined how people have stepped up. There’s a Rotarian not here today—Matt and his company delivered lunch to our staff today.

Judy: We live out here on a little farm. I have a separate sewing cottage. Marv and I have been married 47 years. We learned that we love being at the farm together. The combination of my love of sewing has now made it possible to meet people when I deliver masks. We’re enjoying Facetiming our families and friends. I learned that you can be content within yourself in a situation like this.

Mike: We have five kids located in Dundee, Hawaii and New York. We had a Zoom gathering with them.

We started at 1:30 in the afternoon and finished up around 5:00 p.m. We decided to do it again last Sunday. It’s great to have an opportunity to connect. This time is what we make of it—it can be a very positive experience. Our children and grandchildren will have stories they can tell their grandchildren.

Denise: I arranged a Zoom meeting for our NHS Interact Club. Super fun to get together with teenagers. We learned a lot about where they were and what they were about. We were there to tell them that there are people out there to reassure them. The students really enjoyed getting together. We are meeting weekly now. My office mates are my three dogs. I gained a ton of time now as I don’t have to drive to work. I’m stressed and worried about the people who are invisible and left behind.

Brandy: I learned that I am 100% an extrovert. I enjoy being in a group of people—I just miss real life. I’ve learned that I picked the right husband. We are doing 5:00 Happy Hours every day. It’s been nice to recalibrate. I’m trying to make a 4:00 call to a different friend every day. I try to deal with my grief about not being around people all the time.

Meeting adjourned 1:30 p.m.

THANKS, PAULA!

ALSO….FYI…FLASH! The 2020 Forest Grove Rotary Concours d’Elegance has been cancelled. This would have been the F.G. Rotary’s 48th iteration of their primary fundraiser! SO…the 2021 event will be bigger and better! More information to come in a timely fashion.

Respectfully submitted by Rick Kaufman, Newsletter Editor…from my own “sequestration” in the hills north of Yamhill!…with many things on my “to do list” getting checked off! Everything, including new plantings [assorted veggie/berries/melons/squash] is growing great in my Japanese Garden, and the fountain/waterfall/koi pond complex is starting to take shape.

AND…of course…I simply could not resist adding a touch of humor…..”Lexophile” describes those who have a love for words, such as “you can tune a piano, but you can’t tuna fish”, and “To write with a broken pencil is pointless.” An annual competition is held by the New York Times to see who can create the best original lexophile.

This year’s submissions: I changed my iPod’s name to Titanic. It’s syncing now. England has no kidney bank, but it does have a Liverpool. Haunted French pancakes give me the crepes. This girl today said she recognized me from the Vegetarians Club, but I’d swear I’ve never met herbivore. I know a guy who’s addicted to drinking brake fluid, but he says he can stop any time. A thief who stole a calendar got twelve months. When the smog lifts in Los Angeles U.C.LA.

No April Fools Joke..…ALL Rotary clubs have been advised to curtail meetings until further notice. Even District Training and the Rotary International Convention in Hawaii have been cancelled or postponed.

A bit of CREATIVITY is afoot, however…vis-a-vis a number of meetings. The District Training has had its first “on-line” sessions…and the meeting for April 8 will be our first attempt at having a “virtual meeting”….courtesy of Mike Caruso’s “ZOOM” account.

Brandy Penner “attended” a District Training session….here are her observations:

“Good Morning!

I hope that this semi sunny Saturday morning is off to a great start for you all. I am attending various district trainings today and so far so good! I also attended the Early Bird meeting as a visiting Rotarian this last week and it was great to see a few familiar faces, but it made me miss our weekly meetings.

I reached out to Corey and Shannon earlier this week and began a discussion regarding what it would take for our club to get up and running holding our weekly meetings virtually. It is my understanding that:

1. Mike has a Zoom account, which can be used to get us started.

2. Shannon is inundated with Chamber business, helping out our local business community in this difficult time. She understandably does not have the capacity to act a full program chair at this time.

3. I am available to take on the programing piece in the interim in order to support Shannon in her role and to get our club programming up and running. The website has our calendar of speakers so I can reach out to upcoming speakers to confirm their continued availability or shift our schedule around if needed.

4. Our April 8th meeting speaker happens to be living in my house so I can ensure her availability! Inarm is our Thai exchange student and presented to the Early Bird group this week and it went very well. Her presentation could be a great way to start our first virtual club meeting since she is readily available.

5. Paula can help spread the word and get details out regarding the specific zoom information that Mike can provide.

These are new and uncharted times and we need to ensure that we stay connected, support members and continue to follow our 4 Way Test. I am excited to be small part in supporting the work that it takes to make these things happen! Please let me know if you have questions, concerns or ideas.

Brandy”

Additional comments from Paula……”I like the idea of a Zoom Club meeting–I think most of our members can access the meeting without great difficulty. It’s a fairly simple process to access the site etc. I am willing to do whatever is needed to move this forward. I would suggest we prepare a simple ‘template’ for what we want to do during these meetings so we can plan forward with program ideas, presentations and discussions. “