Rotary Club of Newberg Zoom Meeting

Wednesday, June 24, 2020

~ Call to Order ~

President Corey Zielsdorf welcomed Rotarians and Friends of Rotary to the Zoom meeting at 12:06 p.m. Wednesday, June 24, 2020.

~ Rotarians and Friends of Rotary ~

Zoom meeting participants: Mike, Paula, Laura, Shannon B., Todd, Judy, Corey, Michelle, Dale, Stan, Kathie, Paul, Ralph, Karen, Auggie, Joe, Lisa, Lynn, Tony, Shannon K., Om, Brandy, Denise, Walter and Aaron.

~ Flag Salute ~

Corey lead participants in the flag salute.

~ Rotary Guests ~

Larry Strober, Rotary Club of McMinnville Sunrise, Assistant Governor

Gary Stewart, Rotary Club of Newberg Early Birds, Assistant Governor

~ Rotary Moment ~

Corey shared a YouTube video of Rotary clubs in districts across Italy working together to procure state-of-the-art equipment needed to combat the coronavirus disease for 26 hospitals around the country.

The pandemic has devastated Italy, with more than 32,000 deaths and nearly 226,000 confirmed cases by mid-May. The Italian Rotary club project, funded by global grants, is providing thermal scanners, COVID triage units, and bio-containment stretchers that allow medical staff to safely assess, monitor, and transport patients. Valued at more than $1.4 million, the equipment will address current urgent needs and be useful for the future, helping to reduce the spread of disease and protect public health. Can Rotary District 5100 partner with other districts to create a similar cooperative venture?

Laura: a local home-schooled girl met with our Rotary Club last year and shared her project of making blankets for the homeless in Newberg. Our Rotary Foundation granted $300 that resulted in 50 blankets.

~ Rotary Updates and News ~

Om: Congratulations to Corey Zielsdorf on a successful year as Rotary Club of Newberg President! Today is Corey’s final Rotary Club meeting as President.

Brandy: Thank you to the Newberg School District Board for adopting a resolution condemning racism. Thanks to Superintendent Joe Morelock for his work drafting the resolution.

Joe is proud of the School Board and the School District. He said, “There are action steps the district can take to be more inclusive of under-represented youth and parents in our community.”

Kathie: A total of 1,225 candy leis made by 70 volunteers were given to 1,220 graduating seniors. Five organizations, including the Rotary Club of Newberg Foundation, contributed to the effort. Volunteers logged more than 650 hours of service. The project took 12,000 feet of ribbon! Kathie also celebrated her son’s graduation from OSU in Ag Science. He is employed working for Christensen Farms.

Shannon B. Thank you, Corey, in your last official Rotary club meeting of the year. Corey is a passionate leader for our club. Thank you to Corey for the service he has given our club. Thank you, also, to Board members who have served, those who are continuing to serve and those who are new incoming Board members.

Lynn: Corey, congratulations on surviving this year! Now for a scholarship update: We reviewed 95 applications—not double in people but in the number of applications. Now, interviews begin. We will send letters to notify recipients of their scholarship award. We hope to publish an article in The Graphic to promote the good work of the students and share what Rotary does to promote education in our community.

Brandy: Thanks to Lynn for making the scholarship application review so easy. Lynn, thank you for your organization!

Mike: Congratulations Corey on a great year as President!

The Rotary Global Cyber Peace Conference is scheduled for this Saturday, June 27^th. The conference is a 24-hour event geared to three geographic regions. Erin Thomas will take a lead role in the conference.

https://rpfaa.regfox.com/rotary-peace-fellow-global-cyber-peace-conference

Laura: We have a great Rotary Club! Thanks to Geoff Gilmore and GFU students for working on the mural. Thanks to Mike Caruso for writing a letter to Rotary Club of Kathmandu to obtain a final signature for a Global Grant on Violence Against Women. Thank you to Paul Jellum for taking leadership for district grants. Thank you to Judy Robinson and Denise Bacon for their work with our high school Interact Club. Special thanks for the creation of a Community Garden with our partner, Providence Newberg Medical Center.

Judy: Corey, I thoroughly enjoyed this year with you as president – especially your positivity. I also want to brag about Rotarians working behind the scenes, evaluating 95 scholarship applications. There are nine Rotarian readers—spending hours and hours of time reading essays. Thanks to Kim Abraham for her focus on membership—members are what keeps our club strong.

~ Today’s Program: Gary Stewart, District 5100 Update ~

Gary, Assistant Governor, supports the Wilsonville, Sherwood, Tualatin and Newberg Rotary clubs. Gary is a member of the Rotary Club of Newberg Early Birds.

Gary: This is an amazing year and time to celebrate Rotary! Each year Presidents-Elect establish goals for the year. The Rotary Club of Newberg met or exceeded every goal except those impacted by the coronavirus. The club also exceeded monetary goals for Polio Plus and The Rotary Fund.

• All short-term stay Rotary Exchange students will be rolled into next year. There is no decision at this time regarding the status of long-term exchanges. Both inbound students arrived home safely. Two of our three outbound students are in Newberg. Our third student will arrive home in July.

• Rotarians are encouraged to take the opportunity to attend the online Rotary International Convention—41 new breakout sessions are coming in July.

• With fundraising events cancelled—clubs are focusing on service within their local communities.

• There was a net growth of +56 members in Rotary District 5100 during the 2019-2020 Rotary Year.

• On July 1, we welcome new Rotary District 5100 Governor Jo Crenshaw from the Oregon City Club. Jo visits our Rotary Club August 5^th via Zoom.

• Leadership is an essential part of what Rotary is doing. Rob Sacks has taken on the Leadership Program—Rotary Essentials.

• What COVID has done is less of a problem and more of an opportunity for Rotarians to examine how we are doing things. We have found new ways of serving our community. We don’t know when the “next normal” is going to be.

• Newberg Early Bird Rotary Club meets June 25^th in person at the Newberg Christian Church. The meeting will be recorded and sent live via Zoom.

~ Farewell and Thank You! ~

President Corey Zielsdorf: “This is it—my last meeting. I will continue to serve as your Past President. Thanks to all for your support. I will see you…..again…..

Tuesday, June 30^th, 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. for our Zoom Installation Celebration.”

~ Next Week’s Program ~

Leslie Caldwell, Director of Visit Newberg–a new tourism and promotional organization, is our July 1, Rotary Club speaker.

Respectfully submitted by Rick Kaufman, Newsletter Editor

~ Wisdom ~

~ Trivia ~

In its earliest iteration (we’re talking pre-1600),

sushi consisted of fermented fish and rice, preserved with salt.

The excess salt gave the dish a sour flavor, hence the name

“sushi” which literally translates to “it’s sour.” …the Internet…

~ Humor ~

“I’ve reached that point where I’ll eat a piece of pie

with my bare hands over the trash

if it means not getting another dish dirty.” ~ Anon.

Newberg Noon Rotary Club Newsletter for Wednesday, June 17, 2020

~ “Service Above Self” ~

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 GOODWILL and BETTER FRIENDSHIPS?

Fourth – Is it BENEFICIAL to all concerned?

Credits:

Thanks, Mike Caruso, for use of your Zoom account allowing us to do this “virtual” Rotary meeting! Meeting report provided by Paula R., and photos by Auggie G.

Our Condolences

Condolences to Corey Zielsdorf and family on the passing of Corey’s father-in-law.

Call to Order

Vice-President Joe Morelock welcomed Rotarians and Friends of Rotary to the Zoom meeting at 12:00 p.m. Wednesday, June 17, 2020.

Rotarians and Friends of Rotary

Zoom meeting participants: Stan, Denise, Mike, Paula, Gene, Julie, Walter, Joe, Lisa, Brandy, Kathie, Michelle, Auggie, Paul, Shannon B., Laura, Dale, Shannon K., Tony, Todd, Matt, Karen, Dan, Jeff.

Flag Salute

Denise lead participants in the flag salute.

Guests

Kathryn Lawson, Newberg High School Class of 2020 Graduate, enrolled at WSU, Pullman.

Troy Pigman, 2020 NHS Graduating Senior and Chrissie Manion Zaerpoor, speaker and owner of Kookoolan Farms

Rotary Outreach

Mike contacted Michael P., Fred, and Becky to invite them to our Rotary Zoom meetings. Fred and wife Viola are engaged in yard work and Zoom meetings.

Lisa: Kudos to Karen who joined today’s meeting. Lisa also reached out to Angel, Aaron, Karl, Sean and Will.

Laura: Kudos to Jeff who joins us today!

Brandy: Thank you to our Rotary Board members for reaching out and connecting with Rotarians. Brandy is happy the Board decided to stay “virtual” for the remainder of the year. Also…a photo of Brandy with Kathryn Lawson, Interact President and Valedictorian….Interact sash is “almost” visible….

Auggie connected with Newsletter Editor Rick and will provide a laptop and training on Zoom.

ROTARY UPDATES

Rotary Club of Newberg Installation Celebration June 30th

This year’s Rotary Installation Celebration is scheduled for Tuesday, June 30^th from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. via Zoom.

Scholarship Committee

Stan serves on our club’s Scholarship Committee. Stan expressed amazement at the work of the Committee, reviewing and scoring scholarship applications. Stan encouraged Rotarians to join the committee to gain insight into the youth of our community. Stan praised the work of Scholarship Chair, Lynn, who has done a phenomenal job connecting with committee members and processing all those applications!

Rotary Foundation Board Meets June 18th

Auggie reports the club’s Rotary Foundation Board meets Wednesday, June 18^th and will develop a budget for the next fiscal year. With limited income, the 2020-2021 Foundation budget will be “challenging”.

Chehalem Valley Chamber Leadership Graduation

Brandy shared thanks to Shannon and the Chehalem Cultural Center for the virtual graduation from the Chehalem Valley Leadership cohort of 2020. Chamber members wore caps and gowns to make the celebration “official.”

Volunteer Opportunities

Assist the Chehalem Valley Chamber of Commerce in dispensing art packages to patrons. For every box of art supplies purchased, the Cultural Center will give an art box to a student participating in the Migrant Summer School.

St. Peter Catholic Church is organizing food boxes for distribution to the Newberg community. Boxes include fresh fruits, vegetables and meat. The Newberg School District is providing space to store the food in coolers at NHS. Call St. Peter Parish if you can help with food distribution on Tuesdays at Newberg High School.

KOOKOOLAN FARMS – CHRISSIE MANION ZAERPOOR

Today’s program/presenter: Chrissie Zaerpoor of KooKoolan Farms…just south of Yamhill, west off of Oregon Highway 47.

Aerial view of KooKoolan Farms:

KooKooLan Farms was founded in October 2005. Chrissie reports they do not receive a nickel of income from any source other than their farm. KooKooLan Farms specializes in grass fed beef, lamb and salmon.

The key to sustainability is profitability. If a farm is not profitable it drains the farmer’s pocketbook. A farm must be sustainable and profitable. In large farming operations human sustainability is difficult. Farm workers often spend 80-90 hours per week in boring, repetitive tasks.

KooKooLan Farm electricity is 100% solar electricity. They are on city water which in Yamhill comes from a source in the Coast Range. The farm uses precision drip line irrigation. The greatest use of water is poultry. Water is recycled by pumping water to the highest part of property to irrigate an arborvitae hedge. Everything is mechanically or hand weeded with no use of herbicides. All garbage fits into one small residential bin for pick up. Animal waste is composted and serves as valuable fertilizer. Small farms do not sell compost as it’s too valuable for enriching the soil etc.

Large scale animal operations are an issue with continuous grazing vs regenerative grazing. Cattle are not the problem, how we raise cattle is the problem. 85% of beef is raised in 30 facilities in the United States. Four major corporations control 85% of all operations. Many people employed in large corporate facilities are poorly paid, work in an environment with poor air quality and no sick pay or benefits. Workers are often crowded into low cost housing.

Families often purchase inexpensive grocery store meats—often based on the selling price. However, consumers rarely know the background. Large systems create an over reliance on chemicals, fossil fuels, underpaid workers, and inability to manage quality, often resulting in E coli and other bad food outbreaks.

Chrissie encouraged Rotarians to engage in local purchasing of farm goods. Yamhill County includes scores of local small farms with beef raised without antibiotics. On small, diversified farms, people are not as inclined to be bored with the same task. Systems are nimble and robust and can change direction quickly.

SMALL FARM CONNECTIONS

Click on the following links to connect to small farming:

1. Eatwild.com (2) Localharvest.org (3) Friendsoffamilyfarms.org

When buying from small farm consider buying a quarter of a beef. Because the beef is only shared with 12 other households, the farmer can quickly recall an entire beef animal in under 30 minutes. At KooKooLan Farms the processor cuts fewer than 10 beef a day.

www.kookoolanfarms.com

Beef [etc.] in the freezer:

THANKS, CHRISSIE!

~ NEXT WEEK’S PROGRAM ~

Gary Stewart, District 5100 Assistant Governor and former president of the Newberg Early Bird Rotary Club is our speaker for our June 24^th Rotary Club Zoom meeting.

Per Shannon Buckmaster: We will have a virtual installation event on Tuesday, June 30th, from 5:30-7:30….This will be an evening CELEBRATION of the accomplishments of Newberg Noon Rotarians during the 2019 – 2020 Rotary Year. Given the current “sequestration” situation, the “party” will be another ZOOM meeting…with connection details to be provided soon by Mike Caruso.

Respectfully submitted, Rick Kaufman, Newsletter Editor

Wisdom: The rose blooms its fullest when it’s kept well pruned. A defining part of who you are is composed of what you’ve been willing to let go. Cut away the outdated and old, and compost it into fuel for new roots. Make room for the good things still waiting to come in to your life, and just wait to see how you bloom. ~ Anonymous

Humor: “Do you think I’m a bad Mom, Jimmy?” “My name’s Jack…”….~ Anonymous

“I feel that I should clean the house, so I am headed out to the garden until that feeling passes….” ~ Anonymous

Trivia: Q: A Little Father’s Day History: Sonora Louise Smart Dodd first brought up the idea of a father’s day in 1909. She wanted a special day to honor her father, William Smart. When Sonora’s mother died in childbirth with her sixth child, William was left to raise the newborn and five other children by himself on a farm in Washington state. As an adult, Sonora realized how strong and unselfish her dad had been raising his kids as a single parent. Sonora wanted Father’s Day to be celebrated on the first
Sunday in June, because it was close to her dad’s birthday. Instead, the first Father’s Day celebration took place on June 19, 1910 in Spokane, Washington. In 1966, President Lyndon Johnson made the third Sunday of June Father’s Day. It wasn’t until 1972 that President Richard Nixon made Father’s Day a national holiday – about 60 years after Mother’s Day had been made a national holiday.

 

Newberg Noon Rotary Club Newsletter for June 10, 2020

Thanks, Mike C., for the Zoom access!

Paula provided meeting notes,

and Auggie……….the photos!

Today’s Zoom meeting participants….pictorially…

 

~ Rotary Club of Newberg Zoom Meeting ~

Wednesday, June 10, 2020

~ Call to Order ~

President Corey Zielsdorf welcomed Rotarians and Friends of Rotary to the Rotary Club of Newberg Zoom meeting at 12:00 p.m. Wednesday, June 10, 2020.

~ Rotarians and Friends of Rotary ~

Zoom meeting participants: Mike, Corey, Laura, Paula, Gene, Denise, Julie, Walter, Dan, Brandy, Paul, Todd, Shannon B., Shannon K., Lynn, Matt, Auggie, Michelle, Ann, Om, Joe, Stan, Judy.

~ Flag Salute ~

Walter Want lead Rotarians in the flag salute.

~ Rotary Guests ~

Rick Rogers, Mayor, City of Newberg

Dan Weinheimer, City Manager, City of Newberg

Larry Strober, Assistant Governor, McMinnville Sunrise Rotary Club

~ Rotary Moments ~

Brandy thanked Judy Robinson who began the tradition of sashes for Newberg High School Interact graduating seniors.

Laura saw “Rotary in Action” through multiple contacts with Rotarians who assisted Laura in completing work on Global Grants.

Mike announced the virtual June 27, 2020 Rotary Peace Conference. Rotary Peace Fellows from throughout the world are participating and leading the conference. Peace Fellows will discuss projects in Africa, the Middle East, Australia, Oceania, United States and Europe. Mike will send information to Rotarians.

~ Rotary News ~

Denise reports that today was a “hard day” as it was the last Interact Club Zoom meeting of the year. Once the COVID virus became a reality, the Interact Club met via Zoom weekly. Judy, Brandy and Denise check in with students. Some Interact students will work with Denise this summer on a special project that looks at abused children who do not have access to adults for support etc.

Lynn: The deadline for submitting Rotary scholarship applications was extended to the end of last week. Lynn reports the Scholarship Committee received over 90 scholarship applications—twice the number of applications as last year. Lynn and her Scholarship Committee are excited to move forward. If Rotarians can assist in reading scholarship applications, please contact Lynn at lmontoya@pcc.edu.

Joe: The Newberg School District’s Food Service tally of meals served is more than 123,000 meals. There will be small break before the school district begins its summer feeding program.

Brandy gave a “shout out” to Joe for his well-written concise letter about the school district’s position regarding protests and alliance with Black Lives Matter. The Newberg School District Board of Directors observed 8 minutes and 45 seconds of silence in memory of George Floyd at their recent Board meeting.

Judy thanked The Rotary Club of Newberg and the Club’s Foundation that provide district assistance to students. The Newberg High School Interact Club met recently to complete installation of a community garden at Providence Newberg Medical Center. Gardens are planted and available for community access. The garden is located north of Providence Drive.

Today’s Program: Update Re: The City of Newberg

Dan Weinheimer, Newberg City Manager

Dan previously worked in California and Colorado. He arrived in Newberg immediately prior to the COVID lockdown, therefore, many of his community interactions have been virtual. Dan hopes to meet the community in person. He wants to learn the culture of the city.

The community goal of diversity, equity and inclusion will be discussed with the Newberg City Council in the next few weeks.

Dan described his goals for the city:

1. Increase communication with information posted on the city’s website and within our community.

Dan noted that the city provided a factual resource on COVID.

2. Improve consistency by applying rules and procedures as written.

3. Try to understand our customer consumer culture.

The city is in the process of reopening and providing public access to facilities in a safe, physically distanced way. The city recreated flow to one way and socially distanced.

The library reopened with limited and altered hours. About half the number of patrons as on a “normal” day arrived. Staff and patrons are asked to wear masks. Plastic shields were installed to protect staff and provide a buffer. Library aisles are one way in and out. Use of the library’s online systems is encouraged. Library hours are 12:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday.

City Hall remained open throughout the lockdown with some areas blocked off with some plastic. The city anticipates additional foot traffic and provided guidance to staff to wear masks. The goal is to provide a high level of service while preserving the health and safety of staff and public.

The City of Newberg participated in the Business Emergency Relief Grant. Grant amounts were $2,500 each. Grants provided relief for mortgage or rent payments for 62 local businesses.

Dan encouraged homeowners and local business to support the challenge of submitting utility receipts for rebates. $419,963 in receipts was submitted that resulted in $145,000 in relief to utility accounts. 17,000 utility credits were donated.

The City of Newberg created a Google community calendar hoping to focus on events and bring people to downtown Newberg.

Some local restaurants are struggling with space. The city is trying to help restaurants find additional space by using alleyways and/or vacant lots.

The closure of College Street on Wednesdays is to support the local Farmers Market. If the market is successful in drawing people to downtown Newberg, there is a greater chance patrons will stay and visit local businesses.

Mayor Rick Rogers

Monday, June 15^th a hearing will be held regarding Elliott Street road improvements from 99W to Newberg High School. Rick anticipates a “fair amount” of public comment.

A community group is meeting regarding the creation of public art space in the city.

An inventory of economic opportunity spaces is in process. Historically, the city lacked space for industrial and high-density residential dwellings.

The tragic death of George Floyd pointed to implicit bias and institutional racism. The city will begin a discussion on the topic. George Fox University expressed interest in participating.

Newberg Rotarians Gene Piros and Denise Bacon are also Newberg City Councilors. Denise is up for reelection in November. Gene has chosen not to run for office. The city is seeking candidates for Gene’s District 5 position (East of Hess Creek and North of 99W.) If you are interested in serving as a councilor and live in District 5 contact Sue Lyon at the City. The District 1 Council position is also open.

There are opportunities to serve on the Citizen Rate Review Committee and the Newberg Planning Commission. Please contact Sue Lyon.

Rick participates in a weekly call with community partners. Partners share best practices and suggestions. If you have suggestions contact Rick Rogers: Rick.rogers@newbergoregon.gov

While we, as Rotarians, CONNECT the WORLD….bear in mind…..

The Four-Way Test of Rotary of the things we think, say or do…

First – Is it the TRUTH?

Second – Is it FAIR to all concerned?

Third – Will it BUILD GOODWILL and BETTER FRIENDSHIPS?

Fourth – Is it BENEFICIAL to all concerned?

“The test is one of the hallmarks of Rotary. Since it was developed in 1932 by Herbert J. Taylor, who later became RI president, it has never ceased to be relevant. Its four brief questions are not based on culture or religion. Instead, they are a simple checklist for ethical behavior. They transcend generations and national borders.”

Thanks again to Mike Caruso for providing the Zoom account allowing our on-line meeting!

Meeting notes from both Paula R. and Kathie B…….and photos by Auggie G…

Thanks to The TEAM!

Rotary Club of Newberg Zoom Meeting

Wednesday, June 03, 2020

Call to Order

President Corey Zielsdorf welcomed Rotarians and Friends of Rotary to the Rotary Club of Newberg Zoom meeting at 12:00 p.m. Wednesday, June 3, 2020.

Rotarians and Friends of Rotary

Zoom meeting participants: Mike, Julie, Kathie, Dale, Laura, Dan, Gene, Shannon K. Corey, Joe, Paul, Kim, Michelle, Matt, Om, Michael, Tony, Paula, Shannon B. Auggie and Brandy

Rotary Guests

Britta Stewart, Newberg Downtown Coalition

Grace Kuto, Rotarian, Tigard Rotary Club and Today’s Speaker

Rotary Moments

Thanks to Kathie, Om and Skylar for volunteering for June 2^nd Meals on Wheels. Om reports Kathie was the “absolute best at doing dishes” while Kathie reports dishwashing is not a favorite kitchen activity!

Corey expressed “thanks” to Rotary District 5100 Governor Diane Noriega for governing during a challenging year of COVID-19 dilemmas and decisions.

Britta Stewart reports the Newberg Downtown Coalition is now responsible for the weekly Newberg “Farmers Market.” There is need for additional volunteers and vendors. Britta asked Rotarians to contact her regarding their interest in volunteering for a one (1) hour shift at the weekly Market. Volunteers help enforce social distancing and keep attendees moving the appropriate direction. There is also need for a “tear down crew” at 8:00 p.m. This task normally takes about 30 minutes. To volunteer, please contact Britta at: events@newbergdowntown.org

Kim thanked a long-time local Daycare Provider who has offered services. To thank the provider, Kim is organizing a “drive by”. The drive by is scheduled for Saturday, June 13, 2020 at 2:00 or 2:30 p.m. Participants please meet at Windrose Conference Center at 2:00 p.m.

Dale reports his son and daughter-in-law recently welcomed their third child, a son, Elliott—9 + pounds or as Dale said, “a real lunker in fisherman’s terms.”

Kathie gave a “shout out” to Om, Michelle, Shannon K. and Denise – all helped to make more than 1,200 candy leis to be distributed at high school graduation ceremonies.

OK…newsletter readers….Auggie provided me/us with a LOT of pictures….SO…rather than trying to spot each photo in an “”appropriate” location in the newsletter…they are going to get “lumped” together here…and YOU can sort them out! Most are self-explanatory. Hope this works! 🙂 Rick

Harambee — Grace Kuto

“Harambee” is the name of Grace and Paul Kuto’s mission. It means, “Let’s Pull Together” in Swahili. Grace and Paul pull people together for the good of community by connecting people of the Pacific Northwest with people of diverse cultures of Africa.” The goal is to support self-sustainable projects in rural Kenya and Uganda.

The Chwele Community Resource and Peace Center

Grace, is a retired clinical administrator with OHSU, a Tigard Rotarian and founder of the Chwele Community Resource and Peace Center. The center is a compound that includes a medical clinic, extensive health care services, a guest house and retreat space.

Grace and husband Paul helped raise money for the purchase of the village’s first ambulance. Grace says her experience seeing sick and injured people coming into the clinic on a common form of transportation in Kenya — motorcycles — pushed her to begin seeking an ambulance for the clinic years ago. It broke her heart to see how many motorcycle passengers died on the way seeking help.

Donations for the ambulance came from a variety of sources including the Tigard Community Friends Church, with help from area Rotary clubs and donations collected through hosting African dinner fundraisers. The Tigard Community Friends Church was instrumental in making sure the ambulance a reality. “So many of the people at the Tigard Friends Church have been to Kenya,” she noted.

Over the years Harambee Center provided scholarships to students in Kenya and gifted 100 sewing machines with business training to more than 200 women in Tanzania. Through a $200,000 grant from Nike Corporation, Harambee built a dormitory for 420 girls at St. Andrews High School in Uganda, and sponsored volunteer cultural exchanges.

The Chwele Clinic was built in 1998. The clinic includes a Comprehensive Care Center for HIV/AIDS for a population of 60,000.

The Chwele Resource and Peace Center was built in 2013 along with two elementary schools of 1807 students, and a 1500 student high school.

Three Natural Disasters have recently occurred in Kenya: locusts, COVID- 9 and severe tropical storm floods leading to an increase in water-borne illnesses.

Grace said, “this is the life I lived when I was growing up. I was born and raised in Kenya.”

African Prayer

“Let us take care of the children for they have a long way to go.”

Fundraising

Grace Kuto hopes to host an Annual African Fair and Dinner to support projects in Kenya and Uganda, organized by the Harambee Centre and several area Rotary Clubs. To learn more about the dinners: harambeecentre.org/benefit-dinner

Rotary Programs for June 2020

Date	Speaker(s)	Description
Wednesday, June 10, 2020	Rick Rogers, Mayor Dan Weinheimer, City Manager	Progress at the city
Wednesday, June 17, 2020	Chrissie Zaerpoor	Kookoolan Farms
Wednesday, June 24, 2020	Gary Stewart	Rotary Assistant Governor

 

Respectfully submitted, Rick Kaufman, Newsletter Editor

WISDOM:

We often build upon our own old foundations, adding what we can as we go. We build upon each other, too, and we can choose to build one another up. Whenever we add to another’s life, we also add to our own. Build with strength and character, no matter whose foundation you’re on. “Be the reason someone smiles. Be the reason someone feels loved and believes in the goodness in people.” ~ Roy T. Bennett

TRIVIA:

“River River” may seem a redundant name, but the evolution of language is funny like that sometimes. As the word “Avon” is Celtic for “river,” the River Avon literally means “River River.” Located in the United Kingdom and running from the village of Acton Turville in South Gloucestershire down through the spa city of Bath, the scenic river glides by the Cotswold Hills and the Arden woods. The river is associated with the literary works of Shakespeare, who was born and died in Stratford-upon-Avon, a town along the River Avon. Other rivers in the United Kingdom also use “Avon” as a term for river, such as the Avon of Bristol and the Avon of Wiltshire.

HUMOR:

……”Next summer I’m applying for a job cleaning mirrors. It’s something I can see myself doing.”

…..”Guess who I bumped into on the way to get my glasses fixed? Everyone….”

…..”What sounds like a sneeze and is made of leather…..A shoe…..”

…..”My friend keeps saying ‘Cheer up, man it could be worse, you could be stuck underground in a hole full of water. I know he means well.’ “

Toop si dah!

[..That’s “Cheers!” in Korean! – Rick]