~ Newberg Noon Rotary Club Newsletter ~

Rotary Club of Newberg, Zoom Meeting

Wednesday, October 28, 2020

 

~ AirMeet Meeting Participants ~

Shannon B, Mike, Dan, Lisa, Shannon K, Michelle, Joe, Brandy, Jim, Paula, Kathie, Tony, Auggie, Laura, Om, Geoff, and Jeff.

~ Guests ~

Larry Strober, Rotary Club of McMinnville Sunrise, Former Assistant Governor, soon to be new member

Christy Cowgill, soon to be new member

Debby Thomas, Dean of the George Fox College of Business, soon to be new member

Meera Bhardwaj, Auction Event Planner, Synchronicity Events

Doug Utberg, Guest of Om, soon to be new member

Amber Hansen-Moore, Youth Outreach Director, YCAP Youth Outreach

 

~ Introduction ~

Auction Chair Shannon Knight welcomed Rotarians and Friends of Rotary to the AirMeet meeting at 12:00 p.m. Wednesday, October 28, 2020. This one of a kind meeting is in anticipation of Friday’s Annual Rotary Auction! We met using AirMeet, which is the virtual meeting platform that we will be using during the VIP pre and post party socializing events. This meeting had a bit less familiar format, but was a great opportunity to ask questions about AirMeet and about the Auction. Incase you could not make the meeting, I have collected a few visuals and FAQs that may help fill you in on information you missed.

 

~ Key Auction Announcements ~

• See more details about the auction at our website for quick answers to common questions, and share with family and friends: https://www.newbergrotary.org/virtual-auction/
• The Silent Auction is LIVE NOW! Go start the bidding! Here is a link to the auction house: https://nrc2020.ggo.bid/bidding/package-browse
  • Note that Items 1A through 16 are part of the “Live Auction” which means they are eligible to claim by the generous individual holding the winning GOLDEN TICKET! Bidding for these items starts on Friday morning and Ends at 7pm! So these have a more limited window of bidding than the “silent Auction items” (items 20-109) which are open for bidding until SUNDAY.
• Speaking of golden tickets, you need to hurry up and purchase those. As much as it sounds nice for my odds to be higher, I would rather the Club raise more of this critical funding, so BUY BUY BUY (Purchase by Friday morning).
• When you are browsing the items, don’t forget Christmas is coming, and some of these items can save you time shopping later, so be thinking about what your friends and family might enjoy as well!
• Dinner & Wine! If you or your guests registered for a ticket including a dinner provided by Renegade Catering and wine, pick up will take place between 4-5:30 p.m. at Barley & Vine Tavern at 408 East First St., Newberg.
• The event itself will take place from about 6pm to 7pm (via YouTube: a link will be sent directing you to the YouTube Channel).
• An email will be sent that gives the AirMeet link for the Pre and Post Party.

 

~ AirMeet Walkthrough ~

Critical things to know before starting: AVOID USING YOUR PHONE. The platform likely will not work properly on your cell phone (Chrome/Firefox/Edge browser and laptop works best). (reach out the the club if you do not have a usable laptop, and maybe someone has an extra you could borrow for the evening?) Also, if you have used Zoom recently on this device, make sure you close out fully in zoom, otherwise it can cause issues with your camera’s function with the platform. Try to get there a bit early and if you have issues there will be someone who will be assisting with technical issues. See below the three key Views below for a quick walkthrough:

 

Table View:

Here is the main view you will likely see when you enter. You can see multiple Tables here with a maximum of 8 seats per table. There is a live chat to the right where you can speak with everyone, regardless of which table they are at. You can preview who is sitting at each table based on the initials in the squares, but you can see a full name and detail by hovering your mouse over any of the filled seats. If the table is full you will not be able to get in. Simply click on any empty seat and it will open you into that table, which you will be able to see and interact through your camera, of the parties seated at the table. There is a button for you to toggle your video on or off as well as mute and unmute, just like zoom.

 

At the Table View:

Once you click on a seat at one of the available tables, this screen will pop up. Look! All of your wonderful friends already sitting at the table are here! (Note on my computer, it took about 20 seconds before everyone’s video and audio were clear after sitting down, so you may need a small bit of patience). Here you can see the row of buttons under the screen that allows you to turn on or off your camera as you wish, or mute and unmute as you wish. There is also a chat option where you can type text that only this table can see. Note that you will not see or hear anyone sitting at the other tables, but you will be able to communicate with them through the chat on the right of the screen. Note also the button in the bottom right, which allows you to “leave table”, and then you go back to the view of all tables and you can move between tables at will.

 

The On-Stage View:

Individuals with proper administrative clearance have the ability to “get on stage”. When they activate that function, everyone at the table is magically shut down from being able to see and hear eachother, and they get instant command of your attention (If only this was possible at real life, in-person events!). You will only see those on stage and they can make announcements, addressing the entire room at once. Know that during this time, you cannot see or hear those at your table. You can communicate through the chatbox to the right while in this on stage view. You can, AND SHOULD, be using the applause button, as well as a hand raise button if you would like to speak (I think they can then “pull you on stage” if they see your hand up). Once they end the announcement, we all get dropped back into the tables we were previously sitting at.

Remember, This program AirMeet I explained is just for the PRE/POST Party events. The auction event/presentation itself is through YouTube. So for anyone who did not buy the $15 pass to do the Pre/Post Party events, you will not be needing to worry yourself about the AirMeet software.

 

~ Next Week’s Program ~

Next week we are INDUCTING 5 NEW MEMBERS! Lets all be there to give them a big welcome to the club next week!

~ Joke of the Day ~

Q: Why don’t crabs give to charity?

A: Because they are just plain shellfish.

~ Happy Quotes! ~

“We make a living by what we get, but we make a life by what we give.”

– Winston Churchill

 

~ Published 10/28/2020: Dan Keuler, Newsletter Editor ~

~ Newberg Noon Rotary Club Newsletter ~

Rotary Club of Newberg, Zoom Meeting

Wednesday, October 21, 2020

 

~ Zoom Meeting Participants ~

Shannon B, Mike, Dan, Denise, Laura, Lisa, Michelle, Jeff, Walter, Shannon K, Jim, Stan, Auggie, Ralph, Lynn, Tony, Joe, Corey, Om, Judy, Paul, Brandy, Kim, Kathie, Dale, Paula, Geoff, and Todd

 

~ Call to Order ~

President Shannon Buckmaster welcomed Rotarians and Friends of Rotary to the Zoom meeting at 12:00 p.m. Wednesday, October 21, 2020. The Rotarians split out into breakout groups to start the meeting.

 

~ Flag Salute ~

Paul lead participants in the Pledge of Allegiance.

 

~ 4 Way Test ~

Shannon K lead participants in the recital of the 4 Way Test:

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

#1 – Is it the TRUTH?

#2 – Is it FAIR to all concerned?

#3 – Will it BUILD GOODWILL and BETTER FRIENDSHIPS?

#4 – Is it BENEFICIAL to all concerned?

 

~ Announcements ~

This Saturday, October 24th is World Polio Day. Thanks to all who support the global mission of ending Polio! Additionally, Larry Strober and Debbie Thompson have been officially approved for membership and organizing the induction is underway. Welcome new members!

 

~ AUCTION UPDATE! ~

OCTOBER 30, 2020! SAVE THE DATE!!! The Auction team of Shannon K, Lisa, Michelle, and now Kathie have been working very hard to make progress on the auction and announced the release of the landing page, whereby attendees can RSVP and purchase tickets! https://www.newbergrotary.org/virtual-auction/

They have added Kathie Beyers as a Co-Chair for the auction team to assist in getting that extra boost toward an amazing event! Crunch time everyone, get registered ASAP and get items in ASAP as the list gets published on Friday!

here should be a postcard coming in the mail for most people this week, and if you have already registered, feel free to pass that along to someone else. Take a look at the posted sponsors and remember that if you come across any of the sponsors, make sure to thank them for their support: A-dec | Extraordinary Systems | Kathy George | A&S Land & Cattle | Providence Health Plans | Providence Newberg Medical Center | First Federal | Columbia Bank | Newberg Urgent Care

The Auction Committee has collected approximately 125 auction items! The catalog of items will be available online about a week before the event date. Make sure you come to next Wednesday’s meeting, and enjoy a sneak peek of the auction party.

 

 

~ Guests ~

Larry Strober, Rotary Club of McMinnville Sunrise, Former Assistant Governor, soon to be new member

Christy Cowgill, Judy’s guest, soon to be new member

Debby Thomas, Dean of the George Fox College of Business, soon to be new member

Doug Peterson, Presenter

Shelley Kolb, Early Bird Rotarian

Doug Utberg, Guest of Om, Chamber member

Amanda Greene, Our Webhost who runs the website

 

~ The Rotary Duck ~

 

Mike: Thanks to Geoff for his gracious matching donation!

Walter: Visited with Marge, who has had health issues, and she said a Rotarian gave great bouquet of flowers and she wanted to say thanks and not to forget that shes still here with us.

Laura: Called attention to the Fire Relief Fund that the District has set up. Everyone should have gotten an email about it and the amounts are tax deductible. She also provided updates about the violence against women international project. They will work through the issue of travel restrictions and adapting. Also keep thoughts and prayers for Lily Tappa, our contact in Kathmandu, who has come down with COVID-19.

Denise: Yesterday Denise turned 54 years old, Happy Birthday Denise!

Paula: Honored her dear late Mother who’s house sale just finalized.

Brandy: This week is the 5th week of distance learning at the school district. Thanks and congrats to the Staff, Teachers, kids, and parents for your dedication and hard work!

Judy: Is adding in funds to her pledge she made last week thanks to Geoff’s generous matching pledge.

Om: Thanks to Laura for helping with a beautiful graphic for her auction donation as well as Gene who visited her office.

Dan: Penalized himself and apologized to the Club for failing to put out last week’s newsletter.

Shannon B: Paid in as she also failed to respond to Dan’s email this week, and also noted that her daughter, who is a Senior, will be vying for the Interact Club President role! So great, like mother like daughter!

Joe: Is matching Brandy’s donation celebrating a month of distance learning.

Kathie: Kathie also celebrated a birthday and had a very special weekend with her son. Happy Birthday Kathie!

Christy: Wanted to thank Judy for inviting her to come meet the group. She has enjoyed being a part of the meetings.

Jim: His 27 year old son Taylor just got engaged to be married a young lady out of Seattle! Congrats to the Mcmaster Family!

Lisa: Added to the duck to get us to an even $600! But we did not end there!

Paul: Paul also celebrated a birthday recently and also mentioned a grant that the club has given to Love Inc which awards gift cards to people who complete the Money Management Program as well as moneys the club foundation provides to the Newberg School District Resource Rooms. He also mentioned that they are still looking for help for ballot pickups for the county clerk.

Stan: Gave to support the Polio effort.

Walter: He wanted to give a shout out to Brandy and her team’s amazing work getting the word out to help pass the School Construction Bond.

Ralph: Honoring his uncle Ward who was disabled with Polio. He gave thanks to Rotary International for their efforts to end polio.

Mike: Reminded everyone that World Polio Day is on Saturday.

Geoff: Said he will send in a check for his $500 pledge he made and everyone has generously taken advantage of today. He also mentioned that the President of George Fox, Robin Baker, generously donated an Auction Item whereby he will donate a dinner and lecture about Courage. They take about 20 people and the financial donation ends up being significant. Thanks to Robin Baker! Jeff Lane mentioned that he and Jackie have gone the last two years and loved it. He said he will be buying two tickets and gave high praise and endorsement! Consider signing up!

$780 donations plus $500 match from Geoff Gilmore! That’s a huge grand total of $1,280!!! That means our annual goal has effectively been met! Lets spend the rest of the year boosting our score in an attempt to set a new club high score! Thanks Everyone! and special thanks to Geoff!

 

 

~ Today’s Program: Suicide Prevention and Awareness (Doug Peterson)~

In January 2015, Doug lost is 17 year old son Page to Suicide. He found comfort in his bike and decided to ride his bike from Canada to Mexico on an 1800 mile bike ride to honor his son and raise awareness to suicide prevention. He was working with a group called Pair of Thieves to get the word out about suicide prevention and provide support for family members who have lost a love one to this tragic occurrence. So many people joined and supported him on his big ride. He stressed the importance of recognizing the importance of getting awareness and mental health support in public schools to teach kids at a young age, providing understanding of this issue. He hopes to get awareness into public school curriculum.

He recommended a book called “A Journey Through Trauma” by an author who went through childhood sexual trauma. The book relates such healing to climbing a mountain. First you get your gear together. Then once you have your gear (tools), you have to begin the slow climb out. But you cant climb until you have your gear. It is a long, painful road of guilt and the journey to healing isn’t quick or easy. For him is was biking, but for others it can be anything. He also had a playlist that inspired him. He had a song that inspired him to “Run towards something, rather than away from something”. He is still climbing. He said during his trip he lost a lot of weight and his butt was very sore. His wife drove along with him the whole way to support him. His trip was difficult but he met many people and supporters during that journey.

He worked with Pair of Thieves, who helped get the word out and raised a lot of money for suicide prevention. They did a lot of interviews with news stations. He was also involved in and recognized the Newberg Police Department’s Suicide Prevention Police Car.

 

~ Next Week’s Program ~

Next week will have a special meeting previewing the Auction! Be there!

Check your e-mails for Mike Caruso’s Zoom meeting access information.

~ Joke of the Day ~

Q: Why did Beethoven get rid of his chickens?

A: Because all they ever talked about was Bach, Bach, Bach.

~ Happy Quotes! ~

“The planet does not need more successful people. The planet desperately needs more peacemakers, healers, restorers, storytellers, and lovers of all kinds.”

– The Dalai Lama

 

~ Published 10/24/2020: Dan Keuler, Newsletter Editor ~

~ Newberg Noon Rotary Club Newsletter ~

Rotary Club of Newberg, Zoom Meeting

Wednesday, October 7, 2020

 

~ Zoom Meeting Participants ~

Shannon B, Mike, Dan, Paul, Walter, Brandy, Joe, Kathie, Om, Tony, Shannon K, Judy, Denise, Auggie, Michelle, Jim, Gene, Laura, Lisa, Stan, Ralph, Geoff, Matt.

 

~ Call to Order ~

President Shannon Buckmaster welcomed Rotarians and Friends of Rotary to the Zoom meeting at 12:01 p.m. Wednesday, October 7, 2020. The Rotarians split out into breakout groups to start the meeting.

 

~ Flag Salute ~

Denise lead participants in the Pledge of Allegiance.

 

~ 4 Way Test ~

Mike lead participants in the recital of the 4 Way Test:

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

#1 – Is it the TRUTH?

#2 – Is it FAIR to all concerned?

#3 – Will it BUILD GOODWILL and BETTER FRIENDSHIPS?

#4 – Is it BENEFICIAL to all concerned?

 

~ Announcements ~

President Shannan Buckmaster announced and presented her new Rotary Branded Face Mask! No word yet on what the distribution or availability of these masks might be from Rotary, but it is great to see Rotary evolve with the times and provide opportunities to represent the brand.

 

~ AUCTION UPDATE! ~

OCTOBER 30, 2020! SAVE THE DATE!!! The Auction team of Shannon K, Lisa, and Michelle have been working very hard to make progress on the auction and announced the release of the landing page, whereby attendees can RSVP and purchase tickets! https://www.newbergrotary.org/virtual-auction/

Shannon B. provided a very important answer to a frequently asked question as well: There are tickets being sold, as previously mentioned, for people who want to attend the Pre & Post Party events and to take part in the catered meal and wine. However, ANYONE can log in, bid, and participate FREE. There will be a local pickup for the food and wine participants at Barley and Vine. They are looking into options for ticket purchases who are not in the Newberg Area. Shipping details are being ironed out and will be available shortly.

The Auction Committee is now accepting Auction Item donations! Begin submitting your items as soon as possible. Email the item description and if possible a picture to Shannon Knight and she will coordinate to come pick up the item and provide you with receipts as needed. The catalog of items will be available online about a week before the event dates, and bidding on items is expected to be open for the day before the event starts. Sponsorships are also available.

Any additional questions should be emailed to Shannon K.

 

 

~ Guests ~

Lydia Keuler, Dan’s wife and avid supporter of the School District

Larry Strober, Rotary Club of McMinnville Sunrise, Former Assistant Governor, soon to be new member

Christy Cowgill, Judy’s guest, soon to be new member

Debby Thomas, Dean of the George Fox College of Business, soon to be new member

Rebecca Piros, Gene’s wife and Newberg School Board Member

 

~ The Rotary Duck ~

Judy: Bragging and complimenting our enthused and vivacious club, which three great new members coming on board and our club being fun, active and welcoming to them.

Laura: International announcement: She received an emmail from our international partner from the Kathmandu Rotary Club. He was sad to report back that there are no more ICU beds available relating to COVID in Kathmandu and his 77 year old brother has come down with COVID. They are concerned about spreading of the Virus amongst their commune. They are good, kind people and please keep them in your prayers.

Tony: Dictionaries are here! Tony’s annual dictionary donation project is underway. Distribution will be upcoming and they will likely be setting up drive through tents at the schools

Shannon K.: To Joe and the NSD who handled some virtual issues in classrooms.

Jim: Has a Rotary quilt being donated to the auction that was custom made and is specific in its design to reflect our own Newberg Noon Rotary Club. Thanks Jim! Can’t wait to see it!

Geoff: National Polio Day is coming up! During the October 21st meeting, Geoff will match our club’s Polio Plus donation pool dollar for dollar up to $500! What an amazing offer! Lets all make sure to be there to donate and to thank him for his severe generosity! Thanks Geoff!

Mike: Reminded people to register to vote as the last day to do so is on Tuesday, October 13 and ballots will go out on the 14th. The County Clerk is looking for volunteers to do ballot pickups.

 

~ Today’s Program: Newberg School District Construction Bond (Dr Joe Morelock and Brandy Penner)~

 

Brandy Penner is the Chair of the Newberg School Board. To be a thriving community, it takes excellent schools and a healthy school district. Strong schools are needed not only to grow the local youth into strong, valuable members of the community, but they are also needed to attract employees and employers to the area, providing larger potential for the growth and development of the community. COVID-19 has created new challenges and needs for students and staff for when we return to in school education. This bond takes care of a lot of deferred maintenance and the replacement of Dundee Elementary. The efforts to get us to where we are at currently took several years of analysis, asset review, and high levels of Community Input and Support.

The $141 Million Capital Bond package includes:

• Replacement of Dundee Elementary School (about 70 years old)
• Expands and Upgrades Edwards Elementary
• Upgrades Career and Technical Education (CTE) to cutting edge facilities
• Improves safety, security, and pandemic health at every building
• Expansion of the health facilities at the High School as well as the ongoing maintenance needs of the HVAC systems, ventilation, and air filtration
• Cares for the public investment through needed maintenance throughout the district

There are 10 schools in the district currently serving approximately 4,700 students, 500 staff, as well as the greater community in many instances (just last month, the kitchens were open and operating to prepare meals for the the firefighting efforts during local wildfires), and these schools must be updated, maintained, and replaced over time to keep up the with modernization and safety of the schools. School construction can ONLY be done through bond efforts like this as the State and Federal support does not support such projects. The below graphic helps illustrate the facility aging over time. The blue dotted line is today. Buildings typically have a 50-70 year lifespan.

 

The Cost Homeowners: 71 Cents per $1,000 of Assessed Market Value, which is always less than the Real Market Value of the home (typically about 60%). With the increase, our school rates are substantially lower than the neighboring districts (bottom 33% comparatively) as well as much lower than it has been historically in Newberg, with the exception of the 2 most recent years due to older bond rates dropping off. The average Newberg home has an AMV of $250,000, which would result in a tax increase of $15/month. (Message from the Editor: my unofficial accounting input is as follows: if you happen to itemize your deductions in your tax return, then that increased cost I believe has a reduced effective cost of possibly somewhere around 20% depending on your tax bracket, i.e. potentially just $12/month if you itemize and own an average home. Sorry if this input only makes it more confusing, but I sort of miss preparing taxes and performing tax planning services. Julie can shame me at the next meeting if what I am saying is incorrect and I will donate to the duck as a punishment). Additionally, this work to be done will be more expensive if pushed back into the future due to the highly favorable bond market and economical landscape we are in (So passing this bond will result in more bang for our buck vs waiting).

Visit the Bond Supporters’ webpage at www.voteyesfornps.org for more information and details. You can also make donations at this webpage that will go towards the promotion of this measure. Please reach out to Brandy if you would like a sign or banner or know of anyone that might be interested. They are especially excited to find businesses that are in high traffic and visible locations.

Graphic below provides additional detail of the bond plan:

 

~ Next Week’s Program ~

The Newberg Rotary Foundation members (Spike Sumner, Auggie Gonzales, Bob Ficker, Jeff Lane, Leona Todd, and Joe Morelock will be presenting on the Newberg Rotary Foundation. (Note that this is our local Foundation, not to be confused with the International Foundation.)

Check your e-mails for Mike Caruso’s Zoom meeting access information.

~ Joke of the Day ~

Q: Why do bees have sticky hair?

A: Because they use honeycombs.

~ Happy Quotes! ~

“What you get by achieving your goals, is not as important as what you become by achieving your goals.”

– Zig Ziglar

 

~ Published 10/11/2020: Dan Keuler, Newsletter Editor ~

~ Newberg Noon Rotary Club Newsletter ~

Rotary Club of Newberg, Zoom Meeting

Wednesday, September 30, 2020

~ Zoom Meeting Participants ~

Shannon B, Mike, Dan, Geoff, Judy, Corey, Patrick, Shannon K, Michelle, Auggie, Gene, Ralph, Tony, Laura, Joe, Kathie, Walter, Denise, Lisa, Todd, Paul, Om, Paula.

 

~ Call to Order ~

President Shannon Buckmaster welcomed Rotarians and Friends of Rotary to the Zoom meeting at 12:00 p.m. Wednesday, September 30, 2020. The Rotarians split out into breakout groups to start the meeting.

 

~ Flag Salute ~

Walter lead participants in the Pledge of Allegiance.

~ 4 Way Test ~

Laura lead participants in the recital of the 4 Way Test:

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

#1 – Is it the TRUTH?

#2 – Is it FAIR to all concerned?

#3 – Will it BUILD GOODWILL and BETTER FRIENDSHIPS?

#4 – Is it BENEFICIAL to all concerned?

 

~ Announcements ~

President Shannan Buckmaster announced and presented her new Rotary Branded Face Mask! No word yet on what the distribution or availability of these masks might be from Rotary, but it is great to see Rotary evolve with the times and provide opportunities to represent the brand.

 

~ AUCTION UPDATE! ~

OCTOBER 30, 2020! SAVE THE DATE!!! The Auction, as previously announced, will be a virtual, online auction. The price to attend will be the same as it was in the past: $100 per ticket, with an optional $15 cost to attend the before and after party Fun This fee includes a meal and wine for the $15 add-on fee, whereby there will be a pick-up and take-out style catered meal. Friends and Family from out of town, who wont be participating in the meal are also going to be able to join in. A week before the auction there will be an opportunity to view the list of items and bid.

Be sure to attend the Noon Rotary Meeting on October 28 in order to get a sample of the new before/after party format and festivities. Starting on Monday there should be a “Landing Page” within the www.newbergrotary.org webpage. Go to the webpage and click on the Auction link for more info.

The Auction Committee is now accepting Auction Item donations! Begin submitting your items as soon as possible. Email the item description and if possible a picture to Shannon Knight and she will coordinate to come pick up the item and provide you with receipts as needed. Sponsorships are also available.

 

~ Guests ~

Sofia Torres McKay, Cramoisi Vineyard, Today’s Program Speaker

Larry Strober, Rotary Club of McMinnville Sunrise, Former Assistant Governor, soon to be new member

Christy Cowgill, new to the area, potential new member

Debby Thomas, Dean of the George Fox College of Business

Amy Kutzkey, 2nd time visitor, invited by Om

 

~ The Rotary Duck ~

Laura: International announcement: Now has the final signature from the Kathmandu District Governer. The grant for preventing violence against women in Nepal is now going through Rotary International’s Review Board.

Shannon B.: To celebrate Laura’s announcement!

Denise: The first Interact meeting is coming up and will be on Zoom. Please have any teenagers you know who are interested in joining reach out to Judy or Denise.

Shannon K.: She wanted to brag on Shannon B’s daughter, a Senior at NHS, for being a great tutor of her daughter and her friends.

Shannon B.: To thank Shannon K for the kind words and paid opportunities provided to her daughter through Rotary connections.

Geoff: $ for Laura, Paul, and Michelle for helping him with district grant paperwork related to the Mural project. $ to celebrate getting through the leagues of paperwork involved in closing his mother’s estate.

Mike: Celebrate Malaysia, where Mike served in the Peace Corps for 3 years, ratified the UN treaty for the prohibition of nuclear weapons, which is up to 46 parties signed on. They hope to get 4 more at the next UN meeting. The effort by this group is intended to put pressure on the rest of the world to move away from Nuclear Options and towards peace.

Patrick: Thanks to Paula and Laura for helping with the Nepal 911 grant paperwork.

Ralph: For his 23 years of service to the Navy and his thankfulness that during his service they never had to use any nuclear level options.

 

~ Today’s Program: Sofia Torres McKay, Ahivoy and Diversity in the Wine Industry~

Sophia is the co-founder of Cramoisi Vineyards, located in the Dundee Hills and Co-founder of Ahivoy. Ahivoy (Asociacion Hispana de la Industria del Vino en Oregon y comunidad) formed with the purpose of creating opportunities and empowering Latino vineyard workers of the Willamette Valley through education.

Ahivoy is a new non-profit that seeks to break down the barriers that many vineyard workers face in relation to education and income disparities by educating and giving scholarships to Vineyard Stewards to pursue their careers in the wine industry. She and her team believe that a bottle of wine tells a story of love, passion, dedication, collaboration, celebration that INCLUDES ALL ASPECTS in the process of producing wines. Ahivoy’s goal, besides providing scholarships, is to provide a path for people to learn about the wine process including growing crops, harvesting, marketing, selling, etc. They promote English as a second language and push participants to learn and enhance their English skills to provide more opportunities, which helps create a more diverse and inclusive workforce and ownership in the wine community. They recognize value in retention and education. In the 2020 season, they were able to offer 12 scholarships, largely thanks to donations from the Erath Family Foundation, Pura Vida, and Winery Owners. The professional training program navigates barriers that otherwise keep the education from being feasible, which includes compensation matching what they otherwise make during their work day. They work with the employees and employers to facilitate the success of everyone. Before this program, there was no similar program able to provide similar opportunities. Note: they need 4 more participants for the upcoming season, and are hoping to find more women, which will further their goal of diversity in the industry. They have educational partnerships with Chemeketa and Linfield College. The program is a great cause and has long-range value to the community.

To support the program, we can keep up with their many fundraising events. Last weekend was their first online auction, where they raised about $18,000. They are also planning to do a fundraising event later in the year to do a Latinex Market (small scale) as well as a Golf Tournament in 2021. Opportunities for Rotarians to support this program can also include offering to give a brief talk about leadership or other valuable topics to help give them a big picture of the community and an opportunity to make valuable connections.

 

~ Next Week’s Program ~

Superintendent Dr. Joe Morelock and School Board President Brandy Penner will be presenting information on the Newberg School District Construction Bond, which is an item on the upcoming November election.

Check your e-mails for Mike Caruso’s Zoom meeting access information.

~ Joke of the Day ~

Q: What is the best thing about Switzerland?

A: I don’t really know, but the Flag is a big Plus.

~ Happy Quotes! ~

“Real change, enduring change, happens one step at a time.”

– Ruth Bader Ginsburg

 

~ Published 10/02/2020: Dan Keuler, Newsletter Editor ~