Newberg Noon Rotary Club Newsletter for December 8, 2021

~ Newberg Noon Rotary Club Newsletter ~

Rotary Club of Newberg, Zoom Meeting

Wednesday, December 8, 2021

 

~ Call to Order ~

President Joe Morelock welcomed Rotarians and Friends of Rotary to the Hybrid Live/Zoom meeting at 12:00 p.m. Wednesday, December 8, 2021 at the Chehalem Cultural Center.

 

~ Flag Salute ~

Curt lead participants in the Pledge of Allegiance.

 

~ 4 Way Test ~

Stan 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 ~

Upcoming meeting changes!

  • December 23, is our THURSDAY (not Wednesday, no meeting on Wednesday the 22nd) is another joint meeting with the Newberg Kiwanis Club. Be there and get to know some more Kiwanis Club members!
  • December 29, there is NO Wednesday Rotary MEETING this day.

Volunteering Opportunities! Next year (beginning July 2022) there are a few board positions that are going to have vacancies through turnover. We will be looking to get an incoming Vice President, Secretary, and Community Relations Chair. Please reach out to Brandy if you have interest in any of these positions.

Polio Plus Certificate: Joe announced that we have received recognition as a club for our contributions to the Polio Eradication. Joe pointed out that there have been 2 new cases recently in Afghanistan bringing us to 4 worldwide.

Social Media Challenge: Check out our latest article in the Newberg Advantage Magazine and go visit our Facebook Page to participate in”The Rotary Mural Challenge”. This is a fun opportunity to appreciate and celebrate our murals for a chance to win gift cards to local businesses. To submit entries for this, go to our facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/Newbergnoonrotary.

 

~ Guests ~

AJ Schwanz, Guest of Joe, School District volunteer

Dina Meyers, Guest of Brandy

Amanda Bayha, Guest

Korie Buerkle, Guest Speaker, Interim Director of Newberg Public Library

~ The Rotary Duck ~

Rick: Shared memories that back in the 80s the anniual polio cases totaled more than 300,000 people.

Walter: Shared that he and Julie brought some of their Christmas Decorations to share with the club as they were trying to cut back on how much they needed at home. Thanks Walter!

Paula: Reminded us that her late mother’s estate gifted her the privledge to give the money to charity. Yesterday, she and her sister had gone to Francis Center to donate nearly 6 figures to support immigrants, homeless, and vulnerable people. She also noted that her mother left some money to her hairdresser Robin, who she visited her every 10 day. Robin was so surprised that her friend of many years left her money. Robin said she used to think to herself “What would Margaret do…?”. Paula and her sister also took her out to breakfast at Elmers.

Scott: Shared that his oldest daughter is turning 17 tomorrow. She goes to a top Art School in Michigan doing ballet and Scott’s wife is on her way to Michigan now to visit and watch her perform in the Nutcracker.

Dan: Reminded everyone to go take selfies with the Murals and then to post on the Rotary Facebook Page. Also noted that if anyone at Greeters (hosted by Lewis Audio, one of our mural locations) convinces any participation, he would contribute money next meeting as a thank you.

Auggie: Shared that the Newberg Advantage this week was a 2 week spread done by Dan about the murals and is a great publication.

Julie: Pointed out that Walter was the one who brought the free ornaments. Also pointed out that she is having a birthday in 10 days.

Mike: Geoff Gilmore wanted us to let him know if anyone owns or knows of a good location for the next mural.

Brandy: Noted that her Cougars beat the Huskies 40 to 13 at the Apple Cup this past weekend.

Becky: Mentioned that she loves her Peacebuilder Club Sweatshirt.

Shannon K: Thanked Jim for picking up the Hot Chocolate containers she forgot to get out of CPRD storage. Also thanked Michelle, Daniel, Christy, and Scott for coming to the Christmas Tree Lighting event and helping out.

Joe: Invited us all to check out the article posted in the Newberg Advantage.

 

 

~ Today’s Program: Newberg Public Library with Korie Beurkle ~

Korie Buerkle is the Interim Director for the Newberg Public Linrary, but noted that the actual Director is still Will Worthey, who has on a temporary basis stepped up to be the Interim City Manager at the City of Newberg and although is doing a great job running the City, will return to the Library once they find a long term replacement. Korie shared that her favorite job at the Library is Children’s Services Manager. She then shared with us what the Library has been up to for the last couple of years. She noted that throughout Covid, they have closed and then reopened 3 different times. Here are some projects they have done through the last 2 years:

  • Mask Force: during the original shutdown in spring of 2020, the Library kept busy by making hand-made masks for the community and City Staff. They made nearly 5,000 masks. They also bought chemical supplies to make hand sanitizer.
  • Online Storytimes and Early Learning: additional efforts to keep the operations and offerings of the library going during covid was a new online effort to bring storytime into our homes via youtube. You can see all of these at their youtube channel here: Newberg Public Library Youtube
  • Summer Reading Programs: partnered with Newberg Public Schools to keep kids reading throughout the summer. They do reading, lego builders, and others. Kids also get free books under this program, which are discounted by Scholastic Books. In 2020 they were able to do gift cards to local businesses and worked with Chapter’s to have kids pick out a book for 10 dollars and/or get hot chocolate. In 2021 they started doing in person events again but still kept the digital option for people not able to or not comfortable coming back to in person.
  • Grab and Go STEAM kits: each kit has a different focus (Science, Technology, Engineering, Art, and Math). They did 1 kit a month and go through hundreds a month which has been great for families to be able to take something home. They had nearly 3,000 kits during the first year of covid.
  • Curbside Pickup: Created by necessity during Covid Closure, this program allows people to call in to request their books and come pick up curbside. The Librarians would come out to the parking lot and hand off peoples requests or holds. They had over 3,000 curbside deliveries during the first year of covid.
  • Increases in digital offerings: their digital library has for obvious reasons grown significantly during Covid.

Currently their reading programs are both in person and online. They have book clubs for adults, but in person have limited in person opportunities. They also are in the middle of their “Cozy Reading” Program. This is for all ages and you can participate and win booms and gift cards. They are also still providing online programming and story times as well as curbside pickup.

Challenges they have been facing include safety, mask mandates, and outreach to the LatinX community. They are currently in the process of hiring for a Bi-lingual Senior Librarian.

To learn more about current and upcoming events or programs, you can visit their website (which includes an opportunity to reach out and/or visit their social media pages): https://www.newbergoregon.gov/library.

 

~ Next Week’s Program: Newberg Public Library with Korie Beurkle ~

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

~ Joke of the Day ~

What happens when you get stuck in the chimney?

You get Santa Claus-trophobic

~ Happy Quotes! ~

“Real strength has to do with helping others.”

– Fred Rogers (Mr. Roger’s Neighborhood)

 

 

~ Published 12/12/2021: Dan Keuler, Newsletter Editor ~

Newberg Noon Rotary Club Newsletter for December 1, 2021

~ Newberg Noon Rotary Club Newsletter ~

Rotary Club of Newberg, Zoom Meeting

Wednesday, December 1, 2021

 

~ Call to Order ~

President Joe Morelock welcomed Rotarians and Friends of Rotary to the Hybrid Live/Zoom meeting at 12:00 p.m. Wednesday, December 1, 2021 at the Chehalem Cultural Center.

 

~ Flag Salute ~

Auggie lead participants in the Pledge of Allegiance.

 

~ 4 Way Test ~

Amber 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 ~

Cancellation of the Holiday Dinner: Unfortunately the Past Presidents’ Holiday Dinner had to be cancelled as there were not enough people signed up to reserve the space.

Volunteering Opportunities! Next year (beginning July 2022) there are a few board positions that are going to have vacancies through turnover. We will be looking to get an incoming Vice President, Secretary, and Community Relations Chair. Please reach out to Brandy if you have interest in any of these positions.

City Survey: Shannon Buckmaster, the Economic Health Manager for the City of Newberg, announced that the City is seeking input from local business owners to take part in an online survey, which will help the City understand the financial needs of Newberg Businesses with regard to recovering from the pandemic. The survey is available in English and Spanish at the following link: https://www.newbergoregon.gov/economicdevelopment/page/2021-business-needs-survey-city-newberg. This will help the City determine best uses of the Federal ARPA funds recently made available.

Social Media Challenge: Keep an eye out for the Newberg Advantage Magazine and on our social media for “The Rotary Mural Challenge”. This will be a fun opportunity to learn more about our murals and to go visit them in person for a chance to win gift cards to local businesses.

 

~ Guests ~

James Beus, Guest, Astor House

Cameron Levine, Guest and business neighbor of Auggie’s

Steve Scott, Guest Speaker, Evergreen Aviation & Space Museum

Terry Howell, Guest Speaker, Evergreen Aviation & Space Museum

~ The Rotary Duck ~

Judy: Announced that it turned out that the Interact Club and Newberg Noon Rotary Team who set out on the mission to fund education for Kenyan students had raised enough money for maybe 8 additional students! She even gave kudos to Shannon’s daughter Anna who was the President of the Interact Club last year.

Paula: Shared that her late Mother would be celebrating her 103rd Birthday today. Her estate just settled and allowed Paula and her Sister the privledge of carryoing on her legacy by donating her money to 3 wonderful charities.

Shannon B: Honored to hear about her daughter’s commitment and efforts with the Kenya Project.

Brandy: Announced that the Early Bird Club’s Annual Christmas Auction is set for the early morning on December 2.

Rick: Shared with the club that he had been taken to the ER and spent 3 hrs there. He is fine and the Medical Staff was amazing.

Mike: Shared that Larry Strober is in the hospital getting a 6 hour surgery to remove melanoma. Please keep him in your thoughts and prayers.

Dale: Spent a Saturday in October in Cambrige in the UK and one of the students he met asked him about the Spruce Goose, knowing he came from Oregon. Even folks across the pond know about the Spruce Goose!

 

 

~ Today’s Program: Evergreen Aviation and Space Museum with Steve Scott ~

Our presenter was Steve Scott, the Chief Strategy Officer and Interim Executive Director of the Evergreen Aviation and Space Museum in Mcminville, OR. The museum was built in the year 2000 and was a vision of Dell Smith. He had the Spruce Goose transported from Long Beach CA to McMinnville OR with the intent of creating a world class avaiation and space museum for Yamhill County. Since his passing, the organization has had a lot of trouble with 4 difference landlords who went through 4 different bankruptcies. Scott and Terry were both brought in last April, just at the same time that Bill Stoller bought out the landlords. Much of the issues the organization has dealt with were a result of not having enough of a vision or strategy, so they are now working on instituting a new vision for future operations.

One of the things they have done in their new vision was listen to the needs and opinions of the community, as this is a very big part of the community. They learned a lot in the process and are using these lessons to redesign the nature of the museum. They worked with the old landlords to successfully get the property to be owned under only one landlord, which allowed them to renegotiate the lease and get themselves into a better operational situation. They have also reorganized the structure of the operations. McMinnville Properties, the for-profit side of the operations, is now in control of facilities, HR, etc, allowing the museum to focus on their own operations as a non-profit. They also changed the focus on revenue to more diversify their revenues beyond just admissions and have gotten away from a static exhibit to a changing, more hands on series of exhibits, and camps, much like OMSI with a newfound strategic goal of Education. They also have changed out their whole board in order to strategically design a board with a diversified skill set. They are also now searching for a full time Executive Director, as Steve is only in the role on a temporary basis. They have raised their revenue and lowered their costs in these efforts. They have also worked on developing strategic partnerships with other non-profits and different school districts. They have even applied for some grants from NASA to help fund new even more EPIC displays and exhibits.

Whether you have been to the Museum or not, it may be time to go see these changes in person as it is a whole new setup with all new displays over at the Evergreen Aviation & Space Museum.

To learn more or to contribute to their organization, you can visit their website (which includes an opportunity to reach out and/or visit their social media pages): https://www.evergreenmuseum.org/

 

~ Next Week’s Program: Newberg Public Library with Korie Beurkle ~

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

~ Joke of the Day ~

“Have you heard of ‘Murphy’s Law’?
Yes, it is where anything that can go wrong, will go wrong.
But have you heard of Cole’s Law?
No, what is Cole’s Law?

Thinly Sliced Cabbage…”

~ Happy Quotes! ~

“One person can make a difference,
and everyone should try.”

– John F. Kennedy

 

 

~ Published 12/3/2021: Dan Keuler, Newsletter Editor ~

Newberg Noon Rotary Club Newsletter for November 24, 2021

~ Newberg Noon Rotary Club Newsletter ~

Rotary Club of Newberg, Zoom Meeting

Wednesday, November 24, 2021

 

~ Call to Order ~

President Joe Morelock welcomed Rotarians and Friends of Rotary to the Hybrid Live/Zoom meeting at 12:00 p.m. Wednesday, November 24, 2021 at the Chehalem Cultural Center.

 

~ Flag Salute ~

Ralph lead participants in the Pledge of Allegiance.

 

~ 4 Way Test ~

Amber 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 ~

Volunteering Opportunities! Next year (beginning July 2022) there are a few board positions that are going to have vacancies through turnover. We will be looking to get an incoming Vice President, Secretary, and Community Relations Chair. Please reach out to Brandy if you have interest in any of these positions.

City Survey: Shannon Buckmaster, the Economic Health Manager for the City of Newberg, announced that the City is seeking input from local business owners to take part in an online survey, which will help the City understand the financial needs of Newberg Businesses with regard to recovering from the pandemic. The survey is available in English and Spanish at the following link: https://www.newbergoregon.gov/economicdevelopment/page/2021-business-needs-survey-city-newberg. This will help the City determine best uses of the Federal ARPA funds recently made available.

Social Media Challenge: Keep an eye out for the Newberg Advantage Magazine and on our social media for “The Rotary Mural Challenge”. This will be a fun opportunity to learn more about our murals and to go visit them in person for a chance to win gift cards to local businesses.

~ Guests ~

Newberg Kiwanis Club

James Beus, guest, Astor House

Allen Holstein, guest, Holstein Vineyards

 

~ The Rotary Duck ~

Lisa: Met with Beth last week and learned so much about pre-planning and how smart it is to pre-plan for funeral type services.

 

~ Today’s Program: Friendsgiving Joint Lunch with Newberg Kiwanis Club ~

Joe Morelock lead the way in going around the room sharing our names, something about ourselves, AND our favorite Ice Cream: with the caveat that we do not repeat an ice cream flavor previously shared. Then both clubs shared about their major accomplishments, projects, and Fundraisers:

Kiwanis Club Updates:

  • Heather Lewis, the prior year president, led the club through the tough COVID transition to zoom meetings
  • On September 15, they had a very successful Golf Tournament that raised $25,000 for scholarships and kids programs. Look out for next year and consider participating in their golf tournament next year.
  • On Halloween they had 15 Kiwanians and Key Club volunteers helping kids and families across the downtown streets safely.
  • COVID was tough on school programs. Mabel Rush was able to participate over zoom and are looking for more parent volunteers to help run service programs.
  • They have some Salvation Army Bell ringing for Holiday season.

Newberg Noon Rotary Updates:

  • Newberg Noon Rotary is a Peace Builder Club and does projects such as Peace Village and Peace Poles. We are also in the middle of a $122,000 Global Grant for Nepal to prevent violence against women.
  • Work with funding the homeless shelter with supplies.
  • Contributes $10,000 annually to the School District Resource Rooms.
  • Donates about $50,000 annually for Scholarships for graduating seniors of local high schools.
  • Have completed 4 murals around the City over the last several years through a partnership with George Fox University.
  • The Rotaract Club, our high school club, have spearheaded the fundraising of the Kenyan School Project, whereby they raised enough money to fund a year of education for over 52 kids in Kenya.
  • Raised funds for a Global Grant to allow for the creation of Dispatch Services in rural Nepal.

To learn more about our friends, the Newberg Kiwanis Club, you can visit their website (which includes an opportunity to reach out and/or visit their social media pages): https://www.newbergkiwanis.org/

 

~ Next Week’s Program: Evergreen Aviation Museum with Executive Director Terry Howell ~

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

~ Joke of the Day ~

“Have you heard of ‘Murphy’s Law’?
Yes, it is where anything that can go wrong, will go wrong.
But have you heard of Cole’s Law?
No, what is Cole’s Law?

Thinly Sliced Cabbage…”

~ Happy Quotes! ~

“One person can make a difference,
and everyone should try.”

– John F. Kennedy

 

 

 

~ Published 12/2/2021: Dan Keuler, Newsletter Editor ~