~ Newberg Noon Rotary Club Newsletter ~
Rotary Club of Newberg, Zoom Meeting
Wednesday, March 9, 2022
~ Call to Order ~
President Joe Morelock welcomed Rotarians and Friends of Rotary to the Hybrid Live/Zoom meeting at 12:00 p.m. Wednesday, March 9, 2022 at the Chehalem Cultural Center.
~ Flag Salute ~
Rick lead participants in the Pledge of Allegiance.
~ 4 Way Test ~
Paula 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 ~
Pancake Breakfast: Note that this is a lot of work and they are in need of volunteers. Please reach out if you would like to join it, it is a lot of fun. Aaron is in charge of the committee so get ahold of him to get involved. This is very important and we would be very appreciative to anyone willing to be on the planning committee.
Official Update on Leadership: Noted that there was an official vote of the board to make Becky Ankeny the New President Elect for our Club. Congrats!
Jane Van Kuren (Sherwood Rotary Club): Jane made an announcement on behalf of the Sherwood Club. Their Club is Hosting the Annual Sherwood Wine Festival on August 5th and 6th. August 5th will be a Winemakers’ Dinner from 4pm to 8pm, for which a ticket is needed and there are only 150 available. The main event on Saturday is from 12pm to 7pm, for which they are looking for new vendors and new sponsors. For more information visit their website: https://www.sherwoodwinefestival.com/. They are also looking for volunteers.
~ Guests ~
Polly Peterson, Guest Speaker, Newberg Downtown Coalition
Jane Van Kuren, Guest, Sherwood Rotary Club
Julie Fugate, Guest, Tualatin Rotary, Assistant Governor Dist 5100
~ The Rotary Duck ~
Joe: Showed off his juggling skills at the request of Jane Van Kuran. He recalled learning to juggle AND square dance back in 1st grade from his P.E. Teacher.
Mike: Welcomed the guests and noted that he has a connection to Sherwood Rotary as that is where his daughter Verity is a member, but also that she will be moving to Tacoma for work and buying a house there. He also shared that he had surgery biopsy for a lump on his eyelid, finding out that it is a lymphoma and that the prognosis appears to be good but will hear back more next week.
Judy: Mentioned that the grant for Helping Paws Helping People, the project our Interact Club is working on, has been approved. They will be looking for people who have challenges pets help them with, but have an issue affording the proper care for said animals. Next week the Interact President will give a presentation on the project.
Ralph: Noted he has 2,000 KW hrs saved up from his over-producing solar panels. He even uses space heaters to save on gas usage since his panels are making so much energy.
Joe: Shared that the board officially voted Becky Ankeny as the new President-Elect for our club.
Becky: Noted that she is a bit nervous but volunteered out of love for the club, hoping we have patience.
Shannon K: Thanked Becky for the BIG move stepping up into this position.
Joe: Noted that there is an opportunity to contribute to helping fund the Ukraine refugee effort, but did warn us to be conscience about news we absorb as there is always misinformation to beware of. He also shared a thank you from the District for everyone who donated to the effort, which has been very successful to date raising over $118,000. Below are some informational links including how to donate specifically to this effort:
~ Today’s Program: Newberg Downtown Coalition with Polly Peterson ~
Polly Peterson is the Executive Director of the Newberg Downtown Coalition. She shared some history and background revolving around the downtown area of Newberg.
The Newberg Downtown Coalition (NDC) includes a geographic proximity that includes the downtown area (2nd street to the Chehalem Cultural Center, and from River street to Harrison). It is a non-profit organization that is funded through grants, donations and volunteerism. The NDC was created 11 years ago and seeks to promote the downtown area through a focus on the physical assets of the downtown area as well as the people and business owners. The NDC strives to keep the downtown area vibrant, refreshed, and a place for community gathering and business. The NDC Mission Statement reads: “Through physical improvements, events, promotions, and the proper business mix, we will make downtown into a destination that enriches the lives of those who live here and those who visit.” The board is made up of community members and owners of businesses in the downtown area.
Some examples of what they have helped accomplish includes grants for revitalizing the facade of several historic buildings including Chapters Books as well as the Cameo Theatre. They also do work in promotion of Tourism to Newberg and more specifically the Downtown Area. They try to Attract new business and supporting existing businesses through coordination of promotions, events, and collaboration with owners, with the City, and with the Chamber. They have spearheaded and participated in different committees and events aimed at improving and bringing people downtown including First Fridays Art Walk, Wednesday Farmers Markets, Holiday Markets, Light-up Newberg and other events and committees. Polly also mentioned that you can volunteer at the Wednesday Market (starting back up in May), which Michelle and Shannon K both had volunteered at last Fall and said it was a LOT of fun.
She also provided some additional Updates:
- They have recently painted the flower barrels downtown
- They have hosted vaccine clinics and been a hub for getting masks, sanitizer, and other COVID supplies
- They have been pushing their tag line “Downtown is for Everyone.”
- They are working now with the City on a downtown gift card program called “BERG BUCKS” which is a closed loop system modeled after McMinnville. Rather than a gift card that businesses get the money up front, this is like a visa gift card where you load it with funds and can use it at participating businesses. This was partially funded by the City of Newberg through their ARPA Federal Grant Funds.
For more information on the Newberg Downtown Coalition, visit their website at www.newbergdowntown.org/
Check your e-mails for Mike Caruso’s Zoom meeting access information.
~ Joke of the Day ~
Q: Why did the vampire not make a good CEO?
A: Because he could not bear the stakeholders
~ Happy Quotes! ~
“When you support a small business, you are supporting a dream.”
– Unknown
~ Published 3/13/2022: Dan Keuler, Newsletter Editor ~
