Left to right, Mike, Bob, Dale and Corey help assemble gift bags.
Last week’s meeting brought on a sudden “My Rotary Moment” for me. First, there was listening to the three high school speakers talk about the “life changing” difference our club made by helping make a visit to our nation’s capital possible. Then, after seeing many club members stay after lunch to help stuff holiday gift bags for kids, it just really struck me how much good our club does in the community and the wide variety of causes we support. Kudos to you, club members!
Some 700 gift bags were assembled after lunch last week.
Bethany Rittenhouse from Newberg High School introduced us to the “Close Up” program, which allows any student who speaks English as a second language to take a week-long trip to Washington D.C. to learn about our government. The cost runs about $2000, and participants have to fund their own trip. Last year, there were 10 applicants and 6 were able to go. Among them were our speakers: juniors Jesica and Carina Baca and sophomore Yazmin Uribe. (By the way, Jesica and Carina are also volunteer counselors at Newberg’s Peace Village summer day camp.)
Bethany Rittenhouse introduces the “Close Up” program.
Each girl was asked about the highlights and the surprises of the trip. Comments included visiting the Jefferson Monument and the Holocaust Museum, meeting students from across the country, meeting Rep. Suzanne Bonamici and Sen. Jeff Merkley, finding out how a bill becomes law, and discovering that D.C. drivers honk a lot!
Left to right, Carina Baca, Yazmin Uribe and Jesica Baca talk about their visit to Washington D.C.
Besides our speakers, our guest was newlywed and soon-to-be-member Dan Keuler from the City of Newberg. Past prez Jim McMcMaster had to duck out right after lunch to get the Christmas tree for the upcoming lighting ceremony on Dec. 2. Be sure you have this date on your calendar! (And thanks, Jim.)
On Wednesday, Dec. 7, you are invited to attend a special Retirement Reception for Spike Sumner from 3-5pm in the Ruth Cafe at Providence Newberg Hospital. Light refreshments and cake will be provided. And at 3:30pm there will be a few speakers. All are invited to congratulate and honor Spike in his retirement!
Todd Engle is soliciting ideas on how the club and our meetings can be more meaningful/fun for you. If you have something you’d like to share, give him a buzz.
