Guest Editorial

I thought this letter from one of our frequent visiting Rotarians hits home, especially in light of the fires that have devastated much of Central Washington, and related to this year's RI theme, "Light Up Rotary"
Jim A.

For many without options; without hope; mired in struggles and overcome by the darkness and depression of overwhelming circumstances, the collective efforts of RI Clubs are a Light of Hope, shinning for the world to see. 

"Let us consider how to inspire each other to greater love and to righteous deeds, not forgetting to gather as a community, as some have forgotten, but encouraging each other, especially as the day of His return approaches." - Hebrews 10:24-25 (The Voice)

These Old Testament verses contain the truth behind Rotary success.  In making our commitment to 'Service Above Self', our goals cannot be just about the final outcomes of our projects.  Don't get me wrong, our projects and programming have great impacts on a global scale. But, our focus needs also to be on our fellow Rotarian.  It matters not that they be new or experienced, excited or exhausted all of us hold a piece of the puzzle through which the solution peace can be found.  It is up to 'us', collectively, to ensure that enroute to the big project successes, that we remember that our strength is in our unity of purpose and unity of fellowship.

Since the founding of Rotary in February 1905, the legacy of the 'World's Oldest Service Organization' has been inspiration to both those seeking positive change and those seeking to deliver the opportunity for positive change.  I have been very fortunate to see some of the many configurations that this inspiration takes, within our Rotary community, in my visitations to clubs around North Central Washington and beyond.

We are very blessed to have many inspiring mentors in both our club and in Area 6. I invite you to engage them and find yourself empowered to discover a new, deeper value and appreciation of Rotary.  In doing so, our collective Lights of Hope can shine brighter and further than we can imagine.

This week, let us be Rotarians: United. Empowered. Inspired.

Yours In Rotary,
Dan Moody
RC Leavenworth
509-237-6412

Jonas Returns

Jonas Vester, our 2012-13 youth exchange student from Germany, surprised us with a visit Tuesday.  He is doing well, and gave a brief talk about his plans.  He presented our club with a banner from the local Rotary club in his hometown.

Program - Peachland Friendship Exchange

The group of our members that traveled to Peachland, BC a couple weeks ago, showed pictures and talked about their experiences while hosted by the Peachland members.  Their trip included lots of fun, fellowship, and food. The first evening was a hosted potluck by their club members. Most of the next day was spent visiting local wineries, and having lunch at a local restaurant, with afternoon time to explore the surrounding area.  We attended the Peachland RC meeting on Thursday before heading home.

Our members that participated were Jim & Carol Adamson, Patty & Heath Rush, Mansour & Linda Ravassipour, and Wayne & Karen Massing. Members of the Peachland club were hosted by our members last December.

Social to Host District Governor

Check out the info below to get detail of the Rotary potluck on Aug. 7.  A fun video will be created to "Happy" that will be incorporated into a PR Youtube of Rotary events and projects around the area.

If you want to join the dance, check out the link to "Happy: at

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=y6Sxv-sUYtM

New Members Inducted

Membership Chair Erin McCool gave the charge to three new members last week and this week.  Inducted were Norm Sturm (sponsored by Jim Adamson), Erin Cass (sponsored by Lisa Tidd), and Dirk Horton, who is transferring back                                                      Erin McCool & Norm Sturm
to or club from the Wenatchee Club.  New members were given their pin, member welcome packet, a Rotary license plate frame, and the traditional club welcome.

  Erin Cass, Taro Masuda, & Dirk Horton                             

Program Summer Adventure Program

Brenda Abney, director of the Wenatchee Valley Museum & Cultural Center (WVMCC), introduced educator Selina Danks and technician Marriah Thornock who gave the program on the Summer Adventure Program put n by the WVMCC.  This program is an educational enrichment program for kids grades 1-7.  The program lasts 9 weeks.  There is also a special 3-day camp for 75 under served kids that focuses on science.  Observers and volunteers are welcome.

RI News

Check out these news links.  They show the local news coverage given the 2014 RI Convention in Sydney, and the END POLO NOW effort.

SBS News re: Convention: Watch SBS News Report 

Bridge Record/Polo: Watch Rotary / BridgeClimb World Record Video

Thanks, Wayne, for these links.

Light Up Rotary

Carol took over the reigns today as a new Rotary year begins.  This year's theme is "Light Up Rotary", which was selected by RI President Gary Huang of Taiwan.  After Carol's entrance as the "queen", Alan presented her the President's pin.  Carol presented Jordan Carrell with a Treasurer's pin.

Revised club Bylaws were reviewed and approved by the club, and Jordan discussed the budget.  If you want a hard copy of the budget, contact Jordan or Carol and they can email you one.  Jordan announced that the Century Bike Ride netted over $33,000.  Way to go team!

In other business, Bill McDowell will set up a TGIS at Tom Utigard's orchard sometime this month, and Tom invited members to come to his orchard (milepost 209 on Alt. Hwy 97) to get unpicked cherries.

The winners of the raffle (each received $100) were Mansour Ravassipour, Don Sangster, Erik Holmberg, and Jim Adamson.

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Program - RI Convention

Wayne Massing (our president-elect) gave a summary of his trip to the RI Convention in Sydney, Australia. 18,000 Rotarians attended from 171 countries.  The convention featured time for service projects, bridge walks, plenary sessions, and 90 breakout sessions to choose from.  Wayne talked about some of the discussion topics in sessions he attended, and related them to our club visioning goals.
Wayne and wife Karen met many people, and took advantage of the free transportation system to surrounding areas during the trip.

Kwan Leaves for Home

Kwan, our youth exchange student from Taiwan, headed home Monday morning.  The trip will take almost 24 hours for her.  Kwan really matured in the months here, both in social skills and in her English skills.  She enjoyed her time here, and got to experience many things in her travels throughout the district and the western US.  Thanks to Taro for being the YE Chair, Joan for being Kwan's club counselor, and Brian Thorpe (and wife Larisa) for hosting Kwan the last several months.  Thanks to all our members who took her to coffee, lunch, dinner, etc.