Meeting Photos
Photos are posted here in slideshow format. Click on a gallery to view the slideshow with captions.
MEETING: December 11, 2019
Greeters: Wendy Bennett and Dave Morrison
Inspiration: Carl Wilson
Sergeant at Arms: Chris Matthews
AV Team: Lily Morgan
This meeting featured a presentation from the Oregon Community Foundation. OCF is the largest foundation in Oregon, with a mission to improve the lives of all Oregonians through the power of philanthropy. Founded in 1973 with $63,000, OCF’s assets are now more than $2.3 billion. The organization currently manages more than 2,995 charitable funds that award grants and/or scholarships. Last year, OCF distributed approximately $110 million in grants and scholarships statewide. OCF multiplies its impact throughout the state thanks to more than 1,800 volunteers. The statewide foundation has five regional offices that work to serve every corner of Oregon. Your Southern Oregon office serves Jackson, Josephine, Klamath, and Lake Counties.
Josephine County residents who currently serve on OCF’s volunteer leadership council include: Hyla Lipson, Steve Roe, Shad Shriver and Josh Welch. Josephine County residents who have served on OCF’s volunteer leadership council in the past include: Barbara Bean, Ken Behymer, Carol Clark-Mayfield, James Dole, Carolyn Kohn, Sally Spalding, Chuck Womer and Catherine Wood. Chuck Womer and Patti Hansen currently serve as OCF grant evaluators from Josephine County.
Today’s meeting saw the presentation of OCF grants to the following organizations:
- $20,000 to the Grants Pass Rotary Club Foundation to improve local literacy rates, kindergarten-readiness, and cognitive development by providing one book per month to children ages 0-5 in Josephine County in partnership with the Dolly Parton Imagination Library. (Robert H. and Barbara S. Bean Fund, John S. and Frances W. Winslow Fund)
- $8,000 to the Josephine County Foundation to create campus closets – with donated clothing, school supplies, and toiletries for low-income students – at two new sites: Josephine County’s Three Rivers School District and Jackson County’s Rogue River High School. (Olsrud Family Fund, Robert H. and Barbara S. Bean Fund, John S. and Frances W. Winslow Fund)
- $50,000 to the Mid Rogue Foundation for construction of Foundry Village in Grants Pass, a tiny house community that will provide short term housing and case management services for individuals and families experiencing homelessness (modeled after Hope Village in Medford). (Robert H. and Barbara S. Bean Fund, Betty Lou Roberts Fund, Collyer Hitchcock Family fund, Gloria J. Lyon Fund)
- $12,000 to White Oak Farm and Education Center for a pilot program delivering school garden education to the Three Rivers School District in Josephine County, providing hands-on experiences at the farm in science, nutrition, art, and environmental literacy. (Olsrud Family Fund, John S. and Frances W. Winslow Fund)
- $2,500 to the Latino Partnership Program – College Dreams to support the launch of a mentoring program that will partner members of the Josephine County business community with Latinx students to improve cultural sensitivity and understanding in the workplace while providing the opportunity for students to gain knowledge and skills related to local business activities. (Latino Partnership Fund)
Entertainment provided by Grants Pass High School’s Sounds Unlimited choral group.
PHOTOS: July 24, 2019
MEETING: July 24, 2019
Greeters: Bill Ertel and Tim Hower
Inspiration: Rich Acosta
Sergeant at Arms: Terry Soeteber
AV Team: Tamra
Local waste disposal firm Southern Oregon Sanitation presented a 10-minute video on plastic recycling and disruptions to its markets. SOS also talked about how they handled these recycling market changes, our new curbside mix, how to recycle properly, tools to help, and the importance of reduce and reuse. The presentation concluded with a Q & A session.
PHOTOS: July 17, 2019
MEETING: July 17, 2019
Greeters: Tina Gotchall and Terry Soeteber
Song & Pledge: Chris Cauble
Inspiration: Dennis Roler
Sergeant at Arms: Hyla Lipson
We were visited by Teddy Abrams, Musical Director and Conductor for the Britt Festival Orchestra. Abrams is a widely acclaimed conductor, as well as an established pianist, clarinetist and composer. The 2019 season marks the sixth year of his tenure as Music Director of the Louisville Orchestra and Music Director and Conductor of the Britt Festivals Orchestra. He also serves as Resident Conductor of the MAV Symphony Orchestra in Budapest, which he first conducted in 2011. Britt Festivals was gracious enough to bring four reserve seating tickets for the orchestra season and a backstage tour for us to use as we saw fit. We auctioned them off and raised $700 for Polio Plus.
PHOTOS: July 10, 2019
MEETING: July 10, 2019
Greeters: Ryan Hess and Jeff Sigel
Song & Pledge: Sanne Specht
Inspiration: Carmela Brust
Sergeant at Arms: Hyla Lipson
AV Team: Rich Acosta
Today marked the annual kick off for the Rotary Duck Derby. The Rogue Rotary Duck Derby began in 2003. Since then, over $1.5 million dollars has been raised for local projects. The projects are always connected to kids – hence the phrase “Quacking For Kids!” This is an “all hands on deck” sort of project. Sell Ducks! Promote the event! Have fun!
PHOTOS: July 3, 2019
MEETING: July 3, 2019
Greeters: Kevin Clark an Tamara Martint
Song & Pledge: Doug Croskell
Inspiration: Rochelle Gauthier-Von Raesfeld
Sergeant at Arms: Rob Brandes
AV Team: Lawton Lesueur
Bill Thorp’s first full meeting as club president.
Club assembly. President Bill shared his goals for the year and introduced his board and directors. Each director called on their committee chairs to give a brief overview of their committees. In addition, there was clipboard for committee signups on the table near the back door. It’s good to be involved!
PHOTOS: June 26, 2019
MEETING: June 26, 2019
Greeters: Ruth Berkey and Wendy Bennett
Song & Pledge: Chris Matthews
Inspiration: Keith Heck
Sergeant at Arms: Ryan Hess
AV Team: Lawton Lesueur
Jean Zech-Manhart’s final meeting as club president.J Thanks, Jean, for a great year!
August 8
August 8
Pat Fahey Sgt at Arms, Peggy & Mary fairgrounds update, Peggy fairgrounds update, Lily gives a Jo Co update, Marion fellowship update.
August 1
August 1
President Jean thanks Chuck for his presentation, Chuck Rund gives 2018 Election Overview.
July 25
July 18
July 11
July 18
SOU President Dr. Linda Schott telling us about happenings at SOU. Our new Assistant District Governor Jim Polk graced us with a visit.
June 27
June 20
Chris Mecca was our impromptu Sgt-at-Arms. President Cynthia presented a Paul Harris Award to her husband Tom, and welcomed Chris Cauble into the Paul Harris Society. B Wishes entertained us with her music.
June 13
May 30
We were treated to an excellent Cello solo by Charlie Jarvis, a 9th grader at Grants Pass High School. He won the state championship in cello this year. Sister Julie was with him today, and they both sang for us at Christmas with Sounds Unlimited. Jenny Morin described her international travels with her traveling companion Tom.
May 16
Rob Peil presented our inspiration on the essence of life and free hugs. Our visiting interact students preent a check to Polio Plus. Outbound exchange students David Schmidt and Lucy Roberts talked about their upcoming visits to Germany and Thailand, respectively, and were congratulated by President Cynthia and Ann Bauer.
May 9
Rob Brandes was our Sgt. at Arms. Our Student of the Year was Hadley Goodnow, a 5th grade student from Williams Elementary School. She was introduced by her principal Steve Fuller, and is shown with her parents Tina Wright and Steve Fuller. Jim McCafferty joins the Polio Plus Society, and Cameron Camp presented the program on cyber security.
May 2
The Sgt at Arms highlighted the Rotarians who had participated in the Rotary Track Meet as athletes over the years. The program was presented by the Group Study Exchange visitors from Guatemala.
Apr 25
Pat Fahey and the Faheyettes lead us in a rendition of “Itsey Bitsey Spider”. Today’s Student of the Year is fifth grade student Ebonnie Hays from Riverside School, introduced by her principle Rob Henderson. Her parents are Ginger and Jeff Hayes. Our Sgt at Arms was Terry Soeteber. Members of the Grants Pass High School were there to promote the upcoming track meet, and James Boston presented some facts about Polio Plus during breaks in the Polio Plus Pie Auction.
April 11
Student of the Year is Meira Rice from North Middle School. Tim Dwyer receives a Paul Harris +3 Award.
April 18
Chris Monroe assisted Al Francis with the song and pledge. Our Student of the Year was Sydney Moore, an eighth grader from Fleming Middle School. She posed with her parents Travis and Vickie Moore. Bob Sitov urges us to mark down our hat size and get ready for the track meet. Chris Mecca performs another true/false quiz. We had a 2 part program, with Chris Monroe presenting his vocational followed by a presentation by Kate Lasky and Rebecca Stoltz on the Imanigination Library. Kate and Rebecca then pose with Dolly Parton, who is responsible for initiating the program nationwide.
April 4
Student of the Year Emma Catania is an eighth grade student at Lincoln Savage Middle School Her parents are Brent and Stephanie Smith Emma was introduced by her principal Mark Higgins. Sergent at Arms Barbera Bean’s subject was things we have learned from our spouse. Ann Bauer presented a $2000 check to our outbound student to Thailand. President Cynthia presented Ann Rusk with a Polio Plus Society certificate, and Catherine Healy with her Blue Badge. Chuck Rund introduced our speakers Chris Mecca and Buck Baker, who gave a very entertaining presentation of their trip to Antarctica.
Mar 21
Today’s Student of the Year is Grace MacDonald-Clark from South Middle School. She was be introduced by her principal Jeff Weiss. Two new members, Wendy Bennett and Cheryl Brown, sponsored by Gabrielle DiMatteo and Ann Bauer, were welcomed into the club. Ben Smith and Julie Thomas shared their vocationals.
Mar 28
The inspiration was presented by Rob Pelle, and Terry Soeteber was our Sergent at Arms. William Brust received his blue badge, and posed with his wife Carmen. son Sam, and Pres. Cynthia. The program on Dog Behavior was presented by JP Barrett and his assistant, Bama.
Mar 7
The Inspirational was presented by Jim Dyck. Rotary Student of the Year is Levin Cynor-Ford from Fruitdale Elementary School. He is introduced by his Principal Heather Yount. Benjamin was welcomed into the Polio Plus Society, and Greg Roe received his blue badge. Ourspeaker Kate Lasky discussed how the recent tax measure has benefitted the county library.
Mar 14
Rotary Student of the Year is Ella Bolen from Fort Vannoy Elementary. She was introduced by her Principal Alica Tims and Teacher MaryRae. Nelson Mailer inspires us with his story about reignighting the Rotary Flame. Pat Fahey and Kate Lasky talk about joining the Library District. Gabrielle Cunningham and Jennifer Wheatly from Dutch Brothers Love Abounds Foundation came to award the Club money for PolioPlus. Stewart Whittemore presented a program on Suicide and Depression
Feb 21
In a reference to a disruption last week, Chris Mecca started the meeting requesting that those who are legally parked should all sit down. No, Marty Bauer is not kissing Bill Ertel. Sgt at Arms Cherryl Walker reminded us that this is the anniversary of our club’s founding. Rotary Student of the Year is Owen Hull from Lincoln Elementary. He is introduced by his Principal Missy Fitzsimmons. Catherine Healy and William Brust presented their vocationals.
Feb 28
Samantha McLean presented the inspiration. Rotary Student of the Year is Bradley Quist from Sunny Wolf Charter School. He is introduced by his Principal Penelope DiGennero. President Cynthia introduced the latest new member Dana Thorp-Patterson sponsored by Bill Thorp. Jennifer Morin, introduced by Fred Borngasser, filled in for In-N-Out Burger, presenting a progam on getting Organized.
Feb 14th Rotary recognized Applegate Student of the Year Maria Cross who was introduced by her teacher Michele Daw and accompanied by her Parents and Principal Steve Fuller. Also Applegate Student of the Year Max Vidlak who was accompanied by his parents, Grand Parents and principle Steve Fuller. Rotary President Cynthia Haralson presented the student of the Year Award along with a bag of goodies. G’Pa Duck was feeling the love as he Celebrated Valentines Day in his nifty heart glasses. Hyla Lipson talked about what’s happening with the GP Museum of Art and introduced Kristen O’Neill who gave the club a short 30,000 year art history lesson.
Jan 24:
Terry Soeterber used his Sergeant at Arms platform to provide a remembrance of Dan Hughes. Owen Boersma from Highland Elementary School is introduced as this week’s Student of the Year. President Cynthia presented a Polio Plus Society Certificate to Josh Balloch. Today’s program was vocationals. Susan Seereiter introduced Melissa Hays and Lawton Lesueur introduced Greg Roe.
Feb 7th Meeting Pictures – Information Coming Soon!
Jan 17:
Chloe DeCourcey from Manzamota is introduced as this week’s Student of the Year. Mike Peil receives his multiple Paul Harris award. Summer Ashley thanks Rotary for making her exchange to Japan possible. Our speaker Noah Strycker tells of his quest to set the record for the most bird species to be observed in a single year.
Jan 3: President Cynthia introduces Sgt at Arms Tim Dwyer. This week’s Student of the Year is Angel Sandoval from Madrona Elementary School. Ann Bauer wins the gift basket and Richard Acosta’s snowflake from the drawing benefiting Polio Plus.
Jan 10: President Cynthia presents “thank you” collection to the Wild River Pub service staff, and introduces Student of the Year Chloe Daywitt from Allendale Elementary. District Governor Claudette McWilliams welcomes new members Benjamin Smith and William Bruss, then presents her update on what’s happening in the District. She presents a Presidential Citation to Nelson Maler for an outstanding 2016-17 Rotary Year.
Jan 9: District Governor Claudette McWilliams meets with the Board of Directors and Committee Chairs.
Dec 27: Song Leader Kathy Chelminiak called on all of the Past Presidents to help say farewell to the old year. Pat Fahey’s Inspiration was a remeberance of Dan Hughes who passed away this past week. Hyla Lipson introduced author Leslie Compton. Leslie discussed her book about Teddy Roosevelt’s Great White Fleet, after which she was thanked by President Cynthia.
Dec 20: Song leader Terall Blalock leads us in an inspiring rendition of “have a Holly Jolly Christmas”, Bill Ertel adds his Christmas inspiration, and Rob Brandes further inspires us to listen to each other this Christmas. If that wasn’t enough inspiration, the Sounds Unlimited from Grants Pass High School entertained us with the annual Christmas music performance, after new member Julie Thomas, sponsored by Nelson Maler, was presented her Red Badge.
Dec 6: Sergeant at Arms Chris Mecca complained that he never gets his picture taken. He actually does, but maybe he doesn’t know it because, as you can see, he is not watching! Don Porter presents winners of the Paul Harris Duck Race, and Megan Pratt receives her certificate for the Polio Plus Society. Terry Soeteber, former Juvenile Justice Director, introduced our speaker Jim Goodwin, the present Director.
Nov 1: George Trahern receives his blue badge, Rob Brandes conducts an election of the worst Halloween treats, and speaker Scott Stoddard does a presentation on the Grants Pass Daily Courier.
Oct 4: Polio Plus Pie Auction, with Chris Cauble the winner. Dennis Roler presents the Duck Derby report, awarding checks to the beneficiaries and thanking our sponsors.
Sep 20: Fred Borngasser is honored for his last place finish in the Paul Harris Duck Race, Rob Pelle gives us a lesson in understanding reality, and Officer Donaghy explains the new cell phone law. Returning exchange student Maya tells of her time in Germany. Nelson Maler is presented an honorary diploma.
Dec 13: Rotary Exchange Students Anna Mohrmann and age Ashley talked about their experiences. They were introduced by Ann Bauer, and exchanged banners with President Cynthis. Anna is an inbound student from Germany, while Ashley was an outbound student to France. Ashley also introduced her parents, who were present in the audience.
Nov 15: Veteran Harry Mackin from Rogue Gateway Rotary honored our Veterans.
Nov 8: Lawton Lesuer and David Morrison receive their Blue Badges and Catherine Healy receives her Polio Plus Society Certificate. Our speaker, Chief Bill Landis, is introduced by Terry Soeteber. After his presentation on Grants Pass Public Safety, President Cynthia presents Chief Landis with a the speakers gift, a water cup in recognition of Rotary’s commitment to clean water.
Oct 25: Terrall Blalock and crew lead the song. Pick your favorite Terall picture. Cherryl presents our inspiration, Timari Davis and Megan Pratt get their blue badges, and Timari also receives her Polio Plus Society certificate. Nelson answers questions on Polio Plus. Josh and Lawton present their vocationals.
Sep 27: New member Melissa Hays, sponsored by Susan Seereiter. President Cynthia presents certificates to club members who won Duck Derby Prizes. Chris Cauble and Megan Pratt presented their vocationals, introduced by their sponsors Fred Borngasser and Timari Davis.
Sep 13: Kevin Widdison, introduced by Barbara Bean, made a presentation on the Food Bank.
Sept 6: Don Porter promotes the Paul Harris Duck Race, Ruth Berkey reported on duck sales to date, and Bill Thorp presented a Rotary Moment. Roy Lindsey introduce the speaker, Carrie Prechtel, who discussed the 211 Health and Social Services information service.