RCGC Meeting Recap: Friday, January 15, 2016
By Gerry Kosanovic, President
It was Club Business Day featuring great vocationals! The rain continues to fall and El Nino has yet to provide the “mild and dry” weather that erstwhile climatologist George Taylor predicted, but it’s still winter – and still wet. Andrea Myhre introduced and welcomed visiting Rotarian Pete Sekermestrovich, as well Liv Gifford, guest of Anissa Arthenayake, and guest Alison Riley guest of Kate Lacey.
Announcements:
Service Thanks: An energetic group of Rotarians met to discuss submitting a Young Professionals Summit Grant to Rotary International. The group will meet on Wednesdays, submitting a grant application before the February 12 deadline.
Service Thanks: The Membership Engagement Committee, led by Michele Kellison, hosted a fellowship get-together of the 100% club – members with combined meeting and service totaling 100% of club meeting dates.
Service Thanks: A tip of the club hat to volunteers that helped make Celebrate Corvallis a successful event. Mike & Judy Corwin extend an enthusiastic Chamber thank you to: Jeff Davis, Becki Goslow, Michele Davis, Jenny Boughman, Joseph Bailey, Stan & Glenda Baker, Jim & Janet Swinyard, Erica Jensen, and Kate Lacey. Quoting Judy: “Rotarians are wonderful – they pitched in and did a great job!” Also, thanks to the OSU Rotaract Club for valet parking – they collected $214 in tips for their designated charity. Also, congratulations to Andrea Thornberry, crowned Future First Citizen by Lorena Reynolds.
Jeff Davis is seeking volunteers for Rotary Week at the Men’s Shelter. If you would like to help on day next week (Jan 25 – 31) contact Dan Hallgrimson: prdan@comcast.net
Kathi Hutchinson awarded Paul Harris pins with multiple stones to Al Hutchinson, Mike Sheets, and Lee Eckroth. Thanks to all three for supporting the Rotary Foundation and contributing to the good work accomplished with donations. We also rolled out a new foundation fundraiser – collected change for the 5-gallon container. The goal is to fill up the container no later than June – SO BRING YOUR CHANGE TO THE MEETING EVERY WEEK! GIVE CHANGE TO MAKE CHANGE. Empty those piggy banks, bring your loose change – fill up the jug!
Ben Danley reminded members of the Membership Engagement Activity. You will be asked to have coffee – then you will have a coffee (or happy hour) meeting with others. See attached list of members.
Erica Jensen was inducted as the newest member of the club. Her sponsor, Travis Harper, displayed leadership qualities with her introduction. Welcome to the Rotary Club of Greater Corvallis, Erica. Members are encouraged to introduce themselves.
The featured speakers were Andrea Myhre and Anissa Arthenayake. Both members provided entertaining and informative vocationals. Andrea first spoke of her small town Montevideo, Minnesota roots. She is a graduate of Hamline University with graduate work accomplished at Oregon State University (she is a Piper and a Beaver). She and her former husband were Peace Corps volunteers in Mongolia, living in a yurt and enjoying the local culture. She said that she is now a single mom of two wonderful children, volunteering and engaged in community affairs. Andrea is the Grants Officer for Jackson Street Youth Shelter.
Next up was Anissa who began with the slogan: It is what it is. Anissa was born in Toledo, Ohio, later moving to Roseburg and Sutherland, Oregon. She attended Southern Oregon University where she met and then married Kavida Arthenayake. After a brief stay in Oshkosh, Wisconsin, Medford, Oregon, and Lacey, Washington (avoiding naked neighbors), the family, now with two children, landed in Corvallis with their very gentle greyhound who likes to jump out of second story windows. Anissa is employed with Citizen’s Bank. Thanks to you both for great vocational presentations.
The annual “Bragging Rights College Bowl Mania” winner Joseph Bailey was awarded his trophy and certificate. Ben Danley, having the lowest score of all club participants, was awarded a “Top Bottom Feeder” certificate.
Next Meeting –Friday, January 18th with Benton County Commissioners.
BRING CHANGE! Give Change to Make Change – Support the Rotary Foundation.
