RCGC Meeting Recap: Friday, November 13, 2015 By Gerry Kosanovic
We recognized and honored Veterans at this meeting, with pianist extraordinaire Stan Baker pounding out a Patriotic Medley of service songs on the piano. Starting first with Coast Guard anthem (not well known, as evidenced by the uneven singing), followed by the songs of the Air Force, Army, Navy, and Marines. Club veterans stood to appreciative applause for their service in defending our freedom.
The meeting was called to order with Jim Swinyard providing an impromptu Inspirational moment (with appreciation to Jim for stepping up to the plate, and apologies to Joseph Bailey for misreading agenda script—see below). Tom Nelson then introduced visiting Rotarians John McArdle from the Club of After Five, Patty Nevue, from the Club of Monmouth/Independence, and Pete Sekermestrovich from the Club of Corvallis (feeling quite at home with our singing). We also welcomed Rotarian guests Claudia Hamilton, guest of Russ Hedge, Ali Bonakdar, guest of Charlie Mitchell, and Jason Lara, guest of Brian Augustine.
Announcements:
Service Recognition: Appreciation and thanks to those all club members that worked at the Pastega Holiday Light Display. It is truly a gift to the community and this year’s display is bigger and better than ever. Contact Kathleen Hutchinson if you can volunteer for work that still needs to be done.
Service Recognition: Andy Tucknott presented the Rotary Citizen-Scholar-Athlete awards to two Crescent Valley High School students on Tuesday night. Club members that wish to help select the Corvallis High School recognized students should plan to stay after the meeting to assist. It will take 15 minutes or so and the more the merrier!
Brian Augustine donated his time to the Boy’s and Girl’s Club, holding Mock Interviews to high school students, members of the Keystone Club. Thanks for your service, Brian.
Mike Sheets donated two tickets to Woman’s Basketball and four tickets to Men’s Basketball, asking that we auction them off with donor proceeds directed to the PolioPlus Foundation. The successful bids were $20 and $40 – thanks Mike for your generosity.
Dolf De Vos announced that opportunities for the PRAFFLE – our football fundraiser for the PolioPlus Foundation, still exist. The next winner will receive club tickets to the Beaver home game with Washington, with the PRAFFLE prize money donated in the name of the member with the winning score.
Glenda Baker promoted the upcoming Holiday Party that will be held at the Country Club on Thursday, December 17th. Mark your calendars! Register for the Holiday Party NOW! Simply follow the directions in the club’s website: https://www.rotarygreatercorvallis.org
Patty Nevue, invited members to support their Rotary project by ordering a Rum Cake – still available for the holidays. Contact Patty: E-mail rumcake@mirotaryclub.org
Becki Goslow promoted ticket sales to the Assistance League’s Winter Eve function on December 4th. Contact Becky for more information: becki.goslow@gmail.com
Tom Wirth introduced our featured speakers for the day, Willie Elfering and Donald Phillips.
Willie is the Military and Veteran’s Resources Advisor at Oregon State University and Donald is the President of the OSU Veterans and Family Student Association. Their mission is to provide support to military service members, veterans and their families by assisting them in navigating the requirements of higher education and ensuring their awareness of available benefits and services. Willie told us that that they serve approximately 755 veterans on campus, with a total of 1,300 when including Ecampus and the Bend campus. Of these, approximately 80% are male and 20% are female, with only 15% traditionally aged college students. About ½ are married and ½ of the veterans have children. 62% of the veterans are first-generation students. Donald told us that his goal is to ensure quality service for veterans. He is working on grant applications to provide funding for dedicated tutoring and other transitional support for OSU veterans. We thank them both for their work and service to country.
Concluding the meeting, Joseph Bailey was given the opportunity to deliver his Inspirational moment, having been regrettably overlooked at the beginning. However, in the end, it was a superb closure with a heartfelt message commemorating the service of all veterans whose love of country was first and foremost their motivation to serve.
The meeting ended with OSU Beaver and UofO Duck football predictions. Last week’s prediction by Stan Baker of 22-10 UCLA upset was not to be. This week, Brian Augustine boldly predicted that the Beavers would defeat Cal in Berkeley, 23-17.
Duck Alum Gerry Kosanovic last week predicted that Oregon would defeat Cal by a score of 44-28. The final score? Ducks 44, Cal 28! This week Oregon travels to #7 ranked Stanford. Gerry’s prediction? Duck will defeat the Cardinals, 38 – 35.
Next Week, November 20: Member Vocationals! This is the last meeting until December 4 – so be prepared for spirited Civil War conversation and predictions! Wear your Colors!
