RCGC Meeting Recap: Friday, March 25, 2016
By Gerry Kosanovic, President
The first member in the door Friday was Don Klaus, with a caution that turnout for the meeting, because of Spring Break, was bound to be light. Don was spot on – but 40 members and guests enjoyed hearing two fantastic vocationals from new members. We welcome back Dave Zajicek, returning from a month in Arizona, camera in hand, recording pictorial images of the activity. We even had time for “Brag for a Buck,” hearing happy news from members including, but not limited to, Lu Ratzlaff who proudly announced his new status as PapaLu, with new grandchild with another on the way! Now, that’s some happy news!
The meeting began with a spirited Inspirational message from Russ Hedge, then leading the club in the Pledge of Allegiance. Randy Dobson introduced visiting Rotarian, Eric Blackledge (Corvallis). Ron Thiesen introduced his guest Will Later (former Benny Beaver!); Randy Dobson introduced his guest Jason Lara; Russ Hedge introduced his guest Claudia Hamilton; Darin McLemore introduced his daughter, Allison McLemore; John Haroldson introduced his guest, Ryan Joslin (assistant DA).
Randy Dobson provided an update of the membership engagement activity “Third and Goal” designed to help the club reach the Presidential Citation, otherwise known as the club president’s goals. Having reached three goals, I performed an awkward and totally confusing dance entitled “the whip” and I acted out a minute of charades (to get success, if I say so myself). Keep those guests coming and let’s all reach club goals before the end of June!
Announcements:
Service News: Activity has begun on our adopted park (corner of NW 29th and NW Coolidge Way). Becki Goslow circulated a sign-up sheet with stating that April 9th is the next opportunity for beautification. Volunteers must fill out a volunteer form prior to engaging in any work. For more information regarding future service dates, contact Becki: becki.goslow@gmail.com
Service Thanks: A tip of the Rotary hat to President-Elect Judy for taking over and running the meeting last week (while I vacationed and golfed in Cabos, Mexico) even to the point of checking off one of my membership challenge obligations by singing. Truth be told, you were lucky it was not tone-deaf me singing. Thanks Judy – we’re all looking forward to your “Wild Thing” year!
Dolf DeVos conducted the weekly 50/50 raffle to raise funds for our student exchange student, Franziska Maria Saal. Money raised will help fund the annual exchange trip to California. No winner this week – more tickets available next meeting. Let’s build up Franzi’s traveling fund – tickets are 3 for $5.
The Foundation Change Jar is getting heavier – keep bringing your weekly change! Fill the jar to the top!!! Thanks to all who keep the change (and bills) flowing.
Looking for a good time? The annual District Conference (with altitude) will be held in Bend this year, May 6-7-8. Always a rewarding time to enjoy fellowship with Rotarians from the other 71 clubs in District 5110, register today on the District website:
The feature speakers for the meeting were member vocationals. Carla Francis told us that she was born in Oklahoma, she has two children, two grandchildren, and she cares for three dogs – Bently, Lady, and Abbie (grandpuppy). Carla earned a BS in Psychology from Oregon State University and a MS in Social Work from Portland State University. Her work background includes 20 years with the Child Welfare Division of the Department of Human Services. Now retired, Carla is a volunteer with the Assistance League, past President of the Rotary Club of Wednesday morning, a member of the sewing guild and a past President of the Corvallis Uzhhorod Sister City.
Our second vocational speaker was Erica Jensen. A native of Crescent City, California, Erica told us that she was raised by her grandparents, moving to Klamath Falls in the 8th grade (a city that she was not particularly fond of). Erica graduated from Humbolt State University with a degree in Business Administration, with a focus on Accounting. Her first employer was Green Diamond Resource Company, a place that she discovered her “true calling”, working with others who had a strong belief in their work. After working in Financial Statement Auditing, with a move to Sacramento, California, Erica is now a Certified Public Accountant, admittedly happy to be living in Corvallis, and glad to be a member of the club. Erica says that her family calls her Eri, suggesting that her Rotary family can call her Eri, too.
Thanks to you both for sharing your background, life story, and vocational and personal interests with us. Great presentations.
Next Meeting Friday, April 1, 2016 (no fooling!)
Featured Speaker: Dr. Louis Osternig, Professor in the Department of Human Physiology at the University of Oregon – “Concussion Recovery”
