May 12, 2006  Volume 85, Number 46

ROTARY'S FOUR WAY TEST
"Of the things we think, say or do:

1. Is it the TRUTH? 
2. Is it FAIR to all concerned?
3. Will it Build GOODWILL and BETTER FRIENDSHIPS?
4. Will it be BENEFICIAL to all concerned?"

 

opening

 

Greeters:  Dennis Gray, Jack Crabtree

 

Inspirational moment:  Ray Fields

 

Pledge:  John Larsen
INTRODUCTION OF VISITING ROTARIANS & GUESTS 

Scott Chambers noted that “It’s my pleasure to introduce two visiting Rotarians from Madison, New Jersey”.  We warmly greeted Vivian and Bob Bull

Kris Olsen introduced Jim Torgerson, Principal of Patton Middle School and the school’s teacher of the year Cheryl Shockey.

Cindy de las Heras introduced her guest Cathy Bissett

Outbound student Austin Wuellner was introduced by Walt Haight.

Cassie Sollars was introduced by her host Teresa Smith.

 

MEMBER RECOGNITION & ANNOUNCEMENTS

“Good morning (at 12:22 PM),” was our warm (but as-usual erroneous) greeting from Ryan Arzner.  He promptly sat down as there were no birthdays or anniversaries to recognize and President John has asked Ryan to be brief due to our full meeting.

Al Hansen noted that next week we would be filling three spots on the Foundation board.  Nominees are Lee Vasquez, Steve Fitzpatrick, and Al Hansen.  If you wish to make an additional nomination contact Al.

Walt Haight alerted us to the annual Gallery Scholarship Fund Raiser, Saturday (5/20), at 7:00PM.  Various musical and drama presentation will entertain the folks.  These funds allow Gallery to assist several young people every year.

Dan Corrigan (noting “my absences for many of the last weeks”) bragged about three new grandsons within the last 90 days.

MAIN EVENT

Teacher Recognition

Maryalice Russell noted her appreciation to us for our support of our young people (scholarships, Four Way Speech Contest, etc.).  Today’s meeting is a wonderful way to recognize the very outstanding teachers in our schools.  She also thanked Lee Howard for all “of his great behind-the-scenes work to get this meeting organized.”

 

Jim Torgerson, Principal of Patton Middle School introduced Teacher of the Year, Cheryl Shockey, who chairs the Math. Dept., “reaches-out to skateboarders” and consistently “tells me like it is.”   She listed the wide range of student activities at Patton (our Speech Contest, math competitions, athletics, plays, music, a full library of students doing homework with mentors, etc.)  She was quick to note that she represents “all the adults, the very caring adults, at Patton.”

 

Kris Olsen, High School Principal introduced out-bound student Austin Wuellner who was asked by teacher of the year Chris Chennel to be his representative.  Chris was unable to be with us today as he is with his family assisting their mother in moving.  Chris sent a letter expressing his appreciation for this recognition and support.

 

  

Dr. Debra Weiner, Principal of Cook Elementary introduced her school’s Teacher of the Year, Collene Benton whose passion and skills involving linking children with books must be legendary.  She has been in the District for 29 years, 21 of the years at Cook.

 

Columbus Principal, Pattie Waltz introduced her Teach of the Year, Theresa Bixler.  Theresa’s parents are both former teachers in our schools.  She has been at Columbus for 9 years.  Theresa coaches track and advises the chess club.  Theresa was quick to acknowledge the great influence “of several of my former teachers who are in the room”.  She was honored to receive a Ford Family Foundation grant to enable her to successfully acquire National Teacher Certification.  She thanked us on behalf of all teachers in her school.
 

Bruce Waltz, Memorial Elementary Principal introduced his Teacher of the Year, Connie Fasara.

She is an international teacher having taught in Austria and Belgium and has taught about every elementary grade.  Bruce noted how she is very inspirational to kids, parents and her colleagues.  Connie observed that, “We honor our children when we honor those who work with them.”  And, “You should know that I have twice chosen to live in McMinnville” and expressed her appreciation for our schools and quality of life. 
 

Austin Wuellner came forward to accept the plaque and honorarium on behalf of high school teacher Chris Chennel along with the rest of the group.

Maryalice Russell concluded our recognition of these fine teachers with a note of her appreciation. The Club gave each teacher a plaque and $50 honorarium. 

CLOSING

President John closed our meeting observing how much he had appreciated studying Oregon history in his fourth grade year. 

After John encouraged us all to vote in the May 16 election, Linda Stevenson noted that she had just returned from Ecuador where those who do not vote lose their citizenship rights. 

 

 

Art Bradley reported on the District Convention—“a really great time.”  He called on Austin for his observations.  “It was an awesome four days—I met in-bounds from all over the world.  I really did not realize how many out-bounds and in-bounds our District sponsors.  I made some great and sure-to-last-long friends from all across the world.”

 President John led us in our closing recitation of The Four-Way Test. 

 

Photos by Ray Fields
Text by Frank Bumpus
Edited for the web by Ray Fields

Did you miss this meeting and need a makeup?   Here is a list of places that you can makeup on the web.

"When meeting day comes around, I do not have to decide whether to attend or not, for that has already been decided for me . . . it was one of the obligations I accepted when I joined Rotary." -- A Rotarian

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