Elva Salinas-Garcia was the sole greeter this week. Russ Rainwater provided the inspirational moment and Steve Fitzpatrick led us in the Pledge of Allegiance.

 

Russ had a small slate of birthdays and anniversaries to announce.  He did mention that Jon Triest is celebrating a birthday.   Jon is currently in a battle with cancer, and our thoughts and best wishes go out to him.  Russ encouraged everyone to drop him a line to say “hello” and to wish him a happy birthday.

 

Erin Stephenson announced that First Federal was conducting a rose promotion as a way of thanking their valued customers.  Here is a clip from the First Federal website:

“Our roots run deep in Yamhill County…thanks to you! Please stop by your local branch between March 2nd and 6th to pick up a bare root rose as a thank you for your continued business. These plants have been selected by renowned local rose breeder Ping Lim to grace your garden and help us show our gratitude

 

Steve Battaglia announced that a big birthday party for his daughter Gia (her 17^th) would be held right here in the Ballroom. He also announced that he will be Chair of the “Concert in the Park” series in 2009.  The City of McMinnville has requested that additional volunteers be provided to monitor the events and to ensure proper clean-up afterwards.  Steve invited anyone who is interested to join his team.
 

President Chuck Pattishall made several announcements:

• The Interact Club from the High School will be sponsoring a dance on the 13^th, and that chaperones are needed.
• Construction of the Rotary Flagpole at the Adams Street/Baker Street split will be starting shortly.  A computer-enhanced “photo” of the final product was circulated around the room.
• Chuck asked that members dig out their spare change and donate it to the Pennies For Polio program. 
• Chuck announced that MaryAlice Russell’s husband, David, recently died unexpectedly of a stroke

Chuck Pattishall and Brent Adams spent a few minutes talking about the Guatemala Dental/Medical trip, from which they just returned.  The trip was a great success, and a detailed account of the project will be presented at a future meeting.  This reporter privately noted that both Brent and Chuck appear slightly thinner than before the trip, an observation that was validated by their admission that they inadvertently “drank the water” during the trip, with predictable results!

Edwina Castle was inducted into the McMinnville Rotary Club by Past-President Dan Gardner.  Accompanying Edwina was her sponsor, Lynda Wiegan.  Dan spent a few moments speaking about the good works performed by Rotarians worldwide, including the fight to eradicate polio and the efforts to promote peace through its various International programs.

Dan then asked Lynda to confer a membership pin upon Edwina.  He then bestowed a “new member” badge, membership plaque, and McMinnville Rotary Club History book on Edwina.  Edwina was then welcomed as our newest member with warm applause from the group

MAIN EVENT

President Chuck Pattishall welcomed to the podium Jeb Bladine, Editor of the McMinnville News-Register.

Mr. Bladine spoke about the impact of the economy and technology on the newspaper industry, both nationally and locally.  Major newspapers around the country, including both of the leading papers in Philadelphia, are in bankruptcy.  There are worries that the San Francisco Chronicle will close its doors.  One notable publication, the Rocky Mountain News, has ceased operations entirely.  Locally, the News Register has reduced staff and gone from three issues per week to two per week. 

Other casualties of the struggling economy can also be found locally, he continued.  Cascade Steel has had significant layoffs, several downtown businesses have closed their doors, Valley RV has closed, ADAK has trimmed their workforce, and the Newberg Paper Mill closed for three weeks.  Unemployment has topped 10% locally.

The reasons for the deep economic recession are many, but Mr. Bladine referred to what he termed “a convergence of some manmade economic viruses” as a major cause of this global crisis.  Among these “viruses” are skyrocketing prices of oil in 2008, fiscal mismanagement in the housing and banking industries, the rise in prices for oils, metals, food, and paper, and excessive consumption/compensation by and for Wall Street bankers and corporate CEO’s.

Mr. Bladine then discussed the importance of a “buy local” strategy that would hopefully sustain and support local business and industry.  Shopping at home, changing “buying behaviors”, and keeping money in McMinnville are all part of a “buy local” philosophy that would benefit the local economy.

Rotary eClub of District 3310 - Singapore

Rotary eClub of London Centenary - London (Zone 18 - 1120)

Rotary eClub of District 3450 - Hong Kong

Rotary eClub of Southwest - Arizona (Zone 25 - 5510)

Rotary eClub of District 5450 - Colorado (Rotary eClub One charter)

Rotary eClub of Tampa Bay - Florida, Georgia, Caribbean Islands (Zone 34 - 6950)

Rotary eClub of District 7890 - Connecticut

Rotary eClub of Zente-Hellenas - Greece (Zone  10-2470) in English or Greek