Cheerful greeters LV Van Blaricom and Brandon Malloy. The invocation was provided by Dudley Frost. Sheriff Jack Crabtree led the club in the flag salute. President Chuck asked members to greet one another.

Russ took the podium and reminded members to contribute their change to the Pennies for Polio campaign. There were no birthdays to note this week, so he went straight to anniversaries.

John Larsen was the only one present to acknowledge his anniversary, a proud 40^th.

Russ bounded off of the stage after Member Recognition, and Prez Chuck promptly stepped in to take over for Brags and Announcements, cheerfully fining Russ in the process. In fairness, the Prez also fined himself for forgetting to send out the meeting reminder.

 

Ray Fields explained his absence last Friday as he was with a Japanese Rotarian, helping set up a sister club relationship in the Portland area as Portland and Sapporo, Japan celebrated their 50th anniversary as Sister Cities He also went to Los Angeles on Wednesday and Thursday to celebrate the graduation of his youngest son from the Rio Hondo Police Academy. He expressed his pride in that his son was ranked third overall in his class and took the top award for marksmanship and tied for first in academics.

Dianne Haugeberg reminded members that they can still bring a bottle next week of fine Pinot Noir for the club’s “Uncorked” Oregon Wine and Art Auction.

Dan Gardner encouraged everyone to attend the Rotary Demotion Dinner, to be held on June 26^th at 6:00 p.m., right here in the Grand Ballroom. Prez Chuck will be properly roasted, MC’d by our very own Derrick Price. Sign-up sheets are on the tables.

Dudley Frost proudly announced that his grandson was recently named Best Player of the Year, Middie of the Year and 2^nd Team All State for his Southridge High School rugby team.

Brent Adams informed all present that if they haven’t been recruited yet to work as a  volunteer for the “Uncorked” The Oregon Wine and Art Auction, they soon would be. Expect a call from Brent, Kelly Odegaard or Jeff Sargent.

Brandon Malloy introduced the annual Rotary Picnic, to be held July 17^th at a location that will be unveiled later. Let Brandon or Russ Rainwater know if you plan to attend.

LV Van Blaricom announced a new Rotary fundraiser, the “Run to the Rooftop,” which will take off August 29^th of this year. Proceeds will go to stamp out polio. Sheets are on the tables for the selling of sponsorships, and volunteers and participants will be needed.

Prez Chuck referred to the donation board, mentioning that we only have until June 30^th to reach our two foundation goals. We’re close on the international foundation, but still have some work to do for the club foundation.  He also reminded everyone that a Celebration of Life will be held today from 3-5 p.m. for beloved member Jon Triest, who passed away June 3^rd. The local club board is making up the small difference to qualify him for a Paul Harris Fellowship.

Ray Fields returned for one last announcement, sharing with all that a celebration of life  for recently deceased Paul Colbert former club member and Past Club President 1997-98, who passed away June 2nd, will be held on June 29^th at the Bandon Community Center. Paul was the Executive Director of The Housing Authority of Yamhill County when he lived in McMinnville.

MAIN EVENT

MARY SOMMERSET of the Newberg Rotary Club took the stage to present the latest developments with the Chehalem Cultural Center.

The Center, located in Newberg, is a 40,000 sq. ft. structure that was built in the 1930’s. It is currently run by the Chehalem Park and Recreation Department. It has been undergoing major renovation, and is part of a broader development plan to create a significant county resource.

The current structure houses a 240 seat theater, large ballroom and culinary kitchen. The first phase is underway will be completed and open to the public soon. With the growth of tourism to the area, drawn by the wine industry and Evergreen Aviation’s museum complex, the Center can truly be a regional treasure.

Approximately $6.0 million has been raised or applied for to date, with another $6.0 million needed to complete all planned phases. Funding has come thus far from the Ford Family Foundation, Meyer Memorial Trust, Oregon Cultural Trust, the Collins Foundation, and other resources. Both Newberg Rotaries have contributed $50,000 each to rebuild Centennial Park, near the facility. A naming campaign is also being conducted for some of the additional planned facilities.

The next phase of the project will include a library and plaza. Further phases will add music rooms, art studios, and business education programs for artists and other local craftspeople. The art wing is targeted to open in Jan. 2010. The Center will partner with Portland Community College, George Fox University and others to conduct classes.

MARY showed architectural plans of how the entire Center will be developed, and invited members to tour the current facility to get a full sense of what it is and what it can become. The Center is located two blocks north of 99W, between School and Howard Streets.

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