Darrick Price handled the Membership Recognition duties with his customary “je ne se qua”.

Kristi Brill was acknowledged for an up coming birthday on Tuesday.

Gary Eastlund announced that he recently celebrated his birthday.

Pam Watts announced that she was celebrating her wedding anniversary with her husband Cliff.

Erin Stephenson announced that First Federal Bank was the recipient of a Corporate Philanthropy Award, presented by the Portland Business Journal for excellence in its giving program. First Federal placed 4th among Oregon and Southwest Washington companies in the Small Company category for 2008. Erin continued by announcing that she and Dianne Haugeberg will be walking to raise money for the Jon Triest Habitat House, which will honor our late and dear friend for his years of dedication to the Habitat For Humanity program.
 

Frank Bumpus announced that the annual fundraiser for Juliet’s House would be held in the Ballroom on October 16th.

Rich Schieber reminded the membership that a work party will be placing 4-Way Test inserts into dictionaries at Hillside Manor on Wednesday, October 7th, between 3 and 5 p.m. Everyone is welcome to assist by volunteering their time to help out with our annual Dictionary Project.

Van Keck gave kudos to his beloved Oregon Ducks for another decisive football victory.

Kelly Odegaard stated with justifiable pride that he successfully climbed Mt. St. Helens on the 29th of September. The ensuing sore muscles were a small price to pay for the chance to look directly into the maw of the still-active volcano.

CONY ANDREA CAMPBELL SOL announced that a Car Wash/Pop Can Drive would be held on October 10th between 10 am and 3 pm in the First Federal Bank parking lot. Proceeds will benefit the McMinnville High School Dance Team. The Dance Team also has gift cards, candles, and coupon books for sale.

Brent Adams mentioned that the presence of rugby players on the McMinnville High football team is having a very positive effect. He also announced that one of the rugby players was recently named to the All-Marine Team.

Steve Larson mentioned that a supply of Rotary Club polo shirts are available for purchase. Steve is shown wearing one of the shirts in the photo!

Bruce Dickson announced that he recently completed his first 100-mile bike ride. He pointed out, with some delicacy, that 3 pairs of riding pants did not preclude him from pedaling from a standing position over the final few miles.

Steve Battaglia also completed a lengthy bicycle trip to northern California, and shared a similar level of “saddle fatigue” over the course of the trip.

Jesse Davis was recognized for his generous donations to the Rotary Foundation. Ray Fields conferred a 5-sapphire pin upon Jesse, an award that represents  donations totaling $6,000. Congratulations, Jesse. The Rotary Club of McMinnville salutes you!

MAIN EVENT

Bruce Dickson introduced CYNTHIA KIRK, Executive Director of the Oregon Cultural Trust. The Oregon Cultural Trust is a unique private-public effort developing a permanent fund to invest in Oregon’s cultural assets. Conceived in 1999 and inaugurated in 2002, the Oregon Cultural Trust has raised, and distributed, millions of dollars since its inception, benefiting hundreds of arts, heritage, and humanities non-profits in every Oregon county.

CYNTHIA announced that the Yamhill County Cultural Coalition, today represented by guest KEN MYERS and SUSAN WHYTE, has been a solid partner with the Cultural Trust. Through this partnership, the YCCC has received over $68,000 from the Cultural Trust, which has been used to provide grants to local non-profit organizations such as the Linfield Chamber Orchestra, Gallery Theater, Friends of the McMinnville Library, the McMinnville Downtown Association, and the Arts Alliance of Yamhill County. The YCCC, said CYNTHIA, is one of the most organized and active of the Trust’s 45 county and tribal cultural coalitions.

CYNTHIA concluded her presentation by announcing that an Oregon Day of Culture will take place on Thursday, October 8th. A celebration of libraries, historical societies, museums, and performance venues will be featured on this special day. Persons interested in learning more about the Day of Culture can find more information an the web at www.oregondayofculture.org.