As our family grew larger, climate change caused the massive wall of ice to grow smaller.

June 21 2007 - At the end of tonight's meeting, outgoing President Carol Howerton passed the "gavel" to incoming President Jody Liddicoat during a "Changing of the Guard" ceremony.  Jody, her slate of officers and the new board will take office for the term beginning July 1.  As of now, the new officers for the 2007-2008 Rotary year are: Jody Liddicoat, President; Ron Burson, Vice President; Hugh Gellert, Treasurer; Ellen Twiname, Secretary, Marco Zaccaro, Sergeant-at-Arms and David Alexander, Director.  The club thanks outgoing officers President Carol Howerton, President Elect Jody Liddicoat, Secretary Jen Wingard, Treasurer Ken Hatch, Directors Diana Livingston, Joyce Kiana and Lana Johnson, Sergeant-At-Arms Phil Livingston and Past President David Alexander.  Additionally, thanks go to committee chairs, Carol Howerton -Administration, George McCoy - Foundation, Diana Livingston - Service, Larry Daniels - Membership, and David Alexander - Public Relations.
    Professional pollster Anne Hays, Hays Research Group founder and president, gave a very interesting presentation on recent polls conducted and on the "how to" of professional polling.  Although they are usually hired by issue or candidate advocates, professional polling company's are protective of their reputations and therefore very diligent in maintaining accuracy and integrity in their polling and the results thereof.  State samplings are usually about 400 responders and nationally about 1000 to ascertain results with an acceptable error rate.  Polls are snapshots at a given moment, not a projection of the future.  Anne shared with us the results of a statewide survey on US Senator Ted Stevens and Congressman Don Young.  Senator Stevens had a little over 50% "very positive"  (very strong unwavering support)  with about 39% negative response and Congressman Young had 13% positive (strong support but may be persuaded either way) with about 39% negative feedback.

     London Westminster West's Rotary club President-elect Babu Raool, spoke to us about his clubs activities and membership.  Babu is originally from Nairobi, Kenya and has been in London for about five years and a member of the Westminster West Rotary club for three years.

June 7, 2007 - Russ Walker recently returned from a Peace Core volunteer mission in Africa.  Russ spoke to the club about the children in the orphanage and the culture where he was helping.  The following letter is his summary of his experience.

Greetings from Africa!!

The Child Welfare Orphanage project is now completed and I am in the process of wrapping things up and thought you would like a final summary as to what we achieved with you generous contributions.

Much of what has been accomplished has been described in my two previous reports but this will fold it into one overview. For school, and for each child, we have purchased new shoes and stockings, school uniforms, little backpacks for books and snacks, school exercise books (40 dozen), and sweaters. For each child we also obtained jeans and blue "T" shirts-with "Child Welfare Society Kisii Branch" emblazoned on them. We bought a refrigerator, a gas stove and 2 gas cylinders and regulator, a washing machine, various kitchen utensils, curtains throughout the facility, including the kids dormitory and the eating room, bed sheets (2 sets for each child), blankets (2 sets for each child), fixed the swings so the kids have at least something to play on, bought lots of children's books to read (11,205 shillings worth) and also a couple of soccer balls -one tiny for the little people -put in security lights, purchased materials for a chain-link security fence, window locks, painted the kitchen, dinning room, and various other areas, inside and out; repaired, replaced and painted the ceilings which were rotted out by water leakage in the kitchen, dinning room and certain other areas, repaired the television aerial for the television in the kid's common room, purchased a wheelbarrow, hoes, spray pump, and other farming implements, a torch for the askari (night guard), plants and trees to be planted at several locations, bought a electric hair cutter to save money as previously a local barber had to be brought in every couple of weeks to shave the children's heads with the associated expense, and a steam iron and ironing board; purchased medicine, bandages, soap and personal care items, and 22 plastic chairs which the administration intends to rent out for funerals, meetings, etc, to receive Income.

We feel all these items will significantly improve the living conditions and well being of these terrific children living in difficult circumstances. In addition to buying needed items we prepared and submitted to the Australian Embassy a proposal for sewing machines to train some children in the art of tailoring so as to better prepare to face the realities of the real world.

After all of the project funds had been spent as described, and as a going away occasion, I decided to buy from my funds a goat and have a party.  The children do not get to eat meat very often and this was an opportunity for a nice change. Several cases of sodas were also passed out and other food provided - it was a very fun occasion (except of course for the goat) and they expressed their appreciation to all of you for all of the help you have provided. They danced and sang, and had even composed and sang a special song - "We Will Never Forget You!!" - It was a very moving moment for me - They are truly wonderful kids and I found it very difficult the leave them.

Lastly I should report that the little twin goats, the chicks and chickens, the kittens/and cows are doing fine and send you all their regards.

ASANTA SANA! --------Russ

Other News:
A Crowd gathered last Saturday for the Highway Clean-up and did the job on the Seward - David Alexander, Ron Burson, Larry Daniels, Jennifer Esterl, Ken Hatch, Joyce Kiana, Jody Liddicoat, Phil & Diana Livingston, George McCoy, Ellen Twiname, Tom Manos & John Gallup packed those yellow bags. It looked like Phil’s bags were positively overflowing!

RON AND GWEN BURSON HAVE HAD A CHANCE TO VISIT LAURA CHECA

Ron and Gwen Burson have visited Laura's family
and are enjoying their travels in Europe. 
This picture was taken soon after Christmas.

BILL CHADWICK TALKS ABOUT HIGHWAY AND FIRE SAFETY

Our fire chief, Bill Chadwick, was "present at the creation" of the Girdwood volunteer fire department.  On January 18, he talked about his first call, and the importance of careful driving on our demanding stretch of road from Girdwood to Anchorage.  He praised the full time employees at the station and gave special compliments to the 40 or so volunteer firefighters.  He said the average was just about one call per day this past year for the area from Bird Creek to Turnagain Pass, and the number continues to rise.  His personnel are well trained and enthusiastic about their work with each volunteer averaging 16 hours per week.  That, of course, is above and beyond their other jobs.  What to do to avoid fires?  Clean out your fireplace stack once a year to avoid creosote fires and don't cook meth.  Especially if you live in a trailer.

DENISE MAEDA DISCUSSES GIRDWOOD AND HER WORK STUDY

Denise Maeda, who is on a work exchange at the Alyeska resort, is a Rotaract member in her hometown in Brazil.  She spoke to the club on January 11 about her impressions of our town and how she feels about being away from her family.  Aside from missing her parents and her brother, she's working hard at the resort and hasn't had a lot of time to feel homesick.  Larry arranged for her to have some time off to speak at our meeting, and she's looking forward to learning snowboarding.  She also plans to visit the Rotaract club in Anchorage.  Denise arrived near the holidays, and she'll be here until the end of March.  She had an opportunity to socialize with the club on December 23 during our fireside at Diana and Phil's. 

KEN SMITH CONTINUES TURNAGAIN TIMES TRADITION

Our speaker on January 4, Ken Smith, discussed his plans to publish the Turnagain Times.  He pushed the release date for the newspaper back a week this month, but put the winter recreation issue out as scheduled.  Ken S. was heavily involved in putting out the paper during the times Ken O. was too ill to work, and he knows the operation as well as our past President did.  There are a number of operational hurdles to overcome, most notably the relative lack of assistance Ken Osuna had and which Ken Smith faces.  In previous years, the two Kens would work together to publish and distribute issues.  Now, Ken Smith may need assistance to get the issues formatted for printing.  Like the rest of us in Girdwood Rotary, Ken S. is struggling with the loss of his, and our, friend, and there is an emotional component to Ken’s work.  As stated when the Times has been discussed at our meetings, our local advertising will help ensure its continuation. 

HOLIDAY FIRESIDE AT DIANA AND PHIL'S

When the winter snows seemed responsible for a power outage at Eileen and Jeff's, both the Livingston's and the McCoy's were ready to provide their cozy accommodations for our holiday potluck and auction.  In all, 22 people had a white elephant to share with their Rotary friends.  Darryl Koester provided a hula skirt in memory of Annabelle Osuna whose acquisition of such a costume delighted her a few years ago.  Denise Medea came with Brazilian chocolate which she shared with those assembled, and she left with something quintessentially American- a toolkit.  Denise is on a work exchange with the Alyeska resort, and she belongs to Rotaract in her home town.

The food was equal to the company, and Ellen's cranberry dish was scooped off the serving dish early.  Several delicious salads, mashed potatoes, and stuffing were on the menu, and the desserts were festive and tasty.  Everyone was in fine humor, and the jokes were on target.  It was a normal, relaxed, Girdwood Rotary occasion with a lot of laughter and great conversation.  Thanks to every who contributed.

KEN OSUNA 1955 - 2006

Ken Osuna, 50, was born Dec. 27, 1955, in Portland, Ore. He attended Franklin High School in Portland and graduated from the University of Oregon, Eugene in 1984 with a Bachelor of Science degree.

In addition to publishing the Turnagain Times, Mr. Osuna worked for more than 20 years as a radio news reporter in both Oregon and Alaska. He first came to Alaska in 1995 to manage KTKN/KGTW in Ketchikan. He moved to Anchorage in 1996 and worked as a news reporter for both KFQD and KENI. In 1998, Mr. Osuna started the Turnagain Times newspaper to serve Girdwood, Hope, Bird, Indian and Whittier.

"Ken lived for the newspaper," wrote Ken Smith, who co-founded the newspaper with him. "He was an excellent editor who always strived to remain objective. The paper struggled the first few years, but Ken stayed with it and made it the successful paper it is today."

Mr. Osuna was awaiting his second kidney transplant when he suffered a heart attack last December, which led to open-heart surgery and six bypasses.

"He always remained positive despite the incredible medical challenges he faced," Smith wrote. "He was a strong man, but in the end his body couldn't go on. He was not only my business partner, but a best friend, and he taught me everything I know about news reporting."

Mr. Osuna was also a regular guest on the local weekend political talk show ''Anchorage Edition" on KSKA. In addition to his publishing business,

he served for one year as president of Girdwood Rotary.

"Next to the newspaper, Rotary brought him the most joy in life," Smith wrote. "He loved his fellow Rotarians, and no matter how ill he may have been at times, he would always try to make it to the Thursday night Rotary meeting."

He is survived by his two cousins, Susan Tucker and Carol Klepac, both of Battle Ground, Wash.  He will be buried at Hope Cemetery, as requested.

The Gathering

The Word of Grace (adapted from Psalm 124:8)

Leader: In the midst of life we are in death, from whom can we seek help? People: Our help is in the name of the Lord who made heaven and earth.

Greeting Prayer

Almighty God, the fountain of all life, our refuge and strength and our help in trouble: Enable us, we pray, to put our trust in you, that we may obtain comfort, and find grace to help in this and every time of need. So fill our hearts with trust in you that, by night and by day, at all times and in all seasons, we may without fear commit those who are dear to us to your never-failing love, for this life and the life to come. Amen.

PROCLAMATION AND RESPONSE

Old Testament Lesson: Isaiah 40:28-31 Psalm 23

The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want. He maketh me to lie down in green pastures: he leadeth me beside the still waters. He restoreth my soul:

he leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for his name's sake. Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou an with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me. Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies: thou anointest my head with oil; my cup runneth over. Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life: and I will dwell in the house of the Lord for ever.

Gospel Lesson: John 14:1-4, 18-19,25-27 Message - Pastor Jim Doepken

Witnesses to the Life of Ken Osuna

George McCoy, Kerry Darius, Mary Jane Michaels, Ken Smith

COMMENDATION

Prayer of Intercession and Thanksgiving Song: "Gentle Healer" sung by Pastor Jim Doepken

Dismissal with Blessing

Now may the Almighty and everlasting God, pour out upon us his great mercy as we depart from this place. May we be strengthened in spirit and love and community. And may the blessing of God Almighty, the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, be among us and remain with us always. Amen

---

Message from Past President David Alexander - November 2, 2006

Tonight’s Program - November 2

Many of us have contributed significantly to Little Bears.  Our child care facility is a community resource, and we want to see it grow. Karen will tell us some steps the Bears Junior plan to take to help the staff.

November 2      Karen Zaccaro will discuss the scholarship need in early childhood education training for our Little Bears personnel.

November 9      Victoria Shaver, Rotary Organizer for the Anchorage RYLA coming up in March, will tell us about the event our students go to each year.

November 16      The USMC Toys for Tots Program has been a huge success, and we can contribute to its Christmas giving.

November 23      Don’t overcook your turkey!

November 30      Dave Robinson from District 5010 on Membership and joint mtg with Hillside.

ANNOUNCEMENTS

• -Another round of applause to everyone who worked on the Health Fair, please!  Jen notes we had many Rotarians volunteer for this important activity.
• -While not a Rotary project per se, please come to the November 7 meeting on community watch to help combat home break-ins.
• -There seems to be consensus on the need to have a meal at our meetings.  Can you find a way to support our hotel dinners next quarter?  If you don’t already?
• -November 6 is our next Town Hall meeting with the Mayor and his staff at the hotel
• -Our Thanksgiving Turkey boxes will be assembled on November 18 in a work party.
• -November is Foundation Month and we need 100% participation again this year.

-However you plan to vote on November 7, please cast your ballot!

From: "Ben Walker"
To: "Russell Walker"
Sent: 10/15/2006 8:33 PM
Subject: The sizing, and subsequent arrival, of the shoes!!
I've attached pictures of the kiddos getting sized for their new shoes, thanks to all you generous people. Also attached are photos of them receiving said shoes. And a picture of the two little new goats we got - although I don't remember asking for them along with the shoes. :)
Thanks again, so much. More updates to come. Russ

Message from Past President David Alexander - September 11, 2006

Yesterday and Tomorrow

• We had a great time collecting trash and $20 bills last Thursday.  It’s proof you can get rich through Rotary, albeit slowly.  Mike Hawker is coming shortly after Con visits, we anticipate.  There is much news in those legislative reports.
• Future Meetings
• September 14      Polly Smith, Executive Director of the Anchorage Literacy Project, on literacy in Anchorage, Alaska, and the U.S. (in honor of International Literacy Day September 8).
• September 21      Senator Con Bunde on the gas line and the recent special sessions.  (Con may have to be on Juneau for another special session and his presentation may be postponed).
• September 28      Indian resident and our last year’s exchange student to Thailand Lang Van Dommelen will tell us about the Monk’s Story in addition to other southeast Asian highlights.
• October 5      Our FINAL Highway Clean-up will be combined with a weed pull on October 5.  Please bring gloves and boots.  Meet at FOREST SERVICE.  Maybe everyone will be as fortunate as David and Larry who BOTH found $20 bills last week!

ANNOUNCEMENTS

• PLEASE VOTE SOON for sending the $600 we did not have to spend on Lang/Fall Orientation to Kisii Children’s Home.   Russ needs the dollars now. Former Girdwood Rotarian Russ Walker is leading a Rotary project for our Club at the Kisii Children’s Home in Kenya.  Russ is our favorite Alaska Walker.
• Northern Stars Talent Show by Anchorage Downtown, October 22, Discovery Theatre
• We need 15 paying diners for our club meeting meals at the hotel.  The next quarterly dinner payments are October 1-December 31.
• Let’s have a potluck on October 12 for Vocational Month.  We will have four short member talks on professions.

Message from Past President David Alexander - September 4, 2006

    September 8 is International Literacy Day. Mitzi Mishler and Virginia Juettner from Gateway Rotary just completed a successful book drive for the Hooper Bay library.  The next phase is sorting the incoming books.  If you would like to contribute some volunteer time to help Alaska state librarian Sue Sherif organize the donated books, let me (David) know.

    Last Week’s Program - George, Larry, Ken H., David, and Carol attended the all-Anchorage meeting run by DG Gayle Knepper last Tuesday.  Gayle pointed out that she joined Rotary because she was asked.  We all did.  Let’s ask our Girdwood friends to join us in Girdwood Rotary- more than once.
    Future Meetings

·         September 7      Our Highway Clean-up will be combined with a weed pull on September 7.  Please bring gloves and boots.  Meet at FOREST SERVICE

·         September 14     Polly Smith, Executive Director of the Anchorage Literacy Project, on literacy in Anchorage, Alaska, and the U.S. (in honor of International Literacy Day September 8).

·         September 21     Senator Con Bunde on the gasline and the recent special sessions.  (Con may have to be on Juneau for another special session and his presentation may be postponed).

    ANNOUNCEMENTS

·         Discounted ski passes are available now through the end of this month from Alyeska.

·         Ken is better, and so is Darrel!   Go, you two!

·         Bob Weel’s Polio Plus Team is going February 11-17 to India.  February 15 (next week) is the last date you can sign up for the inoculation effort.  Cost is $4,000 for a great, ennobling experience- one of Rotary’s signal successes.

·         Northern Stars Talent Show by Anchorage Downtown, October 22, Discovery Theatre

·         Lang Van Dommelen will represent us at the Youth Exchange Orientation September 8-10

·         Former Girdwood Rotarian Russ Walker is leading a Rotary project for our Club at the Kisii Children’s Home in Kenya.  Russ is our favorite Alaska Walker.

·         We need 15 paying diners for our club meeting meals at the hotel.  The next quarterly dinner payments are October 1-December 31.

·         Let’s have a potluck on October 12 for Vocational Month.  We will have four short member talks on professions.

Message from Russell “Pete” Walker - August 15, 2006

Habari All (“Greetings” in Kiswahili)

    As most of you are probably aware, I have returned to Africa and am currently in Kisii, Kenya.  Kisii is a village on the west side of the country, not too far from Lake Victoria and the Ugandan border (see attached maps).  I am here as a former Peace Corp volunteer on a 6-month assignment with the Peace Corps Crisis Corps (for more information on the Crisis Corps, see http://www.peacecorps.gov/index.cfm?shell=resources.former.crisiscorps.recentproj).  I am working with, and living adjacent to, an orphanage operated by the Child Welfare Society of Kenya (CWS).  CWS was established during colonial times back in 1955 to protect and promote the interests of children, including legal and healthy adoptions. It is currently the only legal and licensed organization for adoptions in Kenya.  It is not a governmental or religious organization and its independence allows it to most directly help the children without undue influence. CWS has a number of branches (see attached brochure for more information) and takes in, cares for, and helps provide for orphaned, abandoned, abused, and lost children.  As you can imagine, with the current state of sub-Saharan Africa, especially HIV and AIDS, CWS has their hands full. Currently there are 37 children at CWS Kisii, although this number fluctuates and has been as high as 60.   The children’s ages are as varied as their histories and the facility has a nursery and a kindergarten for the littlest ones.  For many children, CWS is all they know. Several of the staff, who are now in their 40’s, came to CWS as young as 5 years old.

    My role, as a Crisis Corp volunteer, is to assist in exploring and helping develop income sources. This involves requesting assistance from various non-governmental organizations (NGOs) and from governments themselves via embassies and other bureaucratic channels.  As you can imagine, this process is a labyrinth of paperwork and processing delays.  On top of that, even when we reach our goals, the trickle down effect delays the impact on the immediate needs of the children as much of the income needs to be reinvested in order to sustain the process over the long term and continue to grow.  In the mean time, however, the children are in desperate need of many essential items such as bedding, sheets, shoes, warm clothes, school uniforms (a requirement here in Kenya), books, and other educational materials.  Sustainability is not only a goal for CWS, but also a goal for our children. They must be able to perform in school and obtain the necessary education so they can contribute as adults to the betterment of Kenyan society.

    While we are still working with the proper agencies and governments to get funding for the larger sums needed for CWS to succeed, the children are in need of the essentials listed above and I am writing this to give you an opportunity to help if you’d like. By avoiding NGOs and other agencies, we are ensuring a virtual dollar for dollar expenditure in country by trustworthy people involved with CWS. This avoids any processing, shipping, customs, and commission fees.  Every dollar received will be a dollar towards the necessities listed above and will have a direct effect on the lives of the children.

    We are still pursuing “teaching a man to fish” and are in no way trying to establish expectations of a welfare state.  In the meantime, however, I thought I would open up and give my friends the opportunity to help out a little if they choose.  My helpers in the states (Keren, Ben, and Johanna) have opened an account specifically for the monies and all checks can be made payable to:

Kenya Orphanage Project
9730 Arlene Drive
Anchorage, AK 99502

    Unfortunately, we do not have tax-deductible status – as that would, again, bring on processing delays and bureaucratic fees. This is more of a “passing of the hat” to give a little immediate help.

    I have attached some pictures to get you better acquainted with the children and our situation here in Kisii.  You can view additional pictures at http://home.gci.net/~kcrww/kenya/kenya.htm

    Please feel free to email me with any questions. I am usually able to get into the Internet café at least once a week and will answer your questions and inquiries as timely as possible. Thank you.

Russell “Pete” Walker
alaska_walker@hotmail.com
Fund address:
Kenya Orphanage Fund
9730 Arlene Drive
Anchorage, AK 99502
rbenwalker@yahoo.com (Ben’s email)
kcrww@gci.net (Keren’s email)
907-243-4989

Message from President Carol Howerton August 20, 2006
    This is an update regarding this Thursday's meeting with our District Governor, Gayle Knepper. The entire 2-hour meeting will be conducted as a Board meeting. It will begin at 6:00 pm with dinner being served at that earlier time. All Board members are requested to be there at 6:00 pm and all Committee Chairs by 6:30. Of course, the entire Club is invited to attend this Board meeting, however, this is not a Board meeting with the regular meeting to follow at 7:00 pm as announced previously. I am sorry for that confusion. I know this extended Board meeting will be informative and enlightening. Gayle possesses rich enthusiasm that is contagious.
    On another note, Lana Johnson has resigned her position as Director on our Board due to health reasons. Diana Livingston has agreed to take that position. David Alexander will be out of town on business and will not be able to attend. I have given each board member copies of the goals we turned into District plus a copy of the District goals. Please bring your copies to the meeting as we will be using them for reference. Also please copy the Presidential Citation brochure from the following website and bring it with you. The Board and Committee Chairs will be receiving an agenda within the next day or two. Please make a copy and bring it with you.
http://www.rotary.org/newsroom/downloadcenter/pdfs/900a_en06.pdf
    Just a reminder, our current Board and Committee Chairs are as follows:

    Pres. Carol Howerton
    Past Pres. - David Alexander
    PE - as yet unknown
    VP - Ron Burson
    Sec. - Jen Estrel
    Treas. - Ken Hatch
    Sgt-a-Arms - Phil Livingston
    Director - Joyce Kiana
    Director - Diana Livingston
    Membership - Larry Daniels
    P/R - David Alexander
    Foundation - George McCoy
    Service Projects - Diana Livingston
    Club Admin. - Carol Howerton
    If you have any questions regarding this update, please call me.
Thanks so much for helping to make the Girdwood Rotary Club effective in Service and Fellowship. You are appreciated!!!!!
 Sincerely,  Carol

Message from Past President David Alexander - August 17, 2006

• Today’s Program (Thursday, August 17, 2006):

Our membership chair, Larry Daniels, and past AG Paul McGuire will lead an all club discussion of the membership activities that Larry’s committee, and all of our club members, will undertake.

• Future Meetings:

August 17 Membership Development- Larry Daniels and Paul McGuire; Judy Onslow’s Award

August 24 DG Gayle Knepper visits. The Board meets at 6 and the regular meeting is at 7. This is an energetic year for Rotary in our well organized District 5010 with a great leadership team.

August 29 All Anchorage/Girdwood/Eagle River meeting at 11:30 at Hilton Hotel. Please plan to come, and the cost is $20. NO MEETING 8/31.

September 7 Our Highway Clean-up will be combined with a weed pull on September 7. Please bring gloves and boots. Meet at FOREST SERVICE.

• ANNOUNCEMENTS:

Highway Cleanup will be combined with our weed pull Thursday, September 7 at 7:00.

Judy Onslow will receive our recognition this week for her Presidential Math and Science Award.

Northern Stars Talent Show by Anchorage Downtown, October 22, Discovery Theatre

Chaperones needed for YE Orientation Sept. 8-10. Talk to Jody or Don Black, Pres., Eagle River

We will be recognizing the Rotary theme for the month at our meetings.

RYLA is coming to Anchorage this year. David is the RYLA representative, and Jody is the Youth Exchange Officer. Andre Layral who has run RYLA in Fairbanks for several years is working with a committee to make the presentation in this area.

We need 15 paying diners for our club meeting meals at the hotel. The next quarterly dinner payments are October 1-December 31.

Let’s have a potluck on October 12 for Vocational Month. We will have four short member talks on professions.

Below is a recent picture of Denise Maeda with her family celebrating her brother’s birthday. Denise belongs to the Rotaract Club de São Paulo Mandaqui and will be at Alyeska Resort on a 3 1/2 month work exchange program beginning in December.

Message from President Carol Howerton - August 16, 2006
Good morning Girdwood Rotarians!
    A couple of reminders:
    All Board members and Committee Chairs are urged to attend the August 24th meeting with our DG, Gayle Knepper. The meeting begins promptly at 6:00 p.m. Please plan your schedules now. I know Joyce is out of town for the next several weeks helping cover for another Postmaster and will not be able to attend. David will also be out of town and not able to attend. Please, I need the rest of you there! Gayle has requested that I provide each of you with a copy of all our planning documents, a copy of the Goals and Work Plan for the District and a copy of the Presidential Citation. We will be using these documents at the meeting with her. I will pass them out at tomorrow evening's meeting.
    The all-club meeting in Anchorage on August 29th is at the Hilton at 11:30. The cost is $17.50, however, we are asked to pay $20 to help defray any extra cost that may come up. The unused funds will be returned to each club. So far we have three people out of our 22 active members committed to attend. This will be our weekly meeting, no meeting on the 31st so please make an effort to adjust your schedule. There is no provision to pay at the door, so if you plan on attending you must make payment to our club no later than August 24th. I need to give the final count and the payment by August 25th to the Hilton. I will be taking our Club banner and the badges for those attending and will check you in as you arrive. This should be a really fun meeting with all our fellow Anchorage Rotarians! Please let me know if anyone needs a ride to and from this meeting. I am happy to be a chauffeur.
    We are looking at our program schedule for the second quarter of our year (October, November, December). In thinking about saving money on Hotel meals (we only have 9 paying members out of the 16 means we are required to pay for), suggestions have been made for the following:
    October 12th - have a potluck in someone's home and conduct vocational talks from our members (about 4). Does anyone have a home large enough and would like to host this meeting? Please let me know as soon as possible.
    November - Thinking about Thanksgiving baskets, we could meet in a home on the 16th to pack baskets with non-perishable items, make cards or other small items for the baskets - also a potluck or pizza night. Anyone volunteer for this evening in your home? The 23rd is Thanksgiving, of course, and there will be no meeting.
    December - we would like to have a Christmas party. Any ideas or suggestions as to the date, a place (it doesn't always have to be the same each year - it can be in a home, a restaurant, a meeting room).
    Also in December, we can use our meeting night on the 21st for something special, say wrapping gifts for the angel tree, the shoe boxes, an adopted family. We want your ideas as to what the club would like to do for a Christmas project this year. Remember, we don't have to do the same thing every year.
    PLEASE SEND ME YOUR IDEAS AND SUGGESTIONS ASAP ON THE ABOVE. AND THANKS FOR YOUR HELP IN MAKING OUR CLUB AN ENJOYABLE EXPERIENCE OF SERVICE AND FELLOWSHIP. ROTARY ROCKS!  Thanks so much!  Carol

August 3, 2006 Announcements from Past President David Alexander
    Today’s Program will be Dr. Cherie Northon, who works for Mapmakers, Inc. discussing GIS (geographic information systems), GPS, and remotely-sensed imagery for management, problem solving, modeling, and analysis. GIS applications including an example that focuses on the changes in the MOA’s creeks and other waterways as the urban area has expanded during the past 4 decades.
    Future Meetings
        August 3 Dr. Cherie Northon on the Anchorage Waterways Council’s mapping project (including Glacier Creek).
        August 10 Weed Pull- Meet at Kobuk Valley Jade Shop (and park in their lot)- 7 P.M.
        August 17 Membership Development
        August 24 DG Gayle Knepper visits, and we have work to do to make this a great meeting for a great DG- Board meets at 6 and the regular meeting is at 7.
        August 29 All Anchorage/Girdwood/Eagle River meeting at 11:30 at Hilton Hotel. Please plan to come, and the cost is $20. NO MEETING 8/31.
    ANNOUNCEMENTS
        -Bring your gardening gloves to our August 10 weed pull. This is a difference making effort.
        -What month is August? It is membership month!
        -David Alexander was appointed Literacy Task Force Coordinator for 5010 by DG Gayle Knepper.
        -Chaperones needed for YE Orientation in Sept.
        -We will be recognizing the Rotary theme for the month at our meetings.
        -RYLA is coming to Anchorage this year. David is the RYLA representative, and Jody is the Youth Exchange Officer. Andre Layral who has run it in Fairbanks for several years is working with a committee to make the presentation in this area.

The photographs below are of our Youth Exchange student, Gulsah Kucuk, and her mother, Zuhall, at the beach in Istanbul on July 29, 2006.

Message from President Carol Howerton - July 20, 2006
    Attached is the list of Committees and assigned members. If you were at the first Assembly on July 6th, you volunteered for each committee. If you were not there, you were assigned to a committee. Surprise! Please be prepared to meet with your chair person and begin discussing responsibilities and goals for your committee. Each chair person has an outline of the objectives for that committee and is in the process of planning meetings. This is an exciting start of the Club Leadership Plan. We are laying the ground work for leaders to come, service opportunities, further training and education in Rotary, fun and fellowship.
    Speaking of leaders.......where is our President-elect?????? That person, and you probably already know who you are, is missing out on some terrific training by all of the District leaders and the current Presidents of all the Anchorage clubs. Please join me in this time of training. It's really fun!!!!     Sincerely,  Carol

GIRDWOOD ROTARY COMMITTEES 2006/07
MEMBERSHIP - Chair: Larry Daniels
Marco Zaccaro
Jeff Demain
John Hickox
Cece Mendonsa
Ron Burson

PUBLIC RELATIONS - Chair: David Alexander
Ken Osuna
Lana Johnson
Eileen Demain

ADMINISTRATION - Chair: Carol Howerton
Jen Estrel
Kerry Dorius
Liz Kester

SERVICE PROJECTS - Chair: Diana Livingston
Phil Livingston
Joyce Kiana
Hugh Gellert
Tom Yeager
Jody Liddicoat

ROTARY FOUNDATION - Chair: George McCoy
Ken Hatch
Skip Minder
Jon Domela

July 20, 2006 Announcements from Past President David Alexander
    - Rotary means leadership.  We have opportunities with new committees to run our club effectively.  Committees will be providing information at our meetings.
    - Phil Livingston went the extra mile with several out-of-Alaska Rotarians and Gulsah was properly assisted when she reached O’Hare airport in Chicago en route to Constantinople.
    - Judy Onslow received the Presidential Citation for Excellence in Teaching Math and Science and we will recognize her receipt of this prestigious award this evening.
    - Lang Van Dommelen is back from Thailand, and will be presenting at one of our meetings in the near future.
    - Chaperones needed for YE Orientation in Sept.
    - We will be recognizing the Rotary theme for the month at our meetings.
    - RYLA is coming to Anchorage this year.  Andre Layral who has run it in Fairbanks for several years is working with a committee to make the presentation in this area.

Message from President Carol Howerton - July 20, 2006
    Hello on this Thursday! Please remember our meeting today is a Community Service Project.  We will meet at the Jade Shop parking lot at 7:00 p.m.  That means we start at 7:00.  Just for your information, and please put these dates on your calendars, our August 10th and September 7th meetings will be a continuation of this same Community Service Project. Remember:  wear long sleeved-shirts, long pants, appropriate shoes/boots - bring bug repellent, shovels or spades or other weed pulling garden tools, and GLOVES.
    One more announcement - we will have our first official Board meeting after the regular meeting on July 27th.  It is imperative that all Board members attend.  We have work to do that can't wait any longer.  Every member is invited to sit in and listen.   It is good training for future leaders.
    Thanks for your commitment to Rotary!  Together we accomplish awesome things in Girdwood, Alaska, the USA and the world! Carol

Message from President Carol Howerton - July 14, 2006
    Thanks to everyone of you who made it to the meeting last night......10 out of 23.....and most were there and in the room before 7:00 p.m. to avoid being fined for being late.  Excuses were given to those who got caught on the Seward Highway because of the thousands of people who jammed the highway watching the Bore Tide.  We heard there were two State Troopers out there directing traffic!  Isn't our State awesome!  I love it that "thousands" of people went out to watch a tide!  (Oh, that they would attend a Rotary meeting with such vigor! - That's gotta be every new Rotary President's dream).
    Sunday, July 16, 2006 -  Kerry and Chuck have invited us to their home any time after 4:00 p.m. for a cheese burger and cherry coke party.  Gulsah says that is the favorite meal of her Turkish friends.  Gulsah will be leaving on Tuesday evening around 8:00.  I think it would be a grand gesture if everyone attending on Sunday would take Gulsah a small gift in memory of her time with the Girdwood Rotarians.  It doesn't have to be anything extravagant or large (she has packing to do), but a small item just to remember us a little better.  And by the way, be sure to take a gander at the scrapbook Gulsah put together.  It's amazing!!!!!  This is our first social of the new Rotary year.  Thank you so much Kerry for inviting us!
    Thursday, July 20, 2006 - Meet at the Jade Shop parking lot 7:00 p.m. sharp.  This will be an official meeting, not held in the Hotel, but on the streets of Girdwood.  We will be learning about which invasive weeds are in the ditches along Arlberg and then pulling them.  Please wear appropriate shoes/boots, long pants, long-sleeved shirts, gloves, bug dope and whatever else will make you comfortable.  Please read the hand-outs that Jonnie gave to us when she presented her program on invasive weeds.  If it is pouring down rain, we will decide what to do....perhaps march up to Jack Sprats, order something fun and proceed to discuss invasive weeds in Girdwood.  We will also be presenting July Onslow with a gift in recognition of her awesome award as one of the esteemed Teachers of the Year.
    Thursday, July 27, 2006 - Our guest speaker will be Andrew Van Chau from BP.  He will be discussing the proposed gas pipeline and all that relates to tax issues concerning said pipeline.  Please join us and bring a friend you would like to see join our Club.
    Our best wishes to Phil Livingston for feeling better!!!!!  Our best wishes to Liz as she travels for the next three weeks!  Be safe and hurry back to us!  (And, I personally thank you, Liz, for your inspiring emails.  You will never know how much your kind words mean to me!!!!!).  Thank you, David, for continuing to do the Weekly News Bulletin and emailing it to everyone!  Also, thank you for attending the RYLA meeting last night as I requested at the last minute.  You are really helping me to understand more and more about Rotary!  You truly put Service Above Self.  I hope your travels to New York were safe, not too tiresome, and beneficial to you and your Company.
     Hope to see you all on Sunday.   Sincerely, Your ever-learning president, Carol

Message from President Carol Howerton - July 10, 2006
    Thanks to each of you who attended our Club Assembly on July 6th.  It was a little scary for me, being my first meeting as the president of our Club, but because you are all wonderful Rotarians, it wasn't as bad as I had feared.  Thank you for welcoming me and for all that each of you contributed.  I think it was a really good Assembly.
     Here are some reminders for you who were there and some news for you who were not in attendance:  Our bell rings at 7:00 p.m.  Please come early, get your meal if you are eating dinner (and I sincerely hope most of us will be eating dinner) and find a place at a table.  We will begin the meeting at 7:00 sharp and socialize after the Pledge and our invocation, Rotary moment, or whatever we will be doing during the start of each meeting.  Our Sergeant-at-Arms, Phil Livingston, has proposed a $5 fine for everyone who is outside the door when the bell rings!  Ouch!  That ought to make us get there on time.  I know Phil will collect, too!  
     Speaking of meals, after working on the calendar I can tell you the meal fee for this quarter (July-Sept) is only $144.  We will not be having every meeting in the Hotel so the fee went down. Please get your payments to our esteemed, new Treasurer, Ken Hatch, as soon as possible.  We will have a $20 fee for our Area-wide Rotary meeting with our D.G. on Tuesday August 29th, noon, at the Anchorage Hilton Hotel.   That luncheon will replace our meeting of August 31st.  I request that every member plan to attend that luncheon.  Put it on your calendars, let me know that you are definitely going and please get $20 to Ken Hatch as soon as possible so we can write one check to the organizers.  Mary Stallone, president of the Downtown Club, is the main organizer of this function and she needs numbers and money from each Rotary Club.  This meeting has been requested by our District Governor, Gayle Knepper and is the first of it's kind in our area.  It know it will be informative and fun because it is participatory.  Every club will contribute some part in the meeting.  I will be attending the monthly President's meeting this Wednesday, July 12, and I'm sure I will hear what they have requested of our Club.
    If you have not paid your dues ($150 full, $75 half), they are now past due.  Please get them to Ken Hatch so he can pay District.  Also, please remember your Paul Harris Foundation donations and be generous (at least $100 to be a sustaining member of the Foundation). 
     And now, here are the committees in our new Club Leadership Plan.  I am so proud of all of you who stepped up and agreed to chair these committees and for all of you who will work this year on making our club even more effective than ever.  It's exciting to see some changes and I really believe this is going to be fun!  THANK YOU CHAIRS LARRY, DAVID, JEN, DIANA AND GEORGE!!!!!!!

    You can see everyone in our Club is on a committee.  Part of the Leadership Plan is to have everyone involved.  The Chairpersons of each committee will be contacting their members with plans for their committees in the very near future. I will be passing out RI instructions to Chairs this week (as soon as I get them all copied). 
    One final reminder............update your Girdwood Rotary email group addresses.  Only current members should be on your group email list.  You may certainly c/c to former members, prospective members, members of other clubs or District that you wish to invite to functions or advise of meetings, etc.  And, please do not use "REPLY To ALL" when you are answering emails that respond only to the sender.  Please be courteous and not fill our member's email inboxes with stuff they don't need or want to read.  Many email address are at places of business and the number of emails received is enormous.  Thanks, in addition, for your help in preventing my email box from being filled with complaints about this subject.
     Thanks, again, for your enthusiasm, your thoughts and ideas, and just the fact that you are who you are!  We have a great Rotary Club with twenty-three wonderful members, one awesome prospective member and a bunch of former members who I fully expect to rejoin our Club in the near future!  This is going to be ONE GREAT YEAR!!!   Carol 
 
ROTARY MISSION
The main objective of Rotary is service - in the community, in the workplace and throughout the world.  Rotary volunteers build goodwill and peace, provide humanitarian service and encourage high ethical standards in all vocations.  The Rotary motto is "Service Above Self".

Message from Past President David Alexander – July 3, 2006
Here is Lang’s last monthly report from Thailand.  He is coming home this month.  David

    This past weekend I took a trip to Kanchanaburi. This is the province is where the Bridge over the river Kwae is. This is the sight of the death railroad, that Japan constructed using POWs and the forced labor of thousands of Asian workers as well. I went to some of the most infamous spots on the railroad. One was a railroad cut that is 25meters deep, and 75 meters long, it is known as hellfire pass, it was built in two weeks by 700 hundred British and Australian pows. more than 400 of those died, to complete the cut in so short of time, men worked 20 yours a day, and the way the torches used to light the cut flickered gave the cut the appearance of hell. I also went to the bridge, originally one of 400 bridges or trestles on the 415 kilometer railroad. I walked a short 1 kilometer, and saw where about 6 wooden trestles once stood.
    So things are good, I bought some advanced Thai language books to study, and some t shirts as gifts for family, and just tying up loose ends. I don't want to come back, Why are you making me. This has been an awesome experience for me, and I'm already hoping to get back here as soon as I can.
 Lang

Message from President David Alexander – June 30, 2006
Girdwood Rotarians, I have finally addressed Jen's concern that Pioneer Peak is not in our back yard! I also printed this out on several different pieces of equipment and it always worked correctly, so I trust it will be a complete two page brochure off your printer.  I hope you like the little skier logo. Was not able to design an adequate mountain and a skier seems to represent us better, I suppose. I also changed the color from Palmer Brown to Girdwood Blue.
Thanks for participating in our changing of the guard last night. Thanks for supporting Carol as she plans our first assembly on July 6. Thanks for signing up for parking lot duty so that George is not stuck with all 32 remaining hours on the schedule. Thanks for supporting me and being you.  2006 Girdwood Rotary Accomplishments Brochure
Let's all pitch in for Carol the way we pitched in to build our fabulous playground-  Happy fourth, and I'll see you all soon, David

Message from President David Alexander – June 29, 2006
    Your willingness to put personal needs aside to support the common good makes Girdwood the place it is.  We aren't the only volunteer group in Girdwood, but we're able to be an umbrella for other organizations as we share time, energy, and money.  We also have the satisfaction of enjoying each other's company.  Fellowship is a hallmark of Girdwood Rotary.
    E-mail is somewhat new to us, as a group, and I suppose I'm perhaps the first President to put my concluding Presidential remarks to all of you in writing as well as say them tonight.  I want to say a "thanks" to our members individually, including some who resigned during my year, and I'm going to do it in this e-mail. 
    Thanks to Ken for a great, important community vehicle in the Turnagain Times- it’s a big deal to have that paper in Girdwood.  Joyce, our beautiful new post office is a fine location for us to meet and greet and thank you for your solid contributions.  Kerry, you keep us mended, and what a nice surprise that you and Chuck shared your home all year with our extraordinary exchange student, Gulsah.  Gene, you aren't an official member, but you are a Rotarian and a guy everyone can count on.  Marco, you've been hard at work making the community more beautiful with your designs, your happy family, and your good grace.  Eileen, I always feel like laughing when I talk to you.  Your presence is a delight with your readiness to offer a smile for every occasion.  Hugh, you are one funny man, and thank you so very much for your Treasurer's position this year.  Go, Kasistna Bay!  John, your presence is accounted for- thank you for your membership, for being one of us.  Rosemary, your enthusiasm is an infectious charm for everyone to enjoy, and we’re looking forward to your Denali program.  Jen, your willingness to take a demanding leadership role next year is so greatly appreciated and we will be thanking you frequently.  Ken, Avalanche Express times 2, and now the Treasurer's role- you are a guy who gets it done without a lot of comment.  Mike, you are always the role model we honored with appreciation last year, and I still think of you as my neighbor.  Tom, the thing I think of with you and Lenore and Elyse and Adam is this is a real Girdwood family doing quintessentially Girdwood things.  George, you never stop doing for Girdwood-Girdwood Rotary-the Foundation, and you have the right tone of voice for the many interesting things you are able to share about events in our community.  Liz, you and Darryl are just the best, and we are all pleased to enjoy your friendship.  Cece, you share the gift of laughter and constant joy with everyone and your presence brightens the room.  Jody, your quiet competence is a treasure and thank you for doing so much in Girdwood so effectively, so thoughtfully.  Jon, your occasional messages are a treat, and we're happy you were with us this year.  Chuck, I enjoyed our work together during my year as President-Elect and look forward to our future contact.  Lana, I thought your presentation with Randy was a bookend for Steve Borell's presentation on resource extraction.  Your writing, your ideas, and your presence are welcome to us.  Nati, you've done so much for Rotary through your earlier work in Rotaract and your sparkling personality.  Jeff, you are definitely the man- thanks for your easy leadership and great sense of humor.  A leader is always with us when you are here.  Phil, you and I have had many fine moments and there are many more to come, rotary, skiing, otherwise.  ISFR was a very high point in your steady contributions to the club, the district, International.  Larry, you are not only Master of the Mountain and a man whose reliability approaches scientific standards of consistency, but you are so unassuming about all you do.  Diana, Rotary means much of what it does to me because of your insights and understated observations.  You lead by example, but it is never hard to hear your voice or your meaning.  As I’ve told you before, Diana, you are the “volunteer of the year” every year.  And, my penultimate comment is for the guy without whom this year would not have been the personal success it has been-  Ron Burson, my hat is off to you, and to Gwen, for your gracious, wonderful efforts to make so many jobs easier and more comprehensible.  Thank you, Mr. Secretary. 
    Finally, let me ask all of us individually and together to make this next year a year of giving, a year of leading, as Girdwood Rotary Leads the Way with Carol's presidency.  Ok, it’s a little bit corny to work the District 5010 theme into this tribute.  But, I will say Carol and I have had many, many thorough, insightful conversations dating back several-to-many years.  Carol has been "leading by doing" in Girdwood for a long time, and the challenging aspect of groups- and Girdwood Rotary in particular- is that we have to resolve to support the new board's initiatives in our efforts to make our lifelong theme of service above self relevant to Girdwood.  That's the challenge of the year ahead- support Girdwood Rotary with your energy and your time (and some money!).  See you tonight- David

Message from President David Alexander – June 29, 2006
    Looking forward to seeing you tonight at our transition to Carol's Presidency. I think you'll have a good time at the meeting.    Lana had asked about the date for Andrew Van Chau's presentation on the gas pipeline, and he has confirmed July 27 with us, so here's a special advertisement for that event.
    On July 6, we will have our first assembly of the year, and Colonel Tom Lawrence and Rich Owens will be with us for a look at our Alaska Air National Guard and their recent role in Afghanistan on July 13. On July 20, Girdwood's Judy Onslow, recent Presidential Citation for Excellence in Math and Science award winner, will be with us. Drs. Cherie Northon and Thom Eley will present on the Geographic Information Systems mapping of Anchorage waterways (including Glacier Creek and its tributaries).  See you this evening!  David

Message from President David Alexander – June 20, 2006
    This week's program will be Libby Sievert who presents a PowerPoint on her Youth Exchange year in Malawi.
    Please help out on what Joe Wolner and Laurie Van Huis hope will be the final weekend of punch list items at the Girdwood Playground.  Joe will be there at 10 A.M.  Thanks to all who helped out last weekend.
    Our transition evening to the new board of directors is the last Thursday of the month, June 29.  This will be our June board meeting as the old board goes out and the new board begins their year of service.  If Judy Onslow can join us, there will be a recognition for her Presidential Citation for Excellence in Teaching Math and Science at the Girdwood School.
    If you have not paid the room fee or dinner commitment yet, please do so along with your Rotary dues.  Thanks to Carol to getting the invoices out earlier this month.
    This is going to be a good year coming under the skillful leadership of arriving District Governor Gayle Knepper who hails from Darryl Kester’s club, East, and incoming President Carol Howerton who has worked so hard over the past several years making our club as responsive to community needs as it is.        Please plan to celebrate with us.  David

Message from President David Alexander – June 12, 2006
Ginny and Girdwood Rotarians,
    Thanks for the fine support of our Bird to Gird event today, and much appreciation to Ginny for putting it together again. This is such a Girdwood event, and the bike trail is one of the best. I mentioned to Liz that I didn't realize previously that the trail is festooned with shooting stars which are somewhat uncommon wild flowers. All of our occasions hold a charm, and we make them festive. Thanks to each of you for providing an enjoyable occasion for our neighbors.
    Hope to see you at our meeting Thursday night featuring Jonnie Lazarus, who will explain why dandelions and shooting stars may not be compatible.
 David

Come on out and join the fun!

Message from President David Alexander – May 22, 2006
    The good news is that our new stretch of highway will eventually be easier to maintain than the old stretch (we pretty much all agree). We are now cleaning North from just above the intersection to what-seemed-like-much-more-than-two-miles (didn't actually clock it, but it seemed longer).
    The bad news is that it took overtime, especially from Ron and Gwen, just to collect the multiple bags of just-off-the-highway debris, plus the usual car fenders and other major stuff. Mike was picking rockstar cans from amidst the rip rap until circumstances brought Jeff and Eileen, Tom and Lenore, Mike and me within shouting distance at about 11:45. It took little reading of facial expressions to know we were through for the day. I left Ron and Gwen there, though, with about four bags yet to fill from around the impromptu campsite at the slough entry just as the curve starts North. The Bursons get my imaginary medal for the day for service above self.
    Thanks to the pickers, and we feel another good morning will put that stretch of highway in shape- we're looking toward a Saturday in June?
    Thanks to Diana for our so-much-more visible Girdwood Rotary signs. This is a better place for us to do our highway cleanup.  David

Message from President David Alexander – May 16, 2006
    The Highway Clean-up is this Saturday at 9 A.M. Bring your toothbrushes to scrub the highway. (You should remember gloves and boots).  By the way, this is our first cleaning of the North portion of Girdwood's "area" where we will be cleaning from Tesoro toward Anchorage.
    See you Thursday at the meeting for our Film Festival on Girdwood highway clean-up starring- US!. Then, Saturday will be our NEXT clean-up.  David

Message from President David Alexander – May 10, 2006

    I just came from a President's Meeting where Jan from South was talking about the value of newsletters via the internet - so... I thought I would send an electronic copy.

    Cece Mendonsa has arranged for us to have our Membership Social at the new bookstore in the town square on Saturday, June 3^rd.  You need to call the prospective members on our list of 31.  Call Carol at 783-2084 if you aren’t sure about people you promised to call.  We’d like everyone to be there June 3.

Meetings:

·          May 4 - This meeting was cancelled for District Conference.  Phil, Diana and David attended on our behalf.

·          May 11 - Herb Schlereth on learning to read as an adult and successfully establishing his career. Herb is modest, determined, and a big success as a State Farm agent.  His story involves learning basic reading as an adult with the help of his family, and, later, enjoying not only his own achievements, but those of his son, Mark.

·          May 18 - President Elect Carol Howerton will help us with the new structure of Rotary.  It will be a good opportunity for learning more about our organization. A Board meeting immediately follows the regular meeting.

·          May 27 - The well informed engineer Steve Borell will speak on Alaska Mining.

·          June 1 - The regular meeting is cancelled to allow the entire club to work on the new Girdwood Playground

·          June 8 - The very funny Neal Fried will speak on Alaska’s growth and its economic direction.

Other items:

·          Larry Daniels and Ron and Gwen Burson contributed items to the Youth Exchange Auction at District, although Larry's did not arrive in the mail on time so it will be used at another event.  The YE silent auction raised a record $7,500.

·          We now have a membership brochure that copies the format Carol received from Bob Weel at Hillside, and a “Year in Review” brochure that copies the format of the Palmer club (right down to the soon-to-be replaced Pioneer Peak logo).

·          Jody Liddicoat is trying to arrange Youth Exchange assistance for the Girdwood Playground, and our club will be on hand to help out Thursday, June 1 in lieu of our regular meeting.

·          Cece has arranged for us to hold our membership social at the new bookstore in the town square on June 3.

·          Carol has learned from Chuck and Nati May that they wish to resign their memberships in Girdwood Rotary.  They say that there may be Rotary involvement in the future for them.

·          We have an opportunity to buy the fabulous new 2 x 4 Rotary Banner on which you can place relevant information about an event.  This disposable vinyl sign comes in rolls of 100 making it a long lasting PR piece.  You can “tear off” sections of 1, 2, 25, 50, or 100 to place or string up at events such as Bird to Gird.

·          The Youth Exchange Project at the Rotary District Conference was filmed and featured Gulsah working on the indoor plants at the Valdez Senior Center.

·          Folks, we need the Tour of Homes for our fund raising efforts.  The Tour of Homes has been postponed at least until October.

·          Please support Carol’s year as President by volunteering to help on Rotary events.

·          Diana and Phil were honored for ISFR at the Rotary District Conference in Valdez last weekend.

·          SUNDAY June 11 is our Bird to Gird Bike Rally this year and we need some volunteers for the activities.

·          Girdwood was the THIRD highest 5010 Foundation giving club per capita in 2004-2005 and we were recognized at the District Conference.

·          MAY 20, Saturday, is our next clean-up.  Meet behind the Alpine Diner in the Tesoro parking lot at 9 A.M.

·          A Youth Exchange Committee of Ron, Jody, and David met with Woody Angst on May 1.  Hear what we learned at our Board Meeting May 18.

 Upcoming Programs: No dates for these meetings yet.

·          Rich Owens, owner of Tastee Freez and H2Oasis and member of AKAir National Guard, will speak on our Afghan unit from the Guard and what he's doing to create employment for youth in Anchorage.

·          Libby Sievert, former Youth Exchange student to Malawi, will talk about her experiences in Africa and the role of volunteers in Malawi (we are applying for the District grant to help Tom Nighswander's work in Malawi and contributing about $1,600 that came from our Interact Account).

·          Andrew Van Chau, Vice President for External Affairs at BP, will talk about taxation policy and investments by the oil industry in Alaska.

See you tomorrow and be wearing a smile! David

Message from President David Alexander – May 9, 2006
    Herb Schlereth is our speaker on Thursday night, and his presentation is on the funny, frenetic path he took to business success from a young adulthood in which he lacked the ability to read. I started on my career path by teaching adults with no prior knowledge of written language to read fluently, so Herb's story is significant to me. He's smart, humorous, and modestly aware of what it took to overcome this situation.
    I would also like to congratulate Diana, Phil, and Larry again for the wonderfully successful ISFR. Diana and Phil accepted an award at the District Conference for our main International Project this year.
    Let's all pat ourselves on the back for being the #3 club per capita in District 5010 in foundation giving for 2004-2005 (Chuck's year). I was happy to accept that award. We always do well in per capita giving, thanks in part to George and Mary's super bowl party.
More on last week's interesting District Conference in Valdez when we meet.  David

Message from President David Alexander – April 18, 2006
    Our meeting on Thursday at 7 P.M. at the hotel features Justin Harris on Consumer Credit. Our April Board meeting will follow immediately after. Please use our website at www.girdwoodrotary.org for information.
Upcoming: Shannon O'Brien from the Whittier School will present their art project featuring a Girdwood sculptor on April 27; On May 4, it would be great if you could attend the District Conference in Valdez (conference runs May 4-7). This is the end of Skip Cook's terms as District Governor. Gayle Knepper from East is the incoming District Governor; If you don't go to District, our Girdwood meeting will be on Bird to Gird Bike Rally coming up June 10; May 11 has Herb Schlereth, State Farm Insurance Agent, discussing how he learned to read as an adult in order to work in the insurance industry; Herb is also proud of his son, Mark, who is a three time super bowl winner with the Redskins and Broncos; May 18 is a club presentation from our President Elect Carol on the new club structure. By focusing on Membership and Administration as two of the new permanent committees, the goal is to make more expeditious standard efforts we make anyway; May 25 is a review of modern mining in Alaska with Steve Borell of the Alaska Miners Association. He explains a lot about hard rock resource development and the current mines in Alaska; June 1 is Neal Fried, labor economist, on what we can expect in the housing market, state revenues, and current economic policy; June 10 is Bird to Gird. Plan to join us for that event which is an important fund raiser for us.

Message from President David Alexander – April 7, 2006,
    President-Elect Carol is going to explain the new structure of Rotary Clubs that RI wants us to adopt. The meeting will be May 18.  In the meantime, we have Justin Harris on consumer credit this Thursday, Shannon O'Brien on the Whittier School Art Project on April 27, Ginny Grupp and Ron Burson on Bird to Gird Bike Rally (June 10 this year) on May 4, and Herb Schlereth on overcoming reading problems to be a top insurance agent on May 11. The new structure holds promise of making our Rotary roles easier to fulfill. It also may make our twin dilemmas- Money and Membership- more manageable. Please be prepared to support the new structure and support our new 2007 Girdwood Rotary Board of Directors which will be installed on June 29, 2006.
    We want to do this. We want to make Girdwood a better community. Rotary is a particularly successful way to do this. We want to make the world a better place. Polio Plus is but one example of our joint efforts. We all do this together with our membership in Girdwood Rotary.
Thanks to each of you for what you do for Girdwood and for Rotary. Service Above Self.  David

In celebration of our fellowship and our good work, a tribute to Gulsah from all of us-

    Gulsah Kucuk, our youth exchange student from Turkey, treated us to a fine evening on Sunday.  Gulsah is Rose, and all the lovely associations that roses have for us were present in our fellowship that night.  Gulsah is our rose- more than an exchange student but a young woman for whom we feel continuing and growing admiration.  Her warmth spread to everyone who came to enjoy a dinner which might have been prepared in her home city of Istanbul.  The dinner itself was created jointly by Gulsah herself, Kerry and Chuck, and two dishes were cooked by a professional Turkish chef, Mustafa Iflazoglu, who is normally preparing excellent meals at the Marriott.  What a lot was accomplished by the Kucuk-Dorius clan as they assembled a culinary presentation of tastes and textures which proved to match their delicious appearance.   All agreed the numerous, carefully labeled dishes were marvelous. 

     Did you know that the ancient city at that historic crossroads now has 10 million people?  Gulsah seems to encompass the affections of 10 million people as she shows how a youth exchange student can be an ambassador for her country, her rotary club, and her family.  Watching Gulsah's program, an image of her brothers, friends, and parents emerged and gave us a sense of how she grew to be a polished and affectionate representative of her home- family and club and country.  We feel, as Kerry and Chuck do, that Gulsah is our daughter, too.  We've had an opportunity to be with a smart, energetic, considerate, and always affectionate young woman.  Thank you for the happiness you have brought to the Girdwood Club, Gulsah-

The members of Rotary in your home in America

Message from President David Alexander – April 7, 2006

    We had a great day of fun with Seward Rotary Club's President Fred Esposito and his members Kristi Larson, Amy Haddow and Jeff Mow.  The club exchange began with lunch at Jack Sprat, followed by skiing until hors d'oeuvres hour at George & Mary McCoy's home until the regular meeting time.  The visiting Seward Rotary Club members joined us in listening to Rod Pfleiger's presentation on the Northwest Cruise Ship Association and Alaska Tourism.

    Please remember to come to Jody Liddicoat's home on Sunday, April 9 at 7 pm for Gulsah's West Coast Trip fund raising dinner.  Bring a hearty appetite and a generous contribution for Gulsah's trip.  As of today, she needs approximately $1,000 additional funding.  Our April 13th meeting is cancelled and our next meeting will be on April 20th.  See you this Sunday

David

Message from President David Alexander – April 3, 2006
Our Youth Exchange Student in Thailand, Lang Van Dommelen, sends the following note:
Everyone,

    I have a monk story almost finished, that I'll send as soon as I get the photos, It will also be posted on the Rotary youth exchange website. I'll let you know when that is. I also just got back from Laos, so I'll write something about that now. (No photos at this point, sorry)

    So Laos, or the Lao Peoples democratic republic (Lao PDR): I went with a friend’s host family and they were awesome. We flew from Bangkok to a larger town in the north east called Undon Thani, then we drove to the border with Laos. At the border we went through the process of getting re- entry permits for Thailand (2 hours) and then a short term visa for Laos ( 15 mins). After we got across the border, a few major things were different. The first one was that we drove on the opposite side of the road, there were also fewer cars and more people were walking and riding bikes. Another major thing was the flags: on almost every house, there was at least one Laos flag, and one red, hammer and sickle flag, and the most evident difference was how undeveloped the land was. The roads we drove on were pot holed, dusty and narrow. Very few roads had lines painted on them. Most houses were a drab brown or grey color, or just made out of bricks. In Vientiane in wasn't much different. There were more cars, but there were dirt roads, few or no stop lights, and, again, the only buildings that looked nice were the government buildings, and the nice hotels, and the foreign owned factories and businesses.

     Laos is not a wealthy country, it is actually one of the poorest. It suffered heavily during the Vietnam war, and was heavily bombed by American forces. Before that it was a French colony, which still is evident in their life style.  Most companies and government buildings have signs written in Laos, and in French. French bread is sold on all street corners, and in most hotels there is only French wine, or beer Lao. We met people who could speak Lao, Thai and French. Sometimes we heard French language radio and music in stores or restaurants. Thai and Lao are very similar, only with a different accent, and slightly different words, so it was easy to communicate.

 All in all, it was awesome!!!!

 Lang 

Message from President David Alexander – April 3, 2006

    Gulsah just returned from her RYLA weekend in Fairbanks.  Remember our club exchange with Seward this Thursday (lunch, skiing, hors d'oeuvres at George and Mary's, meeting) and then dinner for Gulsah on Sunday, April 9 at Tom and Jody's (no meeting the 13th).  Also, you're welcome to support the Lego Robotics team from Paul Crews' Enviro Nodes if you want- they need a lot before their trip at the end of this month.  Give Ken Osuna a cheering call if you've got the opportunity.  Great snow on Sunday and thanks to everyone (especially Diana) who contributed to 2020,See you Thursday,
David

Message from President David Alexander – March 27, 2006
    This Thursday's meeting features Paul Crews and the students from Girdwood and the Four Valley area who have created Lego Robotics projects and won awards for their work. Lego Robotics projects use Lego pieces to build operational devices. The students will have some interesting displays.  For more information go to http://www.usfirst.org/jrobtcs/flego.htm
    We're working on membership this month. Keep in mind Phil's suggestion that discussion of membership is easiest in a relaxed social context. We're looking for some Girdwood residents who are want to put service above self.  See you Thursday.
David
Sunday, April 9 at Jody and Tom’s for Gulsah’s Dinner

Message from President David Alexander – March 22, 2006
    Frans is preparing a special lunch for us on Thursday, April 6 at Jack Sprat to welcome our Rotary cohorts from Seward. Six Seward people are joiningus, and Ron is making up Rotary name tags for them so they will look inconspicuous at our meeting (I jokes!).
    For those who want to join us for lunch, please plan to meet at noon (12 to 12:15 arrival) at Jack Sprat. The meal will cost between $10 and $15 including the drink. Let me or Ron know if you just want to drop in or you want lunch. Yummm - its always a treat to eat at Jack Sprat.
    After lunch, we'll ski. There are some beginning skiers in the group. I volunteer to work with them. Then, there is a group who will want to ski on top. If you are working, darn it! Why does work always get in the way?
    The meeting that night will feature Rod Flieger from the NW Cruise Ship Association and a five minute presentation from the Seward Rotarians who will join us at the hotel.
    Don't forget to come tomorrow night either, to hear Lupe Chavez from Rotary East and continue our membership plans (March is Membership Month for us).
    Thanks to Tom, Jeff, and Diana and all those of you who came last night to Candidate's Night. Another strong Rotary project.
David
Don't forget Gulsah's dinner on Sunday, April 9 at Tom and Jody's (replaces April 13 meeting).

CANDIDATES NIGHT at the Alyeska Prince Hotel

March 21, 2006

7:00 pm

Columbia Ballroom

Come listen to their positions and answers to your questions

Anchorage Mayor Candidates

Mayor Mark Begich - confirmed

Jack Frost - confirmed

Thomas Higgins - confirmed

Nick Moe – confirmed

Anchorage School Board Candidates

Seat E

Macon Roberts – confirmed

Charles Rushing – not confirmed

Cynthia Kott – not confirmed

Seat F

Jeff Friedman – confirmed

Thomas Lamb – not confirmed

Seat G

Ray Metcalfe – confirmed

Chrystal Kennedy – out of town

Mike Layne - confirmed

Girdwood Board of Supervisors Candidates

Seat A

Jim Henderson – out of town

Seat B

Tim Cabana – confirmed

Craig Rogers - confirmed

Seat C

Brandi Hoke - confirmed

Message from President David Alexander – March 15, 2006

   The Seward Club Exchange is April 6th.  Six members of their club will meet as many Girdwoodians as can come in the afternoon so we can ski together.  At a minimum, Ron and I will be there, rain or fog or great spring skiing.  Thanks to those who traveled to Seward in August and caught all those Silver Salmon, and now let's welcome their members to our own community and the slopes.

   I'll give you a time when I work it out with President Fred from Seward.  Thanks, and don't forget our Membership Assembly tomorrow night.  Our club meeting will be concurrent with our Board Meeting for April.  UAA Professor and Geography Chair, Dorn Van Dommelen, is shown in the picture to the left as he entertained and educated us on Canada and the USA at our last meeting on March 13^th .

David

Sunday, April 9 at Jody and Tom’s for Gulsah’s Dinner

Message from President David Alexander – March 14, 2006

   We're going to have a good year next year.  Carol is enthused from her weekend at PETS and will share some of the news this week, March 16, during our Membership Assembly.

   Thanks to each of you for your support on health fair, bird to gird, ISFR, Avalanche Express, Christmas boxes, Thanksgiving baskets, Highway Clean-up, Gulsah's year, Lang's year, our speakers, our meetings, our Fireside at Hugh and Janet's, Youth Exchange recruitment at Dimond and South and Girdwood, our support for skater Nichole Sherebernikoff, working with Rebecca Reichlin and FVCS, the Charter Night celebration, our exchanges with clubs in Palmer and Seward, our fabulous website, the weekly Girdwood Rotarian, our meals-in-advance payments, our chain saw festival with the cottonwoods, our forest fair parking, our planned giving to the Malawi Children's Village, our gift to Bean's, our work with TAHC, our support of the Girdwood Playground financially, our support for Little Bears, our work to make our highway safer and advise DOT on our needs for a four lane road, our use of e-mail, our work on the Girdwood playground last week of May, DG Skip and Olga Cook's visit, Carol as Prez elect, Schussout, RYLA (upcoming), our 2006-2007 board, our community bulletin board at the post office, Candidate's Night, our support for Pillars (18 kids this year!), our joint meeting with the Lions, our Club budget, the by-laws and constitution changes, Ken's contributions with the paper, the Alyeska Prince for meetings, George and Mary's annual Super Bowl party, our new members, our earlier members, and our willingness to put "service above self."  I know I forgot some stuff here, but you can help me remember.  See you Thursday at our Membership Assembly!

David

Sunday, April 9 at Jody and Tom’s for Gulsah’s Dinner

Message from President David Alexander – March 13, 2006

   Our meeting on April 6 will feature Rod Flieger of the Northwest Cruise Ship Association.

   Gulsah will prepare our Turkish dinner on Sunday, April 9 at Jody and Tom's home.  You may remember the good time we had for Laura's dinner last year, and expect the same merriment on April 9.  Sunday, April 9 will replace our meeting for April 13. Please plan to come, and help us with the preparation and serving if you can.  And remember that we are collecting for Gulsah's trip to the West Coast as we did with Laura last year.  Gulsah needs to turn in her $1,200 West Coast payment on April 15, so your donations are most welcome.

Be hungry for a good time and a good meal,

David

Sunday, April 9 at Jody and Tom’s for Gulsah’s Dinner

Message from President David Alexander – March 5, 2006

   There may have been some tough spots, but Diana, Phil, and Larry did a great job planning and providing the ISFR meeting.  Every ISFR member with whom I spoke enjoyed himself or herself.  Ron took some photos which are on our Girdwood Rotary site.  (Click on the Photo Album link to the left) To the right is Rotary International President Carl-Wilhelm Stenhammar with Phil Livingston, David Alexander, Mayor Mark Begich and Olga & DG Skip Cook.

   It was just good all the way around, and many from our club had a chance to enjoy portions of it.  Thanks to each Girdwoodian who contributed a part in the successful meeting.

David

  Message from President David Alexander - December 5, 2005

    This week at our regular meeting we will have as our special guests, Skip and Olga Cook. Skip is our Governor for Rotary District 5010 and, as you've heard from Phil, being District Governor is not an easy thing.  Please make every effort to attend this Thursday's meeting and to be there on time.  Coming to this meeting carries a little extra value because we are respecting the work Skip is doing this year by attending.

    The December board meeting will be held at 5:30 pm, before the regular meeting at 7:00 pm.  Board members; please arrive early for this board meeting.

    Secondly, please tell either Carol or me if you are bringing your spouse to Charter Night on the 15th.  Dinner for the evening will be a little fancier.  Margaret Tyler has arranged for prime rib, potatoes, and a Caesar salad.  The special dinner is $25, and we'd like a reasonably close head count to tell the hotel.  You surely do not want to miss the great pictures we have of Larry, George, Gene, Tom, Hugh, Phil, and Diana in a film by that great auteur- moi!  Larry and Barbara Cash, Chris Von Imhof, Bill and Cecelia Hopper, Lloyd and Joan Morris, Paul McGuire, Rena Salazar, and Josh Jennett have accepted.  Maybes are Dave Rhoderick, Bob and Deanna Persons, and Ted Stevens at this point.  I invited Lisa Murkowski, but she won't be in town (but is coming to visit us at Nine Star tomorrow, I'm pleased to say).  I asked Darryl Kester to come with Liz as well.  We're thinking that as many as 40 people will come, and Carol has reserved part of the Columbia for the evening.  She'll give a final head count to Margaret around the 10th, so please let us know before then

    Finally, it's a Fireside with Hugh and Janet on the 22nd, and there will be the always funny Chinese auction where the Frito-Lay Chip Emulsifier that Aunt Grace gave you can be exchanged for something really useful!

    Right after Christmas, as Carol has told you, we're having a club assembly on December 29th.  A great month of activity to celebrate the Christmas season and our friendship together.

See you soon.

Message from President David Alexander - November 24, 2005

    Happy Thanksgiving!  Since we are already in the annual year-end holiday season, I thought it would be appropriate to review our upcoming events and programs.   I'll be out of town on December 1st and CeCe will be presiding at this meeting.  Ron will put together the meeting bulletin so if you have any announcements, etc., please get the information to him as soon as possible.  Hilary Morgan will be our speaker.  Her program (she created it for Catholic Social Services) is unique for homeless people with alcohol problems.  They don't have to be sober to live at Homeward Bound residences.  She is a nominee for the YWCA Women of Achievement award that will be announced mid-December.   On December 8th, District Governor Skip Cook will be our featured guest and speaker.  We will also induct Marco Zaccaro into our membership that night.  The Board will meet with Skip beginning at 5:30, just before our regular meeting, I encourage all our members to attend this special board meeting with our District Governor - of course in addition to the regular meeting beginning at 7 pm.  Our next Presidents meeting will be on December 14th.  At that meeting I'll let the other Presidents know what they can do to help out when the IFSR is here in Girdwood in February.  Several of the Presidents have  already asked what they could do for IFSR.  On December 15th, we will honor and celebrate our Girdwood Rotary Club's Charter members.  On December 22  Hugh and Janet Gellert will host our annual fireside at their home in Girdwood.  We'll have more details on this event as we get closer to the date.  I'll be in New Mexico during this fun-filled event but will be back in time for our Club Assembly on the December 29th.  This will be the opportunity to talk a little about who we are, individually and collectively, and for you to express your desires or concerns for our club and its direction.

    That's it for December.  Although January is booked for programs and February and March are half full we can make some switches as necessary.  Don't forget that in the time period from February 23rd to March 4th, the International Fellowship Of Skiing Rotarians will be at Alyeska.  We are having a communal meeting for all clubs for the time around March 2 when Rosemary’s friend, Suzzane, is scheduled to present.  I want to bring this up on December 8 to see if some members would come on the 2^nd, but the all-club meeting is our first priority.  I would like to have decent representation at the all-club meeting for ISFR, and I’ll find out about a March 2^nd Girdwood meeting on a person by person basis.   

    Youth Exchange:  I met with the person who runs the District Youth Exchange program recently at my office.  We discussed the need for adjustments to the program if Girdwood is to participate in this program in the future.  I'm sympathetic with their problem about selection, but suggested that we would have to have our own candidates from Girdwood.  I also called and e-mailed Chuck so that Nati could return the student's application which had been referred to us (Nati is back now, but wasn’t when I called).  I don't know who that student is that they picked for us, but I want to affirm that our withdrawal this year is final. 

That's it for now so please have a Happy (and safe) Thanksgiving!

Message from President David Alexander - October 26, 2005

   Fellows of our Order, please plan to make it a (short) evening with us with the merriment that each of us brings to our Thursday night gathering.  The program is Paola Banchero, UAA Professor of Journalism and Public Speaking who will present on Hispanics and the Media. October is Hispanic Heritage Month and Professor Banchero will address how Hispanics are portrayed and what power they have in the entertainment and news media. 

   And what is upcoming?  International Airline Captain Bill Harbin; Doug Wu our Girdwood Guru; Dr. Travis Rector on celestial imaging, Dinner at home with the turkey, Hilary Morgan from the innovative Homeward Bound program, District Governor Skip Cook and Olga, and Charter Member night on December 15 prior to some holiday festivities on December 22, an Assembly for us on the 29^th and all of a sudden it is 2006.  Early in ’06, Chris Birch will converse with us, Allen Kemplen will make sense of the big dig up Gambell and Ingra, Dorn Van Dommelen will explain Canada (he’s head of UAA’s Geography Department and Lang’s Dad), and Sharon Gherman will close the quarter with info on the Challenger Learning Center and their new training program in cooperation with the Growth Company.

   This Thursday, Carol will close out Vocational Month with an observer on the last item in the four way test (now what is that, anyway?).  Ron Burson, Secretaire Extraordinare, will introduce Paola.

   But wait!  No list is inclusive without anticipating the International Fellowship of Flying Rotarians (IFSR).  Please keep February 24 to March 5^th fresh on your calendar.  We’ll be busy, and Phil and Diana will be calling on you for help.

   Ken Hatch has a great idea for smooth fund raising which we’ll mention (Larry notes it has been done but can be done again).  This year, we’re going to do Avalanche Express (April 22) and the Tour of Homes (April 28).  Please be prepared to help Ken with Avalanche tickets and Carol with the Tour of Homes.  Our financial year depends on it.

   Finally, and back to December 1, Carol is assembling her Board of Directors right now, as I write this, plans are being made, earnest officers are needed, a cry for directors is out- YOU should plan what service you want to give to Girdwood Rotary for the year ahead.  We are planning to vote on our slate on December 1, so we’ll be giving you the tentative list starting next month early (maybe November 3^rd, if that can be done. 

I’m happy to be your President!

Message from President David Alexander - October 13, 2005

Nichole Sherebernikoff is a competitive figure skater and a charming young woman.  She is our guest speaker on Thursday, October 13.

    Question:  Which Rotary Club has their very own newspaper and their very own hotel?  I always feel a little bit superior with the other club presidents who don’t have anything like our publicity and amenities. 

    What else is new?  The last highway cleanup is this Saturday at 9 A.M. back of Alpine Diner.

    Later in the morning- 11 o’clock in fact- more benches and chairs will be made from the cottonwood logs next to the Forest Fair Pavilion. 

    Monday is the deadline for youth exchange applications to go to Lynne Doran (P.O. Box 1064).  The application is attached.  Turnouts were high for my presentations at Girdwood School, Dimond, and South.  Several Girdwood kids were in the audience at South.

    Should we or should we not?  Carol has to consider how next year will look committee-wise.  Go to the International site to see the new committee structure which has membership, service, and foundation as permanent committees.

    We need you to serve as an officer.  If you want to be a Girdwood Rotary officer or director, please tell Carol.  Our goal is to have a slate of candidates before Skip arrives on December 8. 

    A huge thanks to Diana, Phil, Larry, and Jody for getting ready for the successful health fair.  And a round of applause to Ron for organizing the cottonwood tree cutting with Jody and Tom, Phil and Diana, Rebecca and Jerry, Stretch, Bobby, Kendra and me with a great lunch cooked by Rebecca and provided by Chad.  This weekend, we’ll do it again at 11 A.M.

    Have you had a chance to do something with Gulsah yet?  Let’s get on the bandwagon to make her continue to feel at home.  Many thanks to Kerry and Chuck for being excellent host parents.

    Our International Fellowship of Skiing Rotarians is a big deal, and we all want to contribute as Phil was able to tell the ten Anchorage Presidents this morning at the monthly meeting.

    Jody’s on it to get our Thanksgiving food for the baskets.  When she does, we’ll all pitch in to prepare the boxes for delivery.

    We are tentatively planning on an assembly-type meeting in late December and then again in March.  The purpose of an assembly-type meeting is to further involve the membership in the direction our club takes. If our members like this concept, we will continue the meetings quarterly.

    A link to EClubOne for online meeting make-ups is now on the top menu above on the right side.  Although we prefer to see and visit with you at the regular meetings, you may easily do make-ups online at EClubOne.

    Gulsah Kucuk, our 16 year-old inbound Youth Exchange Student from Istanbul, arrived Monday night and was greeted by Chuck and Nati May, Kerry Dorius and me.   Kerry took Gulsah home, went over her medical record, provided some shots, and gave her a relaxing day on Tuesday.  Chuck  Dorius visited South High with her and she registered with me at the school this morning.  She is just a sweet kid - bright and enthusiastic.  Another wonderful exchange student!  She felt so welcomed by Nati and especially by Kerry and Chuck.  It was really a good start to a good year for her.  After everyone at South High helped her as arranged by Registrar Lynda Barkley, she was off to class at about 9 A.M.  I think things will go well for her.  Chuck Dorius introduced her to Kevin Opalka and some other kids.  Kerry has made arrangements for her to meet some of the Girdwood girls who ride the bus.  Lots to tell, and Gulsah will share some with us this coming  Thursday.  For those who were unable to attend and meet Gulsah (gool-sa) this past Thursday, she's the charming and pretty young lady in the picture above - attending her very first Girdwood Rotary meeting.  Although Chuck and Kerry are quite happy to host Gulsah for her entire stay, the recommended hosting is for three host families.  Please volunteer to host or help find additional hosts for our Youth Exchange Student.

    Thank You! If I could thank each of you for your contributions to our community every day, I would do it.  Today, I know you will all want to join me enthusiastically in thanking Diana Livingston for doing our tax return and helping every President’s leadership team with accounting and financial perspective.  Everyone does a lot in our club and Diana is a mainstay as she is in so many other community efforts in Girdwood.

    Leadership means doing things, and some of our best doers are our Charter members.  We’ll be celebrating the work of our club's charter members Phil and Diana Livingston, George McCoy, Gene Bjornstad, Hugh Gellert, Larry Daniels and Tom Yeager on December 15th.

    Youth exchange recruiting is here again.  We need a Girdwood kid to send out next year.  The short form applications are due October 10 so please help spread the word in Girdwood that we want Freshmen or Sophomores to apply - and..., if we don’t get a Girdwood student, we will be asked to send a student from Anchorage.  We’ve talked about this and we feel it is not a good use of our time and funds to sponsor a student from South Anchorage, no matter how worthy that student may be.  You can help by telling your neighbors about the program. Girdwoodians Kali Bennett, Sonja Daniels, Natalie Bishop, Andy Manos, and now Indian’s Lang Van Dommelen are some of the bright, responsive students we’ve sent out with Youth Exchange.  Let’s keep that tradition.  Nati and I will have application blanks.  Girdwood’s Lynne’ Doran who is the outbound manager for youth exchange will also have them.

    Assistant District Governor Paul McGuire will be our guest this Thursday.  Paul will do a member orientation for us as well as the induction of our newest members, Ginny Grupp and Joyce Kiana.  Please come help us officially welcome our newest members.

     Ken Osuna, Rosemary, Tom, Cece, and I are trying to upgrade program scheduling a bit to build on the member driven process for choosing speakers.  I outlined this in an earlier e-mail which, if requested, I'll send to you again.  We have a goal of getting our programs into the Turnagain Times and publicizing them more within the community.  We also have a goal of reinstating the member selection of programs.  Presenters will have 20 minutes or less and we’ll plan to start the meeting at 7:05 pm - but, don’t feel awkward about walking in late - just try as hard as you can to be there on time.

   Upcoming: Skip and Olga Cook on December 8; and the International Fellowship of Skiing Rotarians during the last week of February.  Check our list of upcoming speakers by clicking on the "Calendars" link in the left column.