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Welcome to our club's web site! Please come visit us when
you're in Alaska. We usually meet on Thursday evenings at 7 P.M. at the Alyeska
Hotel. Check the "banner" above for the latest information on the
location and schedule for the evening. Some of the projects undertaken or supported by Girdwood Rotary: |
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Who should we elect on
April 6th? Anchorage School Board Anchorage Assembly (Seat J for Girdwood voters)
Girdwood Board of
Supervisors You decide who's most qualified!
______________ Girdwood Rotary's Annual Candidates Forum Girdwood Community Room |
Click here for School Board and Assembly candidates list
Girdwood Board of Supervisors Candidates
Seat B
David Chadwick
Ryan Schlueter
Russ Stahla
Seat C
Tim Cabana
Bryan Epley
Karen Zaccaro
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Girdwood Rotary Club's President Elect George Stewart, Scott Capshaw and
Ron Burson presented a plaque to Double Musky's Justin Persons on
February 27, 2010 in appreciation of their continuing support of
Girdwood Rotary, the community and especially for hosting our August
2009 Wine Tasting Fundraiser for the eradication of polio worldwide. The Double Musky along with Bob, Deanna and Justin have always been and continue to be amongst the first in our community to support issues of importance. Without their efforts and support (and that of the Double Musky staff) of our fundraiser we would not have been able to raise over $6,000 toward the eradication of polio. After 20 years of hard work, Rotary and its partners are on the brink of eradicating this tenacious disease, but a strong push is needed now to root it out once and for all. It is a window of opportunity of historic proportions. Your contribution will help Rotary raise $200 million to match $355 million in challenge grants received from the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation. The resulting $555 million will directly support immunization campaigns in developing countries, where polio continues to infect and paralyze children, robbing them of their futures and compounding the hardships faced by their families. As long as polio threatens even one child anywhere in the world, children everywhere remain at risk. The stakes are that high. Read more about Rotary's efforts at http://rotary.org/en/ServiceAndFellowship/Polio/Pages/ridefault.aspx?housead. |
Click on the letter for a higher quality image suitable for printing
This coming Thursday, February 25 beginning at 7 pm at the Hotel Alyeska,
Tony Palmer will speak on development of the pipeline to transport Alaska’s
natural gas to market under TransCanda’s AGIA license with the state of
Alaska.
Girdwood Rotary Club is delighted to be able to host TransCanada’s Vice President of Alaska Development to speak to our community. This will provide an excellent opportunity for all interested parties to garner information on the issues surrounding the gas pipeline from a person intimately involved in its development at the highest levels. In additional to his prepared remarks, Mr. Palmer will also answer questions from the audience.
As Vice President, Alaska Development, Palmer leads TransCanada Corporation’s efforts on the Alaska Pipeline Project as Chairman of the Management Committee. He is also CEO of TransCanada Alaska and Foothills Pipe Lines Limited.
Tony joined Foothills Pipe Lines Ltd. in 1985 and worked in NOVA Gas International Ltd. from 1994 to 1998. Since then he has held several senior positions in Business Development, Strategy and Transmission Planning at TransCanada. He earned a Bachelor of Arts from Concordia University in Montreal in 1979 and is a graduate of the Executive Development program at the University of Calgary in 1988.
This presentation is provided as community service by Girdwood Rotary. Everyone is encouraged to attend and there is no admission charge. Please email President@GirdwoodRotary.org of your intention to attend and the number of people who will attend with you so we can arrange for an appropriate room at the hotel..... The more the better!
For more information check out the following web sites.
http://www.gov.state.ak.us/agia/pdf/AlaskaPipelineProjectReport_103109.pdf
This
Thursday, February 11th, will be an interesting meeting. Not only will we
induct two new members into Rotary but we will have an interesting change to our
regular speakers. District Governor Bill Hopper is tentatively scheduled to
administer the ceremony for new members Scott Capshaw and Rebecca Reichlin.
Our speakers are Tomoko Iwasa and Sayoko Uchimura, two young ladies from Japan
participating in an immersion program at Sand Lake Elementary School. Tomoko
speaks English you can understand and Sayoko can understand you. In the
photograph, Tomoko is on the left and Sayoko is on the right. They are both
around 20 and are in the midst of their own college curricula. They have created
a PowerPoint presentation which I think the club will enjoy.
Girdwood Rotary’s annual Super Bowl Sunday Football Pool & Potluck, with all pool proceeds going to the Rotary Foundation, will be Sunday February 7th at George and Kathy Stewart’s home in Girdwood. The gathering will begin at 1:30 pm and the game kickoff is about an hour later. RSVP to Ellen (ellen@acsalaska.net) that you will be attending and what you plan to bring for the potluck. As of 5:50 pm, February 3, the following scrumptious food is going to be at the potluck.....
Gloria is bringing smoked fish and daughter Callan, the famous snowboarder.
Rebecca will bring a broccoli salad.
Maribel will be preparing her enchiladas grande and Kendra, Maribel and David will be there to celebrate America’s sport with everyone.
Jody is bringing brownie bites with red grapes.
George will serve cheese, smoked salmon (and a Cajun smoked salmon dip), crackers, nuts, coffee, soda, beer, wine.
Scott and Jenn are bringing a shrimp pasta dish.
Mike will bring a appetizer and desert.
Hank sadly will not be able to attend.
Frans & Jen are bringing Ryker and Sawyer and salsas with wheat free dehydrated chips.
Steve and CeCe will bring a BIG salad.
Unfortunately, Tom will be watching the game from the Slope.
Ron and Gwen are bringing a Vegetarian Lentil Paella.
Lana is bringing a ham.
Larry is bringing smoked turkey.
Hugh will be in Arizona.
Jen & Ken are bringing a veggie based side dish and would like us to buy more squares.
Ellen will bring a lemon cake.
Everyone is invited – the only rules for the day are to feast well and have fun while raising a little money for the Foundation to help with the eradication of polio.
February 2, 1010 Girdwood Rotarians George Stewart, Jody Liddicoat, Ron Burson and Scott Capshaw, accompanied by Jim Henderson and Girdwood School Principal Kathy Recken, played chaperone for 15 of our Girdwood School students at the Pillars presentation today featuring Barrington Irving, who at 23 years of age piloted a small airplane around the world. It was a great presentation and the kids were terrific. Barrington told of his experiences in school as an athlete and of a mother that “persuaded” him to keep his grades up (he graduated with a 4.49 GPA). He then recounted how he was inspired to get into aviation and ultimately into education and inspiring young people to achieve the unachievable. Some comments from Girdwood School Principal Kathy Recken: “Barrington Irving was an incredible speaker and I know, after talking with students today, that he made a strong impression on them.” “… his ability to "tell it like is" really had an impact.” “Our students so rarely get the chance to take advantage of such opportunities in Anchorage or to dine in a setting where good manners are expected.” “It was a wonderful experience for all of them, and they've been telling their teachers all day about Barrington and the great time that they had.” “…thanks to all of you Rotary members who made this trip possible.”
Scott Capshaw, who has worked with young people across the country,
summed the day up with his comment “…Girdwood Students are
“Awesome!” |
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Girdwood |
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New Community Center Saturday, October 10th 2009 9:00 am - 1:00 pm |
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| $40
Comprehensive Blood Test
Includes a panel of 27 tests screening for: Cholesterol, Diabetes, Kidney function, Nutrition, Liver function, Anemia and more. Please fast for 12 hours but be sure to drink lots of water. Prescription medication should be taken as prescribed and diabetics should not fast. |
Free Health Screenings Blood Pressure Height/Weight BMI Vision/Glaucoma Hearing Nutrition Diabetes Physical Activity And.... MORE
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Sponsors: Girdwood Rotary Club Girdwood Lions Club Double Musky Bake Shop Four Valleys Community Schools Turnagain Arm Health Center BP (Presenting Sponsor) Major Grantor: Alaska Kidney Foundation United Way
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| $30 Thyroid Stimulating Hormone (TSH) | ||||||
| $25 Prostate
Specific Antigen (PSA) Blood test for prostate disease recommended for men over age 45. |
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| $50 Vitamin D levels | ||||||
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(All Blood tests are for ages 18 and older only) |
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Flu Shots this year are courtesy of Turnagain Arm Health Center and will be available on a first come first serve basis. | |||||
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Alaska Health Fair, Inc.,
Contact Barb in Anchorage at: |
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Girdwood Rotary's 8th Grade Student of the Year Award On May 20th, 2009 Natalie Sword was honored by her fellow students and teachers as Girdwood School's 8th Grade Student of the Year. Girdwood Rotary is proud to have supported this award for many years. Club President Ron Burson, Secretary Jen Weits and President-elect Mike Wilson of the local club along with and Gwen Burson were on hand for the announcement and ceremony. Secretary Jen Weits presented Natalie with Girdwood Rotary's Certificate of Achievement, a gift certificate to Girdwood Books & News for $25 as well as the plate bearing her name that will be placed on the plaque in Girdwood School. The school Media Room (formerly the community library) was full with students, parents, grandparents and friends attending in honor of Natalie and the celebrations, Good job Natalie!!! 8th
Grader of the year selection criteria:
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Also honored at the ceremony were the four students that volunteered their evening on March 25th for our local Anchorage Mayoral Candidate's Night in the New Girdwood Community room. Honorees Chase Delatush, Samuel Doepken, Gamel Gibson and Matt Malecha were each presented with Girdwood Rotary's Certificate of Appreciation and a $25 gift certificate to Girdwood Book & News in thanks for their service to Girdwood Rotary and the community.
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Korean Group Study Exchange Team Visits Girdwood.
The 2009 Group Study Exchange Team from Korea visited Girdwood and its surrounding area on May 16th, 2009, arriving in Girdwood at 10:30 am after a leisurely drive along the scenic Turnagain Arm. The GSE team was led by Rotarian Nak Won Kim, representing Rotary District 3730 and the people of Korea. Girdwood Rotary's representatives President Ron Burson, Secretary Jen Weits and Venue Chairman Frans Weits were joined by UAA Director of the School of Social Work Beth Sirles and the little Weits', Ryker and Sawyer, in welcoming the GSE Team and their escorts, Anchorage International Rotarians Thea Whitehead and Nina Mann.
Team leader Nak Won Kim is a licensed Real Estate Agent/Broker and has been in the business for over 24 years. Other team members were Hyeon Jin Gwon, a Public Officer specializing in social welfare for over 4 years; Ill Ju Choi, a University Administrative Staff specializing in administration for over 9 years; Chun Nan Choi, President of English Institute, specializing in education for over 5 years; and Dong Lim Kim, a Public Official for the Council Secretariat for 4 years.
The day started out with a scrumptious brunch at Jack Sprat, hosted by owners and Girdwood Rotarians Frans and Jen Weits. During brunch, Girdwood Rotary Friend Beth Sirles, PhD, Director of UAA School of Social Work, spoke about Alaska and the social services available in Alaska.
Following brunch, everyone took a walk up to Girdwood Center for Visual Arts and enjoyed some of the local artist’s work for a few minutes before continuing on to the Alyeska Resort’s Planning and Development Office for a briefing by Girdwood Rotarian Larry Daniels, VP of Alyeska Resort’s Planning and Development, on the history and plans for resort development in Girdwood.
After the very interesting briefing by Larry, the group drove to the Crow Creek Mine parking lot for a hike down to the Hand Tram over Crow Creek and on to the Winner Creek Gorge Bridge. The hike was led by another Girdwood Rotary Friend Becky Germain, a very experienced hiker with a vast knowledge of the history and vegetation of the area.
The GSE Team and their escorts hiked back up to the mine parking lot where there was ample time for some fellowship and to regroup, rest and picnic in the area provided courtesy of Crow Creek Mine.
Thea Whitehead and Nina Mann then drove the team to Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center and toured the park and viewed the animals courtesy of AWCC’s Mike Miller. A short trek to a nearby glacier brought to a close the touring part of the day so they returned to Girdwood and the Burson home for some relaxation time and refreshments.
About 7:30 pm, everyone drove over to the Day Lodge to get a sense of "Fun in the Fabulous 50’s Sock Hop", a fundraiser and party for the Roundhouse at Alyeska Museum, co-sponsored by Girdwood, Inc. and Alyeska Resort Alaska. Since the GSE Team had an early flight to Sitka from Anchorage, they had to depart for Anchorage about 8:15 pm. It was a short but great visit and a tribute to the program and Rotary values. Information on Rotary's GSE Program may be found on the Rotary International web site.
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| Bike Path Bridge Re-decking Community Service Project - Girdwood’s Rotary and Lions clubs are joining with Girdwood Parks and Rec and the Girdwood Trails Committee in mustering volunteers for a community service project beginning in early May. Please help with this project if you’re able. There will be something for everyone to do – even if it’s just making sure the rest of us are doing the job correctly - and having a lot of fun doing it. More information... |
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Who will be Anchorage's next
mayor? (Click below for your selection)
You decide who's most qualified!
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| New faces elected for the 2009-2010 Rotary year beginning July 1, 2009 |
 Mike Wilson - President Michael Wilson retired from the Anchorage School District in 2003. He has owned a cabin here since 1998. Currently Mike has served as the Membership Chairperson, on the Health Fair committee and has helped on several of the Girdwood community projects. Mike has two grown daughters and one grandson. All of his family enjoy coming to Girdwood. |
 George Stewart - President Elect (2010-11 President)George Stewart retired from medical practice in Anchorage in 2005. He began practicing in Alaska with the Public Health Service in the mid 60's and returned to Anchorage in 1971 full time. He moved to Girdwood early in 2008 but has owned a ski cabin here since 1978. George also has been on four medical mission trips to Liberia and chairs the International Projects Committee for the Girdwood Rotary Club. George also teaches Aviation courses at UAA and Embry Riddle. He and his lovely wife Kathy have partnered with Solace International to increase schooling capacity in Liberia. They have five children and nine grandchildren living in Alaska, Colorado and New York state. George, who is a soon to be ski bum, is dedicated to continuing Mike Wilson's project of increased wine (no whine) consumption! |
 John Hickox - Vice President |
 Jen Weits
- SecretaryJen Weits has been serving the Earth since 1973. Raised and educated in Michigan, she felt the inextricable draw of the Northwest and moved to Girdwood, Alaska in '01 via Lake Tahoe, CA. Jack Sprat, Zaccaro Architects and the Weits family take up half her time; the rest of it is committed to the endless secretarial duties of the Girdwood Rotary. She is a self proclaimed "Gastronaut" who's interests include, but are not limited to, the living foods movement, the linguistic work of Noam Chomsky, and most any book of Bukowski's. |
 Hank Hosford - TresurerHank Hosford has been a full-time resident of Girdwood for over 2 years and has served as the Treasurer of Girdwood Rotary for the past year. He owns his own life insurance business and he and his wife are the owners of a floor cleaning business, Alaska Stone Care. He has served on numerous non-profit and community boards, including Girdwood 2020, Alyeska Ski and Snowboard Club, Alaska Theatre of Youth, and Old Seward Oceanview Community Council to name a few. He and his wife moved to Girdwood for the skiing. |
 Ellen T. - Sergeant at ArmsEllen T., a resident of Girdwood for six years, teaches snowboarding at Alyeska Resort and has her own business drawing digital 3D architectural models. She'll never be a Real Alaskan, because she likes cities, sucks at fishing, owns a tiny short haired dog, and wants to buy a Prius. Her plans for Rotary this year include organizing our Town League Racing team, planning the annual Girdwood Health Fair, and helping out with Forest Fair parking. |
 Marco Zaccaro - DirectorMarco Zaccaro otherwise known as Dessa’s Dad, or sometimes Brenner’s dad or Edna’s son, has lived in Girdwood forever (40 years). He and his wife Karen run Z Architects a full service architectural firm based in Girdwood. Marco and Karen are carrying on the old Girdwood tradition of building their own house - over several decades. Marco enjoys back country skiing, travel and kayaking. His plans for rotary this year are to be one of the hard working directors and to help with Forest Fair parking. |
 Larry Daniels - Director |
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September 11, 2008 - Ed
O'Neill, Vice President of the Brown Jug and Silvia Villamides,
Executive Director of CHARR were persuaded by David Alexander
to tell our members the interesting story about the tons of garbage
the Brown Jug staff collects when they clean up the vagrant camps
around Anchorage. Ed wants to establish a “clean camp” which is
policed and it would take some city money to create. Silvia
Villamides, Executive Director of CHARR has joined Ed in this
crusade to clean up Anchorage. Ed and Silva provided a very informative presentation on the homeless and the living conditions that are very common within the Anchorage community. Trash often accumulates around these areas and can be contributed to alcohol. Ed is a leader in helping to clean up the camps. Much work needs to be done and the problem will not go away anytime in the near future. He enlists the help from many of the homeless and has a goal of creating a “tent city” that could help that would provide basic sanitary conditions and a way to live for a number of homeless people. He has been recognized for his efforts in Anchorage and nationally as well. Ed also pointed out the need for grants to help in this major community concern. Q & A: Larry Daniels suggested that using money from the Mental Health Trust might help. Ed and Silvia explained that although the $38 million in alcohol taxes raised was supposed to be used for social services, it does not filter down to social services as it was designed to do. Why not ????? |
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September 10, 2008 - NEW ROTARY MEMBER IN WAITING ARRIVES!!! Ken Hatch and Jen Wingard presented Gabriel with his brand new sister on Wednesday, September 10th, at 4:48 pm! Gabriel’s new sister came labeled as Jamay but he is reserving the right to change that to something else at a later date - subject of course to Mom & Dad's concurrence. Jamay weighed in at 7 pounds 11 ounces and a whopping 21 inches long. Welcome Jamay! Congratulations Ken, Jen, Gabriel and the world!
September 4, 2008 - Instead of the traditional meeting at the Hotel Alyeska, tonight's meeting was a delightful social at Jack Sprat for members, friends and guests. Jack Sprat owners Frans & Jen Weits outdid themselves with a delicious buffet set out in the main dining room and spilling out onto the deck for Rotarians and friends - to the great envy of their regular dinner customers. The feast began with a mouth-watering scrumptious coconut lime corn chowder accompanied with tortilla chips. Next was their famous salad with its tangy wasabi vinaigrette dressing. Not to be outdone by the first courses, what followed was a wonderful choice of vegetable stir fry with either tofu or steak and rice - or both. The pagan dances and prayers for good weather must have been effective as the sky cleared and the rain disappeared (for a little while). The temperatures were very comfortable on the deck with the warmth from all the new friends complemented by the new Jack Sprat deck heater. Everyone had a great time - all thirty one of us. Unfortunately, we had such a great time that we forgot to take pictures. :(
August 28, 2008 - Fun Committee Chair CeCe Mendonsa was absent from tonight’s meeting and things were just not as fun!
However,
we were joined by Chris Von Imhof and his beautiful wife Brigette, the always
vivacious Marianne Daniels and the equally verbose Gabriel Wingard.
Combined with our three lovely speakers, Thalia Wilkinson, Sarah and Katy
Cronk, it was a memorable guest list that re-instilled our meeting with the
missing fun.
- George Stewart told us of Barrington Irving who was the youngest person to fly around the world at age 23 - and the first African American to do so. He started a program in Miami called Experience Aviation (www.experienceaviation.org). There are several videos of him on YouTube including: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TkMqAqYg1V0. The Alaska Airmen's Association (AAA) has picked up the ball on organizing a dinner on the 19th of September - each table will be hosted by 2 or 3 people involved in aviation and the rest of the attendees will be students from all over Anchorage, Girdwood, etc.
- Don’t forget the Fungus Fair Formal this coming Friday, September 5th. It will be a fun occasion.
- Wednesday, September 10th is Girdwood 2020 4th Annual Golf Tourney at O’Malley’s.
- September 26-28 – Our club will sponsor the Bike Path Bridge Repair. We will re-deck the bridge over railroad tracks
- October 4 is the Girdwood Health Fair
- Girdwood Rotary will raffle off a folding bike at the Health Fair on October 4th.
- Oktoberfest is October 10 (evening) and 11 (evening) at the Day Lodge
- GCVA Spaghetti Feed fund raiser coming up soon
David
Alexander introduced our speakers for the night, Thalia Wilkinson, Sarah and
Katy Cronk. Tommy O’Malley, who is one of the founders of the Girdwood Fine
Arts Camp, was unable to make it tonight. Tommy and numerous others within
our community who are blessed with artistic talents of various disciplines,
have dedicated many long hours to bringing an appreciation of art into the
lives of our young friends and neighbors from Anchorage and along the
Turnagain Arm. Tonight, Thalia, Sarah and Katy told us all about the
Fine Arts Camp this year.
Some of the points made were:
- Fine Arts Camp is celebrating their 22nd continuous year of operation.
o NO WRONG WAY TO MAKE ART
o MAGIC OF ART
o LEARNING EXPERIENCE
o The success of the camp is owed to the variety of projects
o Digital photography was big item – had 12 laptops in the new community center
- Our Rotary Club thanks Thalia, Sarah and Katy for their presentation and Ron asked Hank to speak for the club. Hank gave an overview of our club and board discussion regarding support of the Fine Arts Camp and our decision to grant $1000 to the Fine Arts Camp. With that being said, a check for $1000 was presented to Thalia.
- Advertising is currently only a limited amount on the website
- There are about 10 scholarships awarded each year.
- They would like to start a performing arts section for the children in the future
- Courses are taught all over Girdwood including Challenge Alaska, Glacier City Hall and the new community center,
- Used only real and quality materials – didn’t skimp
- Next year will work with Anchorage museum – bus kid in
- Hank Hosford will help garner support for children’s performing arts program and will be happy to help get program started
August 25,
2008 - Wow! What a FUN weekend!
I can report that Claude Mabudu, Kayissan and their children, Elolo (18), Ghislaine (15), Josue (8), Gina (4) and Johana (1 ½) thoroughly enjoyed the weekend in Girdwood that you, our club members and friends of Rotary made happen for them. I can also report that the Mabudu’s are most likely going to require several days of rest before life returns to normal for them. As you can see below, the weekend was busy and somewhat hectic with sight-seeing, activities and a lot of fine food (and some wine).
I was very happy with the participation of our club members and friends in hosting the Mabudu family for their weekend in Girdwood, particularly since, as you may recall, the suggestion to host the family came from the floor at one of our regular meetings – and everyone voted that we should do so. The list below depicts what each of you did this weekend to help in this club-sponsored activity.
22 – Aug, 1730 / Travel to Girdwood - Mike Wilson drove his large passenger van to Anchorage on Friday afternoon and brought the Mabudu family and the kids new bikes back to Girdwood for a fun-filled weekend of activities and good old Alaskan Rotarian hospitality. The van trip was replete with snacks, drinks and a narration – all provide by Mike.
22-Aug, 1900 / Potluck BBQ
– A scrumptious BBQ starred Master Chefs Ken Hatch, Larry Daniels and Hank
Hosford with expert how-to advice very freely given by George Stewart and
several others lounging nearby. The goodies were provided by the following
of our friends and fellow Rotarians:
§ David, Maribel & Kendra Alexander – Lettuce, tomato, onions, avocados, jalapenos & pickles
§ Ron & Gwen Burson - Hamburger meat, cheese, hot dogs & buns for both + ketchup, mustard, relish, mayonnaise
§ Larry & Marianne Daniels - Shrimp, fruit salad & chips
§ Hank Hosford & Dale Goodwin - Beer & wine
§ George & Kathy Stewart - Potato salad
§ Ellen Twiname - Baked beans
§ Mike Wilson – Peach Pie
§ Ken Hatch and Jen & Gabriel Wingard - Cole Slaw & vegetable side dish
§ Doc & Galy Carter - Apple pie, Blueberry Muffins
§ Beth Sirles - Good Company
§ The Mabudu’s brought good humor and great personalities – and a gaggle of beautiful & happy children.
23-Aug, 930 / Winner Creek
Hike –
The morning began for the Mabudu family with a great breakfast of bacon,
pancakes & eggs provided by reluctant draftee super-chef Gwen Burson. The
adventuresome hikers were then transported to the Crow Creek Mine by Mike
Wilson for a complimentary tour of the Crow Creek Mine arranged by Larry
Daniels with owner Cynthia Toohey. Shortly afterwards, accompanied by the
very eloquent narrative talents of Master Hike Leader Frans Weits (who also
provided trail snacks for all), the group of adults and adults-in-miniature
found their way down the Winner Creek Trail Crow Creek Mine bypass to the
Hand Tram and to the Winner Creek Gorge. After a respectably sufficient
number of oohs and aahs and lots of picture taking, the group made their way
back across the Hand Tram and up to the Crow Creek Mine parking lot for the
next activity of the morning – a good old-fashioned picnic, enjoyed by the
hikers and the mosquitoes. The hikers were David, Maribel & Kendra
Alexander, Frans, Jen, Ryker & Sawyer Weits and of course, Mike Wilson – Oh,
did I forget to mention that the Mabudu family was there too?
23-Aug, 1300 / Picnic – While the adventuresome exercisers were doing their thing along the splendor of the Winner Creek Trail and working up an appetite pulling their way across the Hand Tram, Gwen Burson was putting together some of the delicacies that make a good picnic – food for the hungry! The picnickers were David, Maribel & Kendra Alexander, Ron & Gwen Burson, John Hickox who had the clock wrong so unfortunately missed the food, Frans, Jen, Ryker & Sawyer Weits (who brought some exotic & delicious picnic goodies), Mike Wilson and last but not least, our honored guests, the Mabudu family.
23-Aug, 1500 / Tram & Roundhouse – Since there was still light left in the day and the group had seen some of the canyons of Girdwood, it was time to travel to a higher plane. Sooo, with a lot of enthusiasm and a little yawning, the group was off for a tram ride up the mountain to the Roundhouse, a venture which had been pre-arranged by Larry Daniels. After an informative narrative provided by Larry Daniels and Roundhouse Executive Director Marianne Daniels, the group was ready for some action – so outside they went for some snowball making with expertise provided by Larry Daniels. The Mabudu family, none of whom had seen snow before, seemed to have no problem quickly learning the better techniques of making and throwing snowballs. Other revelers were David, Maribel & Kendra Alexander, Ron Burson, Larry & Marianne Daniels and Mike Wilson.
23-Aug, 1930 / Dinner at Maxines – After a short downtime (about an hour and a half) to allow for a bit of speed-rest and a change of clothes, it was time for an evening of great food and entertainment at Maxines, The food, wine, soft drinks, juice, good spirits and music were enjoyed by David, Maribel & Kendra Alexander, Ron & Gwen Burson, Larry & Marianne Daniels, John Hickox, Frans & Jen Weits, Mike Wilson and the Mabudu family. The cost of this gala evening was divided among the Rotarians and Friends of Rotary attending.
24-Aug, 0900 / Brunch at Jack Sprat – The night was short and the morning brought a report of early excitement – a missing 4 year girl - who was hiding and when found, told her parents she wanted to stay in Girdwood! Enjoying the wonderful brunch at Jack Sprat were David, Maribel & Kendra Alexander, Ron & Gwen Burson, George & Kathy Stewart and Frans, Jen, Ryker & Sawyer Weits. Jack Sprat, courtesy of Frans and Jen Weits, comp’d the meals for the Mabudu’s.
24-Aug, 1030 / Virgin Creek
Falls Hike
– A hearty breakfast like those served at Jack Sprat requires some exercise
to walk off those extra calories consumed – something that can’t be avoided
since the food is so tasty. Sooo…, after breakfast we were off for a short
hike up the Virgin Creek Falls Trail with David, Maribel & Kendra Alexander
leading the pack with Jen, Ryker & Sawyer Weits and the Mabudu’s closely
followed by Ron Burson doing rear guard duty. After allowing time for
photographs and practicing not falling in the water at the falls, we hiked
back down to the trail head and were off to our next event of the day and
the final event for the weekend.
24-Aug, 1200 / AWCC – Mike and Kelly Miller very quickly and graciously responded to Larry Daniels’ request to host our guests and fellow Rotarians at Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center. David, Maribel & Kendra Alexander, Ron Burson and Mike Wilson escorted the Mabudu’s around AWCC. A special treat for them was the “feeding of the bears” which is only done on Sundays – and only when moose or other meat is available. Claude and his family were able to secure front row positions immediately adjacent to the feeding. As if that was not show enough for our guests recently arrived from Togo, immediately before exiting AWCC, the children spotted a large black bear perched in the uppermost reaches of a tree apparently enjoying the view from his/her perch near the exit. What a sight it was!
24-Aug, 1500 / Return to Anchorage – Of course, a tour of Girdwood and its surrounding area is not complete without an on-the-way-out-of-town stop at the Ice Cream Shop. Mike Wilson, being the great Rotarian he is, diverted from his direct route for a bit of sweets for the kids (both old and young). Mike reported that soon after the ice cream had been consumed, everyone was fast asleep for the remaining journey back to town. All in all – A GREAT WEEKEND!
On Aug 19, 2008 - We had a great visit with our Rotary Friendship Visitors from Thailand this past weekend. They boarded a China Airlines flight very early Monday morning from Anchorage to Taipei and on to Bangkok. Hopefully, they have all arrived safely at their final destination by now.
August is turning out to be a very busy hosting month for our club. This coming weekend brings us Claude Mabudu and his family. Congratulations are due to Claude, who is now employed by Evret Cargo at the Anchorage International Airport. After Claude gets off work at 5:30 on Friday, Mike Wilson will bring Claude, his family and their new bicycles to Girdwood for their weekend of good old fashion Girdwood Rotary Club hospitality.
About here is where we all get to get involved in this club project. J
Tentative plans for the weekend are:
Friday - August 22
6:30 pm - Mabudu’s arrive at Burson home in Girdwood courtesy of Mike Wilson and his big van.
7:00 pm – Welcoming Potluck Barbeque at Burson home (I’ll provide the main course and drinks).
Saturday - August 23
8:30 am – breakfast for Mabudu’s at Burson home
9:30 am – leave for Crow Creek Mine / Winner Creek Gorge & Hand Tram (2 ½ - 3 hours) with Frans Weits leading the pack.
1:00 pm - Lunch – Picnic at Crow Creek Mine
3:00 pm - Tram & Roundhouse tour with Larry & Marianne Daniels doing tour duty.
7:30 pm - Dinner – Maxines (Mabudu’s bill will be split by members in attendance – everyone else pays their own bill).
Sunday - August 24 -
9:00 - Brunch at Jack Sprat (Mabudu’s comp’d by Jack Sprat – everyone else pays their own bill).
10:30 - Hike to Virgin Creek Falls (1 hour) with Ron Burson.
12:00 - Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center with Ron Burson.
2:30 pm – Return to Anchorage with Mike Wilson and his big van.
August
17, 2008
-
This weekend with the Rotary Friendship Exchange Visitors from Thailand was a
busy but fun event. I highly recommend participation if the opportunity becomes
available in the future – it’s a lot of fun and you get to meet and mix with
some very nice and interesting people from far away places.
J
Please review the email below from Kathleen Madden about their visit to Girdwood. A very special thanks to Anchorage East Hosts Kathleen Madden and Diana Strzok for escorting and coordinating the visitors activities - and the following Girdwoodians for:
§ Activity – Tram and Roundhouse tour
o Friday August 15, 2008
§ Ron Burson
§ Larry & Marianne Daniels (Larry also arranged tram access and demonstrated proper snowball construction and throwing for the group)
§ Activity - Thai Friendship Exchange Dinner at Jack Sprat
o Friday August 15, 2008
§ Ron & Gwen Burson
§ Larry & Marianne Daniels
§ Mike Wilson
§ Activity - Thai Friendship Exchange Potluck BBQ
o Saturday August 16, 2008
§ Ron & Gwen Burson
§ Ken Hatch & Jen Wingard & Gabriel
§ John Hickox
§ Hank & Dale Hosford
§ CeCe & Steve Mendonsa
§ Beth Sirles
§ Frans & Jen Weits with Ryker & Sawyer
§ Mike Wilson
§
Activity - Hosting Thai Guests
o August 15 - 17, 2008
§ David & Maribel Alexander
§ Ron & Gwen Burson
§ Ken Hatch & Jen Wingard
§ Jody Liddicoat & Tom Manos
§ Phil & Diana Livingston* (made home available but guest canceled at last minute)
§ Activity - Thai Friendship Exchange Winner Creek Hike & Jack Sprat Brunch
o Sunday August 17, 2008
§ Ron & Gwen Burson (Ron - hike & brunch/Gwen - brunch)
§ Ken Hatch & Jen Wingard & Gabriel (brunch)
§ John Hickox (brunch)
§ Joyce & Diana Kiana (hike & brunch)
§ CeCe & Steve Mendonsa (brunch)
§ Ellen Twiname (brunch)
§ Jen Weits (brunch)
§ Mike Wilson (hike & brunch)
§ Tom & Lenore Yeager (Hike & brunch)
August 17, 2008 6:13 PM
Subject: THANK YOU
Ron & Gwen & Larry & Girdwood Rotarians
I have a few minutes home before dinner...wanted to thank you once again for your PERFECT organizing skills and generous hospitality. It was MUCH appreciated by everyone.
I hope your members had as good a time as the rest of us. Was fun to do that hike.
Thank you Larry for the Tram tickets...that was a treat for them to see the snow and Roundhouse museum.
Please tell your members thank you and we hope to have a Rotary scrabble tournament in November for FUN....
Cheers...Kathleen
Pictures of our activities with our Rotary Friendship Exchange visitors from Thailand may be viewed by clicking on the Photo Album link to the left.
August
7th, 2008 -
Additional pictures from our potluck tonight at George and Katy Stewart's
home can be viewed by clicking on the Photo Album link to the left.
Tonight was a treat by all accounts. Firstly, The Stewarts new home on Sproat is a delight. Secondly, to have Kendra and Isabelle sing, “I am an Eskimo” front and center on the hearth, is entertainment at the roots. Thank you, Four, for being splendid hosts!
Although Nate York was drugged on Quinine, he was articulate and moving when he spoke. Nate has seen first- hand the great need by people of such countries as Indonesia, Nepal, India, Malawi, Kenya and most recently Liberia. He‘s taken it upon himself to commit to fundraising; hauling materials, building, training and equipping structures for the sole benefit of improving a groups living and working environment. Currently his efforts are focused toward a trade and primary school in the town of Belle Ella, outside Monrovia, Liberia.
Other aid organizations in the country are predominantly crooked and logistically impotent enough to leave the present situation dire for the citizens. What gives Nate and his supporters their uniqueness is their 100% money to materials, initiative, and the training. They hand-over the operation to the indigenous people when they are fully functioning entities.
In a world where Many have too much and even more have too little, Liberia sits somewhere near the bottom of the latter. For around $25,000 two schools can be built (preserving a culture for the future), an opportunity to share technological knowledge we’ve been given, helping to eradicate hunger and a deep sense of accomplishment can occur. In our country, this is the price of a “medium-range”, vehicle. Hmmm….
Funds would be allocated as follows:
July 24th - July
26th
(To
view pictures of the activities below please choose Photo Album
on the menu to the left.
Claude & Kayissan will never forget the family meeting they attended in November
2001. The memorable meeting where their loved ones urged them to take their kids
and leave the country - to leave the only home they have ever known. 
On
July 3rd, Girdwood Rotary Club welcomed District Governor Clyde
Boyer and wife Vivian Finlay
to Girdwood. Their day started with a noon visit to the Palmer Rotary
Club followed by a drive to Girdwood arriving about 4:30 pm - just in
time for a 5:15 pm "Welcome to Girdwood" introduction party at Jody Liddicoat's home - this was followed by our regular meeting beginning at
7 pm - a very busy regular meeting!