Anacortes Rotary Club Information
Anacortes

"Many Hands Make Light Work"

We meet In Person
Wednesdays at 12:00 PM
Majestic Inn & Spa
419 Commercial Ave
PO Box 94
Anacortes, WA 98221
United States of America
 
Sponsored by Anacortes Sister Cities, our Klapa Vela Luka friends combined two groups of performers and performed in numerous venues during their nine-day stay.  Their official group names are:  1. Klapa F. D. Kumpanija, directed by Janes Vlasic, and 2. Kvartet Portun, directed by Mario Prizmic.  They thoroughly enjoyed the time they spent with our Rotary club. 
 
They performed at Brodniak Hall, for Anacortes High School students, and later for the general public.  They performed at the Slovanian Hall in Tacoma, CroatiaFest at the Seattle Center, at the Anacortes Senior Center, at City Hall, on the streets of downtown Anacortes, aboard the Island Explorer 5, and other spots as well.  In addition, they enjoyed watching an AHS football game, rowing with OARS, touring the popular spots on Fidalgo Island, and visiting the W. T. Preston and the Maritime Museum, where most saw familiar family faces in historical Anacortes photos.
 
The timing of their visit is important, as Anacortes and Vela Luka celebrate the 20th anniversary of their sister cities relationship – September, 2004 to September, 2024.  Rotarian Duane Clark, who is also a charter member of Anacortes Sister Cities, described how this visit was 19 years in the making, and what a fantastic experience it was to at last host his longtime friends in beautiful A-Town.
 
 
Always a fun evening and a great way to build friendships,  the 2024 edition of "Who's Coming to Dinner" took place last weekend at the Worras' (England), the Liones' (Italy), the Kisers' (Mexico), the Smiths' (Spain), and the Hay's (Greece). A great time was had by all!
 
One of our biggest volunteer groups ever in Rotary Park Eighteen people put in 2 hours apiece pruning, cleaning, removing invasive plants and cleaning signs. Rotarians included Jim Anderson, Jim Renfro, Mark Lascelles, Bonnie Bowers, Tom Decker and Krista Oicles. Krista also brought along 8 of her bank colleagues as part of Heritage Bank's annual "Volunteer Day Neighbors Helping Neighbors" program. And community members John Wilkins, Dave and Chris Hansen and David White pitched in as well. A great show of our club's ongoing stewardship of Anacortes City Parks. 
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Many of us are sponsors for students (kindergarten through university) in schools in various villages surrounding Copan Ruinas, Honduras as part of the IPA project.  It is a remarkable opportunity to support these young village students, helping them to find a path to a better future.

I want to tell you about a university student, for whom I am one of the proud sponsors.  Fanny Giron is in her fifth year of medical school (impossible without IPA support), currently studying at the Roosevelt Hospital in Guatemala City.  She is a remarkable student – smart, articulate, compassionate, and driven, laser focused on her goal.  The updates she sends to me are filled with detailed information about her duties, her fellow students and staff, her family, and the occasional unexpected events that come her way.  Her current medical rotation is with infants.

In her own words, “I deeply love my elective.  I spent a week in the labor and delivery area, and on the first day, I received my first baby, and I loved it!  Then, the following week, I moved to the neonatal intensive care unit.  It’s tough and sad to see the babies in oxygen chambers and intubated, but the care the doctors provide is excellent.  My mentor is the head of the neonatal intensive care department, and he is incredible.  He is so kind to the babies, but also to the parents, the resident doctors, the nurses, and the students.”

“My day starts at 4:20 a.m.  I attend classes with the residents at 6 a.m. and then at 8 a.m. we start the rounds.  The doctor is tough on the residents and also on the intern.  I like to write down all the questions and interesting information he shares; it’s always very useful and straightforward.”

Fanny talks about a bomb threat that caused the evacuation of the hospital.  “Everyone was running around like crazy, and no one was leaving the premises because they didn’t know if it was safe or not.  In the neonatal intensive care unit, where I am, the doctor asked us to leave the hospital as soon as possible, and so we did.”  A small staff remained to care for the babies who could not be moved.  Fortunately, no bomb was found.

Fanny is profoundly grateful for the support she receives.  “Thanks for helping me achieve my dreams, and thank you for getting involved and making such a positive impact on my life.”

I believe there are many more young men and young women in Copan who, like Fanny, are highly motivated, and are sitting on the edge of their chairs, ready to take flight if we continue to provide the support that they need.

 
In preparation for next month's awards to Rotary grant recipients, Grants Committee Chairman Jack Darnton "tests" members on their knowledge of the club's varied grant activities,  including community, vocational, and international causes.  Did you know there were 30 Anacortes Rotary grant beneficiaries during the past year? 
 
Jack also provided insights on the mechanics of fundraising and selecting recipients, highlighting the major spring fundraiser at Anthony's and the upcoming Rodeo Roundup fall fundraiser. Also noteworthy are the hundreds of hands-on hours members devote to directly assisting a number of of the recipients.  Finally,  Jack imparted words of inspiration for the upcoming season and the Cap Sante Overlook project--and extra candy for the quiz winners ;-)

Our members tend to be a motivated bunch, often participating in multiple community organizations.  Club Historian, Duane Clark, is also the Past President and a current board member of the Anacortes Sister Cities Association. This week he and Sister Cities President John Lovric hosted a golf tournament (where the Rotary team continued its improvement!) and provided Wednesday’s lunch program with more than a dozen exchange students and teachers from our Romanian sister city, Comarnic.

Next year, our Romanian friends will host a contingent from Anacortes,  no doubt with a Rotarian or two in the mix.

 
The Rotary Quick and Dirty Boat Building Team of Jeremy Graham, Jerry Ladd, and Ralph Petty constructed a dashing outrigger style boat, decorated in brilliant Rotary blue and gold by Loalynda Bird, Peggy Flynn, and Duane Clark.  Fundraising nails were sold by Stephanie Hamilton and Rick Starr.  Strong overall leadership was provided by Commodore Krista Oicles, who again organized Rotary's team for the annual event.  Graham and Ladd were selected as rowers for the big race competition owing to their youth and swarthy physiques.  At the blast of the starting horn our rowers arched their backs mightily against the sea, and * snap – snap! * in an instant broke both oars!  Undaunted, they plunged hands and arms into water and rowed anyway, turning said ocean into a boiling froth.  It was a herculean effort propelling that boat using only their human limbs while their competitors enjoyed the luxury of oars. One would expect nothing less of a Rotary operation! Our boys persevered when all others would have surely crumpled and finished the race.  Though not a victory in title, the blue and gold received far and away the loudest, most boisterous cheers from the multitude of onlookers. We took third place overall, a fine achievement considering the adversity endured.
In what is becoming an annual event,  Rotary's A-Team Landscapers arrived bright and early at the home of auction winner Anna Melling (thank you for your generosity Anna!) for a major spring spruce up.  Under the leadership of Mike "Bossman" McClintock and a key assist from Simply Yards owner Mark Lawrence,  a crew of ten eagerly spread tons of mulch, cleaned up garden beds and added new plantings.  Good weather,  good coffee, and good company made for a great time for all,  while raising money that supports local causes.
 
Three color-coded teams of intrepid explorers set out on Saturday afternoon to seek downtown Anacortes' treasures.  They had to solve a series of devilish clues and puzzles created by Therese Rudzis and Mary Staley to guide themselves to 7 locations where they were required to procure offerings from local merchants and ask befuddled strangers to photograph the team in action.  All three teams succeeded in completing their tasks and were declared winners (though it would be remiss to fail to point out that some were faster than others: go Green Machine!).
 
After a couple of exhausting hours searching the wilds of Commercial Ave the teams reunited at Frida's with organizers Therese and Mary to celebrate accomplishments and regale the assembly with tales of adventure.  Businesses visited included: Wishing Rock, Sugar Mama's, Pelican Books, Fidalgo Fudge, and the venerable Rockfish Grill.  Until our next adventure...!
 
 
              

While out on a walk last fall, Rotarian Loalynda Bird asked her good friend and fellow Rotarian, Peggy Flynn, for her help to bring the Earth Day Luminary Light Parade to Anacortes. A luminary artist, Loalynda founded the Guemes Parade in 2016. The Parade had grown to capacity over the years and now Loalynda wanted more people and a larger variety of age groups to take the Parade to the next level. An active community volunteer with project management skills, and an avid luminary maker, Peggy agreed.

Their first call was to Rotarian and Chamber of Commerce CEO Jesica Kiser for guidance about dates and logistics. Jesica helped secure the Depot for their preferred date, April 20, 2024.  In conversations with other community leaders, the Procession of the Species was mentioned as another earth-friendly event. Discussions between the organizers led them to conclude that, given the big task of closing Commercial Avenue, it made sense for both the Luminary Parade and the Procession of the Species to take place on the same day. Having joined forces, the next challenge was to resolve the question of timing, given that the Procession is a daytime event and the Luminary Parade happens at nightfall.

The next call was to Rotarian Jordan Hay, Executive Director of the Anacortes Downtown Alliance. Would her organization want to organize a street fair in the time between the Procession and the Luminary Parade? With the streets closed, a street-festival atmosphere could bring additional people downtown on a shoulder season weekend. With Jordan’s characteristic enthusiasm, the event began to take shape.

Operating without any funding, Rotary Grants Committee chair Jack Darnton encouraged the Luminary group to apply for a grant to cover basic necessary expenses. Needing someone with years of experience to manage street closures, Rotarian Jim Poitrus accepted the call and added his wife and fellow Rotarian, Cheryl, to assist with this task. As plans have expanded and grown, Rotarian Don Bird brings his expertise in media and event planning to the team. Rotarian Rick Star’s Rockfish will be setting up a Beer Garden.  Under the guidance of Rotarian and DanceWorks Director Melisa Turnage, a group of young dancers, invited to participate in a Disneyland parade in June, will have the honor of leading the Luminary Parade.

Besides Loalynda and Peggy, other Rotarians have gotten into the spirit by either making their very own, or volunteering to carry, luminaries in the parade. You are likely to see Bonnie Bowers, Jordan Hay, Jesica Kiser, Janette Lione, Marta and Mike McClintock, Sondra Peters, Therese Rudzis, Mary Staley, Rick and Carole Star, and Vicki Stash brightening the evening skies.

With these many seeds having been planted by members of the Anacortes Rotary Club, the First-Ever Anacortes Earth Day Celebration is about to blossom on Saturday, April 20 beginning at 4 pm and ending around 10 pm.  In addition to the Luminary Parade and the Procession of the Species, the Street Fair will feature two live bands, street dancing led by a professional ballroom dance instructor, nearly 20 non-profit organizations featuring earth-friendly exhibits and children’s activities. Downtown shops will have special promotions, and restaurants will offer earth-friendly menus.

Schedule of Events

4:00 Rhythm Studio Dancers

5:00 Procession of the Species

5:45 Music by Anacopper Road

6:45 Music by Pension King and the Dependents

8:00 Luminary Light Parade

A Note from Loalynda & Peggy (pictured below):   "We are more than grateful for the generosity, enthusiasm and energy the Anacortes Rotary Club has brought to this first-ever community event. We simply could not have made this happen without YOU. It truly does take a village . . . and a Rotary Club.  Thank you!"

 

John Muir's words rang true for club members, volunteers, and friends this month as they made improvements to Rotary and Cap Sante Parks. Nearly 70 hours of work party time was devoted to pulling weeds, removing invasive scotch broom and spurge plants, staining kiosks and trail wayfinding posts, trimming brush along trails and tackling other duties—all to improve park habitat and features so visitors have more fun.  Unlike during Mr Muir's famous treks, donuts & scones were provided to all!
 
Community volunteers included Terri Bawden, Mark McEathron, Maddy Mackenzie, Janette Lione, John Wilkinson, David Hansen, Chris Hansen, Will McClintock, Nancy Wong, Lisa Graham, Ethan Graham, Tom Haug, Angela Currie and Stuart Currie. Rotarians were Tim Garrison, Jim Poitras, Cheryl Poitras, Vicki Stasch (2 days), Tom Decker, Jeremy Graham, Jack Darnton (2 days), Mike McClintock, Jim Anderson, Mark Lione, Dick Warsinske and Bill Harris. Please thank them. 
 
Sep 25  Fellowship Gathering with Krista
 
Oct 2- Klapa Vela Luka singers
 
Oct 9- Fidalgo DanceWorks
 
Oct 16- Rachel's Closet (Community Service Committee Q3 Project)
 
Oct 23- AHS Future Business Leaders of America
Club Banner Buddies
 
Club Executives & Directors
President
President Elect
Past President
Treasurer
Secretary
Centennial Project
Club Historian
Club Service Chair
Club Workforce Chair
Community Service Co-Chair
Community Service Co-Chair
Fellowship Co-Chair
Grants Chair
International Service Chair
Membership Chair
Public Relations Chair
Rotary Foundation Chair
Vocational Service Chair

 Member  Spotlight 

Meet Jim Strong
 
Jim is an 85 year-old widower, born in Memphis Tennessee. His father ran a hardware store, and his mother formally trained as a secondary school teacher. Jim has an older brother (age 91), a retired surgeon living in Virginia. 
 
Jim attended college at "Southwestern at Memphis" now Rhodes College.  During vacations and during summers he was employed as a lab technician at a clinical physiology research lab at the University of Tennessee Medical School in Memphis and achieved a BA in Chemistry.  He then attended US Navy OCS and served from 1960-1963 ending as First lieutenant (Deck and Gunnery officer) on a LST (USS Churchill County LST 583).
 
After navy service Jim earned an M.S. in Analytical Chemistry, working as a graduate assistan, teaching recitation/problem sessions and labs.
 
His first full time teaching position was at Kellogg Community College (KCC) in Battle Creek, Michigan, where he taught science majors freshman chemistry and after two years, due to family pressures, moved closer to his wife's folks where he taught at Butler County Community College in Butler, PA.  There he primarily taught chemistry but in addition he taught Waste Treatment Plant Operations, Astronomy, Geology and Meteorology.
 
While teaching, Jim also conducted research and consulting for a local company called Heckett, a division of Harsco. Heckett had major service contracts in the steel industry.  When he became eligible for sabbatical leave, he attended Pikeville College, Pikeville, Kentucky to study mining technology. The institution is now called The University of Pikeville. There he taught Freshman Chemistry and conducted water quality research. He was later employed by Heckett and worked for that corporation for five years. His final position there was something he labels as “grandiose,” called Manager of Environmental and Quality Control. A lot of what he did at Heckett he later used in teaching. 
 
When the steel industry began declining in 1983, he found employment at South Puget Sound Community College, in Olympia, WA.  There he taught Chemistry, Geology and Oceanography. Both Jim and his wife retired from SPSCC in 2005. They built a home on Lummi Island and established a one- bedroom B&B that they ran for six years, enjoying
visitors from far and wide until selling, and moving to Anacortes.
 
Jim’s life in Anacortes has been mixed. Before the pandemic he developed and taught several classes at Anacortes Senior College. Not all were science oriented as he is also a devotee of history. He currently researches and makes presentations to groups at the Anacortes Senior Activity Center. 
 
As hobbies, beside research, he likes to make sawdust (picture frames), do ceramics at the Clayhouse on Commercial, and make smoke with his flintlock firearms. He is a member of the George Washington chapter of the Sons of the American Revolution. 
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