Stories


Virtual Changing of the Guard Posted on Jun 25, 2020 Wednesday’s meeting, attended by more than 30 Zoom-savvy Rotarians, celebrated the conclusion of Stephanie Hamilton’s presidency and the start of Tim Garrison’s. Assembled members applauded Stephanie for her inspired leadership during some of the most unusual circumstances in the Club’s 98 year history. Assistant District Governor Connie Milliken officially installed Tim as Anacortes Rotary’s 2020-21 President, and Tim described how he and his new board and committee chiefs are already building upon Stephanie’s amazing work this past year. Special Paul Harris recognitions were made, on behalf of Virginia Smiley, to recognize community leaders who have contributed so greatly to Anacortes: Dick Nelson- Dakota Creek Industries Dennis Richards- Island Hospital (and Kiwanian) Shirley Yap- Shell Puget Sound Refinery Nels Strandberg- Strandberg Construction Club member Kevin Meenaghan was also honored as a new Paul Harris Fellow. Paul Harris said: “He who tries to find the good in others will be rewarded, for others will surely find the good in him. Of all the earth’s sad and lonesome creatures, the most helpless is he who loves not his fellowmen.” The new leadership team and all members look forward enthusiastically to the re-opening of our community and new opportunities for “Service Above Self.”	Virtual Changing of the Guard	Jim Renfro	2020-06-25 07:00:00Z
Inaugural "Fireside Chat" for New Members Posted on Mar 16, 2020 On March 11th the Anacortes Rotary held it’s first-ever New Member Fireside as a lunch meeting! New members from the past year were introduced, and each table received a 5-min “speed date” from each of the club’s committee chairs. This event was a hit, stay tuned for the next one!	Inaugural "Fireside Chat" for New Members	Maddy McKenzie	2020-03-16 07:00:00Z
Anacortes Waterfront Alliance thanks Anacortes Rotary! Posted on Aug 21, 2019 Anacortes Waterfront Alliance Director Kevin Pratt shares their thanks for Anacortes Rotary's grant of $3,500 this past spring "The Anacortes Waterfront Alliance is very grateful for the funds received to help purchase a youth learn to sail boat. We have experienced the impact that these boats have had on our program for many weeks now and are thrilled to have had the support of the club. The boats are safe, stable, and fun for kids to sail on both while learning and challenging their skills... Please relay our gratitude to the rest of the club so they can share in the joy of the students."	Anacortes Waterfront Alliance thanks Anacortes Rotary!	Maddy Mackenzie	2019-08-21 07:00:00Z
Rotary team takes 1st place in the quick & dirty boat building Posted on Jun 05, 2019 The Anacortes Rotary Club’s boat rowed by Mark Lascelles and Jim McDonald won the race and the overall title this year. The team also included Duane Clark and Maddy Mackenzie It takes six hours to build a boat, two hours to decorate it and less than five minutes to determine if it’s going to stay on top of the water … at least that’s how it works at the Quick and Dirty boat race. This year, two of the seven competitors sank. The first to go, right at the starting line, happened to be last year’s race and overall winner. The annual Quick and Dirty Boat building Demonstration and Parade — a favorite feature of the Anacortes Waterfront Festival — asks teams to build a boat in six hours using limited materials. Then, they decorate it and take it down to the water. “The weather was perfect, and we had a great time,” judge and organizer Pat Barrett	Rotary team takes 1st place in the quick & dirty boat building		2019-06-05 07:00:00Z
Members create bags for graduating seniors of Cap Sante HS Posted on May 09, 2019 Read more...	Members create bags for graduating seniors of Cap Sante HS		2019-05-09 07:00:00Z
Students of the Month Anacortes Rotary acknowledges 3 Students of the Month for November 2018 Read more...	Students of the Month		2018-11-19 08:00:00Z
Rotarians and Middle School students work at Storvik Park Posted on Oct 03, 2018 Anacortes Rotarians turned out in large numbers along with a great turnout of Middle School students on Saturday, Sept. 29 at Storvik Park to upgrade the playground. Volunteers included John Prosser, Dan Worra, Tom Decker, Bonnie Bowers, Tim Garrison, Krista Oicles, Michael and Marta McClintock, and Mark Wenzel, working side by side with the kids and members of the Fidalgo Club to spread new bark in the playground. Another work party is schedule for later in October for more renovation on the park playground.	Rotarians and Middle School students work at Storvik Park		2018-10-03 07:00:00Z
Anacortes Middle School Students take 1st place in State competition Click link for Video https://youtu.be/yqCmELpTiFk Read more...	Anacortes Middle School Students take 1st place in State competition		2018-05-12 07:00:00Z
AVID Students make make a presentation May 2nd Read more...	AVID Students make make a presentation May 2nd		2018-05-07 07:00:00Z
Members listen to an explanation of the new circle at Sharps corner Read more...	Members listen to an explanation of the new circle at Sharps corner		2017-11-22 08:00:00Z
Fall fundraiser bring in $70,000 Anacortes Rotary Fall Auction brings in $70,000 including $34,000 for Veterans The Veterans Service Office of the Causland American Legion Post in Anacortes is the primary beneficiary of the Anacortes Rotary Club fundraiser that brought in an estimated $70,000 Oct. 13. Of the total, $34,000 came during the special “raise the paddle” for the Veterans Service Officer program, which provides professional assistance to an estimated 2500 local veterans and dependents. Read more...	Fall fundraiser bring in $70,000		2017-11-15 08:00:00Z
Rotary Fall tailgate event Media Release: Anacortes Rotary Fall event Friday, Oct. 13 The Causland American Legion Post Veterans Service Office is the designated beneficiary of the Anacortes Rotary “Tailgate Honoring Anacortes Veterans” fall fundraiser. Date for the event is Friday, October 13 “We are working with our local Legion Post and its three service officers to make sure this essential outreach program continues to aid local veterans. It is a program with proven results,” said Anacortes Rotary President Krista Oicles. Here are narratives of veterans recently assisted by the Causland Post program: • A World War II veteran suffers a near fatal heart attack. His wife, while hurriedly applying for her husband’s benefits, suffers a serious stroke. Both land in local hospital intensive care units. • A Vietnam Veteran, first struggling to assist with an adult child’s substance abuse problem, then faces medical care for his wife’s heart attack. The bills come to more than $60,000. • An Iraq Veteran strains to keep a job while trying to support his wife and five children, ages 3 to 14, as they live in a 28-foot trailer in a local campground. These real-life examples of local veterans and their families show who is helped — and will continue to be helped – through Anacortes Rotary’s "Raise the Paddle" auction event. Recognizing the 2,500 local veterans and their health care needs, Anacortes Rotary Club officials say they named the highly successful outreach program as a top fundraising objective for this year’s fall event. “A big challenge facing many veterans is how to navigate the Veterans Administration system of benefits and health care.” Said Rotary Tailgate Chair Bonnie Bowers. “Every day, the Veterans Service Officers of the Causland Post work with Vets who need counseling, help with medication management, wound care, mobility equipment training and hospice care equipment and supplies. Our funding partnership with the Veterans Service Office is an innovative approach to addressing these challenges.” “As this year’s designated beneficiary, the Veterans Service Office, is at the forefront of our fall fundraiser,” Bowers said. “Thanks to our generous citizens and sponsors, the Anacortes Rotary Club has been able to fund more than $70,000 each year for community and international projects and programs—strategies like Causland Post officers that truly make a difference for Anacortes. We are looking forward to a great fall event.” More than 200 people are expected to enjoy a fabulous dinner in a huge hangar at Anacortes Airport Friday, October 13. Along with food and beverages, the event will feature a live auction for bids on appealing auction experiences and items. Doors open at 5:30 p.m. and tickets are $85 per person. Tickets are available from Anacortes Rotarians or on-line at: www.anacortesrotarytailgate.com “We sincerely appreciate all the local support we have seen for our local veterans and their families as well as for our Rotary efforts to make our community a better place to live and raise a family,” said Oicles. “Please make plans now to attend the October 13 event to support this essential program.” In addition to the Causland Legion Post Veterans Service Officers, the event will generate financial support for a range of Anacortes Rotary charitable efforts. Major sponsors include Burton Waring, Strandberg Construction and Williams & Nulle, PLLC.	Rotary Fall tailgate event		2017-09-25 07:00:00Z
Annual Fall fundraiser .Join us at 5:30 p.m. on Friday October 13 at the Anacortes Airport for Anacortes Rotary’s fall fundraiser – Tailgate! Honoring Anacortes Veterans. To purchase tickets, please go to: anacortesrotarytailgate.com .	Annual Fall fundraiser		2017-08-30 07:00:00Z
Warren Tessler is awarded a Paul Harris Fellow Anacortes Rotarians honored Warren Tessler, center, with a Rotary International Paul Harris fellowship. Citing Tessler’s commitment to Anacortes were Virginia Smiley, left, and Vicki Stasch, right. After moving to Anacortes in 2000, Warren Tessler became well-known as owner of La Vie en Rose Bakery, where he was also pastry chef and noted for his extraordinary offerings. He then served as director of marketing and operations for Anacortes’ Trust Accounting Center. Committed to community service and volunteerism, Tessler served as treasurer and president for the Anacortes Arts Festival and Anacortes Noon Kiwanis Club. He is treasurer of the Anacortes Family Center, co-chairs the Anacortes Bicycle and Pedestrian Advisory Committee where he leads its annual Open Streets event. He also chairs the Anacortes Learning and Lunches Committee, serves as president of the Anacortes Parks Foundation, chairs of the Guemes Channel Planning Committee and is a member of the Safe Routes to School Committee. Club President Krista Oicles commented during the award ceremony: “When does Warren have time to sleep?” Tessler also has 27 years of healthcare management experience as CEO, COO, consultant and director to a number of high-ranking hospitals, regional health networks and healthcare-management institutions. He currently is a commissioner for Island Hospital.	Warren Tessler is awarded a Paul Harris Fellow		2017-08-29 07:00:00Z
Results from the 2017 Anthony's Event Posted by Tom Decker Rotary-Anthony’s event brings in $20,000 Community diners, hosted by the Rotary Club of Anacortes and Anthony’s Restaurant, raised approximately $20,000 for local charities at the annual Rotary-Anthony’s dinner February 22. All proceeds from the evening will go to six school groups and a local dance program. Recipients include: Anacortes School District, “Books to go” program to distribute age-appropriate books to select students; Fidalgo Dance Works, autism movement therapy and dance for students with special needs; Anacortes Middle School, ovens for cooking class; Anacortes Robotics Booster Club, operating budget support; Island View Elementary School, kiln for art class; Anacortes High School Science Department, “Science Café” start-up program; and Anacortes High School Spanish Class, subscriptions for scholastic Spanish magazines and newspapers. “We were thrilled with the results, thanks to the generosity of our community participants. Best of all, the financial assistance from the dinner will help our grant recipients continue their support to a large population of students and youth in our community,” Anacortes Rotary president-elect and benefit dinner organizer Krista Oicles said. Each year, the staff at Anthony’s creates a special menu for dinner guests at the community banquet. Proceeds are raised through dinner ticket sales, raffle tickets and donations. Rotary Club members credit Anthony’s for opening its doors to the Anacortes community for this event. “The Anthony's organization brought in more than 40 of their team-members, prepared distinctive appetizers and dinners and merged all of their skills for a fun event,” said Club President Kevin Meenaghan. For the past six years Anthony's has opened the restaurant to the Anacortes Rotary Club for an evening. As a result, all proceeds from the sale of tickets go to local charities and community groups. Past recipients include the Anacortes Boys & Girls Club, Gentry House, Senior Activity Center, Anacortes Family Center and the Salvation Army. Last year’s event raised money for four local organizations: Friends of the Anacortes Library, Friends of Fidalgo Pool & Fitness, Anacortes Senior Activity Foundation and American Legion Causland Post 13. Since the first Anthony’s event in 2011, the Anacortes Rotary Club has raised and donated more than $134,000 for local programs and groups.	Results from the 2017 Anthony's Event	Tom Decker	2017-03-09 08:00:00Z
Anacortes Dinner at Anthony's Posted by Tom Kuhn Media Release: 2017 Anacortes Rotary Anthony’s dinner: Wednesday, February 22 For more information: Contact Tom Decker, 360-899-9173 The Rotary Club of Anacortes will hold its seventh annual community benefit dinner at Anthony's at Cap Sante restaurant Wednesday, February 22. All proceeds from the evening will go to six school groups and a local dance program, based on submissions to the club’s giving committee. Recipients are: Anacortes School District, “Books to go” program to distribute age-appropriate books to select students; Fidalgo Dance Works, autism movement therapy and dance for students with special needs; Anacortes Middle School, ovens for cooking class; Anacortes Robotics Booster Club, operating budget support; Island View Elementary School, kiln for art class; Anacortes High School Science Department, “Science Café” start-up program; and Anacortes High School Spanish Class, subscriptions for scholastic Spanish magazines and newspapers. The dinner is open to the public. Tickets are available from Anacortes Rotary Club members or at the club website: rotarydinneratanthonys.com. Cost is $110 per person. “These grant recipients will serve a large population of students and youth in our community,” Anacortes Rotary president-elect Krista Oicles said. “They came to our club with creative, well-focused grant requests to meet the needs of many students and to fill the gaps in existing programs to assist young people.” Each year, the staff at Anthony’s creates a special menu for dinner guests. Rotary Club members credit Anthony’s for opening its doors to the Anacortes community for this event. “The Anthony's organization brings in a large number of their team-members, preparing a distinctive meal, providing a wonderful evening of fun, all to benefit community program, said Club President Kevin Meenaghan. “It is a great team effort: Anthony’s provides the dinner and the club provides wine paired with the meals.” For the past six years Anthony's has opened the restaurant to the Anacortes Rotary Club for an evening. As a result, all proceeds from the sale of tickets go to local charities and community groups. Past recipients include the Anacortes Boys & Girls Club, Gentry House, Senior Activity Center, Anacortes Family Center and the Salvation Army. Last year’s event raised more than $25,000 for four location organizations: Friends of the Anacortes Library, Friends of Fidalgo Pool & Fitness, Anacortes Senior Activity Foundation and American Legion Causland post 13. Since the first Anthony’s event in 2011, the Anacortes Rotary Club has raised and donated more than $114,000 for local programs and groups.	Anacortes Dinner at Anthony's	Tom Kuhn	2017-01-13 08:00:00Z
Spray Pad: Storvik Park: Rotary contribution media release Anacortes Rotarians came together to make a splash for kids early in November, donating $9,136 to fund a herd of spraying seals that will be a major element inside the Storvik Park spray pad under construction by the City of Anacortes. Fidalgo Island Rotary Club President Peter Martin and Anacortes Rotary Club President Kevin Meenaghan made the presentation to Nicole Johnston, City of Anacortes parks and recreation manager and project coordinator, Wednesday, Nov. 16. “We are gratified to have both area Rotary Clubs cooperating to support this exciting park project developed by the City of Anacortes,” said Martin. “And having the generous financial match from the Rotary International District organization really maximized our overall contribution for the spray park.” “Rotarians know this is going to be a much-loved, much-used addition at Storvik Park,” said Anacortes Rotary Club Giving Chair Jack Darnton. “Kids will be out of the house and splashing around at the park enjoying fresh air and fun for years to come. We encourage even more Anacortes groups and individuals to get behind this great outdoor recreation project and support the parks department’s fund drive.” In keeping with the marine adventure theme of the park, concrete in the spray pad will be stained to look like water and sand. In addition to the seals, other elements will be seagulls and sit-and-ride orca whales, according to Johnston.	Spray Pad: Storvik Park: Rotary contribution media release	Tom Kuhn	2016-12-07 08:00:00Z
Anacortes Rotary raises $80,000 to support mental health program As published in the Anacortes American The Anacortes Rotary Club recently raised $80,000 that will help fund a social worker as part of the Mental Health Intervention Program in the Anacortes School District. “Rotary’s support for this program really exceeded our expectation, an amazing response,” Anacortes School District Superintendent Mark Wenzel said in a press release. “We have a critical need for mental health therapy and social work in our schools. This contribution will have direct, lasting impact on the well-being and future success of our students.” The money was part of $110,000 raised at the club’s annual fundraiser, which about 200 people attended. The previous raise the paddle record amount was $46,000 (raised for the mental health program in 2013). “I am proud of our community and our club for setting a new club fundraising record,” Anacortes Rotary President Kevin Meenaghan said in a press release. “Especially fantastic is that every dollar for the Mental Health Program returns to the community for a much-needed program.”	Anacortes Rotary raises $80,000 to support mental health program	Tom Kuhn	2016-10-27 07:00:00Z
Annual Fall Fundraiser Posted by Tom Kuhn on Aug 30, 2016 Join your friends and colleagues for Viva la Fiesta! Viva Rotary! on Friday, October 14^th at the Anacortes Airport! Enjoy an evening of mariachi music; a South of the Border menu, a piñata and much more while raising funds through the live auction in support of the youth in our community, with special emphasis on the mental health needs of high school students. Tickets are $85, or $850 for a table of ten. To purchase your tickets, go to the website below, create your account and make your purchase. Vivalarotaryfiesta.com	Annual Fall Fundraiser	Tom Kuhn	2016-08-30 07:00:00Z
Anacortes Rotary Volunteers help the LaConner Rotary Club Auction Posted by Tom Kuhn on Aug 30, 2016 Anacortes Rotary volunteers pitch in to help the LaConner Club with their auction. Pictured left to rightare: Will Aldridge, Krista Oicles, Mairlyn Stadler, Vicki Stasch and, Terry and Jim McDonald.	Anacortes Rotary Volunteers help the LaConner Rotary Club Auction	Tom Kuhn	2016-08-30 07:00:00Z
Anacortes Rotary dinner at Anthony's restaurant nets more than $25,000 Anacortes Rotary Dinner Nets More Than $25,000; Four Groups Benefit Four local organizations will share in the more than $25,000 generated by the Anacortes Rotary Club annual community benefit dinner February 24 at Anthony's Cap Sante restaurant. The 150 dinner guests helped raise funding for computer, technology and equipment needs. Grant recipients are Friends of the Anacortes Library, Friends of Fidalgo Pool & Fitness Center, Anacortes Senior Activity Foundation and American Legion Causland Post 13. The Rotary Club made the following grant allocations from the dinner proceeds: Friends of Anacortes Library — $9,800 for three computers pre-loaded with educational software designed for children from 2 to 12 years of age with over 65 educational applications and more than 2,000 activities. Friends of Fidalgo Pool & Fitness Center — $5,200 for a new and better chair lift to lower and lift handicapped or injured patrons to and from the water with ease. Anacortes Senior Activity Foundation — $3,500 for computer monitors for vision impaired users. American Legion, Causland Post 13 — $2,500 for a dedicated computer system, an urgent technology need so the post can continue assisting veterans. Additional funds raised during the dinner will go to other Anacortes Rotary Club community charitable grants this year, club officials said. As part of the evening’s events, Anacortes Rotary Club President Tom Griffin paid tribute to Anthony’s owner Budd Gould with an honorary Rotary membership. In remarks honoring Gould, Griffin noted that Anthony’s contributes the food, facilities and service so that all money from tickets directly benefits the club’s charitable giving program. “Through Budd Gould’s generosity and the hard work of his staff, our club is able to maximize our dinner fund-raising efforts. Anthony’s opens its doors to the Anacortes community for this event. Their local team sets aside the day to hold a wonderful evening with a special menu and amazing service to assist local groups,” Griffin said. “We know our club could not host an event of this size and quality and generate community funding like this without the major effort of the Anthony’s staff,” said Club dinner organizer Kevin Meenaghan. “Our sincere thanks go to Anthony’s owner Budd Gould and all the Anthony's local team members for their outstanding community service. We look forward to continuing this tradition.” For the past five years, Anthony's has set aside its restaurant for the Anacortes Rotary Club community dinner, helping the club raise approximately $121,000. Past grant recipients include the Anacortes Boys & Girls Club, Gentry House, the Senior Activity Center, the Anacortes Family Center and the Salvation Army Cold Weather Shelter.	Anacortes Rotary dinner at Anthony's restaurant nets more than $25,000		2016-03-02 08:00:00Z
Elementary Principals recieve $300 checks Posted by Tom Kuhn on Oct 30, 2015 The Anacortes Rotary Club presented checks in the amount of $300 to 4 Elementary School Principals. Kevin Schwartz - (Whitney) Brian Hanrahan - Island View Elementary School) Tara Dowd - (Fidalgo Elementary School) Peter Donaldson - (Mount Erie Elementary School The funds are to be used at the Principals discretion to help their students.3 of the Principals are pictured along with Stephanie Hamilton, Vocational Services Chair and President Tom Griffin. Read more...	Elementary Principals recieve $300 checks	Tom Kuhn	2015-10-30 07:00:00Z
World Polio Day Posted by Bob Thompson on Oct 18, 2015 NEWS RELEASE World Polio Day: Rotary Club of Anacortes fights to end polio worldwide Anacortes, Wa. October 20, 2015 — In honor of World Polio Day, which is widely recognized on 24 October, Anacortes Rotary is proud to be a part of Rotary’s 27-year mission to eradicate the crippling childhood disease polio. World Polio Day follows a succession of significant developments that have made 2015 one of the most important years in the history of the polio eradication initiative. The message to world leaders is clear: support the final push to achieve eradication now while the goal has never been closer, or face the potential consequences of a new polio pandemic that could disable millions of children within a decade. Since 1985, Rotary has contributed nearly $1.2 billion and countless volunteer hours to the protection of more than two billion children in 122 countries. The disease remains endemic in only two countries -- Afghanistan, and Pakistan -- although other countries remain at risk for imported cases. A highly infectious disease, polio causes paralysis and is sometimes fatal. As there is no cure, the best protection is prevention. For as little as US 60 cents worth of vaccine, a child can be protected against this crippling disease for life. After an international investment of more than US$9 billion, and the successful engagement of over 200 countries and 20 million volunteers, polio could be the first human disease of the 21st century to be eradicated. GPEI is spearheaded by the World Health Organization, Rotary International, the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF). It includes the support of governments and other private sector donors. About Rotary Rotary brings together a global network of volunteer leaders dedicated to tackling the world’s most pressing humanitarian challenges. Rotary connects 1.2 million members of more than 34,000 Rotary clubs in over 200 countries and geographical areas. Their work improves lives at both the local and international levels, from helping families in need in their own communities to working toward a polio-free world. For more information, visit Rotary.org. or, Anacortesrotary.org ROTARY CLUB OF ANACORTES	World Polio Day	Bob Thompson	2015-10-18 07:00:00Z
Boys and Girls Club comes to thank Rotary Posted by Tom Kuhn on Apr 01, 2015 7 happy and energetic members of the Boys and Girls Club and their supervisor came to thank The Anacortes Rotary for their continued support..	Boys and Girls Club comes to thank Rotary	Tom Kuhn	2015-04-02 00:00:00Z

Anacortes Waterfront Alliance Director Kevin Pratt shares their thanks for Anacortes Rotary's grant of $3,500 this past spring

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