Home Page | Rotary Club of Spokane North

RI President-elect R. Gordon R. McInally calls for Rotary to create hope in the world by working for peace and mental wellbeing. He urges members to engage in tough conversations and earn the trust that’s necessary to realize these values.

President Michelle's Quarter Report

North Notes

Spokane-North Rotary Club

Sept. 25, 2023

Calendar:

Oct. 2: Noon lunch at the Bark. Speaker: Mayor Nadine Woodward.

Oct. 9: No meeting. Federal holiday.

Oct. 16: Noon lunch at the Bark. Speaker: Mayoral candidate Lisa Brown.

Holler for a Dollar:

John Mailliard was happy to share the deep-seas fishing exploits of his son who landed a 6-foot marlin after a 30-minute battle.

Happy Buck$:

Bill Simer, back from England, was happy for a successful trip, “even driving with Jerry Logan.”

Jerry Logan was $10 worth of happy for the trip, “a fantastic time,” which included attending road-race events.

Ron Noble was happy for a scenic drive to the Oregon coast.

Die-hard Coug Dave Hayward was $10 of happy for getting a penthouse view of seats to watch WSU beat the Oregon State Beaver football team.

Eric Johnson, continuing the drama as his daughter moved into a dorm at Western Washington University, said while she broke up with one boyfriend, but during a WWU football game she noticed another attractive guy. Also, he is 6-foot-6 and she is 6-foot-1. Truly a tall tale?

1^st quarter off to an active, busy year

At the Sept. 25, club President Michelle Fossum recapped the programs and activities for the first quarter of the Rotary 2023-24 year.

Michelle said special thanks to program chair Bill Simer.

“Good programs are our club’s lifeblood,” she said.

During the July-September, the programs included the Lumen School, which deals with teens who have their own kids, a talk by Holmes Elementary School Principal Kale Colyar, a visit from Rotary District 5080 Doreen Kelsey, a talk on Alzheimer’s disease, and a visit from KXLY’s Robin Nance, who works with a “Kids Closet” program for needy infants and youth.

Michelle also mentioned the club activities, including a social gathering at Maryhill and the annual purchasing and packing items for Holmes School supply closet. Bill Simer shared a thorough financial statement about the charitable fund contributions. Last year, he said, 82 percent of club members provided $14,270 to the fund, which was established in lieu of fund-raising events.

“That’s pretty amazing for a club with just 20 members,” Simer said, adding, “we can change the world in a small way.”

The funding pays for a variety of programs at Holmes, plus grants for Lumen School, Saling scholarships and international efforts in the Dominican Republic, Syrian earthquakes and Polio Plus.

In conclusion, Michelle said “we have great members…and there is always room for more.”

She then “handed the baton” to Nancy Hanson, club president for October through December.

Bulletin editors: Chuck Rehberg and Sandy Fink

Believe in Me - Julie Wukelic

North Notes

Spokane-North Rotary Club

Sept. 18, 2023

Calendar:

Sept. 25: Noon lunch at the Bark. Speaker: Club President Michelle Fossum.

Happy Buck$:

Art Rudd was happy to attend the luncheon following an illness. (And the club was happy to have Art back with us!)

Sheila Fritts was happy that plans have jelled for a Wandermere Block Party with 20 vendors scheduled.

Eric Johnson was happy to have his daughter now living in a dorm at Western Washington U. and Steve Bergman was happy that his daughter will also live in a dorm at Western.

Trying to make a difference for youth

“Believing in kids” is the mantra of a non-profit organization which wants to make a difference in young lives with challenges and troubled past.

At the Sept. 18 luncheon, Julie Wukelic, CEO of Believe in Me, talked about the many ways that “one person in your life can touch you” to make a positive impression.

The organization was started in 2006 after Catholic Charities transferred some funding from the Morningstar Ranch foundation, Wukelic said.

Four employees operate “Believe” from headquarters at 510 W. Riverside. Projects and programs to help kids have expanded to the state of Washington, North Idaho and Oregon, she said.

An array of projects reach young people “from birth to age 24,” Julie said.

Activities involve “5 pillars of caring” – home, family, community support, education and enrichment, she said. This year, she added, some 26 grants totaling $50,000 have provided support.

One target, Julie said, is “finding beds,” noting that “12 percent under 18 years of age don’t have housing.” When living space is available, she said, the organization will literally buy beds and set them up.

“Believe’s” vision is “to empower all children to develop the self-confidence they need to succeed.”

Its mission is “to fund programs that provide marginalized kids for a safe place to call home, a family that loves them, a feeling of community and opportunities to learn, build esteem and have fun.”

Part of the fun for donors and volunteers are events like a “drag beauty pageant,” a golf tournament at Circling Raven “where cheating (for charity) is encouraged, a 0.5 K marathon/walkathon, an Octoberfest, and a gingerbread house decorating contest.

Julie said a Seattle event will be a James Bond-style Casino Royale black-tie dinner.

A variety of professionals have been recruited to help with the kids. Colin Prestesater of our club has been a financial advisor for three years, Julie said.

Bulletin editors: Chuck Rehberg and Sandy Fink