Nkoilale Parent Conference Update

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Hello everyone,

I believe that you are all doing fine. I am doing well too. We had a nice break. It has been raining since we closed. The place is now very beautiful.

I would like to inform you that we held a meeting with the parents and the kids last week. I am so grateful that they all managed to come. As we all know, these kids came to school against their parents’ wishes. There is always need to monitor the relationship between them so as to make sure that these kids get support, love and encouragement from their parents. The only way to establish this is by having a one-on-one forum with them. In our meeting, we discussed the following issues:

  • parental guidance and support
  • discipline
  • self motivation and hard work
  • responsibility

We had a wonderful time together and everyone participated in the discussions. They are all thankful for the support they are getting from you. All parents have now changed their attitude towards education and promised to be 100% supportive towards their kids education.

With love,

Grace Namunyak.

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April 2015 – Board Meeting Minutes

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Lake Chelan Rotary Board

Minutes

April 3, 2015

Location:  Campbell’s Resort

Attending Board Members: President Jeff Fehr, President Elect Jordana LaPort, Director Lexi Lieurance, Treasurer Jan Fedor, Director Morgan Picton, and Director Bruce Hurst. Also, Rick Nedrow as Proxy for Secretary Paul Schmidt and Les Cooper as Proxy for Arron Evans.

Absent: Vice President Kevin Able, Secretary Paul Schmidt, Past President Tim Hollingsworth, Director Arron Evans.

Other Members Present: John Anderson, Tom Warren, Lyle Mettler and Tiffany Gering.

The meeting was called to order at 11:47 AM by President Jeff Fehr.

Approval of Minutes: There were no minutes of the March Meeting to approve. They will be approved at the next meeting on May 1st.

Secretary Report: No Report.

Attendance Report: Rick Nedrow distributed the summary attendance report for the month of March and noted that some members with long term absences have been at meetings, so it appears that the letter campaign is working. Jan Fedor stated that Jon Higgins is no longer considered to be a member.

Financial Report: Jan Fedor reported that all dues have been paid and all members have made Paul Harris contributions.  Jordana LaPort distributed the Balance Sheet and the Profit and Loss Report as of March 31, 2015. Jan Fedor states that there is $984.00 in the drawing fund.

Old Business:

  1. Radiothon: Jordana reports that all invoices have been sent out. Tiffany states that $8,425 worth of ads, etc. has been sold. Lyle feels that all is going well and we are ready to go on April 4th.

New Business:

  1. Grant Request – Chelan to Africa/ Food Bank Benefit Concert. This request was submitted by Jan Fedor asking for $500.00 to pay for the Kevin Jones Band at this concert that is raising funds to support children and their caretakers in the small rural village of Lesotho. Rotary did support this event last year. Motion to approve the $500.00 grant request was made by Les Cooper and seconded by Bruce Hurst. Motion passed unanimously.
  2. Grant Request – Lake Chelan Cinco de Mayo Festival. Scott McKeller submitted this request asking for $500.00 to fund the mariachi band that will play during the event. Les Cooper spoke against the grant. Lexi felt that if the grant was approved, that the advertisement for the event should give ROTARY credit for funding the event. John Anderson will insure that ample credit is given to ROTARY. Motion to approve the $500.00 Grant request was made by Morgan Picton and seconded by Jordana LaPort. Passed unanimously.
  3. Grant Request –Lake Chelan Senior Night Organization via Kim Skaar has requested that ROTARY provide $700.00 to help provide gift items to graduating seniors at the “Drug and Alcohol Free” Graduation party. There were NOT many positive comments about this grant. It was felt that more information was needed. However, after more discussion a Motion was made by Bruce Hurst to provide $500.00 and seconded by Jordana LaPort. Motion Passed unanimously.
  4. New member proposal: Mary Watson has been proposed as a new member by Rich Watson. Mary will be the first spouse proposed as a member and will only pay half the amount for dues if accepted. Also research by Jordana LaPort and Les Cooper has found that proposed new members need only be posted once, not twice, which we have done in the past. Motion made by Jordana LaPort and seconded by Tom Warren to post Mary Watson as a proposed new member. Motion passed unanimously.

OTHER NEW BUSINESS: Rotary member and Chamber Sales Manager Tiffany Gering presented the Board with a document that outlines the History and Background of the Chamber and the Visitor Center. It also describes various meeting rooms and spaces contained in the NEW Chamber facilities located at 216 E. Woodin Ave. Tiffany drew our attention to the page titled Gold Sponsorship that describes; in detail 2 conference rooms in the downstairs level that are available for sponsorship that includes, but not limited to: Naming Rights, Use of the room and the Visitor Center at no charge. Other items include Community and Media Exposure and Signage.

Tiffany and Les felt that sponsoring one of these rooms would be a great advantage to our organization for years to come. Sponsorship of a room would cost the Lake Chelan Rotary Club $20,000.00 over 10 years (five payments of $4,000.00 over ten years).  After much discussion, a Motion was made by Jordana LaPort and seconded by Lexi Lieurance to enter into an agreement with the Chamber of Commerce to sponsor a conference room for 10 years, with 1st right of refusal at the end of that time period. Motion passed unanimously.

OTHER  BUSINESS:  Member John Anderson presented the Board with a letter that describes the effort by him and others that are representing Chelan Valley Hope, Lake Chelan Food Bank, Give Naked just to name a few to purchase the old library building on Bradley Street. The capital campaign to raise the funds has begun and they are calling the building, The Cornerstone Building.  John would like to see the Rotary Club contribute $25,000.00 toward this effort just as they did with the donation to Friends of the Library. THIS IS NOT A FORMAL REQUEST AT THIS TIME. President Jeff will place this topic on a future Board Meeting agenda.

Good of the Order: Lexi Lieurance reminds the Board of the youth conference at Campbell’s Resort on April 17th and 18th. Some members have already agreed to help out.

With nothing more to come before the board, President Jeff adjourns the meeting at 1:22 PM.

Respectfully submitted,

Rick Nedrow, Acting Secretary

Lake Chelan Rotary

March 2015 Board Meeting Minutes

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Lake Chelan Rotary Board

Minutes

March 6, 2015

Location:   Campbell’s Resort

Attending Board Members:  President Jeff Fehr, Treasurer Jan Fedor, Director Bruce Hurst, Director Lexy Lieurance, Lyle Mettler as proxy for Vice President Kevin Abel and Rick Nedrow as Secretary and proxy for Paul Schmidt and Les Cooper as proxy for President Elect Jordana LaPorte.

Absent: President Elect Jordana LaPorte, Secretary Paul Schmidt, Past President Tim Hollingsworth, Vice President Kevin Abel, Director Morgan Picton and Director Aaron Evans.

The meeting was called to order at 11:40 AM by President Jeff Fehr.

Approval of Minutes:    Director Bruce Hurst made a motion to approve the February 6, 2015 Board minutes as submitted with a second to the motion by Rick Nedrow. Motion passed unanimously.

Secretary Report: No Report

Attendance Report:  Rick Nedrow presented his Monthly Report. There was general discussion on the remaining members who have not paid dues for 2015. Jan Fedor stated that all but one member has paid their dues. It was agreed that President Jeff would write a letter to the one remaining member who has NOT been attending meetings and has not paid his dues that he is no longer considered to be a member.  A somewhat softer letter will be sent to the others who have paid dues but are not attending, encouraging them to resume attending meetings.

Financial Report:  President Elect Jordana LaPorte was not in attendance, there was no financial report; however, Jan Fedor did report that some checks for the Radiothon and the Century Challenge have come in. No exact amount was given.

Old Business:

  1. Radiothon –Les Cooper reports that the brochures will be printed next week. Lyle Mettler states that he will start signing people up to be broadcasting live. It was also stated that the approximate income could be 13 thousand dollars.

 

  1. b) Library Plaque—President Jeff reports that he is reviewing the plague for errors, have found one so far. As of yet, there is no date scheduled for mounting or ceremony.

 

  1. Father’s Day Scotch & Stogie Fundraiser: Discussion of the event by club members seemed to be positive with only one member raising an objection. Therefore, a motion was made by Bruce Hurst and seconded by Less Cooper to support the event. Motion passed unanimously.

 

New Business

  1. New Member Proposal: Kari Kollmeyer has been proposed for Lake Chelan Rotary Club Membership by Club Member Morgan Picton as sponsor. Kari works for Windermere Real Estate. Les Copper made the motion for the first posting of Ms Kollmeyer for Lake Chelan Rotary Club Membership. Seconded by Rick Nedrow. Motion passed unanimously.

 

  1. New Member Proposal: Less Cooper states that he has Ty Witt as a proposed new member but has yet to complete the required application. Will submit at a later date.

 

  1. A discussion about when Steve Palmbush and Connie Lorenz would be inducted into the club. President Jeff states that as soon as Bob Sheehan; our Membership Chairman has met with them, they could be inducted. Also the status of Kelly Allen and Ryan Gunn who have gone thru the posting process was discussed, with no action taken on either at this time.

 

  1. A Grant request form member Mike Steele on behalf of the Manson Community Library Board of Directors. The Grant request is in the amount of $300.00. After some discussion, A motion was made by Bruce Hurst and seconded by Less Cooper to approve the request. The motion was passed unanimously

 

Good of the Order:

  1. Les Cooper reports the he took 5 INTERACT members to the Cashmere Middle School to facilitate the formation of a club there. He felt that the students and the proposal were well received and that the mission was a success.
  2. Les Cooper believes that a grant for a maximum of 20 thousand dollars will be submitted next week to support the Nkoilale Primary School in Kenya. More information coming at a later date.
  3. The INTERACT Club is busy fund raising for there up and coming trip to Nicaragua.

Adjourned at 12:30 PM

Respectfully submitted,

Rick Nedrow

Lake Chelan Rotary Club Acting Secretary

Nkoilale Primary School has a New Teacher

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Marcia Meyer is a retired teacher from Portland Oregon who wanted to volunteer as a teacher in Kenya. I thought she will be a great fit for Nkoilale primary and her and Grace will make a great team and as you can see in these pictures, they have become BEST friends, In fact they are roommates.

I spoke to Marcia earlier this morning and she told me that she felt so natural being in Nkoilale she spoke very highly of Grace, and she LOVES the Kids. She has been their only 10 days and she having a great time with the kids and visiting the village and meeting the locals. She is planning on staying and volunteering at Nkoilale until April next year. She will be sharing her story with us when she gets settled.

Nkoile New Taecher

(Grace Wrote this) Today I took Marcia to Seiyio’s home. She was very happy to see her at home. We had a very long talk and I took a video. I will see how it will get to you. We also passed through Nickson’s home. Good news is that, Marcia met Nickson’s sister who is ten yrs old and has not been enrolled to school. She asked me to ask her if she would like to go to school. She was so sad that she started crying and that touched Marcia’s heart that she decided to sponsor her to school. We are going to visit the family on Sunday in order to meet with her father. We would like to talk to him to allow his daughter to join school in January. I hope all goes well and Sinore joins school in the New Year.

 

Nkoilale New Teacher with Grace

Golf Tournament

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Kosen – Trip to Kenya – August 2014

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Hi Everyone.

My family and I are back home from our Trip to Kenya.  My wife Diane and My daughter Hailey had a wonderful time visiting family and friends for the first time.  We also had time to go on a 3 days safari in Masai Mara which coincided with the wildebeest migration season.  This Safari was also very important to both Hailey and I, in Aug 1978 my Dad took me on safari, I was 5 yrs old and at 5 yrs this was my daughter’s first safari and from the look of things she is a natural.

On Sept 10th I met with Grace and presented her with 2 Laptop computers that were donated by Lester Cooper from the Chelan Rotary and also gave her the money to pay for the kid’s tuition (fee) and shopping for the 6 new kids as well as for the other 9 that we have been supporting from the beginning of the year. I also had time to visit with the kids and they were very happy and thankful to each and every one of you for your Love and kind support. They told me to let you know that they are working very hard at school and they want to make us all proud. Grace gave me their school report form and their performance was impressive. I will bring the report forms to our next meeting.

Dr Claver, Andy Kunkel and I also visited the 5 of the 9 solar lights beneficiaries and to our delight every one of the solar Kits was working perfectly. We had to change only 1 bulb that had gone out.  These families have kept the solar kit in a very good condition. We left Grace with 8 extra bulbs for replacement if needed.

The Lights continue to have a great and positive impact to the community, I talked to the women and they told me how the lights have changed their lives both financially and socially. They make the traditional necklaces, bracelets and other Masai traditional bead work at night and sell them to Tourist during the day and also have time to do other family chores during the day. One story was even more compelling, one of ladies told me that she put one light outside of her house facing the livestock coral and ever since they have not experienced any incidents with the predators like Leopard, hyenas or lions attacking or even killing their livestock. For the Masai People livestock are a very major source of income and livelihood. Thanks to the solar lights for they have deterred these predators from coming into the village at night, the village and more importantly the people are safe at night.

The children continue to enjoy doing their homework and studies at home without any worries about darkness setting in or getting sick from smoke from kerosene lamps or firewood.

“We don’t have to engage in grand, heroic actions to participate in the process of change. Small acts, when multiplied by millions of people, can transform the world.” -Howard Zinn

 Kosen

Board Meeting Special – September 2014

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Fire Relief

The Lake Chelan Rotary Club, at a special Board meeting on Tuesday, July 22, donated $10,000 of club reserves to the victims of the devastating fires in Central Washington.  The donation was made to the Fire Relief fund of the Community Foundation of North Central Washington (www.cfncw.org/firerelieffund). Rotary President Jeff Fehr said “we are all impacted by the terrible fire tragedies affecting our neighbors to the North, and we wanted to step up and help out. We raise money from our activities just so we can help out when the need is there. Lake Chelan Rotary is the nearest Rotary club to Pateros, Brewster, and the Methow Valley and we want to do all we can to help.”

In addition the Lake Chelan Rotary Club has committed through their Community Pride and Small Project committees of their club to begin such community projects that become available to begin the restoration of the communities that have been hit by the fire devastation.  These future efforts will be funded by donations to the Lake Chelan Rotary Community & International Fund which is a 501(c)(3) charity managed by the club.  Anyone wishing to donate to this unique effort can send checks to the Fund made out to LC Rotary Community & International Fund at P.O. Box 601, Chelan, WA 98816.  Any questions about the Fund, or requests for community projects can be directed to Jeff Fehr at 888-0856 or 679-6560.

CHS INTERACT News

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September 5, 2014

School has finally started for the 2014-2015 school year, and that means the Interact Club is moving along at full speed once again in hopes of another great year of helping the community! The Interact Club has a lot of new officers this year who are excited to leave their mark on the community and the club.

  • President- Emma Elsner
  • Vice-President- Mary Fitzpatrick
  • Secretary- Malena Evig
  • Director of Public Relations- Erika Arias
  • Director of Rotary Reporter- Henry Elsner
  • Director of Nicaragua Trip- Casey Jackson
  • Director of Fundraising- Eva Anashensly
  • Director of WE Programs- Haley Holliday

Interact Club has a month of showing ourselves to the community ahead of us, starting with our President and Vice-President, Emma and Mary, going to the Cashmere Rotary to talk about our club on the 10th of September. The club’s first meeting will be on September 17th due to delays caused by our presentation to Cashmere Rotary. Next, Interact will be giving a presentation during the Lake Chelan Rotary meeting in Chelan. To see us at our final event of the month, come to the concessions stand at Sergeant Field for the Chelan High School football game on September 26th.

Thank you for being interested in the Interact Club and giving us your support! This year will be another great year for Interact Club and the Lake Chelan Rotary. We look forward to contributing to the community of Chelan and working with the other groups and organizations in Chelan to make our town a better place!

Henry Elsner | CHS Interact Reporter

Naomi Update

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Many of you will remember Naomi as the incredible young woman who was President of Interact last year, business woman, dancer and musical talent.  Unfortunately Naomi has been ill and was unable to complete her academic year at Western Washington University.  The following is an update from her mother CherylAnne:

Long Naomi Update:

Screen Shot 2014-09-02 at 2.31.49 PMNaomi is entering her 5th month of dealing with frustrating, life-altering health issues. Many of you have been asking for updates and I am sorry that they have been so infrequent. But, the challenge is that there is so little we can say to update you. The lack of information and slow progress with test results and Dr. appointments is really wearing Naomi down and fielding questions is beginning to take a toll on her. At the same time, she is very grateful for all the concern so many are showing her.

She is still waiting for results from the GI tests that were taken on Aug 22. She should hear by this Friday if anything has shown up. Her appointment with the UW Cardiologist was very good. While her heart is situated differently than normal (which is why the folks in Wenatchee were unable to read her echocardiogram and we went on another wild goose chase), it is still a very healthy heart. Her symptoms are most likely not a result of her unique anatomy. I’m relieved it isn’t her heart.

Her symptoms continue to morph and change, some getting better, some worse. Right now, I’m concerned about her spirits. She will not be going back to school this fall.
Several people have asked about Lyme’s Disease. She is hopefully going to be tested for that and mono this week. She has an appointment set for mid-September at Children’s, and a neurology appointment set up for mid-October.

While the doctors we’ve met with have been individually wonderful, it is really frustrating how challenging it has been to get her any help. Progress is incredibly slow. Communication between facilities is non-existent. We are getting lessons in advocating for ourselves.

Hoping to have real news soon. If you ask her for an update and don’t hear back right away, don’t take it personally. It’s just hard to repeat the same non-info over and over…defeating. However, feel free to message her with encouragement.

Development of Community Parks

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