Eve Cook, Project 66 Food and Resource Center Development Coordinator was our guest speaker Sept. 17th. in 2018, Project 66 served over 5844 families and 17,944 individuals. Over 500 Edmond families are regular monthly clients of their pantry. Their grocery store-like pantry provides their clients choices that fit their needs. The center provides shelf stable foods, as well as fresh fruit, and vegetables, meat and dairy products and breads.
Chris Anderson, with the Grant Group was on hand Tuesday, August, 20th to fill the attending members and guests in on whats going on next to the tracks on 1st Street Edmond. Taking over at the old lumber yard is a great family oriented dining and social gathering destination named Edmond Railyard. The Grant Group using plans drawn up by The Small Group Architects has created a unique haven for foodies to gather and quench all manners of cravings. From "Hott Wings" (think Eddies), Gogi Go Korean BBQ, Oak City Open fire Pizza, 1884 tavern and snacks, and Cities Ice Cream, there is something for nearly every one. All of the restaurants are working hard to open within the next 60 days with Hott Wings being ready for business this weekend, and Gogi Go not far behind. Cities Ice Cream will quickly follow then 1884 and Oak City Pizza. An enormous covered patio area opening into 1884 will seat over 200 for many types of events. More seating than tnat is available inside plus sit-down seating inside the restaurant areas give many options as the concept is to allow food from any vendor to be carried to any place in the building area.
The site next to the railroad is going to be the. next. place. to. be., especially once the BNSF finishes the renovations needed to make the passage through Edmond a "No Whistle" zone. Lots happening in Downtown Edmond and we were thrilled to hear from the source how the project is coming along.
Edmond Summit Rotary President George Strecker presented Mobile Meals Operations Manager Christi Twenter a check for $1000.00 to assist in the 2019 Mobile Meals EdFest Fundraiser. Mobile Meals is one of Edmond Summit Rotary's Annual Focus Charities. The annual EdFest is Mobile Meal's major fundraiser and typically raises enough to feed over 7,000 home-bound citizens.The 2019 Skeet Shoot Results:
1st Place team members were Jack Wimberley (Club Shooter), Eric Roberts, Dennis McPhail, Robert Hogan, and Kallan Hallman:
2nd Place Team Members were Jim Seignious (Club Shooter), Johnny Hensley (Club Shooter), Mark Thomas (Club Shooter), and Tom Jourdan
3rd Place Team Members were: Chuck Black (Club Shooter), Gary Jones, Russell Riecken, Marty Hill, and Mark Chartney
Top Individual Shooters in the Pro Division were: 1st George Guerrero, 2nd Jack Wimberley, 3rd Mark Thomas and Chuck Black Tie (Mark won the trophy by a coin toss)
Top Individual in Amateur Division were: 1st Robert Hogan, 2nd Dennis McPhail*, 3rd Kallen Hallman* (Dennis and Kallen tied and a coin toss decided the placing)
"The Forensic Science Institute at the University of Central Oklahoma in Edmond, is devoted to academic excellence, through a unique multidisciplinary program, that provides outstanding educational, research and professional training opportunities for practicing professionals and both undergraduate and graduate students. The Forensic Science Institute is a comprehensive training and research organization in all aspects of evidence collection, preservation, analysis, reporting and testimony. FSI will promote leadership, character and public service throughout all training events". UCO: Forensic Science institute website.
Tom told of the earliest days of the development of the forensics program and the subsequent growth of the program to now having the 2nd largest enrollment on campus. The program has a 94% hire rate out of graduation and attracts students from around the globe. The staff is heavy with over 300 combined years of crime fighting experience and more. Check out the Forensic Science department at UCO on Google or your favorite search engine. You will be amazed!!!
Nicole Stephens (L)and her daughter Nathalie (C) were our guests and guest speaker at the Sept. 24th meeting. Nicole is the District 5750 Chair for Rotoract-Interact and is very involved in sponsoring new clubs in schools across the district. Nathalie is a Junior at OU and is President of the Rotoract there. 
District Governor Lance Singleton(L) shown with club president George Strecker (R)was in town last week, on the way to hitting close to a dozen clubs during the week. You would never know it by his impassioned presentation expressing his belief that Rotary clubs need to find ways to rejuvenate themselves, and one way is by gaining more members by involving family in our Rotary life. His question to the club was "Why not invite family to join? Or, just attend an upcoming meeting? Let’s make Rotary welcoming to family members.
My take on this is for many in our club, your son or daughter, your Son-in-law or Daughter-in-law, your brother or sister, "needs" to be a Rotarian! Invite them to socials and find ways to make your events family (user)-friendly. The next member of our club maybe should be your next of kin!
Lance also touched on inclusion as being a part of growing a club. Looking at the demographics of a club that is trying to grow in a college community, it may be necessary to have satellite meetings on more than one day a week or at multiple locations to attract the diversity needed to remain relevant. Rotary International has remained at 1.2 Million world wide for over a decade with big gains in growth in nations outside the USA but losing population inside the US. Lance says the leaders of the Rotary zones in the US are aware and are working to reverse this and ideas such as being more flexible in meeting places, putting emphasis on service rather than attendance, and community involvement are huge parts of keeping Rotary at the forefront of being the organization of choice to join if a young professional wants to make a positive mark on the world.
The meeting September 10th was pretty full! First, we had a vistor from The Rotary Club of Dawlish Water, Devon England, Edmund (Ed) McLaughlin pictured with George at left, was visiting relatives in Edmond and did a make-up with Edmond Summit. A banner trade was made and we learned a bit about the Dawlish club.
We had two members from the Mustang Rotary Club (shown in picture to the right), Mark Wolf (l), and Dean Smith(r) next to George came over to sell raffle tickets to their Harley Davidson Motorcycle. Tickets are $25 ea or 5 for $100 and are available at https://www.mustangrotaryok.com/ for credit card purchases or go to FundRazr for Paypal and Search for Harley Davidson. You will have a decent chance of winning this beast as less than 1000 tickets were printed and less than half have been sold so far..
Note from the President: WE NEED TO ROUND UP UNSOLD RAFFLE TICKETS! PLEASE BRING ANY TICKETS TO THE OCT 29TH MEETING THAT YOU DON'T THINK YOU CAN SELL SO WE CAN GET AN IDEA OF HOW MANY ARE LEFT. If you are not able to attend, let me know how many you have remaining. (text me at 405-640-5724) We may need to get some blanks to have on hand at the skeet shoot if we run short! Also text me if you need me to meet you and pick up your stubs and money in case you will not be able to come to the meeting or the Skeet shoot.. Thanks for all you do! George Strecker
Prizes so far: A minimum of a $500.00 Gift Card; A B&WHitch, 5" Drop 2" +2-5/16" rotating Ball, stowaway Trailer hitch to fit a 2" receiver; an RTIC 28 Day Cooler with 2 -18oz RTIC stainless insulated bottles; A masterbuilt smoker and cover; a year's supply of return air filters up to 24 from Filtertec (a local company) any style (including up to 4 aluminum frame permanent style with 24 replacement media).; a Fire Disc WOK cooking system; Smith Optics Sunglasses (2-pair); Scentsy Fragrance warmers; Semi-Guided Feral Hog Hunt to SW Oklahoma between Mid Jan and Mid Mar. 2020, Drive down one day and hunt then spend one night at the location and next day hunting. The accomodations are"lodge quality" with heat, air, flat screen tv and kitchen. Waiver signature required as well as scheduling with owner, (but very flexible); Also, a "Ladies Wine tasting and Ladies Night out" for a party of up to 12 at Maison Bleue Boutique; (NEW) a +$600 value "Wellness Package and multiple Chiropractic consultations" to Hanson's Chiropractic Clinic. 4 each $50.00 Gift Certificates from Wilshire Gun Club. A Condition 1 18" Insulated Carry Case.
Approximately $2500 (@ list price) so far in prizes are being offered. Something for everyone!
Youth Exchange Students Marie (Mavie) Damonte of Genova, Italy, and Luigi Trevisan, of Curitiba, Brazil pose with long term youth exchange chair, now emeritis, Jerry Burger at the September 3rd meeting. Both students gave a brief run down of their home districts and their experiences so far with their Rotary Exchange. Both are attending Edmond Memorial High School where Mavie has made the swim team, and Luigi has made it on the Soccer Team. Both are blending into their classes successfully and are making new friends and gaining in the appropriate usage of y'all and other necessary terms to make it in"Okie Land".
Welcome Aboard these two fantastic young ambassadors! We are so proud to be a part of their Rotary Exchange Experience!
Greg Smith was the Rotarian of the day for May 2nd and he invited Master Gardener Shirley Ellis as his speaker. Shirley has been an avid gardener since her youth, growing up with a truck gardening grandfather and always having her heart focused on the nature of growing beautiful plants.
Her topics focused on the importance of utilizing the Oklahoma extension service as much as possible. Getting your yard soil tested is the first step in a successful lawn. Oklahoma lawns are notorious for being low in acidity and nitrogen, especially if watered by sprinkler systems and city water. Soil analysis can verify and can eliminate wasting unnecessary nutrients on the yards that may result in dangerous runoff.
"Oklahoma Proven" Look For It!! These plants are the ones that will survive our extremes of hot and dry to soaking and cold conditions and produce the most prolific blooms and harvest. Also, plant for the benefit of our migratory guests, Monarch Butterflies (milkweed), etc. Beware of insecticides that may do harm to bees and other pollinators. Above all, plant for your taste but have a plan. START NOW. TAX DAY, APRIL 15th is her magic date for all things blooming to be planted so soil prep and analysis should already be done by then.
Shirley handed out several OSU extension bulletins that are also available on their website http://osufacts.okstate.edu
That leads to Edmond Summit Rotary Fundraiser TLC Garden Center Gift Cards, available from Gary Jones. TLC Garden Center has Oklahoma Proven plants available and all your gardening needs ready for you. $20 cards are good year round and never expire.
Edmond Summit Rotary featured D'Anna Pulliam with the Women's Auxiliary of Salvation Army at the August 6th meeting. D'Anna explained the program that provided over 1400 bicycles to OKC children last year and is on track for that many or more this year. She explained how the bikes are purchased direct from Huffy and shipped gratis by Fedex then assembled by volunteers then checked by professionals prior to presenting to the kids. Safety helmets are donated by a local professional bicycle association. Pictured from left to right, Treasurer Koorosh Zahrai, President George Strecker, D'Anna Pullium, Program Chair Julie Hovis.
The club consented to collecting a donation over a couple weeks and was able to present a check to D'Anna for Buck$ 4 Bike$ for $165.00 which is enough for over 4 of the smaller bicycles or 3 of the medium bicycles. The Red Bucket President Strecker is holding is placed at many businesses around the city and is a mainstay in the fundraising process, along with regular donations from businesses and organizations. For more information contact the Salvation Army and ask about the bicycle program or ask for the "bicycle lady". also http://salvationarmyokcac.org/tag/bucks-4-bikes/
Up until a few weeks ago, Kelly Burley was program director at KOSU, an NPR affiliate radio station. Upon his retirement after 26 years of that profession, he finds himself heading up a new non-profit, Save Lives-Unite Oklahoma, started and primarily funded by the Kirkpatrick Foundation. Its goal is to combine efforts of No-Kill animal shelters across the Metro in an attempt to increase the adoption rate of shelter/rescue pets to 90% by 2025. The new program, Save Lives, Unite Oklahoma, (SLUO) will collaborate efforts of dozens of animal shelters and using the resources of the Kirkpatrick Foundation and the efforts of Kelley's newly developing team to explore methods of increasing awareness of neuter-spay programs, vaccination before sale or adoption of any pet, more regulation of puppy-mills, and any method needed to unit rescue animals with permanent families, including more social networking, advertising, etc. Note, The Goal of 90% or below is effectively the entire population of healthy "adoptable" animals.
Note: Unfortunately due to gross abuse, neglect and accidents there will continue to be a portion of the animal population that cannot be saved, the shelters in many cases can only make the animal as comfortable as possible. This is the last thing No-Kill humane shelters want to be, but is unavoidable.
Jill Castilla, (left), President and CEO of Citizens Bank of Edmond was the speaker at the July 23rd meeting and presented an entertaining and informative overview of the history and the vision of Citizens Bank. Nearly 120 years of history and success at the same location in downtown Edmond say a lot about the stability of an institution. However there have been rough times also. Having to sell remote facilities that had just opened to regain capital when the economy dropped was an example. Citizens learned from this and became innovative in their approach to remote banking. Their latest fully automated system, undergoing patent review is near downtown Oklahoma City and can handle cash deposits and withdrawals of coins and paper currency up to $10,000 per transaction. It is one of a kind and a direct result of Jill's diligence in investigation every avenue and lead until finding the team and technologies needed to accomplish the desired outcome. She simply would not give up until she had all the information she needed and then putting the package together and working through the maze of regulations and contractors until the final product was acceptable.
No wonder she has been named one of the top banking executives of North America, and most recently Community Banker of the Year, among other honors.
Citizens Bank is also a sponsor of "Heard on Hurd", a monthly celebration of music, food, and arts held on the third Saturday of each month from March to October and each event benefits a local charity. What began with a turnout of a few hundred on the first weekend event has grown to now an average of over 10,000 who attend these 4 hour family friendly events.
For more information on Citizens Bank and Heard on Hurd to to https://www.citizensedmond.com/heardonhurd.htm
SAD GOODBYE'S:
District 5750 Rotary Youth Exchange Coordinator Jerry Burger was on hand at the July 9th meeting and assisted in passing on the Edmond Summit Rotary Exchange Banners to our exiting students, Dorotea Gavellino (left) and Elisa Bourgon (right). Dorotea (Dotty) came to us from Cagliari Sardinia, Italy and Elisa from Madrid, Spain. Both were honor roll students and had many memorable times in their nearly year-long stay in the U.S. Elisa has already returned home as of the 11th and Dotty will return to Sardinia;on the 26th of July. They certainly carried on the proud tradition of the Rotary Youth Exchange Scholarship program. Bon Voyage Dotty and Elisa and best wishes for your bright futures!
Edmond Summit is expecting two more inbound exchange students for the coming school year and Kayla and Jeff Blount have graciously agreed to be their first host family.
June 25th, 2019. Shown at left, Incoming President for 2019-2020, George Strecker presents immediate past president, Koorosh Zahrai, a handsome wall plaque with a permanently fixed gavel as a tribute to two consecutive years as president of Edmond Summit Rotary.
Previously, Koorosh handed out several recognition awards, including Distinguished Service Awards to Gary Jones for Fundraising, Julie Hovis for RYLA, School Book ordering and delivery, and program scheduling, and Eriech Tapia for facilitating the club move from Mercy to the new Downtown Citizen's Bank location. Also perfect attendance recognitions were handed out to Michael Olay (20 yr), George Strecker(14 yr), Gary Jones (5 yr), and Koorosh Zahrai (4 yr).
Pivot, Inc. is a nonprofit community organization that advocates, educates, intervenes and counsels youth and families to make a positive difference in their lives. Melanie Anthony, Director of Pivot OKC was our speaker last Tuesday, June 18, and spoke about this important non-profit that is making a huge positive impact on homeless teenagers in the Oklahoma City metro area. 
Celia Relland, pictured at right with RYLA Coordinator Julie Hovis (far Right) is our third RYLA (Rotary Youth Leadership Award) recipient this year with a scholarship to attend the RYLA camp to be held later this month near Guthrie. RYLA is a week of concentrated activities involving problem solving, peer and team relationship building, effective leadership training and above all a fun filled learning experience that carries over for a lifetime for many who participate. Congratulations Celia!
Pictured with Club President Koorosh Zahrai are Katie Scott (L) and Sarah Stone, (R). These were two of the three RYLA recipients who were chosen by Edmond Summit to attend the RYLA (Rotary Youth Leadership Awards) Camp to be held in July near Guthrie this year. Both girls attend Edmond Sante Fe High School and were chosen based on recommendations from school counsellors and their written answers on the application form. Congratulations Katie and Sarah!
Our speaker at the JUNE 11TH meeting was Andrea Stone, pictured at left with Rotarian of the day, Roland Herwig. Andrea is a spokesman for Moms Demand Action, a group devoting itself to making it more difficult for criminals and persons under restraining orders etc., to obtain firearms. They also advocate for the SMART Home gun safety program originated by the NRA and now furthered by the BeSmartforKids.org program. Another cause they lobby for is to have common sense limits on when, where, and how loaded guns are carried and used in public. They actively support policies that respect Second Amendment Rights AND protect people.
Moms Demand Action information can be found at www.momsdemandaction.org and on facebook and twitter.
Tracie McCoy at left, Senior at Edmond Sante Fe High School was presented a check for $150 to assist her with her admission fee to District 5750 RYLA (Rotary Youth Leadership Award) Camp this summer as a Trailblazer Counselor. Tracie attended RYLA for the time last year and was selected to return in a counselor role this year. 
Club President, Koorosh Zahrai was presented the District Governor's Gold Citation at the 5750--5770 District Retreat held May 3-4 at the Artesian Hotel in Sulphur, Oklahoma. The award recognized the efforts Edmond Summit put forth in 2018-2019 in areas of Rotary service.
We especially want to recognize the members in the club that are responsible for our Youth Exchange Students and our RYLA participation. These two categories alone and the ancillary coordination required to make them a success made up nearly 40% of the points that pushed our club to the Gold level. Thank you Kayla and Jeff Blount, Jeff and Andrea Amos, Julie Hovis, Bob Donaldson, and others, and our special thanks to Jerry Burger who has helped us so much in the Youth Exchange Program. The Club officers including our President, treasurer, secretary, as well as our Foundation Chair also contributed significantly to reaching this goal. The fact that Edmond Summit is a 100% sustaining member club in contributions to the Rotary Foundation every year also counted toward this goal, so everyone in the club had a part in this award! GREAT JOB EDMOND SUMMIT ROTARIANS!
During the April 23rd meeting, Club President Koorosh Zahrai presented Bob Donaldson, pictured far right a plaque for Service Above Self for taking on the effort and responsibility for planning all the club socials over several years, as well as working with inbound Rotary Youth exchange students and staying involved in membership recruitment.
Bobby Masterson, left,is the Fleet/ Solid Waste Superintendent for the City of Edmond. He also oversees all of Edmond's Fleet purchasing and maintenance, and oversees the facilities for Solid Waste disposal. We had him as our speaker this past Tuesday the 23rd of April.Many other services can be found on the EdmondOk.com website.
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Edmond Summit Rotarians, Suzy Thrash (far left in the picture and Julie Hovis next to her) recently delivered a shipment of books to the reading library of Edmond Sunset Elementary School. The books were donated to honor guest speakers at Edmond Summit Meetings. In the club, every guest speaker has a book donated to a local elementary school with their name inscribed on the inside cover. This particular donation was around 35 books with a retail value of over $600.00. As the picture shows, the students in the library at the time were excited to receive new books. The gift of books insures the children have fresh literature to explore when they visit their school's resource library.
The Election is over and everything is smooth sailing in Edmond for now except for a couple of small problems. "Edmond schools are too good and our crime rates are too low", and this is causing some big problems that we don't want to go away. But we have to work to take care of our infrastructure to take care of the good people who continue to insist that Edmond is THE BEST PLACE to live! This means better traffic control, even more schools, and more access to trails and activities. All the newly elected officials, Mayor Dan O'Neal (left) Ward 2 Councilman, Josh Moore (top right) and Ward 1 Councilman, David Chapman, agree on this. How we go about it may take some discussion and sleepless nights, but rest assured, these three individuals appear open minded and willing to work together to keep Edmond progressing and growing responsibly and responsively to meet the needs and many of the wants of future citizens, and even leaders of this wonderful city. We are in good hands, even if we have to question the Mayor's choice of headgear for the meeting (you had to be there)!
At the March 26th meeting Mark Brim (Right), Mercy Building Director overseeing the construction of the new facility to the south of the Mercy I-35 Health Center updated the club on the progress of its construction. Mark indicated the first patient would be admitted Oct 7th of this year. He went over the various departments, including OB/GYN, Trauma, Imaging, outpatient, etc. Nearly the entire lower floor is built into a hill and can be utilized as a disaster shelter if needed.
A Drone Video showing the current state of the construction can be views at : https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hjR69SvHvY8&feature=youtu.be
Many who are village members are also volunteers - because having a meaningful purpose adds value to life. "When you have something to give, you are never poor".
Edmond Fire Department EMS Chief Brian Davis(right) and Chief Training Officer Joe Elam Jr. were our special guest speakers at the March 5th meeting. Chief Davis was hired specifically to improve the readiness of the Edmond Fire department to work with medical emergencies and to augment EMSA Services. Due to his efforts, currently all Fire Department personnel are medically trained and will often arrive before an ambulance. Because the ambulance is not stationed at the Edmond fire stations, it usually takes longer for the ambulance to arrive on a medical scene. The firefighters will arrive and begin treatment immediately, often resulting in a better outcome for the patient. In a more complicated medical emergency, the Fire Department personnel will be needed to assist the two paramedics on the ambulance. The Fire Department is committed to providing the highest level of care possible, and this means getting the emergency responders on scene as quickly as possible. Edmond now ranks right up with the best in the nation in outcomes in cardiac arrest calls, time to arrive, and all other measurable factors. This is a great tribute to the training regimen the Edmond Fire Department personnel complete to maintain their efficiency.
Rotarian of the Day, George Glover, (right) presented a program at the Feb 26th meeting that focused on the American Energy Swim Club. This club was established as the Oklahoma City Swim Club in 1959, and since then has been the Kerr McGee Swim Club, The Chespeake Energy Swim Club, then under Aubry McClendon's foundation, became the American Energy Swim Club. After Mr. McClendon's passing their board voted to retain the name American Energy Swim Club in his honor. This has happened over 60 years.
Cary Osborne (Herwig), was our guest speaker Feb 19th. She is otherwise known in the industry as Cary G. Osborne the author of nine published novels in science fiction, fantasy, and mystery. These include the Iroshi series, the Deathweave series, and the new Sydney St. John mystery series. More than 20 short stories have been published in all of those genres, as well as horror. She is or has been a member of Science Fiction Writers of America, Science Fiction & Fantasy Writers, and Oklahoma Writers Federation, Inc.,
Cary let us in on some trade secrets and some common sense ways of procuring information for research. Some wise words like "write about things that you are interested in" topped the list, of course, but others hit the mark. She insists on accuracy in her writing whether it is fiction or not. "Just because it's make believe doesn't mean you can put something in the story that's just not right, or someone is going to call you on it"! Details are important especially in mysteries. Weather especially in Oklahoma actually becomes like another character, she says.
Keeping several balls in the air and all the plates spinning is how I envision Cary working. She says she often is working on 5 to 6 projects at a time! However, She does say that's too many and she has backed away from that much confusion now. She does take the opportunity to attend writers conferences to "rub elbows" with like minded individuals and "recharge". These also are a good source of contacts for proofreaders and she does get some ideas and there are always opportunities for characters to present themselves.
Cary is a frequent visitor to downtown Edmond where she can be found observing and absorbing the energy of the people to insert into her works. Some of Cary's musings can be found on her blog at http://iroshioftheglaive.blogspot.com/
Edmond Newspapers have been notified and Edmond School Admin has been contacted. We hope to start getting some results soon. However, any contacts you have at school boards, etc. need to be contacted to let them know about our new online contest to find at least three of the most deserving teachers in Edmond to recognize for SERVICE ABOVE SELF for 2019.
The annual Edmond Summit Rotary "Service Above Self" Teacher Award contest is now open for entries. Last year we awarded $1,500.00 in cash awards to the top three winners: Wes and Mary Singleton of Memorial HS, Lt. Col. Kenneth Young of North HS, and Elizabeth Pekrul of Clegern Elementary
Students or Parents wishing to nominate a favorite Edmond School teacher simply go to the Edmond Summit Rotary website www.edmondsummit.org and click on the menu item "2019 Edmond Service Above Self Teacher Award Entry Form". It is recommended that the summary for why the teacher is being recommended be done on a separate program, ie Word, notepad, etc and then pasted onto the blank of the entry form so that spelling and grammatical errors can be corrected prior to submission.
We are looking forward to seeing lots of "teacher love" coming through these entries.
On Friday night, Jan. 18th, the Edmond Summit Rotary club met at the Edmond Fine Arts Institute to celebrate the club’s 20th anniversary.
With nearly 35 in attendance, Bob Donaldson, past club president, put on the social with the help of the current president Koorosh Zahrai, and other members. Special guests included District Governor, Jessica Sherrill, Past District Governors, Jerry Burger and Hal Stevens. Also in attendance was past President and charter member Alan Schaefer, Assistant District Governor Chris Koehler, and several others.
Live music, barbecue and a slideshow were a part of the celebrations. The event lasted from 6 p.m. until 8 that evening.
The Edmond Summit Rotary meets at 7 a.m. every Tuesday at the Mercy at 2017 W I- 35 Frontage Road with a guest speaker and a light breakfast.
Upper right, Bob Donaldson provides the club with a brief history of the club with assistance from other charter members in the crowd. Below, Roland Herwig and Joe Herwig discuss events of the day and in the background, Gary Jones, Koorosh Zahrai and Julie Hovis discuss what to do with leftover adult beverages (LOL). Bottom right, Koorosh addresses the club with the achievements of the club since its inception.
At the January 29th meeting, Edmond Superintendent of Schools, Bret Towne, and Chief of Human Resources, Randy Decker, were guest speakers at the Edmond Summit Rotary Club. Superintendent Towne explained some of the features included in the $90.7 Million Bond proposal up for approval at the coming Feb 12th election. With Edmond's student population growing at a rate approximately equivalent to a new school every 2-3 years, it makes if imperative that building and improving facilities must be prioritized. This bond issuance would build two new schools, one East of I-35 at Douglas and Coffee Creek, and one in the SW corner of the district once land is purchased. Improved security, transportation, and HVAC at various schools, as well as an increase in STEM programs will also be included. With Mayoral, as well as city council positions on the ballot, it will be vital to participate in this elections.
Edmond retains among the lowest tax rate of all the surrounding schools and the new bond issuance being voted on should not change.
Rotarian of the Day, Jeff Amos gave a presentation Jan. 8th about the Rotary Youth Exchange Program from a very personal perspective, a parent, and coincidentally as a host parent. Jeff and Andrea's daughter, Elizabeth is currently an outbound Rotary Youth Exchange Student in Madrid, Spain. They are also just beginning to host an inbound Rotary Exchange Student.
Jeff explained some of the ins and outs of the processes involved, including visas, school transcripts, translation problems, etc. they had to work through, even with huge cooperation on both ends from the Rotarians involved in the process. Now that Elizabeth is in her third month "in-situ" she is thriving and considering even more opportunities to study abroad. The opportunities the Rotary program has opened up for her and countless other young people is phenomenal! Immersion in another culture is just about the only way to really get to know how another nation really works. The chance to see historical features and touch and walk the paths of people one has only read about opens the mind to see that there really was a process that lead up to how the world is now. This information and these experiences will give these kids a boost and prepare them to become leaders with wisdom beyond their peers (and years).
Tonya Ratcliff at left, Executive Director of Peppers Ranch accepts a check for $1560.00 from Edmond Summit Rotary president, Koorosh Zahrai at the Dec. 11th meeting. The money was a part of the proceeds from the club's annual Sportsman's Raffle and Skeet shoot.
Peppers Ranch was chosen as one of the recipients of Summit Rotary's 2018 fundraiser, in part, because of their successes in developing a widely recognized model for accepting and housing foster children. Once the children are brought into the foster care of Peppers Ranch, they are raised in a stabile family unit and strong community environment and taught to successfully integrate into a normal productive adult life upon graduating out of the facility.
Margaret Creighton, Director of Development for Oklahoma City's Positive Tomorrows, receives a check for $1,100.00 from Edmond Summit Rotary President Koorosh Zahrai at the November 27th meeting. The donation was a portion of proceeds from the annual Sportsman's Raffle and Skeet Shoot sponsored by the club.
Positive Tomorrows is Oklahoma's only elementary school specifically for homeless children, they give kids stability and a quality education while their parents get the support they need to create a better life. Operating for over 25 years, they have had countless success stories, but the need continues. Through donations like those of Edmond Summit Rotary they will continue to work to break the cycle of homelessness and poverty.
Rotarian Greg Smith (l) received his PH + 1 pin from president Koorosh Zahrai at the Nov. 13th meeting.
Chelsey Simpson (R) was our speaker at the Nov. 13th meeting. Chelsey is manager and partner of Urban Agrarian Markets located in South OKC and now in downtown Edmond.
Urban Agrarian is a local grocer and food hub offering all the best goods from Oklahoma farms and producers.
Their mission:
Support sustainable, humane growing practices
Provide access to good, healthy, high-quality food
Foster a network of thriving farms
Build community, community, community
They work directly with farmers to offer customers a carefully sourced selection of produce, eggs, dairy, humanely raised meat and convenient grab-and-go options. Using their commercial kitchen, they preserve seasonal produce and create convenient prepared foods. They also offer online, shopping with pickup points at their original storefront in the Historic Farmers Market District, or the new location in downtown Edmond at 1E. Main. Interior picture lower left.
Since their start in 2008, they have worked with more than 140 Oklahoma farms, ranches and producers and generated more than $3.8 million in revenue. To some, that’s small potatoes, but for those who grow potatoes lol,, it’s big business. To some of the producers they work with, Urban Agrarian is their largest buyer. At this level, they are able to communicate with growers in advance, letting them know what will be purchased in the coming season. This provides them the security to plant more spinach, build another hoop house or invest in more animals. They also do the same for value-added producers by providing a marketplace for products like kombucha, granola and ice cream.
Their vision for the future of Urban Agrarian includes using a market infrastructure to expand the range of local products available in Oklahoma, whether that means contracting with a farmer to grow kiwis (yes, they grow here!) or finding the state’s best mozzarella maker and convincing them to set up shop in their certified kitchen. This kind of infrastructure support has proven essential to the development of thriving food systems from Vermont to California—they believe Oklahoma deserves no less! (excerpted and modified from Urban Agrarian Website) www.urbanagrarian.com
Third Prize Winner of the Arctic Cove Cooler: Anita Kelley!
First Prize Winner of the Browning A5 Shotgun: George Strecker!!
We were honored to have Tonya Ratcliff, Executive Director of Peppers Ranch Foster Care Community speak to us at the Oct. 23rd meeting. Tonya has been an advocate of foster care for many years and when given the opportunity to head the Peppers Ranch Facilities, took on the challenge of a lifetime. She is a full time mother, foster mother, adoptive mother, and the chief fundraiser and spokesperson for Peppers Ranch. Tonya explained the mission of Peppers Ranch is to "break the cycle" of child abuse and neglect through loving homes, counseling, and growth-oriented activities. By creating a network of caring foster parents and adult mentors on whom children can depend, Peppers Ranch foster care community is committed to providing a safe and secure environment where physical and emotional wounds can heal. She went on to tell us that with the acquisition of their newest 460 acre facility on HWY 74 they now have the capability of providing care for foster kids who would otherwise age out of regular DHS facilities. Peppers Ranch now is home to 130 foster kids including 32 sibling groups that are being kept together due to their capabilities of caring for these cases. 21 kids were adopted in the past year, and all this with only 5 full time employees. All the rest is with volunteers and foster parents.
Their Vision is "to provide safe loving homes to as many of Oklahoma's abused and neglected children as we are able. By providing the necessary resources and services to foster parents, we sustain a commitment to the children in their care. And, our safe and nurturing community will inspire and equip each child to break the cycle, reach their full potential, and become productive citizens of society".
The Peppers Ranch Black and White Gala is this Saturday evening and she graciously reserved a table for 8 Rotarians. If anyone in the club wishes to attend, let me (the editor) know and I will RSVP Tonya with the details. Tickets are $150.00ea or $275.00 for a couple. Details are on their website at : http://peppersranch.com/ Just scroll down the page and you will find the Black and White Gala information.
All available Edmond Summit Rotarians please plan to attend the skeet shoot this Saturday Morning if possible. We will need people to prepare food, sell tickets, prepare entries for the Skeet Shoot, and assist in greeting and other important duties. We will start at 8:00 in the morning at the OKC Gun Club Shotgun Range, North Hiwassee Road, Arcadia, OK. On Hiwassee Rd, about 1/4 mile north of Sorghum Mill Road on the left (West Side).
Reagan Hamlin (L) Executive Director of Free to Live Animal Sanctuary was our speaker at the October 9th meeting. Established in 1984, Free to Live Animal Sanctuary is the largest nonprofit, no-kill animal sanctuary in Oklahoma. Whether they are strays, abused, mistreated, neglected or extreme medical cases – all of the dogs and cats there will live out their lives with love, companionship and a sense of family from their dedicated staff and volunteers.
Free To Live began as a dream of Bill and his late wife Pat Larson. In 1982, the Edmond couple purchased 20 acres of land north of Edmond and began construction. The Larsons and a handful of dedicated volunteers did much of the work. On August 7, 1984, Free To Live opened its doors and the Larsons’ dream became a reality.
FTL currently averages about 70 adoptions per year (contrary to some rumors that the facility does not adopt!!). Due to the nature of many of the pets, a no questions policy is in effect for any FTL adopted pet that is returned to the facility.
Since the facility is non profit, donations of time and money for food and vet services are always welcome. Reagan highlighted many opportunities of volunteering that are always available and great for single family or for group activities. More information is available on their website http://freetoliveok.org/
Cindi Carter, Director of the Small Business Administration office at the UCO location in Edmond was our speaker at the Oct. 2nd meeting. The SBA has been assisting small businesses start, grow and succeed for over 65 years. They remain committed to helping entrepreneurs access capital, government contracts, counseling, and disaster assistance.
The SBA partners with over 300 SCORE chapters, 100 Women's Business Centers, 980 Small Business Development Centers, and 20 Veterans Centers to provide coverage for every phase of the business cycle. Through counseling and training, for free or at low cost, these organizations put expertise for obtaining loans and grants and developing business plans in the hands of small business owners. SBA Loans are beneficial to the owner because they are typically at very competitive rates, spread over longer terms and have lower up front equity requirements than conventional loans. The failure rate of the SBA loan is extremely low and are highly desirable in the aftermarket.
More information on working with the SBA to launch your small business can be obtained at www.SBA.gov
Our guest speaker for September 25th was Victor Neal with Prime Travel of Edmond, Oklahoma. Victor brought a wealth of information of his native state of the Isle of Mann, UK and shared it with the club. Familiarity certainly did not breed anything but a sincere admiration for the tiny nation. The Isle of Mann experienced a huge population growth in the '60s when England abruptly turned socialist and began taxing incomes above £10,000 at the rate of £1.20 for every £1.00 earned! Earning the moniker "The Great Brain Drain", England's loss of many of the brightest and most independent thinking population simply moved up the coast 100 Km or so and ferried out to Mann and settled there. This migration soon ate up all the available properties, and created a boom in the housing market that exists today. 
Rotarian of the Day, Dave Evans (left) served up a rousing and inspiring talk about improving leadership skills that related to business, home, and social success. Meeting employees needs beyond basic food and shelter are important, per Maslow's Heirarchy, which Dave pointed out. Once basic living requirements are met, then Safety and Security are important, but immediately after those and what cannot be ignored in a competitive workforce place are Social needs of friendship and family. A person must feel as if they belong and are important to an organization, and be recognized as such or can be easily swept away by any other group promising the same basics but more of the Social and self esteem and "ownership" portion of the need of the employee. Trust through good Character, high Competency, high Commitment, Courage to take on challenges, and good and gracious Conduct build trust in a company. Rotary's 4-way Test is an example. Promote Standards of Excellence every day, not to meet the minimum, but to achieve that which has not been reached. As Yoda stated, Not Try, DO! , then we can also say Not think, Plan, Not Hope, but Strive. Keep sharpening skills and working on the Covey 7 Habits of Highly Effective People. 
Edmond Summit Rotarian Dr. John Polkinghorne received his Paul Harris Fellow + 1 pin at his dental office last week. In case you're wondering as I was, No John did not raid the Chihuly exhibit at the OKC Art Museum. Those are his own creations. Among his many talents, he is also an amateur glassblower!
The Paul Harris Fellow award is given in recognition of a Rotarian or by a Rotarian upon the donation of $1000.00 to the Rotary Foundation began by Paul Harris and named in his honor. Every subsequent $1000.00 is awarded another + to the designation, along with another stone to the emblem.
Thank you John for your contributions to Rotary.
At the August 21st meeting, Tom Jourdan finally shook the dust of the far left coast from his travelling clothes and club president Koorosh Zahrai, (r) was able to present him his Paul Harris Fellow Plus One pin.
Well known Edmondite, and a fellow Rotarian, Randall Shadid, was our guest speaker at the September 4th meeting and his topic was the Visual Arts Commission that overseas the public art that graces the streets and parks of Edmond.
In October 8, 2001, Ordinance No. 2653 was passed to provide for means to fund the acquisition of works of art by the City, which would become the City's collection, and to provide a means of selection of works of art for the collection and to provide for the display of the collection and to provide for the maintenance and repair of the works of art in the collection. Randall said that an initial $100,000 fund was set up by the city council mostly funded by private individuals and matching money. The collection of "Art in Public Places" has grown to over 200 pieces at the time of his talk. The latest was at the OnCue station just up the street at the 15th and I-35 Service Rd. intersection. I looked at it on the way home and it is a very impressive abstract piece. A list of the art pieces can be found at http://edmondok.com/DocumentCenter/View/2749 An interactive map of most of the pieces is available online at http://gis.edmondok.com/artinpublicplaces/ If you go the the Edmond Convention Center site http://visitedmondok.com/public-art.php you will find a list of many of the best of the pieces and a brief description of the art work and artist.
Randall has been a big part of moving the structure of Edmond for over 40 years. He lists the Art in Public Places as probably the biggest impact due to the impact it will have long after his memory and any of ours has turned to vapor. We think so too!
Club president Koorosh Zahrai presented a $1000.00 check to Edmond Mobile Meals Executive Director, Cristi Twenter to support the 2018 "EdFest for Mobile Meals" event. Last year this event raised enough funds to provide about 8,500 meals to needy individuals in our community. Over 5,000 people attended the event and this year looks like an even bigger turnout may happen.
Edmond Summit has made Mobile Meals one of our focus charities that we provide both financial and volunteer support through the year. Being an EdFest supporter with our donation is one way we are able to assist Edmond Mobile Meals in their goal of keeping more of Edmond's elderly and handicapped in their own homes for as long as possible by providing a daily meal and a contact by a volunteer Monday through Friday each week.
EdFest 2018 will be held October 12 at the Edmond Festival Marketplace beginning at 6:00 PM. There will be Music from Souled Out, Beer and Wine Garden, local Food Trucks, contests, and much more. We will have more volunteer opportunities available also, so stay tuned!
Soon-to-be outbound Exchange Student, Elizabeth Nichols, daughter of Jeff and Andrea Amos, spoke about her adventures at the Outbound Exchange Camp at Siloam Springs Arkansas, and ongoing issues with the Spanish consulate in obtaining her student visa at the Aug. 14th meeting. Elizabeth is scheduled to leave for Madrid, Spain this Sept. 6th, and her visa will be ready Sept 12th! All despite working diligently with the State Department and the Spain Consulate, and the Madrid Sponsoring Rotary Host club! Ah,well, Elizabeth seemed to be taking it all in stride. After surviving the week at the Rotary Exchange Camp she feels ready to take on nearly any challenge!
Jeff, Andrea, and Elizabeth have been in Skype contact with the host parents in Madrid and are excited about the year that lies ahead for her. She will attend a local private school with the assistance of the host family, and experience first hand the immersion of the Spanish culture through the education system, living with a host family as one of their own, and travelling with Rotary sponsored groups on tours of Europe that equate to a once in a lifetime experience that right now is so close, yet has many loose ends to tie up. Fingers Crossed for all the pegs to drop into the right slots and the visa and all required documents magically show up when and where needed!
At left, Elizabeth speaks from the podium at the meeting. At right Proud dad, Jeff Amos, Elizabeth Nichols, (r)Youth Exchange Coordinator Jerry Burger.
Everyone say a big "CIAO!" to our newest Rotary youth exchange student, Dorotea (Doddy) Gavellino from the city of Cagliari, on the Island of Sardinia, Italy. Doddy is pictured at left between District 5750 Youth Exchange Coordinator, Jerry Burger, and Rotary host "mom", Kayla Blount. If Sardinia sounds familiar, it is the home island of our former exchange student Gaia Calia, also of Sardinia, but another city on the island.
Doddy will attend Edmond Memorial as a Junior for the entire school year and experience first hand, life as an American high school student. CIAO Doddy! We hope to do our best to make you feel welcome at our club and in Edmond schools. Please enjoy your year in the USA!
The latest Edmond Summit Rotary Youth Exchange Student to return from a year of immersion into another nation’s culture and education is Ashtyn Page. Ashtyn, pictured at left, presenting her slides at left, along with her father Brandon were present at the August 7th meeting and presented a synopsis of her experiences of spending a full school year in Alicante Spain, on the coast of the Mediterranean. 
Shown in picture in the right from left to right, Jerry Burger, District Youth Exchange Coordinator, Ashtyn Page, and Club President, Koorosh Zahrai.
Larry and Tamara Rhoads at left were the guest program speakers of Rotarian of the day, George Strecker (r) at the July 17th meeting. Larry and Tamara are the owners of the Inspirations Eatery and Two Hearts Inn Bed and Breakfast of Edmond, and the TEOLI Olive Oil and Balsamic Vinegar and Tea Room in Edmond and Norman.
The Rhoads brought several of their most popular items and prepared popcorn drizzled with butter flavored extra virgin olive oil and a yogurt and granola topped with an infused balsamic vinegar which were a great hit. Tamara also had the club sample the current seasonal varietal cold pressed extra virgin olive oil from California which opened our taste buds to an olive oil so fresh and tasty that the entire room was truly impressed. The Rhoads went on to explain that they only purchased from a specific COOP they were members and that they personally had been to the vineyards and groves of the growers from where their products were sourced. We were provided some sheets with pairings of their vinegars and oils with various dishes and meals which were all well received. Folks, this was one of those meetings you wished you would have made. However, you can sample these premium olive oils and balsamic vinegars at Inspirations Eatery 2118 West Edmond Road in Edmond or if you are in Norman, their TEOLI location at Brookhaven Village, 3720 W Robinson Street, Suite 129.
Koorosh Zahrai was acting Rotarian of the Day July 10th and introduced Jade Owen as our guest speaker. Jade is the Community Outreach Specialist for the ONIE Project. Her job is to increase ONIE’s presence in the community and foster collaborative efforts with other community organizations to further the reach of nutrition and physical activity education efforts across the state. The ONIE Project is short for the Oklahoma Nutrition Information Education Project, and their mission is to improve the health and nutrition of Oklahomans by creating and disseminating nutrition and physical activity information and educational activities across the state, both online, and in person!
Edmond Summit Rotarians receiving their Paul Harris Fellow "Plus" pins were from left to right, Bruce Kelly and George Strecker, both received PHF plus 1 pins, and Bob Donaldson received his PHF plus 2 pin. The Paul Harris Fellow is awarded to Rotarians who have donated or have donated in their name, $1,000 to the Paul Harris Foundation. For each additional $1,000.00 donated, an additional + gemstone is added to the emblem. The Paul Harris Foundation is Rotary International's primary source of funding for projects to improve the lives of world populations through projects that include disease prevention and eradication, education, clean water, sanitation, hospitals and hospital equipment, etc.
Club President Koorosh Zahrai, right, presents Kenneth Young the Edmond Summit Rotary "Service Above Self" award as a runner-up in the first annual Edmond Summit Teacher of the year award contest. Along with the certificate shown, LtCol Young was presented a check for $250.00 and a 4-Way Test coin. LtCol Kenneth Young USAF (RET) was the JROTC instructor at Edmond North High school for the past 19 years and has had many of his cadets go on to service academies and into distinguished military service after graduating from his program. His retirement this last year was met with much emotion and the comments on his behalf during the contest were compelling enough to push him above several of his peers. Congratulations to all of our winners, Wes and Mary Singleton (Memorial), Elizabeth Pekrul (Clegern), and Kenneth Young (North).
Earlier this year the Edmond Summit Rotary Club held their first annual online Edmond-wide election for Edmond Teacher of the Year. A prize of $1000.00 would go to the winner. The criterion was to nominate an Edmond school teacher who most exemplified the Rotary motto “Service above Self”. The filing date for the nominations ended midnight CST April 15th. During the contest, the winner of Summit Rotary “Charity Fantasy Football Pool” dedicated the pool to add to the teacher award. This allowed the club to award two additional $250.00 “Runner-up” awards.
During the contest, many deserving nominations were received. The Edmond Summit Rotary Club wishes to thank all Edmond Teachers for their sacrifices of time, talent, and efforts on behalf of our students and their futures
Elizabeth Pekrul, Center, was awarded a certificate for Service Above Self for being selected as a runner up for Edmond Teacher of the Year by Edmond Summit Rotary. Club president Koorosh Zahrai, left, awarded the certificate and a check for $250.00 at the June 5th meeting held at the new Hilton Garden Inn, Edmond, OK. Elizabeth Pekrul is a 1st grade teacher at Clegern Elementary School. She was accompanied by her principal Teri Cowden-Draper who is also Principal at Clyde Howard Elementary. Congratulations Elizabeth and all the other teachers who were nominated in the online contest.
Our guest speaker Tuesday March 20th was Susan Adams, Fellow Rotarian and President and CEO of Ronald McDonald House of OKC. She provided some great information about a great charity that receives very little attention but provides a wonderful service to families who otherwise have to travel long distance between the hospital and home to keep up with the treatment of the sick or injured child.
Many families travel far from home and spend several weeks or months to get treatment for their seriously ill or injured children – a long time to be away or to divide a family. And, for children facing a serious medical crisis, nothing seems scarier than not having mom and dad close by for love and support. A Ronald McDonald House provides a place for families to call home so they can stay close by their hospitalized child at little cost. Families are asked to donate at least $20.00 per night for staying at their facility.
By staying at a Ronald McDonald House, parents also can better communicate with their child’s medical team and keep up with complicated treatment plans when needed. They can also focus on the health of their child, rather than grocery shopping, cleaning or cooking meals.
Susan went on to express that at every house, families can enjoy: Home-cooked meals; Private bedrooms; Playrooms for children, and depending on the House, these services may also be 
available:Special suites for children with suppressed immune systems; Accredited education programs; Recreational activities; Non-clinical support services; and Sibling support services.
All of the services are through private 501(c)3 donations and donations received through the jars at each McDonalds Restaurant. More information can be obtained at www.rmhc-okc.org or by emailing Susan at sadams@rmhc-okc.org .
Pictured at right, Susan was introduced by Rotarian of the Day Koorosh Zahrai.
At left, Anita Schlaht, Executive Director of the Edmond Historical Society and Museum was our guest speaker June 5th. She is holding a Rodkey flour sack with a print which could be made into a very popular stuffed doll during the depression and up into the 50's. She also explained and some of us remember the flour sacks and animal feed sacks that were printed in attractive patterns to be used in dresses, shirts, quilting, and many useful handmade items. 
Dr. Tom Jourdan, Rotarian of the Day and Professor of Chemistry and Forensics at UCO was our speaker this past Tuesday, May 22nd. His presentation centered on the refining of Uranium into its various isotopes via different means and what the degree of refining Uranium ore or "Spent Uranium Fuel Rods"creates. The refining of natural high yield Uranium or Pitchblend yields varying percentages of U-235 which is the fissionable isotope of Uranium and when concentrated to 6%or so of the total mass of a fuel rod constitutes the bulk of the fuel used in nuclear reactors used to generate electric power. Concentrations approaching 20% are "weapons grade" and are what the non proliferation folks are on the lookout for.
Tom also went on to explain that its not over when the fuel rods are removed from a nuclear reactor. These have minute amounts of Plutonium 239, which when concentrated become the basis for the Plutonium bomb. Very nasty! When foreign bigwigs not known to be particularly friendly to western culture are pictured next to banks of centrifuges running in close proximity to nuclear reactors, this becomes a concern to people charged with regulating certain phases of these countries nuclear industries. Wonder why?
Tom, as usual left us with some bewildered looks on our faces but just enough knowledge to begin a discussion certain to lead to questions for the next time he is up. In the mean time, safe journeys to the left coast and where ever your passport and vast knowledge base takes you on your summer break!
Cathy Williams-White from the Edmond Convention and Visitors Bureau was our speaker Tuesday May 8th. Of course, her primary topic centered on the spanking new Hilton Garden Inn and Convention Center at Covell and I-35. The center offers 20,000+ square feet of flexible meeting space, state-of-the-art break-out space and the capacity to host large groups. This is a cooperative project supported by the City of Edmond, the Edmond Economic Development Authority, the Edmond Convention & Visitors Bureau and the I-35 & Covell development partners. With a big smile she stated that it also was the headquarters for the Edmond Convention and Visitors Bureau. Finally a location not hidden in a "Forgotten Corner" of some hard to find office in downtown Edmond. Yeah!!!
Able to serve banquets of over 700 with flexible staging and lighting (the Convention Center can actually seat over 1000 in stadium type seating) it is an outstanding facility. She was quick to point out that Edmond has many other facilities for special events including UCO, OCU, The MAC, The Lazy E Arena, The Downtown Community Center, The Fine Arts Institute, and several other hotels and restaurants with full AV equipped meeting rooms with and without food service.
Edmond is a great place to visit and now it is a great place to stay and meet.
Rotarian of the Day, Roland Herwig, far left, introduced Dana Shadid as our speaker at the May 1st meeting. Dana, a long time Edmond resident, and former Executive Director of the Edmond Chamber of Commerce was on hand to discuss the upcoming celebration of Oklahoma becoming the 21st state to give the right to vote in all elections. It was in November of 1918 that the amendment to the Oklahoma Constitution was added that gave the right to vote in all elections to women. It was two years later that the 19th amendment to the US constitution was ratified and became the law of the land. (Note: It was not until the comprehensive "Voting Rights Act" of 1965 which effectively removed the barriers which kept non-white Americans from voting in many predominantly southern states passed, that minorities fully realized their right to vote guaranteed in the 14th and 15th amendments to the Constitution). It was through the many years of both active and passive actions of suffragists and suffragettes that the bill was finally introduced and passed the Oklahoma legislature with a veto-proof margin. Dana explained the Suffragists were the militant women who "gasp!" actually picketed the capitol and marched in parades (of all the nerve!!), and the suffragettes were the ones working behind the scenes in small groups and at home meetings to rally support.
Our Rotarian of the day April 17th was Dave Evans, who introduced Mary Robertson, (R), and Deb O'Day (C) who partner with Paws For Life to help the Edmond Animal Shelter at 2424 Old Timbers Dr, in Edmond keep adoption fees down as low as $25.00 by sponsoring fundraisers like the Mutts and More 5K run and 1K dog walk that was held Saturday at Mitch Park. Upwards of 200 participants attended and the weather cooperated. The funds raised will pay for spay-neutering, bone setting, infections, shots, heartworm detection and correction if needed, as well as parvo treatment and so on. Some of these procedures would cost upwards of $600.00 or more but are all paid for and done when the pet is ready for adoption.
I encourage you to check out and donate to the tax exempt fund, Paws for Life’s “SPECIAL NEEDS MEDICAL FUND. at : http://pawsforlifeinc.com/donations/
Lyn Smith with the Edmond Pregnancy Resources Center, pictured Center at left was our speaker last Tuesday. Introduced by Rotarian of the day, Suzy Thrash, far right and was accompanied by co-worker Summer Garcia 
Rotarian of the Day, Kayla Blount, far left, introduced Nichole Schoonover, Director of the Oklahoma City organization "Health, Wealth and Lipstick". HW&L provides resources for women who find themselves suddenly single due to divorce, death, etc. The primary focus of the organization as Nichole stated is "To get women able to stand on their own two feet". Assistance with banking, insurance, credit, automobile, bills, and other mundane items that the husband may have handled are now the responsibility of the remaining spouse. She may have zero knowledge of how any of the bills are paid, where assets are, or, in the case of divorce, if any assets are hidden or worse. The organization is a group of "Life Coaches" to sometimes struggling women, or those who may just need a bit of advice in some area.
Nichole also stated that the organization was not out to promote divorce, but to give the wife some backing in order to hopefully strengthen and begin recovering and healing the relationship if possible. She stated that "In most cases it is hard to be mad at someone you don't care about." The organization has its roots in California and has gained traction across the nation. The Oklahoma branch is independent and not tied to using the California rules and regulations.
The HW&L organization is looking for professionals (Female and Male) in automotive, finance, tax industries to volunteer to speak and become mentors to women who come to the meetings for assistance. Meetings are held the first Saturday of each month, but the location was not revealed. To learn more go to : https://www.meetup.com/Health-Wealth-Lipstick/
The website information states that HW&L is "Empowering women to make informed, confident decisions at a time when emotions are high. Their events are designed for those seeking to develop new skills they will need as a result of being separated, divorced (or in the process), or widowed. Participants will learn how to better manage their new lives and how to thrive in the new, and sometimes unexpected or unwanted role of "single person." Health, Wealth & Lipstick: Health - from self esteem to physical health, women have to take care of themselves; Wealth - money issues, legal issues, mortgages, buying a car, really all kinds of money issues; Lipstick - beauty both inside and out, women want to look good."
Multiple pages of forms, referral letters, Doctors physicals, references from teachers and administrators, and lots and lots of signatures have been the normal for the household of Jeff and Andrea Amos. The process of preparing to send their daughter Elizabeth to be a Rotary Youth Exchange Student for her Sophomore high school year is well underway. Rotarian of the Day, Jeff Amos explained the adventure that began when Elizabeth first voiced her wish to have the opportunity to become a Rotary Exchange Student to a foreign country of her choice for her sophomore year and leapt at the opportunity the Rotary Youth Exchange offered.
Elizabeth Nichols, pictured with her dad Jeff, also gave some of her thoughts of the journey so far, including the "lottery system" she used to narrow her choices of destinations once she was given the nod by the Rotary Exchange Selection Board. It appears the effervescent Elizabeth will be headed to Spain for the coming school year. It should be noted that now at the same time, a student from Spain is now preparing to come to America to study, thus the Exchange part of the Rotary program.
This is the basis of the Rotary Youth Exchange student program which exposes some of the brightest students from far flung nations to other cultures, which in turn encourages communication and ultimately brings about more understanding between cultures and eventually may lead to world peace. We wish you well Elizabeth, as you join the host of other students going into the greatest adventure most young people could only imagine.
We were delighted to host Shannon Price, Executive Director of the Edmond Fine Arts Institute as our speaker at the March 13th meeting. Shannon is a native Edmondite and has been a part of the community her entire life. The Fine Arts Institute is an extension of her appreciation for her community. She was recently awarded the 2017 Edmond Chamber Woman of the Year award. Under her leadership, the FAI has initiated a wide assortment of art and cultural related program at the institute. These include programs for Alzheimer's patients, mentally and emotionally challenged students and adults, and senior adult classes. Ongoing childrens programs including plays and arts and craft classes are continuing and expanding continuously. 
A big challenge for Shannon has been arts classes in the Edmond school system, not that the schools are unwilling to have them but the increasing demand of time and activities on the students. Because art and music along with physical activity have been proven to improve the academic success of students, the arts have been encouraged by the Edmond school system and are growing in the schools. The FAI building is available to host private events and was the site of the March 16th Summit Rotary Social.
Pictured Left is Shannon making a point during her presentation and at Right, Shannon Price with Rotarian of the Day Bob Donaldson.
Neal Wooldridge, far left, Vice President for Planned Giving for Oklahoma Baptist Homes for Children was our guest speaker Tuesday. Neal was presented a check for $1000.00 by club president Koorosh Zahrai, from proceeds of the 2017 Edmond Summit Rotary Sporting Raffle and Skeet Shoot. The funds will be directed to the clothing fund of the Edmond Boys Town Ranch to help provide new clothes for the young men as needed and as they enter school for the 2018-19 school term. Clothing purchased will be modelled by the boys at the annual awards banquet this summer prior to the next school term.
Boys Ranch Town (BRT) is a 145-acre working ranch located in a rural setting within the city limits of Edmond. The campus contains modern cottages, each with a capacity for eight residents and a married couple serving as houseparents. The family arrangement in the cottage models how a Christian household should operate. Each cottage contains a spacious living room, kitchen, and dining room for family style dinners. It also has a laundry room, four bedrooms, each with a private bath and an apartment for the houseparents and their family. In most cases two residents share a room and a bathroom.
Neal provided information on leaving a legacy to provide for care for young men and girls to try to assist in keeping them from getting lost in the DHS foster care system. OBHC currently cares for a little over 400 children through young adult age kids in family group home like Boys Ranch and crisis pregnancy centers for young girls kicked from their homes due to unwanted pregnancies. However, there are over 10,000 kids in the DHS system being cared for by foster parents and institutions who do not have the opportunities the OBHC can provide. For more information and articles on how to help go to: https://www.obhc.org/planned-giving
In the past 3 years, Edmond Summit Rotary has donated over $12,000 to benefit local area charities through proceeds from the annual raffle and skeet shoot and their other fundraising events. This is in addition to providing funds to Rotary International for Polio vaccinations globally and assisting in projects including building schools and providing clean drinking water and sanitation and medical facilities in impoverished countries.
Feb. 27th Rotarian of the Day, Scott Stewart (far left) introduced Central Oklahoma Humane Society Marketing and Communications Director, Melinda Prible as the guest speaker. The Central Oklahoma Humane Society was founded in 2007. They work in close partnership with Oklahoma City Animal Welfare (OKC Animal Shelter) and other local shelters. Their primary focus is to eliminate the needless euthanasia of healthy, adoptable animals in Oklahoma City.
They love animals and believe that central Oklahoma will see a day when every healthy and adoptable pet finds a home. Since our beginning in 2007, they have found homes for over 25,000 cats and dogs and fixed more than 115,000 pets. For more information on adoptions or fostering or donating to the society, their website is www.okhumane.org .
Greg Smith was Rotarian of the Day last Tuesday and he introduced as his speaker, Master Gardener Jackie Pogue, pictured at right. Jackie spoke to the club about winter conditions in Oklahoma and how best to prepare the yards and gardens for the coming spring and summer weather. She said now is the time to use pre-emergent for crabgrass and henbit. Mulching around trees and bushes, but not right to the bark of the tree but to leave room for the bark to breath and not allow fungus and disease to get started. Mulch is ok all the way to the dripline but not piled up on the trunk.
Oklahoma lawns, especially central Oklahoma yards need compost, and usually nitrogen. Due to highly alkaline conditions, fertilizer blends probably are not needed, rather straight Urea nitrogen is favored above the 10-20-10, etc. Again and again, she emphasized the importance of compost in our lawns as most already have enough alkaline salts from sulfates and potash. Bermuda does not need weed and feed. It only feeds the weeds and Bermuda grass is not ready to take on the fertilizer until the weather is much warmer. Save your money. Spray broadleaf weeds with weed-b-gone if necessary.
Soil samples sent to the County Extension service are the best bet for credible information on what the yard needs. By the way, for winter damaged trees, a certified BONDED arborist is best for clearing branches from large trees around the house. A pruned tree is a damaged tree, never completely healed but to the extent most diseases are kept out. However large heavy pruning opens lots of avenues for disease. Be careful. A timely topic and several questions were answered during the presentation.
Summit President, Koorosh Zahrai presented YWCA OKC Director Karla Doctor a check for $1,000.00 from proceeds of the 2017 Shotgun / Sportsman Raffle and Skeet Shoot. The Oklahoma City YWCA is the only Attorney General recognized shelter for rape victims, and abused, stalked and battered women in Oklahoma County. The check will help fund supplies needed to aid victims of abuse.
Rotarian of the day, Kathy Reeser, (L), introduced Jacob Whitney, with the Oklahoma Council on Economic Education as our speaker at the Feb. 13th meeting. Jacob spoke of the mission and capabilities of the OCEE and the importance of teaching economics to our students K-12. The OCEE provides seminars, free material, and ongoing assistance to teachers in Oklahoma to encourage the teaching of Economics as a routine part of the curriculum.We accomplish our mission by training K-12 teachers how to incorporate principles of economics and personal finance into the classroom curriculum.
Economic education is real life, because all young people will grow up and become part of the marketplace. OCEE provides resources and training to teachers in both public and independent schools in Oklahoma. Our principle is that through training teachers, the multiplier effect is achieved. Each school year, the training a teacher receives through OCEE will impact new children.
Time is up! The entries are in and its time to begin sorting through the myriad of entries to find the one teacher who most represents the ideal of "service above self". Nearly 200 entries need to be checked and categorized to narrow down the choices. Needing volunteers!
Edmond Summit Rotarian and avid Red Raider fan, Dr. Michael Olay presented a timely topic last Tuesday on Adult Vaccinations.
Of particular interest is a new version of shingles vaccine that has nearly 50% improvement above the current Zoster vaccine that many of our group has taken. Also, the HPV vaccine that had been prescribed primarily to the female population is not being recommended for the teen male population also to help prevent the spread of genital herpes, etc..
The topic was of great importance and relevant to our membership. I highly recommend readers access the CDC website listed in the paragraph below where you will find charts to print out to remind you of when you need to be expecting to get the next important vaccine to help keep you aging along with the rest of the population, as opposed to the alternative, eh!
Michael discussed the schedule recommended by the CDC using their adult vaccination chart, and interjected some findings that have not made it to the CDC (Center for Disease Control) chart as of the meeting regarding the latest vaccines that have been approved by the FDA and findings from the latest influenza outbreak. The vaccination chart can be viewed and downloaded in pocket size and poster size at: https://www.cdc.gov/vaccines/schedules/hcp/imz/adult.html
Great presentation Michael! Thanks!
So, the question on everyone's mind these days is, "Since Hydrogen and Helium are lighter than air and have been escaping the atmosphere since, well forever, why is it still around?" Oh, you thought it might have been "Just how many times do I have to delete my trash before those emails are 'really, really' gone?" or along those lines! Nope. Nada!
So, how come, you ask? The answer is there is enough radioactivity going on around the earth that H and He atoms are constantly being generated n enough quantities that we are not going to run out of gas for party balloons any time soon. This and several other neat facts relating to radioactive decay and the byproducts created were touched upon by our own Dr. Tom Jourdan at last Tuesday's meeting.
Helpful hints on just how long to keep something in the fridge until carbon dating was no longer useful. Well over 50,000 years! Getting rid of radon gas. Simple exhaust fan will work because build-up is so slow. etc.
(FYI: excerpted from his UCO Faculty Intro Page) Tom "now holds two positions at UCO, those positions being Assistant Director, Forensic Science Institute (FSI) and Professor of Chemistry. Over the course of his career in the FBI, in addition to being a field agent and later an FBI Laboratory forensic examiner in the areas of chemistry and toxicology, he participated in a number of bombing investigations, to include Pan Am 103, the World Trade Center, Atlanta’s Olympic Park, UNABOM, Oklahoma City, and the Dar es Salaam and Nairobi U.S. Embassies, organizing the Bureau’s response to the latter two events as the Unit Chief of the Explosives Unit."
The Chairman of the Oklahoma Corporation Commission, Dana Murphy, was our guest speaker at the Jan. 23rd meeting. Murphy, who was elected by her fellow commissioners as their chairman in 2017 provided much information on topics ranging from Wind Energy, Earthquakes, Phone bills, and Gas pricing at the pump. She also discussed the appropriation process and the role the commission plays in tracking and disclosing the efficiency of the various branches of regulatory agencies under their administration.
The OCC is the largest of the various state government agencies with over 350 employees and total budget of over $300Million.
The Commission regulates and enforces the laws and supervised the actives associated with:
Early emphasis for the commission was on regulation of railroad routes and rates. Through changes by the Legislature, and the change in services considered essential to the public welfare, the commission presently regulates public utilities, oil and gas industry (exploration, drilling, production and waste disposal), motor carrier transport, and petroleum products industry (transportation, storage, quality and dispensing). The commission also monitors a number of federal programs for compliance in Oklahoma. The commission also oversees the conservation of natural resources, avoiding waste production, abate pollution of the environment, and balancing the rights and needs of the people of Oklahoma with those of the regulated entities.
Dana had finished her discussion of the Commission and in her closing remarks did mention that she has tossed her hat in the running for Lt. Governor in the coming election. She gave a very short request for us to consider her qualifications when we go to choose at the next election.
Gary Jones (L) was the Rotarian of the day January 9th and asked fellow Rotarian Roland Herwig to be the program speaker and regale the club with memories of his youth. Born in Germany in 1943 during the height of WW II, Roland was told by his parents and relatives of being shuttled back and forth between the relative safety of a seaside cottage and his home near a highly targeted industrial complex. "It seemed I was born with a target painted on my back" he said, jokingly now. He remembers the wars end and the British dropping candy and gum on little parachutes as they flew over and the kindness of the relief workers posted there after the war. Roland's parents were circus and vaudeville performers and through contacts gained in this industry gained sponsors who eventually allowed the Herwigs to emigrate to the US. At the age of 10, Roland and his family boarded a commercial steam liner and headed to America. Many fond memories of that crossing are etched in Roland's memories as, being ten years old and basically having the run of the ship, he left no door unopened or stair unclambered. He remembers the ship docking and being able to see the Statue of Liberty and the road trip from NYC to Utah. Playing Cowboy and "packing" his 6-shooter cap pistol.
Roland vividly remembered watching the sky light up from their home in SW Utah when one of the White Sands Atomic Bombs was tested. The early life of a young boy from war-torn Germany who eventually became the spokesperson for the FAA in Oklahoma made for an entertaining half-hour program. Several questions were fielded regarding his early education, bullying, and related to the entertainment side of his family that had to be abandoned for the times being what they were. Roland promised a "rest of the story" segment to come at a later date and we certainly look forward to it.
Summit Rotary President Koorosh Zahrai (L) visits with State Chamber of Commerce Executive Vice President of Government & Political Affairs, Mike Jackson (R), and Nicole Boyles(C), State Chamber of Commerce Vice President of Strategic Partners after the December 19th meeting. Mike and Nicole presented the State Chamber of Commerce assessment of the 2017-18 budget and appropriations for the state. They also discussed the roles the Chamber plays in relaying interests of state business into the appropriations made by the legislature for coming years. The chamber also scrutinizes how money is spent and tries to hold accountable the various agencies charged with those funds. Through their efforts a greater degree of efficiency using our tax dollars is graphically realized.
Patience, Perseverance, Proofread, Proposals, Publish it yourself if you have to. Author and speaker Cary G Osborne, AKA Cary G Herwig spoke at the December 12th meeting and had some interesting perspectives on the current state of literature and publishing. Independent publishers rule for the amateur writer as oft times they are the only means of getting ones hard work published. If the public catches on and accepts then it may be off to the races or a bad review can be a train wreck in progress.
Osborne, who has a number of books in print and in digital format has been through the minefields of getting her works into the hands of readers. From horror short stories in anthologies to a series of Sci-Fi novels now on Amazon and a new detective series rooted in Oklahoma weather she is an eclectic writer. From her first book which took years to write, to a much more accelerated pace Cary says that the key is to just keep at it. Write some every day whether you feel like it or not. If you don't feel like writing on a story in progress at least write something, You never know what is going to develop. Stray thoughts, concepts, characters, scenes, all and any may or may not be used in a story or plot some where. Find your place to write that is right for you. Some like peace and quiet. She likes a busy, constantly changing, yet familiar environment like a coffee shop or sandwich place where she can observe and type without much interruption but not total isolation either.
Cary cited "Writing Fiction" by Barnaby Conrad as a great source of ideas for the beginning writer. She also recommended one read, always be reading all genre and writers for ideas. Don't read to plagiarize, but for methodology and inspiration of style and usage of terms and expression.
Broadway, nah! Nowadays it's "If you can make it on Amazon you can make it anywhere" in the publishing world,. A click and a promise of adventure or inspiration. A smooth slide of a tome or novel from a library shelf or bookstore rack, the flip of a few pages to see if a summary or scene or phrase catches the imagination and the reader is off to another world or into the mind of the hero or heroine or a small child as another's world unfolds. Such is the goal of every writer; to be the one who unlocks the imagination of another reader.
It was a great topic and great presentation Cary G Osborne. We'll welcome you back any time.
Above, speaker, Cary Osborne is pictured between Rotarian of the day Roland Herwig (left) and club president Koorosh Zahrai (r). Shown on the table are some anthologies where her works appear. Also shown are her latest novels, Oklahoma Wind and Black Ice, etc.
Our speaker at the November 21st meeting was Major Thomas McWilliams, Area Commander of the Salvation Army for Oklahoma and Arkansas. Shown at left emphasizing a point, Major McWilliams explained the roles the Salvation Army has played and continues to play when war or natural disasters strike. "Thank God for the Salvation Army" is not a term used lightly by those who have walked up to an open canteen and received a hot bowl of soup, coffee and donuts, a blanket or more, after struggling to claim property destroyed after a hurricane or tornado, etc. When nothing else is available, the Salvation Army is usually somewhere close by doing what it can to ease the hurt somewhat and very often just enough for a victim to become a survivor.From its start in 1865 when founder William Booth began The Salvation Army as a means to help the suffering souls throughout London who were not willing to attend – or even welcomed into – a traditional church, the Salvation Army has continued to spread the gospel of Jesus Christ far and wide to the poor, the vulnerable, and the destitute. Though General Booth died in 1912, he laid a firm foundation for the lifesaving work that The Salvation Army continues to perform today in over 100 countries. From serving donuts and coffee in the trenches in WW1 to delivering letters from POWs. And now providing shelter for disaster victims, day centers for homeless vets and treatment centers for recovering addicts the Salvation Army is striving to be a bright spot in a dark world.
Rotarian of the Day, Bob Donaldson introduced Karla Doctor with the Oklahoma City YWCA as our program speaker for the Tuesday Oct 24th program.
The OKC YWCA will benefit from profits from this years Raffle and Skeet Shoot. The YWCA "is not a gym", says Karla, one of the misconceptions that has been hard to remove. What it is however, is the Only domestic violence, Sexual assault, and stalking shelter approved by the Attorney General in Oklahoma County. Victims can enter and meet with an advocate who offers safety planning, support and linkage to community resources to help healing and a life free from violence. Oklahoma ranks terribly high in the rate of rape and domestic murder and assault in the nation. Not something to be thrilled about, folks!
Besides being a shelter, the YWCA also provides:
The 2017 Downtown Edmond Fall Festival brought out an early hoard of Ninja Turtles, Princesses, Jedi, Wizards and other costumed creations Saturday afternoon. Edmond Summit Rotary was on hand to test bean-bag tossing skills and hand out handfuls of treats. Rotarians Roland Herwig, Julie Hovis, Scott Stewart, Koorosh Zahrai, and George Strecker posted up and with the help of Edmond Memorial Key Club Member Caleb Hampton(Left) the BOOOOOth ran smoothly. Several inquiries about Rotary were fielded and more than one person showed interest in our club.
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