February 4th Meeting

Today was a great meeting.  Natalie Burnett, principal of Eagle River High School, was Katja's guest.  Long time visiting Rotarian, Craig Bledsoe of Anchorage East, was also present. 

Craig was selling Jalepenos Restaurant coupons for $5 that are worth $5 off at the restaurant.  A great deal for members who frequent Jalepenos.  The $5 that he makes go towards a project that his daughter is working on in this community to restore an orphanage in Ecuador.  If you are intereseted, let me know.  Craig was also selling Anchorage Youth Symphony Concert tickets for April 22 at the PAC.  Let me know if you are interested in those too.

Happy Buck Highlight:  Ray's happy buck was used to congratulate Frank Baker for such a well written compass piece that was in the Daily News the other day.  To read it go to: http://www.adn.com/opinion/compass/story/1120254.html   Ray also put in an extra buck for Frank's fine since he was not wearing his Rotary pin in his picture!

Student Update:  Katja is off to Seward this weekend with Natalie, she has never been there before so she is looking forward to it.  Remember to invite Katja if you are doing something that she might enjoy.

Announcements:

Martin announced that last week Al Bowler challenged the club to give to Haiti.  He will match up to $1000 that our club gives.  We are going to make our donation to Shelter Box, an organization that has ties to Rotary and was started by a Rotarian.  Each shelter box costs $1000 and provides a tent for 10 people, cooking supplies and other important items for survival.  We still have a little ways to go to meet our $1000 challenge, so bring a check next week made out to ER Rotary if you want to double the impact of what you might give to help the Haiti earthquake victims.

Tonya announced that there is one more week of Pillars.  On Feb. 10 at noon, Dick Grace, owner of Grace Family Vineyards, will speak about his philanthropic efforts in Nepal.  He has built several schools in that region and has a great message for high shool students and Rotarians.  Tickets are $30 and that includes a nice lunch at the Egan Center.  Let me know if you are interested.

Guest Speakers:

Our guest speakers this week were from the American Cancer Society.  Sarah Robinson, the Exec. Director,  Cheryl Evans and Amanda all spoke to us about the different programs and services that the ACS offers to Alaskans who have been diagnosed with cancer.  Wow - I had no idea there were so many, in addition they offer education and prevention information as well.  Overall, 1/3 of cancer deaths are due to smoking, 1/3 to obesity, and the remaining 1/3 other.  They have a website that is packed with information as well - www.cancer.org .

They are also kicking off 2 of their big fundraisers:  Daffidol Days and Relay for Life.  Relay for Life will be May 13-14 this year at MLMS and Daffidol Days are going on now.  If you are interested in getting involved with Relay for Life let me know and I can point you in the right direction.

Martin won $3.50 in split the pot and gave it to Katja!

 

Have a good week - Tonya