There will be no meeting on Wednesday, May 16th. Susitna Rotarians are headed to Seward for the Rotary District 5010 Assembly and Conference on May 17 - 20th.
The Alaska Department of Fish and Game (ADF&G) recently released its Run Forecasts and Harvest Projections for 2018 Alaska Salmon Fisheries and Review of the 2017 Season Report. On March 13th, they issued Emergency Order Number 2S-01-18 closing the entire Susitna River drainage to the harvest of king salmon. Sport fishing for king salmon will only be allowed in the Deshka River and Yentna River system. These drainages will be restricted to catch-and-release only for king salmon; no harvest will be allowed.
Join us this week to hear Sam Oslund, Assistant Area Management Biologist, to learn more about how ADF&G operates and the long term forecast for salmon stock.
The Mat Su 5K was formerly the Menard Run and the Rotary Running Dead 5K. For several years people have participated in this event from around the Valley and from Anchorage. Net proceeds from the Run are used to fund scholarships for graduating high school seniors in the Mat Su.
The event is put on by the local Valley Rotary Clubs.
The event is put on by the local Valley Rotary Clubs.
The Foraker Group recently published it's 2018 economic report, "Alaska's Nonprofit Sector: Generating Economic Impact" highlighting the central role nonprofits play in the state's economy. A few more interesting statistics from the report:
The Foraker Group recently published it's 2018 economic report, "Alaska's Nonprofit Sector: Generating Economic Impact" highlighting the central role nonprofits play in the state's economy. Their research identified three key points:
- Nonprofits are part of the solution for a healthy Alaskan economy
- Nonprofits are a major economic drive
- Nonprofits leverage public funds for maximum return
22 pots of chili, tons of cornbread, yummy cake, plenty of laughter, and music by Conway Seavey. What more could you ask for at the first Mat-Su Valley Rotary Chili Cook-off?
Check out the photos Lisa Phillips (Wasilla Noon Rotary Club) took at the event. Chili Cook-off Photo Album
February 27, 2018 the 100 Millionth book from Dolly Parton's Imagination Library was dedicated to the Library of Congress. Susitna Rotary is a proud supporter of our local MatSu Imagination Library offering free books to children under 5 years old.
The sun shined. Dogs raced. Kids played. Snow mobiles explored. Bush plane flew. Everyone ate and at the end of the day we are "this much closer" to wiping out polio.
Family and friends of all ages came out to cheer on the dogs and "high five" the mushers as they raced past on their way to Nome. Check out Brian Pugatch's 1:44 sec video and the 2018 Iditarod Restart Party photo album for a peek at the fun (photo credit to image above goes to Lisa Phillips and the image below to Dan Phillips). Thanks to the all the family, friends, and Rotarians from many clubs who joined in the festivities:
- Susitna Rotary (host club)
- Anchorage International Rotary (host club)
- Anchorage East Rotary
- Anchorage Rotary
- Anchorage Russian Jack Rotary
- Anchorage South Rotary
- Anchorage Rotary
- District 5010 eClub
- Eagle River Rotary
- Palmer Rotary
- Wasilla Rotary
- Wasilla Sunrise Rotary
A special shout out to:
Hosts - Tryg and Kim Erickson
Moose meat for chili - Rob and Lanissa Grogan
Snow machine rides for kids - Jack and Kathy Timm
Port-a-Potty - Robert Hall
Youth Exchange Student ShelterBox sleepover - Nancy Dodge and Carl Bostek
Water bottles - Lynn Mitchell
TONS and TONS of help - Lance Wilber, Amanda Boger, Lisa Erickson, Brad and Erika Quade, Marty and Mara Severin, Lucas Mahi, Don Covault, Eli Brooks & Nichole
Donations are still rolling in for EndPolioNow. If you did not have a chance earlier but would still like to donate, checks made out to The Rotary Foundation will be collected at the Rotary meeting this week or you may make a donation at any time to The Rotary Foundation. Between online donations and money collected at the event, nearly $7,000 was raised with Anchorage International Rotary Club leading the way at $6,154 in donations!
Nearly $3,200 was raised for ShelterBoxUSA by five of the Rotary Youth Exchange students who slept in a ShelterBox tent last Saturday night in Willow ahead of the Iditarod Restart Party. Thank you to the following students for going the extra mile and raising money for The ShelterBox Iditarod Challenge 2018!
- Jan Bulinsky (Czech Republic)
- Akila Amala (Indonesia)
- Yugo Takahashi (Japan)
- Isabella Cerri (Brazil)
- Lucy Garault (France)
Rotarian Nancy Dodge of the Rotary District 5010 eClub coordinated and chaperoned the event. Other support came from Carl Bostek, Lance Wilber (Anchorage East Rotary President), Lisa Phillips (Wasilla Rotary), Dan Phillips (Susitna Rotary) , Ben Schuman (Anchorage International Rotary President), Tryg Erickson (Anchorage International Rotary), and Kim Erickson (Susitna Rotary) who assisted with the sleepover/transportation and, of course, the many donors. View the ShelterBox Iditarod Challenge photo album (photo credit- Lisa Phillips).
Thank you for helping families whose homes are devastated by disaster and conflict.
Results of the member vote on the club's permanent meeting location were announced last week. Beginning March 28th, the Sky Lounge at the Extreme Fun Center in Wasilla will be the club's permanent meeting location. The meeting time will remain the same: Wednesdays from 6:00pm ~ 7:00pm.
Thank you to Paul Newman for chairing the venue review committee.
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Susitna Rotary is proud to announce the addition of long-time Rotarian, William "Bill" Borden, to the club.
As a real estate pro and motivational speaker, Bill offers services throughout the 50 states and has offices in Georgia, Alaska and North Carolina. He is "Broker Emeritus" with High Caliber Realty based in Kennesaw, Georgia. Bill and his wife, Brenda (also a Rotarian), currently split their time between Georgia and Wasilla. He anticipates attending Susitna Rotary Club meetings when he is in town and doing "make-ups" at other clubs the rest of the year.
Bill has been an active member of his local community in Georgia and received numerous honors including the 2009 "Kennesaw's Citizen of the Year". For a full list the many accomplishments and accolades over a 40-year career in real estate,
He has been a Rotarian for many years as a member of the Rotary Club of North Cobb and the Rotary Club of Vinings nka Cumberland Vinings. He has served as a Rotary club board director, Family of Rotary committee chair, and had 12 years perfect attendance. In addition to being a Paul Harris Fellow + 2, Bill was also named by his club as Rotarian of the Year.
Bill was sponsored into membership by his friend of 15 years and former neighbor, Marty Metiva.
We welcome Bill into our Susitna Rotary family!
Susitna Rotary Club President Cheryl Metiva was beaming Saturday night as local Rotarians teamed with the Big Lake Lions Club to host another fun and successful Ice Breaker event. Over 120 people feasted on a scrumptious prime rib dinner, bid on a wide array of auction items, were entertained with live stand-up comedy, then wrapped up the evening with an incredible fireworks display. It was a big event in Big Lake and the net proceeds will used by the two clubs for service projects in the local communities of Big Lake, Meadow Lakes, Houston, and Willow. The final tally for the event will be announced next week. View the photo album to see all the fun!
Who made all this happen? Generous volunteers and patrons, of course. Volunteers from the Susitna Rotary side of the event included the following:
Committee Co-Chairs: Lanissa Grogan and Rylee Rudd
Volunteers:
- Claire Horton - ticket sales, auction
- Jack Timm - ticket design and sales, auction, clean-up
- Kathy Timm - auction, clean-up
- Marty Metiva - MC, clean-up
- Cheryl Metive - "Vanna White", "Girl Friday", auction, clean-up
- Evelyna Kuhr - event treasurer
- Dan and Lisa Phillips - clean-up
- Rich and Liz Standley - clean-up
- Rob and Lanissa Grogan - auction, clean-up
Sponsors:
Gorilla Fireworks (Robert Hall) - Fireworks Display & table purchase
Denali Refuse (Phil and Claire Horton)- table purchase
Big Lake Lions Club
Susitna Rotary Club
Auction Donations/Sponsorship (over $4,000 raised!)
- MTA - gift basket
- Altitude Chiropractic - massage
- Mat Valley Federal Credit Union- gift basket
- Mary and Janetta Pritchard- red/white/blue flag wood carving
- Bill Holler/Big Lake Lion's Club - $100 gift certificate to Club Paris
- Rob and Lanissa Grogan - Mat-Su Miner's gift basket with two season tickets
- Grogan's and Standleys - Creole Dinner for 6 with wine/beer pairing
- Mary and Janetta Pritchard- Mama bear and cubs wood carvings
- Nancy Jerkins (artist) - #1/100 "Snack Attack" limited edition print
- Claudia Buzard - antique snow shoes
- Paul Newman and Christine - Bleu Iris custom necklace and earings
- Cheryl Metiva - Dinner and a Show (VPA tickets for 2 to "Mary Poppins" and gift certificate to Evangelo's)
- Valley Cinema/John Schweiger - 6 month unlimited pass for 2
- Jack Timm - Ruger 1022 gun
- Big Lake Lion's Club - Rangers hockey juersey signed by Scotty Gomez
- Claire Horton & Bill Haller/Alaska Railroad - Round-trip for 2 to Seward with lodging at the Beach House
- Remaining uncooked wrapped Prime Rib @ $10 per pound
Student Servers
Students from Colony High School's Marching Band (director Jamin Burton) raised $700 for their trip to Normandy, France for the 75th Anniversary of D Day event next fall by serving the dinner, operating the coat check, and helping with clean-up:
- Collin Herbert
- Carter Thomas
- Gloria Shomer
- Emerson Moser
- Weston Moser
- Samantha Lynn
Publicity
Rylee Rudd
Cheryl Metiva - live interview on the Q (KMBQ)
Entertainment (Stand-up Comedians from Koot's Comedy Night):
Matt Collins
Mark Griff
Bruce Schulte
"Together, we see a world where people unite and take action to create lasting change - across the globe, in our communities, and in ourselves."
---Rotary International's Vision Statement
February marks the month Rotary emphasizes one of it's six key areas of focus: Peace and Conflict Prevention/Resolution.
Our program chair this month is well qualified to address this theme. A Rotarian since 1985, Ch. Lt. Col (ret.) Rick Cavens is pastor of the Good Shepherd Lutheran Church in Wasilla. Before retiring, he served as Wing Chaplain of the 176th Wing of the Alaska Air National Guard. Rick has lined up four speakers to give us a perspective on the wide array of peace-making efforts taking place in our own community.
February 7th-
Bishop Shelley Wickstrom will speak about peacemaking.
February 14-
Kelly Marciales is the director of Valley Interfaith Action. A collection of eleven MatSu Valley congregations developing a system that listens to the needs of the community. This Community Organizing effort is unique in that it gives authority to the community. She will talk about peacemaking through organizing.
February 21-
Lois Rockcastle and Alea Nobel- Lois is one of the executive mission directors of the Arctic Winter Games. She will share with us insight into the peacemaking dream of arctic nations sending young people to compete in the Winter Games. Being from a dog mushing family Alea will tell of her adventures and insight into running sled dogs in the Arctic Winter Games.
February 28-
Michelle Sturgeon, a former member of Susitna Rotary Club, will talk about volunteering at the hospital or, as Rick Cavens puts it, "Peace through community caring."
Sunday, March 4th, 2018
Willow, Alaska
Food, Fellowship, and Sled dogs
End Polio Now
Susitna Rotarians Lynn Mitchell, Eddie Ezelle, and Kim Erickson braved the subzero temperatures in Willow last Sunday to help collect parking fees at the Willow Winter Carnival. Josh the Otter was also out and about at the event promoting water safety and connecting with local celebrities including the King and Queen of the Willow Winter Carnival and Vern Halter, Mayor of the Matsu Borough.
If you missed last weekend, there are still more events to come next Saturday. Download the Willow Winter Carnival Schedule to checkout all the fun activities.
Show your support for the MatSu Food Bank and have a fun night out on Saturday, February 24th from 6:00pm - 9:00pm with live music from The Jerry Wessling Band and some of the best food in the valley at The Grill at The Grand View!
Attire is semi-formal and tickets are $60.
Tickets can be purchased at the Matsu Food Bank, 501 E. Bogard Rd. Wasilla , AK 99654 or from Eddie Ezelle during the Susitna Rotary Club meeting.
Not able to attend? Consider donating an item for the auction that evening or making a donation to the organization.
"Hunger is a real problem for thousands of people in the Matanuska-Susitna Valley, and together we can stop it."
Attending this Saturday's Rotary District 5010's annual leadership training course? Want to carpool? Have any questions? Contact Kim at kim.erickson@greatlandlaser.com or 907-223-8385. The event is open to all Rotarians and is a great opportunity to network with Rotarians from other clubs and become part of the district team. If you have ever wanted to serve on a district committee or just want to see what it is all, this is the event for you!
District 5010
Leadership Team Training
February 3, 2018 - 8:30 - 4:30
The Chariot Group
3120 Denali Street #1
Anchorage, AK 99503
Thank you to the following Rotarians who rolled up their sleeves and cleaned the commercial kitchen at the Curtis Menard Sports Center on December 26th following the community Christmas Friendship Dinner.
Claudia Buzard | Cheryl Metiva |
| Kim Erickson | Marty Metiva |
| Eddie Ezelle | Stan Mitchell |
| Chuck Foster | Liz Standley |
| Julie Foster | Jack Timm |
| Kathy Timm |
Based on the event's Facebook page, over 6,100 meals were served and there were over 400 bags of gifts for children. The annual dinner is free and open to everyone in the community.
Register for the District Assembly and Conference in Seward this year:
District Assembly - Thursday, May 17, 2018
District Conference - Friday - Sunday, May 18-20, 2018
District Governor Harry promises it will be interesting and inspiring. We know from past conferences that with our very own club president, Cheryl Metiva, co-chairing the event it will definitely be FUN!
Agenda includes:
- Motivational speaker Michael Caruso and his partner, Rene
- Iditarod Champ Mitch Seavey
- Professional Magician Jim Lang
- Rotary Cares for Kids presentation
- Highlights of projects around the district
- BBQ and entertainment by Hobo Jim on Thursday night
- Governor's Banquet on Fox Island Friday night
- Tastings from the chefs of Seward at the Sealife Center on Saturday night
Click here to see the many Rotarians who have already signed up and add your name to the list today!
- December 26, 2017 Tuesday Annual Kitchen Clean-up Service Project at the Menard Sports Center
- January 3, 2018 Wednesday Club meeting: Josh the Otter Strategic Plan
- January 31, 2018 Wednesday Club meeting: Strategic Focus from Visioning Session
- February 3, 2018 Saturday District 5010 Leadership Training in Anchorage (open to everyone)
- February 17, 2018 Saturday Icebreaker Fundraiser in Big Lake; co-hosted with Big Lake Lion's Club
- March 4, 2018 Sunday EndPolio Iditarod Restart Party (Willow)
- April/May 2018 Various Josh the Otter presentations
- May 3-6, 2018 Thu -Sun District 5010 Rotary Youth Leadership Awards (RYLA), Whitehorse
- May 17, 2018 Thursday District Assembly in Seward
- May 18 - 20, 2018 Fri - Sun District Conference in Seward
- June 9, 2018 Sat Little Su Clean-up
- June 24-29, 2018 Sun-Fri Rotary International Convention, Toronto, Canada
- June 27, 2018 Wednesday Club Meeting: Changing of the Guard
November is Rotary Foundation month. The Rotary Foundation transforms your gifts into service projects that change lives both close to home and around the world. During the past 100 years, the Foundation has spent $3 billion on life-changing, sustainable projects. With your help, we can make lives better in this community and around the world.
Why should you donate to The Rotary Foundation?
Your donation makes a difference to those who need our help most. More than 90 percent of donations go directly to supporting our service projects around the world.
How does The Rotary Foundation use donations?
Our 35,000 clubs carry out sustainable service projects that support our six causes. With donations like yours, we’ve wiped out 99.9 percent of all polio cases. Your donation also trains future peacemakers, supports clean water, and strengthens local economies.
What impact can one donation have?
It can save a life. A child can be protected from polio with as little as 60 cents. Our partners make your donation go even further. For every $1 Rotary commits to polio eradication, the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation has committed $2.
“Service Above Self” – it’s a motto to live by!
District 5010 Rotarians gathered last Saturday to assembly the backpacks and duffel bags being given to local foster children. The goal is to ensure that no child is met with a garbage bag when moving into or around the childcare system by providing age appropriate backpacks with Rotary branded blankets, personal care and comfort items.
Rotary Cares for Kids is 2017-2018 Rotary District 5010 Governor Harry Kieling's flagship project encouraging clubs from around the district to join together to exemplify Rotary: Making a Difference. Susitna Rotarian, Cathy Kochendorfer, worked behind the scenes using her vocational skills and contacts to source the materials. Susitna Rotary Club donated $500 towards the cost of the project.
If there is any doubt about the urgent need to support youth in our local community, read this week's article by Tegan Hanlon in the Alaska Dispatch News for some startling statistics on teen suicide rates: Fewer teens drinking and smoking, but more are making suicide plans.
Photos courtesy of Wasilla Noon Rotarian, Lisa Phillips.
Anchorage International Rotary Club's youth exchange student has been getting a taste of the life in the Mat-Su Valley over the winter break. Akila Amala is a 17 year-old student from Jakarta, Indonesia who has quickly acclimated to life in the cold climate. She spent her winter break with Tryg and Kim Erickson in Willow where she has taken lake walks at -14 degrees F, explored wilderness trails via snow machine (as a passenger), New Year's Eve bonfire and fireworks, winter wonderland wedding, board games, cooking, and made lots of new friends (including several furry ones).
