Rotary Meeting July 13, 2012

Pres Dennis opened the meeting on this very warm/hot Thursday to 19 members and guests plus Tianna and 
Alessandra. He reminded us of two upcoming dates to remember....August 16 for an evening fellowship at Cheryle and Jims which will be a BBQ/potluck/swim and Sept 15 for the Lobster on the Beach event we are sponsoring with DO. 
There was also an update on the water park with positive results on the water testing at Jack Shaw park and it is on the Town Council meeting agenda Mid Sept.
Our guest speaker was Carol Youngberg, speaking to us a president of the Desert Park Exhibition Society. Carol has been a long time resident and active in the community (PP of Osoyoos Chamber of Commerce, and Citizen of the Year in 1994, plus being a charter member of our club in 2003). She led the society to become a non profit which led to the town granting them a 5 year renewable lease which includes all but the center field and grandstand buildings. There are 11 RV sites generating $400/mo.
She laid out their 5 year plan in which this is year 1 and the biggest test involving work on barns, power, water and a new office. There is also a huge effort required to bring the track surface up to standard. The 120 horses occupying the stalls imply this is a success already. Year 2 is planned to have races as a B track along with Princeton and Heritage Park (both Vernon and Kamloops have withdrawn from future racing) plus the construction of a multi venue building to house the betting machines and various functions. Years 3, 4 and 5 are growth and development plans. Ambitious but very doable according to Carol and a large benefit to Osoyoos. Several members signed up to the society.
Judy won the 50/50 draw for an incredible 78th time.....and once again donated the proceeds to the OSS Scholarship fund! She also let us know in Happy Bucks that she was promoted to head all 3 Credit Union branches...congrats!
The picture included is of course Alessandra as she headed back to Italy Sunday morning. A very self confident, lovely girl who had a perfect exchange year... and claims she will return!