We were honored to welcome our guest, Senator Dan Sullivan as the first speaker for the year 2023! Follow this link to learn more about the work he is doing  in behalf of our community and the great State of Alaska. Check out Sen. Sullivan's social media page by clicking the Facebook logo below...

AIRC Rotarians gathered together to assemble thanksgiving bouquets 💐 to raise funds and create more opportunities to give back to our community.

Anchorage International Rotary Club with other Rotarians in our District 5010 raising funds to #EndPolioNow.

We finished another fun community service event on Saturday.  Thanks to Mark Cosby for getting us moving before the white stuff covered everything for the season.  We got to see his progress on the family bus and he fortified us with hot coffee and treats from the Flying Dutchman.  Thanks Mark!  We were able to show observers that Anchorage Intl Rotary Club was out beautifying the neighborhood thanks to the generous donation of high vis vests vests from Stellar Designs.  And the rain and wind held off (for a change).  We found a new sign for Mark's camper décor and while the color matched, the Zig Zag Rolling Cones promoted may not be appropriate for the Partridge Family Bus. A great morning of community service!  Next Adopt a Road cleanup will be the BIG one in May where the interesting stuff gets discovered.  Thank you to the Rotary People of Action  who showed up and made it happen!

At least eight AIRC Rotarians joined in the festivities at the UAA College of Business and Public Policy Showcase on Thursday night.  A "showcase" in every sense of the word.  The visual dazzle of the stock ticker, the lightning fast orientation sessions of the departments, the wine, the food, the networking, just WOW.  Business and community leaders from around Alaska were there.  Governer Walker and our NAC speaker Past President Gideon Garcia listened attentively to the presentations.  Dean Terry Nelson and her team did an outstanding job of community outreach.  Our Anchorage International Rotary Club logo was featured in the sponsorship flyers, posters, and on the ticker.  We are proud to be a part of the education and development of future Alaskan business leaders.

It was a rainy weekend; but this did not stop our AIR Rotarians from enduring the heaviest rain to clean Wisconsin Road and Balto Seppala Park! provided both the street sweeper and a pair of hands.

 
We got to see Mark's impressive camper bus project which kept the coffee, doughnuts, and their consumers dry.  Neat bus Mark!
 
Photos courtesy of Angie, who diligently documents all of our activites.

 

Throughout this year, Past President Rick Schmidt spearheaded a book drive for AK Child and Family, partnering up with the organization's Director of Development, our very own PP Angela Rush. AIR Rotarians collected over 1,000 books and games for children and youths of the AK Child and Family, and have more than enough to initiate the creation of a Bird House Library at Clare House. 

 

Big thank you to Title Wave Books, Past District Governor Diane Fejes, and other Rotary Clubs in the area who helped make this project a big success!!

 

June 23rd, 2022 marked the conclusion of President Ric Schmidt's term, and the passing of baton to our new President Jay Tung. As we transition back to in-person meetings President Jay is hoping to bring the energy and fun back to our Friday noon experience.  Not to suggest that now past Presidents Art and Ric weren’t doing everything possible to keep our club relevant.  We can all agree it has been a unique and challenging time.  The enthusiastic turn out for the changing-of-the-guard at the Wakefield’s (big thank you to the Wakefield's hospitality for opening their home!) was a sign of how anxious we are to return to something closer to normal.

It is going to be a great Rotary year!