I hope that your holiday season has been a good one and you had a chance to relax a bit.  As the new year approaches one often reflects on the year gone by - - 2016 was an important year in Rotary history and you have been part of it.  From 100 years of the Rotary Foundation to 30 years of women in Rotary; it's been a year of celebration and reflection.  As 2017 starts please continue to celebrate and participate in the good works of Rotary, both locally and internationally.

 

We have a lot coming up over the next few months including BaconFest and Pillars.  Both of these events are made easier with your help so please find ways to help the committees make these events successful (and as low stress as possible).

 

Happy New Year - See you next week!

 

President Karen

 

Juneau Tri-Rotary Club Effort Completes Playground Equipment Installation

When school opened in mid-August, students at Riverbend Elementary School in Juneau enjoyed new playground equipment, thanks to an effort coordinated by the three Juneau Rotary clubs.

The 2015-16 Presidents of the three clubs began meeting with elementary school staff and PTO members last spring to plan the effort.  The group was concerned about a small playground at the school that didn't meet the needs of the 300 PK-5th grade students.  This resulted in high discipline referrals.  In addition, the Riverbend area has increasingly become a community hub, due to the opening nearby of a new high school, a new swimming pool and a new library all within the past eight years, and the proximity of athletic fields and low-income housing.  A playground update would help meet the needs of Juneau's 2,000 PK-5th grade students who visit the area.

The playground planning group put together a District 5010 grant with funding from Juneau School District, the PTO, local business and individuals.  Cash for the project totaled over $43,000, and with in-kind contributions the project is valued at nearly $60,000.

Juneau Rotary clubs are fortunate to have architects and experienced construction managers among our members who could assist with site prep.  During the installation week of August 10, 40+ Rotarians opened crates, hauled equipment, set cement, raked gravel, etc.  And we had good weather!  The Juneau Empire provided great PR for the effort with an article about the project:  http://juneauempire.com/local/2015-08-16/more-just-place-play#sthash.kTVoYD7R.dpuf

It was gratifying to see students enthusiastically jumping onto the new equipment the first day of school!  PTO members put together a large binder of thank-you's from the kids for each club.  A dedication was held in September and a youtube presentation of the project was shown:  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SneKUys_7aU&feature=youtu.be#sthash.kTVoYD7R.dpuf

The community really pulled together to make this project happen!  Donors were thanked in the Juneau Empire and a sign is being prepared to recognize those who contributed at the playground site.  This project made us all proud to be Rotarians and members of the Juneau community!