Fund raising has been a very challenging and steep learning curve this past Rotary year.  We have learned a lot and expect to build on what we have experienced so far.  A BIG thank you to those volunteers who poured wine at the Oregon Garden Brewfest this past weekend:  Pat Mack, Russ, Ron, Findley's, Megan and Merissa Kreitzer, Larson's, Ken, Hollinger's and my wife, Barbara.

We all had enjoyed a variety of very entertaining music, people watching and except for a couple slow periods, we were busy and a success.  It was good Rotary exposure for some but I think most people were busy having fun and drinking to really care.  Friday was the slowest. Saturday was busy all day and surprise, Sunday (family day) was busier than anticipated and only open noon til five.  

It seems that the best way to capitalize on the wine venture is to provide wine to events like large weddings, company picnics and a variety of social events.  If you have any ideas on who we can target and how to target those kinds of events,  please let me know.  I am hoping to get input from the whole club.  This keg wine vending venture has a ton of potential.  Lets start off the new Rotary year with enthusiasm and having FUN.    

Phil 

Don't forget to sign up for our next fun event - the Rotary golf tournament on July 20. There are several ways you can participate! Check with Tom Marks to sign up, become a sponsor, or to "purchase" a box of dictionaries for $60. See his article below.

We've got a great vocational tour this Friday at C-TEC on Portland Road. This technical training center for high school students is still under construction, so you will need to follow John King's directions, provided below, for entering the area. John will be sending those directions out, so watch your email inbox. Remember that you are on your own for lunch as there is no place for us to eat on their campus. I'll see you there at 12:20 with the tour starting at 12:30.

Also mark your calendars for the Rotary Night at the Volcanoes stadium on August 9. You can purchase reserved seating (bleachers with a back) and attend the all-you-can-eat barbecue for only $23. Or just come to the game for $12! Regardless, $4 of your entry fee will be going to Polio Plus.  You can also upgrade your seats to the box seats for an additional $4.  See Will Posegate for tickets.

I've got my first lunch meeting under my belt and I enjoyed myself. I'm looking forward to a great year with my good friends, and I know there will be a lot of laughs along the way as well as a lot of learning for me. Let's make it a year of growth for our club!

Mary