Stories

The Gateway Rotary Club Board of Directors recently approved the initial distribution of funds raised from the club’s golf tournament and the Brats, Brews and Bands Festival to community service projects.

Funds in the amount of $7,000 were provided to the Boys and Girls Club of Thurston County making Gateway Rotary Club a Presenting Sponsor.  The Gateway Rotary Club was also a co-sponsor with Olympia Federal Savings Bank for the Youth of the Year for Boys and Girls Clubs of Thurston County competition conducted at the South Puget Sound Community College on January 31, 2014.

The Gateway Rotary Club also provided a $2,500 gift to the Thurston County Rotary Water Committee (a joint committee of the nine Thurston County Rotary Clubs) to help finance a major water and sanitation project for rural villages in Guatemala.  The gift will be added to the funds raised by the local Rotary Clubs annual Cool Jazz and Clean Water Event.  The Gateway Rotary Club’s gift will bring the local funds to $15,000 which will be matched by Rotary District 5020 and The Rotary International Foundation to generate over $50,000 to bring clean water and sanitation projects to the Guatemalan Villages.  Local Rotarians will help plan, design, and train the villagers to build and operate the systems over the next two years.

Funds in the amount of $2,500 were also provided to Homeless Backpacks, an organization that is committed to ending homelessness in the local counties by giving teens the help they need so they can focus on school, go on to graduate and become contributing citizens.

Mike Beehler, the President of Gateway Rotary, expressed that giving back to the community from the fundraising projects the members of the club participate in is very rewarding.  He is looking forward to more successful fund raising efforts in 2014 so as to provide additional funds to more community organizations.

Lisa Drainville is joined by her sponsor Eric Rowe as she is inducted as the newest Rotarian in the Gateway Rotary Club. Lisa is a Media Specialist with Hibu, a multinational directories and internet services company headquartered in Reading, Berkshire, UK. It has operations in the United Kingdom, the United States, Spain and a number of countries in Latin America. 

Lisa is the 72d member of Gateway Rotary.

The Rotary District 5020 DLTA will be conducted at the Hotel Grand Pacific in Victoria BC during March 29 to 30, 2014. 

This year our theme is BYOB - Build Your Overall Bench- strength. The goal is to inform and train our leaders and future leaders to work within Rotary and inspire them to build strong clubs and develop great projects. District 5020 is fortunate in having many talented trainers to assist clubs with member training and leadership development.  DLTA is one of the most important events in our district, combining education, networking and idea sharing, all the while building friendships amongst members from the top of Vancouver Island all the way to the Columbia River.

We welcome you to DLTA 2014 and hope it will offer you the chance to Build Your Overall Bench-strength. Visit the information portal on the District 5020 website for more information and to register. 

The Gateway Rotary Club will assist in registration and hotel costs up to $250 for each member.

New Gateway Rotary member Trudy Soucoup receives her member pin from her sponsor Tamra Marlowe.  Trudy is executive director of Homes First!  Formerly, Trudy was the Manager of Organizational Development at Community Youth Services. She has also served on the Board of Directors for Habitat for Humanity and HOME Consortium Citizens Advisory Committee. She's also had some stints at Harlequin Productions and Wolf Haven.  Welcome Trudy!

The success of the Gateway Rotary Club has caused a need to change meeting locations.  The club now has over seventy members and although the Hawks Prairie Restaurant has been a great venue for the meeting, we have out grown the available meeting space.  Effective, January 8, 2014, the meeting location is changed to O'Blarney's Irish Pub at 4411 Martin Way E, Olympia, WA 98516 (near the corner of College and Martin Way).  The meeting day and time remains the same at Wednesday, 7:00 a.m.  Come join us!

The Gateway Rotary Club of Lacey, WA has donated more than $1,200 to support relief efforts by ShelterBox to help families left homeless by Typhoon Haiyan’s devastation in the Philippines.

ShelterBox is an international, Rotary-affiliated organization, which responds immediately following natural and other disasters by delivering aid boxes to those who need them.

“We are incredibly appreciative of the generous donations from all of the Rotary organization,” said Tiffany Stephenson, ShelterBox USA director of communications. “Their taking immediate action makes a significant impact on our ability to bring emergency shelter and supplies to families devastated by Typhoon Haiyan as quickly as possible.”

Each green ShelterBox contains the essentials a family needs to survive in the immediate aftermath of a disaster.  The box is tailored to the needs of a particular disaster but typically contains a tent large enough to sleep 10 people, blankets, water storage and purification equipment, cooking utensils, a stove, a basic tool kit, a children’s activity pack and other vital items.

With each ShelterBox costing $1,000 to fill and transport, the Gateway Rotary Club’s donation will help people displaced by the typhoon survive until more permanent housing conditions can be restored, said Mike Beehler, president of the Gateway Rotary Club.  He added, “ShelterBox is one of the most efficient disaster relief organizations in the world, in part because of its connection with Rotary.  Members of local Rotary clubs are on scene to assure that every ShelterBox reaches people in genuine need as quickly as possible.”

On November 6, 2013 Serry Barnes, Capital Lakefair 2014 President, and Bob Barnes, Capital Lakefair Executive Director presented an overview of the annual Lakefair event conducted in Olympia, WA.  The 2014 Lakefair will be conducted July 16-20, 2014.  This is a large community event that could use many volunteers.  For additional information concerning Capital Lakefair and their volunteer opportunities, please visit their website at http://lakefair.org .

October 30, 2013 -  Gateway Rotary welcomed Mike Erickson to the club.  Mike is sponsored by Al Eckroth.  Mike was born and raised in Aberdeen, WA where he attended school and worked for the family business, Harbor Wholesale Foods, which was founded by his grandfather in 1923.  Working for his father and an uncle, Mike and his brother represented the third generation of family ownership.  Mike met his wife Janet while attending the local community college and upon graduation they married and started their family, raising two sons.  They moved their families, plus fifteen employees, and the business to Tumwater, WA in 1985 as a strategic move to gain market share throughout Washington State and into Oregon.   Today they have 275 employees with their headquarters in Lacey, WA and a distribution center in Roseburg, OR serving both states and northern California

October 23, 2013 - Gateway welcomed Ed Schlich as its newest Rotarian.  Ed was sponsored by Andrew Barkis. He was born in NYC, raised in the Bronx then Long Island before moving to South the North, NJ.  Studied history at Lynchburg College, Virginia then moved into a vineyard in Virginia to make wine with a poet after college.  From there, the wine guru at Windows On The World, One World Trade Center hired him as cellarmaster for the restaurant wine program overseeing 1500 wines and an inventory of 80,000 cases.  After rigorous training, Ed was allowed to share the wine experience with guests in the Windows On The World restaurants.  His next wine experience was with Restaurant Associates.  He help to open the 4 restaurants (Sea Grill) surrounding the skating rink at Rockefeller Center, NYC.  After 1.5 years in the company of Swiss Germans managing the company, he ‘fled’ to France for one year’s reprieve and stayed for 17 years in the wine world of France (Burgundy & Bordeaux).

District Governor Pete Taylor signs the form certifying "The (360)", the District's newest Rotaract Club.  "The (360)" name is based on the area code encompassing Thurston County, reflects 360 degrees of inclusion and involvement, and refers to the Rotary Wheel.  Very cool!

Sept 18, 2013 - Gateway's membership drive maintains its steady pace with the induction of Graeme Sackrison.  Graeme is a sixty-year Lacey resident, NTHS and WWU graduate, is retired from the Employment Security Department, and a three-term Lacey Mayor. He now works on rational environmental solutions, economic development and local education. He and his wife, Cinda, are proud great-grandparents of Oliver Graeme Mollerstuen.  We look forward to Graeme's participation as a Rotarian with Gateway!

Aug 21, 2013- What will be the hottest new attraction in Las Vegas Spring 2014? Perry Shea!!

Well, actually, it’s an exciting project that Perry Shea’s firm is working on – the world’s largest observation wheel. The High Roller observation wheel is part of Caesars Entertainment’s $550 million Linq retail/entertainment/restaurant development. Appropriately, the wheel will be 550 feet tall. Shea Carr Jewell (SCJ) is under contract to build the passenger cabin (the design and details are top secret, but Shea let us take a peek). SCJ is a fast-growing engineering and planning firm that continued to grow despite the recession and now has 40 employees in three states.

Our own Assistant District Governor, Tom Carroll, has initiated a Thurston County Rotary Club's Events Calendar that displays the major events going on within the Thurston County Rotary Clubs.  Click Here to access the calendar and information or note the calendar below.

August 7, 2013 - ON THE ROAD TO WHISTLER with Peter Taylor | 2013-14 District Governor. The DG stopped by Gateway Rotary during his "whistle stop" tour of District 5020. He presented President Mike B with his very own Whistler Whistle and showed off what was under his dress shirt. (We're not going to give it away...it's worth waiting for the surprise!)

July 24, 2013 - Port of Olympia Commission Vice President Bill McGregor presented the strategic plan for 2013-2015 and discussed projects underway. One project is dredging, cleaning up, and maintaining water depths in the lower Budd Inlet. The port is actively working to increase cargo volume. Over the next 12 years, projects will be judged according to values adopted in the strategic plan such as balancing economic development, earnings, and the environment. 

July 10, 2013 - Olympia Master Builders (OMB) Executive Officer Laura Worf discussed the important role the housing industry plays in a healthy local economy. The building industry generates good paying jobs and tax revenues for cities and counties. In 2012, the 312 homes built in Thurston County created 1107 local jobs and generated $65.8 million in local income and $11.2 million in taxes and other revenues for local governments. Those homes will continue to generate revenues year after year. 

July 3, 2013 - Newly minted Gateway Rotary President Mike kicked off this new 2013-2014 Rotary year with a Club Assembly focusing on the inaugural Brews, Brats, & Bands update.  President Mike had the usually raucous Gateway members and guests under good control demonstrating that he did indeed listen during District Training.  The BB&B is progressing well, though the committee is still looking for the club to sign up more keg sponsors. Ticket sales will be starting soon providing additional opportunities for Gateway members to engage in the event.

The Rotary Club of Gateway-Thurston County installed its new Board of Directors on June 28, 2013 during their Annual Installation Dinner.  

The Board of Directors for the 2013-2014 Rotary Year beginning July 1, 2013 are:

President-Mike Beehler
President Elect-Jonathan Sprouffske
Vice President-Jerry Farmer
Secretary–Sherry Jennings
Treasurer-Michael Steadman
Director–Eric Rowe
Sergeant-at Arms–Andrew Barkis
Past President-Tom Carroll

Chairpersons for the upcoming year are:

Administration-Debbie O’Neill
Service Projects-Tami Hale
Membership–Tim Scheuffele
Public Relations-Jerry Wilkins
Foundation-Felix Peguero

During the installation Dinner the following awards and special recognition were presented: 

Rotarian of the Year-Al Eckroth

President’s Award-Lowell Gordon

Service Above Self Award-Angelique Anderson.

May 29, 2013 - Thurston County Sheriff, John Snaza, was on hand at Wednesday's meeting to speak to the club when President Tom Carroll presented the Sheriff with honorary membership to Gateway Rotary.  Snaza was elected to office on January 1, 2011 after 21 years of prior service to the County.  During his tenure in the department, Snaza has performed many different roles including being assigned to the Air Operations Unit and Marine Services Unit, narcotics investigations, gang activity investigation and Commander of the multi-agency Special Weapons and Tactics (SWAT) team.  Sheriff Snaza joins Undersheriff Tim Braniff at Gateway.

Mike Jackling and Nelly Kinsella of the Washington Health Benefit Exchange presented on May 22, 2013, how Washington Healthplanfinder offers small businesses a choice of health plans for employees, added convenience and important cost savings.  Washington residents have a new way to find, compare and enroll in health insurance.  It's called Washington Healthplanfinder, and it gives individuals, families, and small business owners the confidence to choose the plan that best fits their needs and their budget.  Washington Healthplanfinder offers:  apples-to-apples comparisons of health insurance plans; financial help to pay for copays and premiums; and expert customer support online, by phone, or in-person through a local organization, insurance broker or agent.  Go to http://wahealthplanfinder.org/ for additional information.

The Gateway Rotary Club raised nearly $7,000 during their annual charity golf tournament conducted on May 17, 2013.  The weather held out for a great day of enjoyment on the Links Course at The Golf Course at Hawks Prairie.

The overall winning team for the tournament included Jack Feeney, Chris Johns, Jeff Feeney and Chad Poundstone.  In second place were the team of Larry Linn, Peter Watson, Ed Preston and Don Preston.

The longest drive winners were Thurston County Sheriff John Snaza for the men and Tami Hale for the women.  Closest to the hole on the designated par three holes were Alex Christiansen for the men and Tami Hale for the women.

Winners of the Gateway Rotary Cup were the team (Scott Bush, Bob Black, Phil Kiss, Ray Harvey) from the Gig Harbor-Midday Rotary Club.  The Gateway Rotary Club team (Jerry Wilkins, Lowell Gordon, Joe Vaccaro, Joe Belmonte) was in second place and the South Puget Sound Club team (Bob Lovely, Dan Yerrington, Gary Stoskopf, Bob Perry) came in third.

The success of this club fundraiser was due to the generous support of the many sponsors and golfers and resounding thanks goes out to all of them.  The opportunity for the Gateway Rotary Club to continue to support many community organizations from funds raised during these events is very much appreciated.

Al, Joan, Mike and Brian loading the donated coats

May 8, 2013 - Gateway Rotarians are asked to "clean out their closets" each fall to provide warm clothing for the Clothing Bank at Sacred Heart Church.  This bank provides clothing to all who are in need. Last year, the Clothing Bank ran out of warm clothing for children, and asked us if we could help - and Gateway Rotarians stepped up to the plate; however, even on sale and in a mid-priced clothing store, young people's coats cost upwards of $60.00 each!

May 8, 2013 - Amber Smith from the the LOTT Clean Water Alliance spoke to the club about the centers many different programs and offerings.  Located at 500 Adams Street NE, in downtown Olympia, LOTT is a non-profit corporation created for the management of wastewater in the urban areas of Lacey, Olympia, Tumwater and Thurston County (LOTT).  LOTT is responsible for wastewater treatment, reclaimed water production and long-range planning.  In addition, LOTT also provides community education on the use and conservation of water through its many weekend activities and programs directed to school age children.  LOTT has a new facility that includes the new Wet Science Center.  Check out LOTT and the Science Center your next trip into town!   

April 24:  Gateway Rotary President Tom Carroll inducted North Thurston School District Superintendent Raj Manhas as an Honorary Member of Gateway Rotary Club.   Carroll praised the Superintendent on the performance of the school district since he assumed the leadership position, and said the Club was committed to supporting the school district and the children being served.

April 17, 2013 - “Each year 40% of the food produced in America ends up in the landfill,” said Thurston County Food Bank (TCFB) Executive Director Robert Coit. On average, Americans throw away 20 pounds of food each month, which amounts to about $2,275 a year for a family of four. Coit advocated breaking our wasteful habits and donating the money we save to help families in need. Coit added, “We may not end poverty, but we could end hunger in our community.”

Coit reminded Gateway Rotarians that meeting our community’s need for food includes collecting perishable food as well as non-perishable canned and boxed foods. To better serve those in need, TCFB expanded its infrastructure to collect, package, and redistribute nutritious fresh food from restaurants and grocery stores in 2012. TCFB made an investment in a warehouse so food can be purchased in larger quantities for better savings. Coit noted that anyone can be a hero by donating a 37¢ can of food and giving back to the community. But don’t forget that people need fresh fruits and vegetables for balanced nutrition. TCFB needs cash donations to pay for programs to purchase food to fill the gaps from food drives and for efficient storage and distribution operations.

April 10, 2013 - BREAKING:  Stunned Gateway Rotarians watched as President Tom Carroll clutched his new favorite mascot and announced that he will now wear nothing but Nikes. Members immediately passed a motion that Carroll must also wear pants.

April 10, 2013 - The Nisqually Reach Nature Center at Luhr Beach offers environmental education about the Nisqually Basin estuary ecosystem. In partnership with the US Fish and Wildlife Service, the US Geological Survey, and the Nisqually Indian Tribe, the Center conducts research to seek answers to questions about stewardship and management of the basin’s natural resources. The Center provides education to the general public about managing groundwater runoff and ensuring the health of the ecosystem’s native species, especially economically important fish and shellfish (think delicious Salmon and Spot Prawns). Outreach to schools in Thurston County and beyond includes supplemental classroom, laboratory, and field trip opportunities. The Nisqually Reach Nature Center is a nonprofit organization that welcomes public support and membership. Consider a donation or volunteering.

March 20, 2013 - Today Gateway welcomes back Angelique Anderson to the club. Angelique had to leave several months ago due to work commitments. Fortunately for us, they've changed again and she is now able to rejoin us.  Angelique is the manager of a distribution operations center for medical supplies. She is responsible for a large number of employees and the entire center. The warehouse is located in Hawks Prairie.  Next time you see Angelique, welcome her back!

Membership Chair Melissa Sasser (left) Reintroduces Angelique to Gateway

Gateway Rotary's leadership team is now complete for the 2013-14 year. In addition to the elected positions of President, Mike Beehler; President Elect, Jonathan Sprouffske; Vice-President, Jerry Farmer; Secretary, Sherry Jennings; Treasurer, Michael Steadman; Director- New Generations, Eric Rowe; and Sergeant at Arms, Andrew Barkis, we now have our committee chair roster. Chairs for the following committees are: Adminstration- Debbie O'Neill; Foundation- Felix Peguero; Membership- Tim Scheuffele; Public Relations- Jerry Wilkins; and Service- Tami Hale.

The 2013-14 Board will be meeting soon to plan the coming year, develop a budget, and broaden the involvement of all Gateway Rotarians in service to and with our community.

February 20, 2013 - Gateway Rotary reached a milestone today by inducting its 50th member. Amanda Carroll was sponsored by her father and current club President Tom Carroll. Tom is the 1st member of Gateway Rotary who piloted its charter in September 2011. Amanda is not only Gateway's newest member, but also our youngest at age 23. She brings diversity in her perspectives and knowledge from her vocation in Information Technology.

February 13, 2013 - Gateway Rotary inducted it's 49th new member, Curt Vaniman.  Curt (a graduate of Western Washington) is a Senior Benefits Advisor at GHB Inc. in Olympia, working with employers in managing their employee benefits programs. In addition, he helps individuals and families with their health, life and disability coverage needs.  Curt holds the designation of Certified Senior Advisor (CSA).   Curt  has over 22 years of industry experience, including 10+ years at Regence BlueShield as a Major Accounts Manager and Senior Sales Executive.

January 30, 2013 - On Wednesday, Brian officially joined the Gateway Rotary club.  Sponsored by Al Eckroth, Brian is assigned to Joint Base Lewis-McChord (JBLM). He currently holds the position of  Installation Director of Occupational Safety & Health. His last assignment was  as the Regional South Safety Director, Kandahar, Afghanistan

Brian began his safety career in 1992 as a safety intern with the University of Alabama at Birmingham Health Ed. Department. He has held positions in Operational Safety, Industrial Safety, Tactical Safety, and Base Operations Safety. He has held safety staff positions with DoD organizations such as the 10TH Mountain Division , Fort Drum NY, 2nd Infantry Division S. Korea, the 20th Special Forces Group ABN, the 82nd Airborne Div., The 377th Theater Sustainment Command Joint Navy Air Station, and the 1st Cavalry Division. He has worked as a Safety Manager, a Safety Coordinator, and a Safety Intern for private organizations such as the American Cast Iron and Pipe Company, Alloy and Metal Processors Inc., Associated Grocers of the South Inc., and Galbraith Inc.

Born in Birmingham, Al., Brian graduated from Jacksonville State University with a Bachelors of Science Degree in Industrial Technology, and Occupational Health and Safety. Brian is also a graduate of the Army Management Staff College located at Fort Belvoir, Va.

Brian is married to Jeciel and he has two sons and one daughter, Aaron age 5, Gabriel age 3, and Arielle age 2.

Please welcome Brian to Gateway Rotary the next time you see him!

At the December 5th Annual Meeting the club unanimously elected the following members to the 2013-14 Board of Directors:

President Elect:  Jonathan Sprouffske

Vice President: Jerry Farmer

Secretary:  Melissa Sasser

Treasurer:  Mike Stedman

Director:  Sherry Jennings

Incoming President Mike Beehler will lead this new team in planning activities for the 2013-14 Rotary Year.  Congratulations to all!

Gateway Rotary is proud to participate in the TOGETHER! annual Champions for Kids dinner, 5:30 pm, on March 11, 2013 at Saint Martin's University, Marcus Pavilion.

TOGETHER! has been serving the residents of Thurston County since 1989 with youth violence and substance abuse prevention activities.

The Champions for Kids Celebration is an annual event in which TOGETHER! and its community partners recognize those individuals in our community who go above and beyond in their dedication to youth and children.  TOGETHER!  been celebrating the community's Champions for Kids each winter since 2002!

Champions are individuals who help us make our community one in which children and youth are supported, healthy, safe and valued.  They provide a direct service to youth, are a positive role model, volunteer or exhibit a dedication beyond their employment.

Gateway Rotary has submitted Lowell Gordon as an individual to be recognized as a Champion who has made a positive difference to kids.

Gateway Rotary has committed to filling two to three tables of our club members in recognizing Lowell for his contributions.  The cost is $50 per person.  Please let Jerry Wilkins know if you intend to attend the event and the number.  You can provide him a check made out to Gateway Rotary to ensure a place at the event.  Payments can be consolidated to TOGETHER!.

You can contact Glen Cramer or Jerry Wilkins for additional information.

 - John Pearce, Chairman of the Thurston Public Power Initiative presented the grassroots group’s perspectives on the benefits of choice for electric power generation and distribution. Signatures from 15,000 people were obtained to get this issue on the November ballot. You will receive your mail-in ballot shortly. The purpose of the initiative is to give the Thurston PUD the authority to create publicly funded competition to the current private service provider (PSE). For more resources and information, visit www.thurstonpublicpower.org/resources. If you want to ask John a question, he can be reached by email info@thurstonpublicpower.org .

October 3, 2012 - Speaker Kerensa Mabwa leads GRuB’s community outreach, fundraising, and volunteer coordination. She is passionate about gardening, sustainable and accessible fresh food, and building relationships in the community. Kerensa discussed the importance of engaging youth in hands-on gardening projects to help them find their own passions and talents. Benefits of GRuB’s youth and school initiatives include educating PreK-12 students about where food comes from. Youth programs evolved from GRuB’s senior projects and continue to inspire intergenerational cooperation and community service. Kitchen Garden Projects help lower-income people prepare and nurture their own backyard and community gardens. Gateway Rotary expressed thanks to Kerensa and GRuB for providing opportunities to all community members to enjoy local, affordable, fresh produce.

Denny Heck, founder of TVW and Congressional Candidate spoke about the collective efforts and drive for starting TVW (Washington’s public affairs network) on September 5^th. Rotarians in attendance learned of the struggles that were surpassed in establishing Washington State’s equivalent of C-SPAN and enjoyed stories about the various persons Mr. Heck interviewed during his career. A truly enlightening as well as engaging talk for all that attended.  If you missed this meeting you can view the video at: http://vimeo.com/48931144.

On August 29th Heather Daley and Kristy Dees spoke to our group about HeartStrides Therapeutic Riding and Horsemanship at Healing Hearts Ranch. Personal stories were shared allowing an understanding of how this non-profit program came to our area. Those who attended learned about this incredible program that offers great developmental opportunities for people of all ages with disabilities. If you missed this meeting you can view the video at: http://vimeo.com/48861670. Or, if you would like more information about this non-profit visit: http://www.healingheartsranch.info/.  

Nisqually Land Trust Conservation Project Manager (and Tumwater City Councilperson) Nicole Hill explained the history and purpose of the Nisqually Land Trust.  The Trust acquires and manages critical lands to permanently protect the water, wildlife, natural areas, and scenic vistas of the Nisqually River watershed.  The Nisqually Land Trust was established in 1989 to protect wildlife habitat threatened by the consequences of rapid population growth. Today it conserves and restores over 3,400 acres in the Nisqually watershed.

Our club has decided to adopt the "Homeless Backpacks" organiation as our support to the local community.  Kelly Wilson from that organization visited our meeting this morning, and outlined some of the tasks we can volunteer for.  Of course, individuals can always donate money, as well, if they prefer.

A sign up sheet was distributed, and twenty of our members signed up to help out!  Good Job everyone!  I will be getting together with Kelly and we will schedule a work party very soon.

Kelly indicated she needs shoppers, packers to stuff sacks for lunches, maintenance and yard work for the house they use for storing and packing, and many more opportunities for club members, including delivering sacks to local middle schools and high schools.  Additionally, our Club will have a place on their Board of Directors. 

This is really an exciting time for our Club!  The Service Projects Committee will be brainstorming how we can raise funds for Homeless Backpacks - stay tuned!

Please remember to always consider a donation to the Rotary Foundation.  Your contribution, added to the contributions of fellow Rotarians worldwide, will bring real change to people in need.  Your tax-deductible gift counts toward your Paul Harris Fellowship, which recognizes your commitment to helping others.  What a great way to demonstrate the spirit of this holiday season.  Simply log into the Rotary International site and make an online payment.  If you have questions, please contact Shawn Lewis or Tom Carroll for details. 

The District 5020 Governor, David Stocks was the speaker on Wednesday, December 7, 2011.  This was his first formal visit to our club since we have been chartered.  The Governor shared his views regarding the true purposes of Rotary, and how each of us can use Rotary as a mechanism to achieve real change in the world.

Dec. 7 and Dec. 14:  Please remember to drop off cash or gifts for our 3 “adopted” families for the South Sound Family Support Center.  Joan Keller, Community Service Committee, will be collecting the gifts on December 7 and again on December 14.  THANK YOU!

GATEWAY ROTARY FIRESIDE

Gateway Rotary's first Fireside will be on Friday, December 9, from 5:30 to 7:30, at Mike and Louise Robbins' house.

Their address is 4337 Sinclair Loop NE, Lacey. Please call Mike or Louise at 918-8763 if directions are needed.  Munchies and soft drinks will be provided but BYOB!

A Fireside is intended to give Rotarians an opportunity to meet informally for a relaxing evening of fellowship, food and drink. We will be able to get acquainted with each other and match faces to names.  

Please RSVP with a phone call or send e-mail to Louise at louise.robbins@comcast.net or Mike at mike.robbins1@comcast.net. We look forward to seeing you!

Community Service Project

For the FIRST Community Service Project of the Gateway Rotary Club, we have agreed to adopt three families from the South Sound Family Support Center. Joan Keller has provided a list of "Wants and Needs" for each of the family members.  If you are not able to shop, cash is always welcome!

Joan will pick up donated gifts at the Gateway Rotary morning meetings on December 7th and 14th and will deliver the gifts to the Family Support Center.

Thanks to all who have already generously signed up to bring a gift or donate cash.  If you wish to help, bring your gifts to the our next meeting.  Contact Joan Keller if you have any questions at 360-791-3507.

The Charter Members and Guests celebrated on October 5, 2011. We had close to 90 rotarians and guests come together to honor our club and celebrate our charter.

Special guests included District Governor David Stocks and wife Frances, ADG Bruce Stuwe and wife Dwan, Olympia Mayor Doug Mah, District Governor Nominee Pete Taylor, along with numerous past District Governors and Assistant District Governors.

Clubs that were represented included Tumwater, West Olympia, Olympia. Capital Centennial, Lacey, South Puget Sound, Hawks Prairie, Centralia, North Mason, Tacoma 8, Longview, Skookum, and Gig Harbor. (If I missed any it was truly an oversight). A BIG thank you goes out to everyone that attended. It was fun!

Now that we are officially Chartered we have a Wish List of items we need as a club.  Some have already been ordered, while others have not.

Please see the list below.

If you can help us with any of these, or money to help cover our expenses we would appreciate it very much.

The Rotary Club of Gateway-North Thurston, Washington, USA has been accepted into membership of Rotary International as of 15 September 2011!