Meetings Recaps
February 17 - New Wenatchee Mayor Frank Kuntz
New Mayor Frank Kuntz joined us for our noon luncheon to talk about what has been going on since he started in his new position. Dennis Johnson was also present at our meeting and Mayor Frank had to comment that as soon as Dennis was out of office he changed his cell number. The main item that he has been dealing with since starting is trying to get the situation with the Town Toyota Center under control and back on track. He was just in Olympia meeting with the House Ways and Means committee he was supposed to be over in Olympia for 3 days but instead he was only over there for 12 hours. While at our meeting he was waiting for a phone call from Olympia to schedule another appointment on when he could finally go back over to continue with the process. The main issue that is going on right now is trying to get all 9 entities on board instead of a majority rule it has to have everyone one board with the decision. The main item that is going on right now is to get Olympia to allow it to be a council majority for the .02% tax increases and then a vote from the other entities for a .01% sales tax increase. To get the .01% on the April 17th ballot it has to be approved and ready to get to the auditors by March 2nd. Frank has been spending a lot of time in Olympia with all representatives that can help in this process. There are 2 parts to getting the Town Toyota Center back on track one is to pay the debt and the other is to keep the building running and open. He is hoping that he will know more by Monday. Other than dealing with the Center he is also trying to deal with the Wenatchee Budget and the issues that are arising from the economy and with the issue of the Town Toyota Center. For the 2012
budget what they are also looking at is the employee benefit program and where they maybe able to help reduce some of that debt. Mayor Frank and
the council are really trying to look at items that they can change to help to reduce debt without losing jobs. It was a very interesting meeting. He has
lots to tackle and is really trying to make it work. Thank you new Mayor Frank for joining us and trying to answer most of the hard questions that you were given.
February 10 - Boy Scouts w/Barbara Dower
Lord R.S.S. Baden Powell in 1907 wrote a book Aids to scouting that was a military book that was used to create the foundation for the Boy Scouts. In 1930, the Cub Scouts created the Pine Wood Derby that was used as a competition and also to have time working with your dad or mom. There are also many camps that these youths can participate in to meet other scouts. There are also many merit badges that help the scouts to gain more skills. Boy Scout training can also help teach leadership to adults that volunteer too. The Grand Columbia Council has 6 regions which includes 4,000 boys and 1,000 leaders. In 1980, there were 1 million Eagle Scouts, and in 2009 there are now 2 million Eagle Scouts. Out of all the Boy Scouts only about 4% make Eagle Scouts. It is accomplished by getting all 21 merit badges, doing something with leadership, planning and service plus move up the ranks. Boy Scouts are building bridges for the future. Tim Johnson also talked about how to pull together the community, create leaders, and also wanted to point out the volunteers are always needed. Thank you very much to the Boy Scouts for joining us and also for the Color Guard in participating in the song and Flag Salute. At the end of the meeting the Wenatchee Central Lions also donated $250 to Boy Scout Pack 183.
February 3 - The Top 10 Luncheon was AMAZING!!! Great job to the committee!! Pictures can be found on our Facebook page: http://www.facebook.com/home.php?ref=hp#!/pages/Wenatchee-Central-Lions-Club/133633150001647
January 20 - Wenatchee City Police used to have a canine unit until the 1990’s. They now have had a new canine unit for the last 2 years. They currently have 1 canine called Gino who is 3 years old. They did have another canine named Dino who was just retired in Dec. as the canine was 10 years old. Gino is trained as a narcotics dog at this time but they are looking into training Gino for patrol work as well. When they are trained for patrol work that is where they learn a little more obedience than they have as a narcotics canine alone. The canines are trained to be friendly depending on the person but it is best to always ask the trainer before petting the canines. Gino has been involved in 2 drug busts one in June and one in July and one of the busts where located in the Yakima. Gino is a very high strung canine that takes a lot of energy by his trainer Scott to take care of. Scott moved form Richland and has been with the Wenatchee Police Department for the past 6 years. Currently he works more with the Columbia River Drug Task Force. The cost to get a canine depends on the training that the canine currently has and what type of canine you are looking at. Scott met Gino in Jackson, Mississippi and has been to numerous training programs to adapt to each other. When looking at getting the canine Scott actively sought donations to get Gino. Scott was able to get Gino almost fully funded just from his donations. We would like to thank the Wenatchee City Police Department for joining us and showing us this great program and the benefits to our community.
January 13 - John has been a Park Ranger for Lincoln Rock for the past 8 years. John got his college degree from N. Arizona University and then his masters came from the University of Denver. Before that he was an environmental consultant for 14 years.
John Wennes came to help our club learn about the Discovery Pass and the benefits to the Parks that the funding will create. The Discovery Pass is a yellow tag that hangs off the mirror and is only specific to one car. The fine is $99 if you park in any of the Parks without a pass. There is legislation in front of the Senate to allow the pass to be transferrable between cars. The fee for the pass is $30 annually or $10 for a one day pass. You can purchase them either at the Ranger Station at each park, hunting and fishing licenses vendors, online, at some retail stores or at vehicle licensing agents. If you purchase the pass any place other than at the Ranger Station the pass will be $35 instead as the outside has added fees. There are some exclusions for the pass one is for disabled people, vets and disabled vet meaning that they do not need a pass. You do not need a pass for Boats as you have a launching pass. The boat launching pass is $80 for the year and it is a decal that goes in the window. The Discovery Pass is only good for State Parks. You can also check online for exceptions or to find out about different locations and what is needed.
The main reason that the Parks have implemented the pass is to help funding as since the economy has taken a turn they are receiving less funding from the State Budget and they need to be self sufficient by 2013. The Discovery Pass is to help preserve public access to recreation lands managed by the Washington State Parks and Recreation Commission, the Washington State Department of Natural Resources and the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife. The parks need to get 2 ½ million dollars a month to make budget. Currently the State Parks have 8 full time Rangers but they will be changing to 4 career seasonal Rangers. That is making them worry about how they will be able to keep up with the everyday operations and the maintenance needed to all the areas of the Park. When asked if the public has been supportive John commented that overall they have been supportive. Especially once they find out why the funding is needed. The Parks also use 300 thousand hours in volunteer hours that was what was used in 2010. Daily fees have gone away and there is a 15 minute time allowance when coming in to the park. If you would like more information you can look the information up at www.discoverpass.wa.gov.
January 6 - Growing up in a Family with Migrant Laborers - Dr. Ismael Vivanco works for the North Central Education Service after getting his Doctorate at WSU. Dr. Ismael was born in Mexico City and then later landed in Oregon and then the Skagit Valley. He claims one of the reasons that his parents decided to move to the United States was they needed a different life and a change for the family. Before they left Mexico his dad was assaulted and stabbed and that was what made the decision to look for something better. His biggest influence and role models were his parents but as he claims that most need to be exposed to role models both educationally and professionally. His biggest influence was from education since he came from poverty and his parents were migrant workers. Out of the 20 kids and grandkids, 16 have college degrees and the other 4 are in the social work industry. One of the quotes that Ismael remembers from his dad is “It’s better to use your brain than your back” by Pa Jose`. His parents only had about 4 months of formal education. Along with education kids should be involved in sports or activities besides education to succeed in school and life. One of his other memories is the van that they had that was 4 colors and the kids would rather walk to school than be seen in the van. When they asked their dad to paint the van his comment was why when I’m driving you can’t see the colors and he did not want nor could not afford to spend the money to paint it. When they lived in the Skagit Valley they lived in a one bedroom home that converted to a house that slept 12 people at night being 3 adults and 9 kids. When he was growing up he never thought they were poor until he was told that he was. They did have a family reunion in 2009 and their family has a total of 600 names that they had printed on the shirts for the reunion. His main point was that everyone needs help in one way shape or form and that there are not the same resources and it is not the same playing field for everyone. He told us that all the brothers have a college education; 4 have masters, 1 has a doctorate and 1 has a double AA. The Sisters all graduated high school but do not have a college education but they all work. He also wanted to thank the Lions Club for what we do in the community that helps and provides too many that truly need it. We would also like to thank Dr. Ismael Vivanco for the great presentation and telling our group about his life.
December 9 - Kids' Christmas Party - this was another great year. Thanks to Rich Brinkman and Father Christmas for sharing their talents with us. And of course, who could forget Santa Claus and his special gifts for all of our special guests.
December 2 - Mark Miller has been the General Manager for the Town Toyota Center for the past 2 years. He was trying to educate us on what is happening with the center and also on some of the positive things that are also going on at the center. One of the main differences with what is going on is that the debt if for construction issues not from operational issues. As for the operational issues they have been running in the black for the past 2 years and that is all while not raising one price in the facility. Unfortunately, the operations of the arena is not able to pay the debt service if it wants to continue functioning the way it is and to also still provide the events and concerts at the facility. Mark also pointed out the most arena run in the red and some can even continue to function in a bankruptcy status. He wanted us to be aware that Kennewick which has a population of over 225,000 versus our 75,000 metro is scheduled to lose $280,000 operationally this year.
One of the reasons that the Town Toyota Center has been in the black is because of the great staff that Mark has employed that put in way more time than most other facilities staff put in. Also, the Center runs with a way smaller staff than most other arenas. He also wanted to point out the 3 things that an arena is for. The fist is for providing entertainment, second is the economic impact, and the third is for the quality of life in our community. One of the other positives is the money that gets funneled into our community from people coming for the games to the shows and concerts. You can also rent the Town Toyota Center for your events ranging in price depending on what you are requiring.
November 11 - Don Baker was born in Seattle and that is where he enlisted in the Navy in 1942. He was an Aviation Boatwain’s Mate First Class serving on the USS Guadalcanal where the captain of the ship decided he wanted to capture a submarine rather than sink them which was the normal practice. Nobody believed it could be done but his captain was given the green light to try to do it.
When they ended up in the Atlantic Ocean looking for submarines they were on an aircraft carrier that also had a group of destroyers and a fleet of planes with them. When they were looking for the subs most were staying submerged and out of the way for the sonars. After days of trying to find them they were getting ready to turn around and go back since their fuel was getting low. The captain decided to search one more night before going in to get fuel. But on June 4th when Don Baker was down getting a cup of coffee the alarms went off and they are were told to get back to their stations. He thought that they were just having the planes come into land and was getting ready. But instead they started shooting where they launched a “hedgehog attack” and then a series of mortars were shot into the water which do not explode until they make contact. After it was determined they were not going to make it, the Germans decided to abandon ship. Then the US crew went aboard to save the sub from sinking. They then hooked up to the sub to try to tow it but they had to drag it sideways through the water but then the tow line broke. When they contacted Washington D.C. they then sent a refueler and a tug boat to take the sub. They then towed it to Bermuda.
It was then decided that they needed to keep it a secret so that they could use the equipment on the sub to follow what the Germans were doing in the war. They did not want the crews to talk about it because they did not want the Germans to find out and change their codes. The Germans never learned about the capture until the end. After the war they tried to figure out what to do with the submarine and it was decided it would go to the Chicago Museum. The submarine is still there today and is its biggest drawing item. It was outside and it was deteriorating and they decided to spend $33 million to build a building around it and refurbish it. Even the German manufacturer contributed the plans and parts to fully restore except for the bullet holes that are still there. The submarine has had over 1 million visitors. It was a great presentation and program for the day, sorry to all that missed it. If interested in more information the Wenatchee World also ran a story of this event and can be read online or in the paper.
November 4 - Bill and Carol Forhan have been in the newspaper business since 1980 back in Montana and then in California and then finally landing in Leavenworth in 2000. When they came to Leavenworth they started their own publishing company by purchasing the Leavenworth Echo, Cashmere Valley Record and Lake Chelan Mirror. Since 2000 they have added the Okanogan Valley Gazette-Tribune in Oroville and the Quad City Herald in Brewster. They also publish 3 different visitors’ guides being Leavenworth, Chelan and Wenatchee. Recently Bill and Carol have made a trade of the Oroville paper to the Sound Publishing in Poulsbo for the Wenatchee Business Journal.
Right now they are focusing on the Media Wars and keeping their newspapers functioning in the changing times. In these times it is hard to compete with Radio, Television and the internet and to keep people reading the newspaper. The world is a 24-7 media cycle where it is always changing and you have to stay on top of what is going on around you all the time.
Bill and Carol along with Jim Corcoran and Mike Cassidy like to place their emphasis on local news. They have done a survey that shows that currently people still would rather read their news in a newspaper. Both Bill and Carol are very involved in the community and participate on quite a few boards.
If interested in more information you can locate them on their website at NCWbusiness.com. They also run another website NCWBizlink.com which is a local business directory that is ideal for everyone.
October 28 - Jennifer Witherbee: Washington Apple Education Foundation was started in 1994 to help with education in the tree fruit industry through scholarships and continuing support from the community. They are a non-profit organization that relies on the community and the industry in supporting the great opportunities afforded to the many students through the scholarships and grant programs. Most of the scholarships are awarded to kids coming from the industry. Each year the foundation increases the amount of scholarships provided just this year they provided over 150 scholarships totaling $425,000. Out of the 150 they received 421 applications. When the applications are received there are a about 60 volunteers that donate about 35 to 40 hours over one month to make the selection process. After the scholarships are awarded another bonus to this program is that many of the students they are connected with an industry member or past recipient to help them get through the first year of college. Along with the scholarships the foundation also offers grants to community and school recipients and to farm workers themselves for the community and family and industry education. So the foundation relies on community support for their funding. They have 2 major events that are their golf tournament one here in the Wenatchee Valley and one in Yakima and then the other big event is the Horticulture Association Event in their 14th year and they have a big raffle for a sprayer that gains a lot of funding. But overall their main support comes from members in the industry. Many in our community donate to this wonderful foundation either through personal donations to memorial donations. This organization supports other events and people in our
community and is a great support structure for the tree fruit industry. If anyone is interested in learning more you can find them at www.waef.org.
October 21 Charlie Pomianek works for the Washington State’s Tree Fruit Industry Wenatchee Valley Traffic Association. This organization tracks and watches how this industry is doing not only in our community but in the State, Country and Worldwide. In the State of Washington 15% of our ecomony comes from agriculture. In 2009 the Washington State Farm Gate production was $7,081,000,000 from agricultural crops and the Farm Gate money means that it goes back to the growers. Total tree fruit for 2009 was $1,855,000,000 bringing the economy of Washington State to 4%. Apples grown in the state are 2/3 of all fresh apples consumed in America and with that 97% of the crop is consumed outside Washington State.
Fresh tree fruit crops amount to a large volume of product coming out of the state and from our district. Apples amount to 11,000,000 of 40lb boxes and the Wenatchee district produces 36 million of that amount, pears 13,000,000 45 lb boxes and 9.5 million is Wenatchee District, cherries 17, 5000,000 20 lb boxes and 8.5 million and other soft fruit from the Wenatchee District. Of the volume being produced and moved around 30% exported overseas, 30% through Puget Sound Ports. When shipping cherries they are moved by passenger planes that is why they are training to get people to take less bags so there is more room for cherries. They have also started to move cherries through Canada more because there are fewer restrictions then through Puget Sound. Cherries have to be inspected more now than before 9/11/11 that is why the are traveling through Canada. Employees involved in growing, warehousing, packing, marketing and shipping and there are 25,000 full time year round employees and of that 10,000 are from the Wenatchee District then seasonal employees 2,500 are needed seasonally for Wenatchee. Stemilt is the largest Cherry producer in our valley and then they others make up the rest. When shipping fruit the Wenatchee District ships out 140,000 truckloads of fruit per year. That equates to 540 truckloads out of the state every day, 5 days a week, 52 weeks per year that tells us that 90% of domestic shipments are transported by truck.
October 7, 2011 - EHS Football Coach Doug McGill & WHS Football Coach Scott Devereaux
McGill has been the Head Coach at EHS for the past 8 years. He brought 4 players, Christian Baker, Berlie Walker, John Weaver, and Lucas McGill with him. He has a great group of kids who are not only great players and students, but are also great citizens.
Devereaux has been the Head Coach at WHS for the past 8 years also. They were league champs in 2007 & 2009. He brought 2 players with him, Chris Woodard and Connor Black. The Panthers are a young team but are figuring out how to group up quickly.
September 30, 2011
Lions Car Decals - PR Chairman of Lions MD 19 would like to encourage all Lions to display a decal in the window of their vehicle as well as the "We Serve" license plate frames. Patti has them for purchase $10.
Lilac Service for the Blind of Wenatchee - looking for volunteers to hang sheetrock, tape and prep walls in their office. Contact Carolyn Sibert at 425-330-4232
Frank Serratori - USAF Hockey
Frank is the head coach for the United States Air Force Academy Hockey team. He has been the coach for 15 years after coaching at other locations throughout the United States and Canada. He chose USAF Academy to have a location for his family to stay in one area for a longer period of time than they have. He has 4 kids and his boys also participate in the hockey program like the kids on the Wild team.
The hockey team currently has 3 Wild team members on his hockey team and Frank will be getting 2 more Wild players next year. When recruiting players they have to be good, healthy US citizens. They also have to accept a 5 year commitment with the military once they are done with school. It is a good way to progress in their life once they are done with school.
The USAF Academy only takes 1,000 students a year and just this year they had 12,000 applications to their school. Shows how things are going in our society. Makes for a good deal for some of these kids if they can get in since they get a free education and then they have a job and a career once they graduate.
September 23, 2011
Lions Car Decals - PR Chairman of Lions MD 19 would like to encourage all Lions to display a decal in the window of their vehicle. Patti has them for purchase $10.
Member Ethnic Days - Buell Hawkins talked about his background with his mother being from the Phillipines and his father who was a merchant marine. Barbara Dower talked about being Jewish in our community. Mike Teaney talked about his time with the New York Yankees, and Mary Thresher arrived in costume as a French General and Emporer and talked about her French roots.
September 9, 2011
Van Doren Sales started in 1946 and is a family run business that specializes in handling and packaging equipment for the fruit industry. They employ over 100 people and just opened up a small office last December in Yakima. The pre-sizing technology they have developed allows the scanning of 10 pieces of fruit per second to weigh, check for color/blemishes and even check the condition internally. Huge thanks to Brett and Brad VanDoren for taking their time to show us what they do and thanks to Avis Scharleau for her wonderful homemade pies!
September 2, 2011
Marsha Clute with the Chelan Co. Fair was our program and let us know what will be happening at the upcoming 2011 Fair. Carnival, Magician Jeff Evans, Cook's Racing Pigs, and three animal shows.
Also, Zone Chair David Severance sent out a huge thanks to all our Club Officers. He has a few ideas for our upcoming year: petition drive for the centennial coin, Lion for a Life, Helen Keller Awareness Club which works to assure that every school and library in our zone has works by Keller as part of their collection. Thanks David and we look forward to the upcoming year!!
August 19, 2011 - ALCOA Field Trip
The ALCOA facility is located on 2500 acres, 64 of which is leased fruit orchards. They employ 467 people with 23 smelters on 5 continents and 9 refineries on 4 continents. The Wenatchee location opened in 1952. ALCOA employees volunteer about 126,000 in our community since 2002.
August 12, 2011 - Kids Day and Chelan/Douglas Canine Units
Thanks to all the kids that participated!! Chelan and Douglas Counties had two dogs on hand to demonstrate their skills.
August 5, 2011 - Doug Brantiette, Canyon B Bridge Project
Bidding started June 15, 2010 and was awarded July 13, 2010. Construction began August 8, 2010 and should be completed by December 2012, although they are ahead of schedule and think they will be done in 2011. Once bridge is finished, construction will begin to connect the Eastmont Road Project with the Odobashian Bridge and the entire project should be finished by April 2013.
Original estimate was over $9 million, but Cascade Bridge came in at just under $6 million. 300 tons of steel is used in the arch as well as 3,000 cubic yards of concrete. The bridge will have 4 lanes and a meridian to accommodate large use. For more info, plese visit www.douglascountywa.net and click on the Canyon B Bridge Project.
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Upcoming Meetings
February 24
Grief Place with Karen Sheppard
(formerly Good Grief Center)
March 2
Wenatchee Human Society with Christi Maroney
March 9
Ethnic Days
March 16
Wenatchee Valley College Men's & Women's Basketball Coaches
March 23
Diabetes Auction with Peggi Moxley
March 30
ELECTIONS!!!
April 9
Wenatchee Empty Bowls with Annie Thompson
New Projects
4th Tuesday of each month
Noon - 1pm @ WA Trust Bank in E. Wenatchee
Board Meetings
1st & 3rd Monday of each month
Noon at The Roaster
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by Fridays at Noon for the Newsletter
OR
jenniferd@appleblossom.org
anytime for the Website
Club Welfare
Lori Reed, Chairperson
670-4012 or lorir@mitchellreedinsurance.com
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