September 9, 2003

The Yakima Kiwanis membership will be requested on September 23, 2003, to vote on an increase in member dues. The proposed increase is $18.50 per year for all members. Annual member dues for general members would increase from $561.50 to $580 and senior members would increase from $106.50 to $125. The increase reflects the increase in dues from international and district recently passed.

Next week’s program will be a presentation from our own Gene Rostvold and guest Doug Allen. They will be telling us their Walleye fishing stories and where all the “hot spots” are.

Our invocator for the meeting was Vanetta Miller and Don Kohler did an excellent job calling Bingo.

Guests this week included Teresa Smith and Randy Johnson. Jon Ison tells us this is the last time he is bringing Randy as a guest because he is soon to be a new member. Way to Jon!

Wendy Aguilar represented the Club as a presentation of $1,700 was made to our YMCA to help the Y’s work with children. Representing the YMCA was Carol Cavanaugh and
Julie Brenerman.

It was a special day for all who attended our meeting. A George F. Hickson Award was presented to our very own Spencer Hatton. Spencer organized (a long – long time ago) the annual All-Valley High School choir recital held in the Capital Theatre. Spencer has done an incredible job of chairing this annual Kiwanis sponsored event and as a result hundreds of kids have had a marvelous experience of performing in a professional setting. Adults have been equally blessed to see and hear their children singing in the beautiful setting of the Capital Theatre. Spencer was also recognized for his many years of volunteer work in support of the special Olympics program. WAY TO GO SPENCER!!

Bingo Meister Jay Carroll encouraged all to sign up (often) to work the Kiwanis Bingo Tent at the Central Washington State Fair which is coming very soon. Day Captains and worker-bees are needed so be sure to sign up at the next meeting.

Russ Dix, incoming President, is looking for people to sign up for committee membership this upcoming year. All of our committees need active participants so find a couple of slots that are of interest to you and get your name down.

Lynn Smith, our Inter-Club Chair this month, is looking for folks and can use your help. Volunteering to attend other club meetings is a great way to network with other Kiwanians and get ideas for what might work with our Club. Please get in touch with Lynn for dates, and locations of meeting places.

Jon Ison was our Sergeant this week and did a great job by identifying people to donate their bucks “just because”.

Sally Baldwin introduced our guest speaker, Mary Place, Mayor of Yakima. Mary gave a “State of the City” address which identified a lot of the positive aspects of what is going on in Yakima. Some of the events that have taken place are:
· The Convention Center expansion that is just about complete.
· The selection of Lonny Suko to a Federal Judgeship will mean the Federal Courthouse and associated jobs will be retained in Yakima.
· The remodel of the Museum.
· New parks at Chesterly, Kissel and the new ball fields at Kiwanis Park.
· Yakima School District’s Wassell scores are improving.
· The Continuing Education building at YVCC is now complete.
· Client Logic and the 400+ jobs it brings to the community.
· The recent purchase of Providence Hospitals by HMA and their commitment for capital injection is a positive impact.

Mary also identified some of the challenges that Yakima is facing. They are
· The airport needs to expand to a 10,000’ runway from its’ present 7,200’ length. This would allow for larger commercial aircraft to use our facilities.
· The infrastructure of roads, railway under/over passes are in need of serious attention. Better east-west and north-south transportation alternatives need to be developed around the city.

The meeting was adjourned after a Q and A session with Mary. President Barb continues to be gavel deficient so alternative bell-ringing devices continue to be used.

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