Speaker

Dan Burns and Rob Molzahn, committee chairs of the Rotary Club of Newberg Early Birds, will present on the TotaChair, a lightweight, “tote-able” multi-use chair designed by Ken Austin, co-founder of A-dec. This innovative chair is fabricated and assembled by Rotarians volunteering their time and skills, and it is made available for mission outreach projects and local uses where portability is essential. The TotaChair is ideal for temporary settings in remote regions or local areas requiring mobility, enhancing the ability to provide essential services in diverse environments.

Ben Williams, resident of French Prairie and President of Friends of Historic Butteville, will present on the History of Agriculture in French Prairie and Oregon. Native American cultures thrived in French Prairie long before non-native settlers arrived. The area's unique characteristics attracted early settlers, particularly French-Canadian settlers in the 1830s, who, along with their Kalapuya wives, began farming near St. Paul. By the end of the 18th century, French Prairie had become Oregon’s most productive agricultural area, known for its wheat and hops production. This presentation will explore whether French Prairie will continue to play a central role in the State’s agricultural economy and heritage.

Sheriff Angela Brandenburg of the Clackamas County Sheriff’s Office (CCSO) will be giving an update on the CCSO. She will discuss her priorities for improving the department to meet public safety needs, focusing on transparency, accountability, and innovative approaches to law enforcement. This presentation will provide valuable insights into the latest developments and initiatives aimed at ensuring the safety and well-being of Clackamas County residents.

Jim Urquhart from the Donkey Sanctuary of Oregon will present on Caring for Special Needs Donkeys at Oregon Donkey Sanctuary. Since 2006, Jim and his wife Rhonda have transformed their 40-acre farm into a sanctuary for neglected and abused donkeys. They established Oregon Donkey Sanctuary Northwest in 2021, providing lifelong care for special needs donkeys with the help of dedicated volunteers. Each donkey has a unique story and personality, and the sanctuary aims to educate people on proper care and advance the status of donkeys. The ultimate goal is to create an equine therapy program named Pearl's Place, in memory of their beloved matriarch Pearl.

Shelley Kolb, a Community Educator with the Oregon and Southwest Washington Alzheimer’s Association, will present "Alzheimer’s Awareness." This insightful talk will delve into the growing crisis of Alzheimer’s disease, offering valuable knowledge on understanding, coping, and planning for this complex illness. The presentation will cover definitions of Alzheimer’s and dementia, risk factors, treatments, the ten early warning signs, and essential resources and support for patients and caregivers. Gain the tools you need to navigate the challenges of Alzheimer’s disease.

Exchange students, members, and visitors come together to share their favorite holiday traditions. This fun and engaging gathering provides an opportunity to learn about different cultures and celebrate the diversity within our community. Participants will share stories, dances, and even sample traditional holiday foods from around the world. Enjoy a unique chance to broaden your cultural horizons and revel in a festive atmosphere with friends and neighbors.

Kids younger than 5 can receive a free book every month from Dolly Parton's Imagination Library, but who covers the cost of these high-quality books, and does the program really work? Hilly Alexander, a Rotary Club of Wilsonville member, will discuss the program’s growth, which has resulted in over 247 million books being gifted worldwide. Hilly will also share how the program, managed locally by the Wilsonville Public Library Foundation and supported by the Wilsonville Rotary Foundation, has impacted the community and fostered a love of reading among children.

Rick Kemmer, Executive Director of Strong Harvest International, presents Unlocking Sustainable Change, offering a fresh perspective on poverty and the factors that keep people trapped in its cycle. He explores sustainable solutions that promote dignity and empower individuals, families, and communities for long-term growth.

The presentation will take place at Coffee Creek Correctional Facility (CCCF), Oregon's multi-custody prison housing all the state’s female adults in custody (AICs). During lunch at the facility, a couple of AICs will share their personal stories, followed by a tour led by Polly Rowland and Josie O'Leary. The tour will cover both sides of the facility, offering insight into programs that support rehabilitation and reintegration. Rotary will provide lunch, and attendees must complete a Law Enforcement Data System (LEDS) form by January 1, 2025, to attend the presentation. Request a LEDS form by emailing info@wilsonvillerotary.com