Speaker

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

Amanda Guile-Hinman and Jenny Tomka, co-executive directors of Reason to Run, will present their nonprofit organization’s running program, which has been operating at Coffee Creek Correctional Facility since 2015. The program offers an 8-week training course for adults in custody, culminating in a 5K race held inside the prison. Participants receive race bibs, post-race treats, and certificates to celebrate their achievements, and upon release, they are provided with a care package, including running shoes, socks, and a sports bra to support their continued wellness journey. To date, over 900 individuals have participated in the program, and more than 280 post-release care packages have been distributed.

Wilsonville High School and West Linn High School students from Error Code Xero, a local award-winning robotics team, will share how they design, build, and compete in international FIRST Robotics events. Learn how their team mission, "Building Robots, Building People," fosters technical skills and leadership through mentorship and community outreach.

Chris Reavis will explore the neuroscience of stress and how it affects both employee and family engagement. He will introduce empathy-driven strategies to diffuse fight/flight responses and activate new neural pathways, empowering individuals to better handle future stressors. Chris is the bestselling author of Boost Your BS Resilience At Work and Unleashed: What a Child with Autism Can Teach You.