Speaker

Retired Colonel Lynn Guenther, father of Wilsonville High School Head Football Coach Adam Guenther, will share his experiences from his time as a Forward Air Controller (FAC). His role shifted dramatically from engaging enemy targets to enduring a 414-day survival ordeal from December 26, 1971, to February 12, 1973. Through this challenging time, he discovered the indispensable value of faith, family, and friends, offering profound insights into resilience and the human spirit.

Rotarian David Niklas, President of WilsonvilleSTAGE, will share the transformative power of live theatre. David will explore how WilsonvilleSTAGE enhances the local arts scene, strengthens community ties, and supports artistic expression. He'll illustrate the profound impact of theatre on audiences through personal anecdotes and scientific studies, advocating for its vital role in our community.

Apryl Herron or Katie Knutsen from Clackamas County Public Health will discuss significant efforts to combat the overdose crisis, highlighting crucial public health strategies and community actions. Apryl leads the substance use and overdose prevention initiative, collaborating with first responders on Project Hope. Katie supports overdose prevention work, providing education, addressing stigma, and building community partnerships. Their combined efforts aim to enhance community-based solutions and support recovery.

Christine Smith, Neighborhood Trees Specialist and Education Coordinator from Friends of Trees, will share how the organization inspires people to improve their surroundings through tree planting. Friends of Trees organizes planting events, delivers trees, digs the holes, and makes it affordable for all homeowners, with trees costing just $35 or free for those with financial barriers. Homeowners receive a 6-foot tall tree, delivery, planting assistance, and follow-up care, all sourced from local farms. Volunteers simply sign up, show up dressed for the weather, and help green their neighborhoods, including in Wilsonville and other cities across Oregon and Washington.

Taylor Swan, Outreach Specialist of Energy Trust of Oregon, will present on how to reduce energy use and lower utility bills through home improvements and simple energy tips. This workshop equips homeowners and renters with the tools and knowledge to control their energy use, lower energy costs, and live more comfortably. Attendees will also learn about resources and funding available for energy-related home repairs and projects, providing valuable insights into cost-effective ways to make homes more energy-efficient and contribute to a greener environment.

Allison Hancock, Executive Director of Breast Friends in Tigard, will present on "Helping Women Survive the Trauma of Cancer, One Friend at a Time." Founded in 2000 by breast cancer survivors Becky Olson and Sharon Henifin, Breast Friends is dedicated to ensuring that no one faces a breast cancer diagnosis alone. The organization provides compassionate support, interactive programs, and a strong sense of community from diagnosis through thriving beyond. Breast Friends strives to be relevant, accessible, and inclusive, offering support and understanding to all individuals regardless of their stage in the breast cancer journey.

Ben Williams, a resident of French Prairie and President of Friends of Historic Butteville, will present on the history of Butteville and the Historic Butteville Store. Once a thriving port town and the "Hops capital of Oregon," Butteville faced decline with the arrival of the railroad around 1907, while Wilsonville benefitted from new transportation routes. The Butteville Store, the longest continuously operating retail establishment in Oregon, remains a significant landmark. Ben will explore the factors that fueled Wilsonville's success and contributed to Butteville's downturn, highlighting the region's past and ongoing preservation efforts.

Chase Morinaka, Rotary IDEA Task Force Co-Chair, will present on Inclusion, Diversity, Equity, & Accessibility (IDEA) within Rotary. He will discuss the core principles guiding Rotary's commitment to IDEA, including valuing diversity, recognizing barriers to participation and leadership for historically underrepresented groups, and advancing equity. Chase will emphasize the importance of appreciating individuality, fostering an inclusive culture where everyone feels valued and belongs, and maintaining transparency about Rotary's DEI journey, aligning with the organization's value of integrity.

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.