Club News

Rotarians from five mid-Valley clubs are working to raise $150,000 to build a picnic shelter at Willamette Community Park in southeast Corvallis. Pavers are being sold for $100 and $250 to help raise needed funds for the project. Already $28,000 has been raised. The project, sponsored by Rotary, the Benton County Foundation, and Corvallis Parks and Recreation, was featured in the Gazette Times. You can also find a pledge form on their Facebook page.

Joann Stutzman, RN, has taught more than 2,000 local women how to prevent breast cancer. But when The Corvallis Clinic nurse was asked to teach breast health classes to women in Ghana, she first asked if the women wanted that special type of instruction. The answer was a resounding “yes” and with that Project H.E.R. went international.

Stutzman shared the Ghana women’s story in preparation for breast cancer awareness month in October. She said that African women have been impacted significantly by the disease because of genetics and the environment. An awareness program, led by the Susan G. Komen for the Cure Foundation, is bring education and awareness to Ghana women.

Stutzman works with local breast cancer patients as part of Project H.E.R., a program that supports and mentors newly diagnosed breast cancer patients and survivors. The program, supported by Komen and The Corvallis Clinic Foundation, has been in existence for 10 years and served more than 2,000 patients. Oregon ranks fifth in the nation for prevalence of breast cancer.

The community will host Pink Week, Oct. 8-13, to be proclaimed by Mayor Julie Manning. During that week, Puttin’ on the Pink Education Day will be held October 10 and Puttin’ on the Pink Style Show will be held October 13. Everyone is encouraged to wear pink.

Bass fisherman can enjoy fishing in Mexico’s Lake Aquamilpa, catching record-high numbers of bass in one of the areas best bass fishing lakes in Mexico. Fishin Mission Adventures provides bass fishing trips, ranging from $750 to $14000.. Fishermen catch record-breaking numbers of bass., 150 2-10 pounds bass per boat are the norm.

Through their fishing trips, fishermen also provide support for the Casa de Ninos orphanage in Tepic, Mexico. Proceeds from fishing excursions help to support the orphanage and many fishermen go, not only to fish but also to help with the orphanage building projects.

Fishin Mission Adventures was founded by Dave and Barbara Sanders, Philomath, Oregon residents, who sold their Oregon home to help establish the orphanage. Their long-term goal is to help complete the orphanage building projects and develop the bass fishing business to provide ongoing income for the orphanage. To learn more, visit Fishin Mission Adventures.

The best burgers, dogs, potato salad and monster cookies were served to special guests who attended the annual Rotary picnic, Aug. 16, at Avery Park. Twenty-five special guests joined the event and shared stories with Greater Corvallis Rotarians. Among the chefs were President Rick Schroff, Bronwyn Evans, Toni Ryan and Mayor Julie Manning. All guests had a wonderful time. . .

When it is fair time, you can count on Rotary to participate. Each August Rotarians support the fair by helping as ticket takers. Rotarians from all Corvallis and Philomath clubs volunteer for shifts to man ticket booths. Not only does it help support the fair, but it is a great way to build comraderie.

In 2012, Rotarians enjoyed a taste of Benton County foods and beverages on Wednesday evening. Erin Haynes of the Thursday Rotary Club leads the Rotarians fair participation each year.

Twelve student athletes at Corvallis High School were selected to represent their sport as Rotary award winners. Students athletes were nominated by their coaches because of their athletic, scholastic and community achievements; then chosen by The Greater Corvallis Rotary Club, one for each spring sport.

Awards were presented at the annual Spring Sports Award Dessert on May 20.