On November 21st, at our regularly scheduled meeting, we welcomed Deanne Jackson, the Substance Abuse Prevention Coordinator for the Kitsap County Dept. of Human Services.The program known as the Kitsap Substance Abuse Prevention Coalition, is more than a job for Deanne, it is her passion.The Coalition is a partnership of state agencies, counties, schools and local prevention coalitions supporting communities in preventing alcohol and other drug abuse and its negative consequences.One of her favorite quotes by Mark Hyman sums it up:“The power of acommunity to create better health is far greater than any physician, clinic or hospital.”
Deanne discussed the need and importance of educating both youth and adults on underage substance abuse prevention. Some examples included the use of Vapors (an alternative to smoking cigarettes) at schools.Until recently, Vapors were not classified as an illegal substance on school premises. However, thanks to the continued efforts of the coalition and other agencies, by providing resources that included health studies on its dangers, Vapors were finally banned from school premises. Another example and hot topic affecting our youth is the illegal use of prescription drugs.How many of us have had prescribed pain killers from an old injury or an operation and we forgot to discard them? The Coalition teaches that properly disposing of prescription drugs eliminates access by youth and at the same time can protect the environment.
If you would like to learn more or to get involved, the coalition meets on the second Monday of the month at 1:00 p.m. For details on the location of the meetings and any other activities of the coalition, contact Deanne Jackson at 360-337-4878, or by e-mail atdmontgom@co.kitsap.wa.us.
Colleen Carey, the Executive Director of the Kingston Chamber of Commerce probably feels possessed with a sense of déjà vu when she speaks with a group of Kingston Rotarians. It is not just that she grew up in the community and has been a Chamber Executive for seven years. It is not just that she works so closely with many Rotarians on numerous community efforts. It is not even that it might be just another annual presentation at another lunch meeting with a sense that, “Did I already tell them this?” The reality is that Colleen directs a Chamber that is always striving to create new innovative ways to make Kingston interesting for those who live and visit our community. Her efforts are recognized and appreciated.
The numbers tell a part of the story. Carey shared that of the 240 Chamber members, over 50 percent are home-based businesses giving the operation a home-town feel. Despite that, the reality is that five million people a year ride the Washington State Ferries making it the number one tourist attraction in the State. With Kingston being a major location in the system we have opportunities to demonstrate our vitality. Last year, five thousand people visited our visitor center that is a part of the Chamber facility. Carey shared that while some believe visitor centers are obsolete because of smart phones, she believes more visitors are locating and wanting to get local information and perspective on area attractions from visitor center staff. Likewise, the Chamber has successfully applied for and received thirty thousand dollars in Lodging Tax revenue to fund their program.
A large part of the Chamber program involves Kingston area events. There is a long list of events that the Chamber sponsors or co-sponsors. To name just a few, the Kingston Cove Almost Summer Festival, the Fourth of July Festival and Parade, Pie in the Park, and Lights in the Park are all popular with locals and tourists. To assist with planning the Almost Summer Festival and the Fourth of July activities, the Chamber is presently seeking to hire a director. In addition, two contests have been initiated to insure that people thoroughly explore Kingston. One is the Kingston Trivia Game and the other is aimed at those who cannot get enough of Big Rocking Chairs.
Finally, the Chamber recognizes that the whole community’s efforts are needed to make Kingston the interesting and beautiful place it is. The Community Flower Baskets and the Holiday Swags are a wonderful reminder of that. Likewise, the upcoming December 1, Holiday Lighting Festival and activities demonstrate a true community holiday spirit. The Chamber is but a part of what makes Kingston much more than just interesting. But it is a very important part.
Please Welcome our Newest Members to the Kingston-NK Rotary Club!
Lori Buijten (l), Sally Christy, Membership Committee (lc), Mike Norris (rc), Barbara Aston (r)
The Kingston-NK Rotary Club initiated our newest members at our regular club meeting on 11/14/18. Lori Buijten joins our club as Assistant Director Special Education with the North Kitsap School District. Mike Norris, joins us as a retired contractor, fly fisherman and river guide. Barbara Aston, joins us as a retired teacher and volunteer. All three were inducted by our membership chair, Jennifer Carrier and membership co-chair Sally Christy. Don't forget to check out Mike's flashy shoes! Go Hawks!
District Foundation Chair Judy Byron presents Paul Harris awards to William Beaudoin (C) and Walt Elliott (R)
With November being Rotary Foundation Month, what better way to start than hosting Judy Byron, District Foundation Chair? Her main message was to be about District Grants but she shared a wealth of information about that and much more. In the end though, it was the grant information that will likely have the greatest impact on our members.
Though the reasons for joining Rotary are many, Byron shared that we become Rotarians by participating in activities that benefit our local and extended community. She acknowledged how active our club is and showed that we have been generous in our Foundation giving. Joining other Rotarians worldwide we act to end polio, clean water, strengthen local economies, create peace and in general change lives.
Foundation Grants, she explained are a very effective tool for obtaining our service objectives. She admitted that despite the more complex nature of the International Grants, our Kingston Club is utilizing global grants by teaming with other area Rotarians to fund projects. At the same time, we are funding a variety of local projects without getting the full benefit of Foundation funds. She stated we would do well to become qualified for District Grants. From Bryon’s discussion of Immunization Tours, Peace Scholarships, grant opportunities and so many other Foundation activities, the collective impact of the Rotary Foundation was clearly shown.
Silverdale Rotarians Jennifer Strong (l) and Erin Shannon (r) presented their club’s holiday fundraising project to Kingston North Kitsap Rotarians at their October 31 meeting in Kingston.Partnering with Lynch Creek Farm in Shelton, Wa, the Silverdale Club is making it possible for anyone, anywhere to purchase a fresh wreath, centerpiece, or garland for the holidays.20% of all sales go to organizations throughout Kitsap County that support homeless and neglected kids (organizations such as Coffee Oasis and Stand Up for Kids).Most wreath prices range from $45 to $65.Free shipping is included to anywhere in the contiguous U.S.To shop and make purchases, go to:www.RotaryWreaths.com.
New member Julie Fox gave her “classification” speech to Kingston North Kitsap Rotarians at their Halloween meeting, October 31 (classification speech is essentially “your story” and is part of becoming a blue badge member in Rotary). Promising no tricks or treats, Fox told her story.One of being the Mom of four children, the oldest having graduated from Lewis and Clark College in Portland, the youngest a junior at Kingston High School.While she recently transitioned to a new job involving data entry, allowing a more flexible schedule, she, for fifteen years, was involved as a physical therapist and trainer at Kitsap Physical Therapy. Julie continues to teach classes at KPT, including a “mean” spin class five days a week.She looks forward to being able to contribute more in her community and has been an essential part of the Club’s Kitsap Olympic Ale Trail committee.
Board meeting minutes are sent to all members in a bulk mailing. Should you wish to review a set of minutes you may not have saved, follow these steps to find them online.
Go to our website: Kingston-nkrotary.org
Login.
Next select “Member Area” from the top bar.
Scroll down under “My Clubrunner” and select “View Club Documents”.
Scroll down to the Board Minutes you wish to read.
You may recall the item submitted last year by Treasurer Gale Kirsopp, about Amazon Smile - where you can do your Amazon shopping AND make a contribution to our Rotary Foundation in the process! In case you haven't signed up yet - PLEASE do. Here is the link to set up your "Amazon Smile" account. After that it's just a matter of going to "smile.amazon.com" to do your Amazon shopping and your contribution will be automatic. There is NO extra cost to do this. Amazon is sharing their profit with us!