News and Notes From the Kingston North Kitsap Rotary Club Meeting Feb 23 (Feb 25, 2022)

News and Notes from Kingston North Kitsap Rotary Club's February 23 Meeting

Because the scheduled speaker at their Feb 23 meeting was unable to attend, Kingston North Kitsap Rotarians went into conversation about the many initiatives the Club is pursuing.

On behalf of Jackie Wood, President Chris Gilbreath reported the Youth Services Committee is again seeking applicants for the Club's academic and vocational scholarships.

"If you have someone who would be interested, ask them to visit the Club's website," said Gilbreath.

Kris Libby reminded Rotarians of the Club's next Kingston Order Bombing Run, Thurs, Feb 24, at Puerto Vallarta restaurant. All day, with special emphasis 6-8p.

Alice Amas told of the next Ale Trail Committee meeting Feb 23 at Westside Pizza in Kingston. Plans are underway to make the final Ale Trail year a good one for both hikers and partners.

The Club's International Committee has made grants to PARSA to assist its work with youth and women in Afghanistan, and to the Manzanillo Migrant Project in Mexico.

Doug Hallock reported the Scout Hall is still lacking an electrical OK, and a final occupancy permit, before it can be the scene, once again, of Scouts in action. Hallock further reported the building lacks a restroom facility, and that to add one would cost more than $30k. Fundraising for that will soon begin.

Mark Libby noted there will be a 10a work party Saturday, Feb 26, on the trails around Village Green. He said winter has not been too hard on the trails.

Ideas were shared on how to promote the Club's participation in the Kitsap Great Give event in April, to enhance the amount donated to the Club. Emily Froula will be essential in posting Club accomplishments on social media. Email will be sent with the same information to the Club's email lists. Additional ideas are welcomed.

Stan Mack reported on the recent Kingston Community Conversation, with results to be posted Mar 19. Stan agreed to share the information and results at a future joint club meeting.

How can a small, but mighty (Bill Maule's words) Club be so involved in its community. With caring, giving leadership and participation. That's how. It is the continuing story of the Kingston North Kitsap Rotary Club. And Club's like it around the world.

Scout Hall Rededicated

A gift of $14k from the Smiley Charitable Foundation to the Kingston North Kitsap Rotary Club was designated as "seed money" to jump-start fundraising for resoration of the Scout Hall in Kingston. Now, three-years in, the restoration was celebrated Saturday, Feb 12, neatly astride Feb 8, Scouting's official birthday. The project was fueled by donations from former scouts and interested locals, untold hours of donated labor, and in-kind donations of materials from local businesses. The result is a to-the-studs renovation of a building originally built in the early 1960's.

Troop 555 Scouts and Cub Pack 555 call this home. In 2019, Kingston North Kitsap Rotary Club's Board took action to become a charter organization of the local Pack and Troop. Rotarian Doug Hallock is the Club's charter partner representative. Under his guidance, and that of local Scout leaders, a committee was formed to direct the renovation. Hallock says "the outpouring of support for this project has been just amazing, people coming out of the woodwork to help." Here, Hallock speaks at the Feb 12 rededication event.

The building is officially named the Robert P. Smiley Boy Scout Hall, honoring the namesake of the man primarily responsible for the original Scout cabin. Smiley's son, Bob, spoke at the rededication ceremony, which was attended by more than one-hundred folks.

Notably, the restored Scout Hall has been placed on the Washington State Heritage Registry. Rotarian De' MacKinnon, of the Kingston Historical Society, spoke to the importance of such a designation.

Being active in Scouts gets kids out of the house, to learn skills, experience the outdoors, and understand the value of service to their community, all while being part of an active, fun group. Parents can go online to learn more at: bsascout.scouting.org. Or better yet, contact Kingston Scoutmaster John Strand (206-293-9528) for meeting information and to sign up for Scouts (John knows about Cubs and Boy Scouts - aka Scouts BSA - as girls are now welcome to join.