Monday, October 26, 2015
August 27, 2015 meeting notes: Fourteen club members attended. We elected our officers, membership chairman and new at-large board member for 2015-16.
Our speaker was Mary Gilmore, NW MedStar Regional Membership Coordinator. She explained that NW MedStar provides helicopter, plane or ambulance transportation for medical emergencies, as requested by first responders. They respond with a critical care nurse/paramedic and respiratory therapist/EMT so they can "bring the ICU to the patient". They also have special pediatric staff for patients up to age 8. She explained that about 90% of their transports are from hospital to hospital, since the closest hospital may not be able to provide the care the patient requires. In Washington Harborview in Seattle is the only facility rated at the highest level of trauma care. At the next level down are Sacred Heart in Spokane and one facility in Tacoma. NW MedStar operates from bases in Tri-Cities, Spokane, Pullman-Moscow; Brewster, Moses Lake and Missoula, Montana and provide service into NE Oregon. They also have reciprocal agreements with 7 other medical transporters Idaho, Nevada, California and Oregon.
She explained that the average transport cost is $25,000 but membership covers all costs not paid by insurance/Medicare. Membership is $59/year (or $150/ 3 years) which covers the member and all family members who are eligible to be claimed as dependents on the member's tax return. There is a group membership option: if 10 or more group members pay through their group, the fees are $48/year or $126 for 3 years. NW MedStar has about 45,000 members.
August 20, 2105 meeting notes: Nineteen members heard a presentation from Beau Baldwin, head football coach at EWU. He noted that scrimmages are beginning and they have to be monitored to avoid overtraining and exposure to unhealthy air due to large wildfires in the region. He noted that the program emphasizes academic growth and (the entire EWU athletic program has averaged over a 3.0 gpa for 24 straight quarters) and social growth (how to respond to things that don't go right in the game and in life; how not to dwell on the past but learn from it and go forward). He noted that the Big Sky has 13 league teams and one non-league team. EWU's season has 12 games: 8 league games and 4 non-league.
Sunday, October 25, 2015
August 13, 2015 meeting notes: Sixteen club members and one guest attended. Our speaker was Todd Ableman, Director of Public Works for the City of Cheney. He talked about water usage and production. The city has 8 wells, one is being re-drilled and one is used exclusively for irrigating city parks. Only 2 wells are normally used from November through March. One possible solution to the current water shortage problem would be to use recycled water from the waste treatment plant to help irrigate city parks and school playing fields. EWU is on a separate system but the city is intertied with EWU.
August 6, 2015 meeting notes: Eighteen members attended. Our scheduled guest speaker did not arrive so we discussed plans for the August 12 picnic to celebrate the 100th anniversary of Kiwanis. Margie Lindner noted that the Coats 4 Kids organizational meeting will be on August 27 and she will attend it.
July 30, 2015 meeting notes:
Several Members of the East Spokane Kiwanis club visited, including incoming Lt. Governor Teresa Venne. She gave information on the upcoming division conference in Portland.
Our speaker was Kevin Robbins, retired US Army Sgt. Major and head of campus security at Community Colleges of Spokane. He noted that they are a security department, not a police department; they carry tazers and pepper spray but no firearms. He also talked about their emergency management plan and the reserve academy training that security staff receive.
Several Members of the East Spokane Kiwanis club visited, including incoming Lt. Governor Teresa Venne. She gave information on the upcoming division conference in Portland.
Our speaker was Kevin Robbins, retired US Army Sgt. Major and head of campus security at Community Colleges of Spokane. He noted that they are a security department, not a police department; they carry tazers and pepper spray but no firearms. He also talked about their emergency management plan and the reserve academy training that security staff receive.
July 23, 2015 meeting notes:
Our speaker was Craig Howard from Spokane Neighborhood Action Program (SNAP). This program serves Spokane county as well as the city. It is well known for providing weatherization assistance and financial help for paying for utilities and it actually offers about 35 programs ranging from financial counseling to microlending for small business to having a long term care ombudsman program. Their budget is around $22 million a year and typically about 18-22% of their budget is from donations. They served 44,000 people in 2014.
Thursday, September 17, 2015
July 16, 2015 meeting notes
Twenty-one members were present and heard a presentation from Dr. Mary Cullinan, President of EWU. She told us about some university highlights of the last year: EWU hosted the national undergraduate research symposium, hosted regional FIRST robotics competition for high school students and sponsored author Jared Diamond's presentation in Spokane. She noted that EWU has a unique stuttering clinic which is now 50 years old and has helped numerous people overcome stuttering. Tuition last year was $7,200, the lowest for state four year universities, and will decrease by 5% in 2015-16 and by 20% in 2016-17. Future plans call for replacing the Science Building, which is the oldest science building at a state university in Washington.
Twenty-one members were present and heard a presentation from Dr. Mary Cullinan, President of EWU. She told us about some university highlights of the last year: EWU hosted the national undergraduate research symposium, hosted regional FIRST robotics competition for high school students and sponsored author Jared Diamond's presentation in Spokane. She noted that EWU has a unique stuttering clinic which is now 50 years old and has helped numerous people overcome stuttering. Tuition last year was $7,200, the lowest for state four year universities, and will decrease by 5% in 2015-16 and by 20% in 2016-17. Future plans call for replacing the Science Building, which is the oldest science building at a state university in Washington.
July 9, 2015 meeting notes
Eighteen members were present and we had two speakers: Miss Cheney Rodeo, Elizabeth Wright and Miss Rodeo Washington, Kathleen Burke. Elizabeth Wright is a 2012 Cheney High graduate who will complete her associate degree at SFCC and then plans to apply to the WSU Veterinary School. Kathleen Burke will be one of 38 state rodeo queens competing later this year for Miss Rodeo USA. She attended Lewis and Clark High in Spokane and was a Key Club Lt. Governor while in high school. She graduated from Notre Dame with a degree in finance and is studying at Gonzaga Law School. She has recently returned from attending rodeos for two weeks in Canada.
Eighteen members were present and we had two speakers: Miss Cheney Rodeo, Elizabeth Wright and Miss Rodeo Washington, Kathleen Burke. Elizabeth Wright is a 2012 Cheney High graduate who will complete her associate degree at SFCC and then plans to apply to the WSU Veterinary School. Kathleen Burke will be one of 38 state rodeo queens competing later this year for Miss Rodeo USA. She attended Lewis and Clark High in Spokane and was a Key Club Lt. Governor while in high school. She graduated from Notre Dame with a degree in finance and is studying at Gonzaga Law School. She has recently returned from attending rodeos for two weeks in Canada.
July 2, 2015 meeting notes
Nineteen members were present and we heard a presentation by Catherine Nero Lowry, Supervisor at the Cheney Library. She told us about some of the programs offered by the County Library system: we can book a librarian for a half-hour, one-on-one session to learn how to use Kindles; there is on line access for small business help, resume building and other work or business skill building. Children's learning programs include Lego building for creativity and STEM development and Prime Time, which focuses on children who need reading help. Prime Time is grant funded and provides dinner to the child and parents, teaches parents how to help their child become a better reader and gives books to the participating children.
Nineteen members were present and we heard a presentation by Catherine Nero Lowry, Supervisor at the Cheney Library. She told us about some of the programs offered by the County Library system: we can book a librarian for a half-hour, one-on-one session to learn how to use Kindles; there is on line access for small business help, resume building and other work or business skill building. Children's learning programs include Lego building for creativity and STEM development and Prime Time, which focuses on children who need reading help. Prime Time is grant funded and provides dinner to the child and parents, teaches parents how to help their child become a better reader and gives books to the participating children.
Saturday, July 25, 2015
June 25, 2015 meeting:
Sixteen members were present. We discussed plans for an August 12 picnic to recognize the 100th anniversary of Kiwanis.
Our speaker was from Abuse Recovery Ministry Services. It is a faith based program that receives no state or federal funding. It offers a one year program to help abusive adults stop being abusers. She said that an adult who abuses a spouse is 70% more likely to abuse children. They also work with abuse victims to help them leave the situation and provide free advocacy for victims whose situations are processed through the Cheney Municipal Court. This is a regional organization and our speaker is the local representative.
June 18, 2015 meeting:
Nineteen members were present and our speaker was Brian Anderson who is part owner of the Holiday Inn Express and his wife owns Against the Grain gift shop.
He told us about the recent Mayfest celebration held in downtown Cheney on May 29 and 30. There was a free Friday night street dance and Saturday featured 3-on-3 basketball, a climbing wall, a petting zoo and a football toss among other events. The focus was on free family fun and most of the event's funding came from hotel taxes.
June 11, 2015 meeting:
There were 20 members present and we heard from Danielle Bento with the Spokane Prevent Suicide Coalition. She gave told us about risk factors and told us that 91 suicides happened in 2014 in Spokane and 22 veterans commit suicide every day in the US.
She said warning signs can be remembered by the acronym of FACT: Feelings ( irritable/sad); Acts (remote/giving away possessions). Changes (in hygiene/school performance) and Threats (could be crisis events that threaten person's stablility such as death of a loved one or relationship break up).
If we suspect a person is considering suicide, we should approach the person and (1) show we care ("I noticed ____ and this worries me because _____.); (2) ask Are you thinking of suicide -- don't ask if (s)he is thinking of hurting themself because the person may think of suicide as an end of hurting and (3) call either 911 or 211 for emergency services.
There were 20 members present and we heard from Danielle Bento with the Spokane Prevent Suicide Coalition. She gave told us about risk factors and told us that 91 suicides happened in 2014 in Spokane and 22 veterans commit suicide every day in the US.
She said warning signs can be remembered by the acronym of FACT: Feelings ( irritable/sad); Acts (remote/giving away possessions). Changes (in hygiene/school performance) and Threats (could be crisis events that threaten person's stablility such as death of a loved one or relationship break up).
If we suspect a person is considering suicide, we should approach the person and (1) show we care ("I noticed ____ and this worries me because _____.); (2) ask Are you thinking of suicide -- don't ask if (s)he is thinking of hurting themself because the person may think of suicide as an end of hurting and (3) call either 911 or 211 for emergency services.
Wednesday, June 10, 2015
June 4, 2015 meeting:
There were 21 members present, including our new member, Mark.
A club member, Denise Bennett, gave a presentation on alpacas. She explained that they are related to llamas and camels but are smaller and more docile. They weigh up to 150 pounds and are raised for their fur (fleece). Unlike wool, the fleece does not contain lanolin and the hair has smooth scales. They need to be sheared once a year to help them avoid overheating in summer.
May 28, 2015 meeting: Twenty members were present. In club business it was reported that 8 members planted flowers for our Kiwanis One Day activity and there will be an interclub to East Spokane Kiwanis Club on June 4 at noon.
Our speaker was Jack Smith, owner of the Cheney SNAP fitness center. SNAP fitness is located in over 10 countries and has about 2000 locations. Members have an access card that allows use of any center at any time. Cheney has about 800 members and he will be opening a SNAP fitness center in Medical Lake this fall.
May 21, 2015: Eighteen members attended the meeting. Members are invited to plant flowers at the Cheney Care Center on May 23 at 10am. This will be followed at 11:30 with a pizza party to thank the Assisted Living residents who stuffed plastic eggs for the egg hunt.
Our speaker was Michael from the Christian Motorcycle Association (CMA). It is not a motorcycle club; it is an international organization that spreads Christianity worldwide. One way they do this is to provide transportation for local ministers in third world countries: they give everything from motorcycles to bicycles to horses and boats to ministers to help them travel.
Our speaker was Michael from the Christian Motorcycle Association (CMA). It is not a motorcycle club; it is an international organization that spreads Christianity worldwide. One way they do this is to provide transportation for local ministers in third world countries: they give everything from motorcycles to bicycles to horses and boats to ministers to help them travel.
Tuesday, June 9, 2015
May 14, 2015 meeting: Seventeen members attended; we changed the Kiwanis One day flower planting to May 23 and will also have a pizza thank you party that day for the Assisted Living residents who helped put candy into the plastic eggs for the Easter Egg hunt.
Our speaker was Tim Irgens, who is a certified strength and fitness specialist at Apex Physical Therapy. He talked about the components of fitness and recommends a varied exercise program at least three times a week to maintain fitness. Apex offers a one hour Senior Fit class 4 times a week and one club member who attends has been able to increase her bone density by participating in it.
May 7, 2015 meeting: The 19 members who attended heard a presentation from John Robertson, Program Director at the Crosswalk Teenage shelter in Spokane (kids from Cheney school district also are served). Their goal is to get kids ages 13-17 off the streets and break the cycle of homelessness; they have found that the majority of adult homeless people were homeless as kids. They partner with various organizations to provide a broad range of help from emergency shelter, meals and clothing to helping kids get GED certificates; helping with medical and dental care; substance abuse counseling and helping with cost of getting state ID cards. Volunteers are needed to help prepare meals and help with sports activities.
John provided a Crosswalk wish list: girls underwear and grooming products; boys underwear; feminine hygiene products; body wash and disposable shaving razors; socks; gently used clothes and shoes; bus passes and gift cards for movies, haircuts, food, books.etc. Items can be delivered to 525 West Second Street in Spokane.
We also discussed plans for the Blackhawk Golf Tourney and planting flowers at Cheney Care Center.
John provided a Crosswalk wish list: girls underwear and grooming products; boys underwear; feminine hygiene products; body wash and disposable shaving razors; socks; gently used clothes and shoes; bus passes and gift cards for movies, haircuts, food, books.etc. Items can be delivered to 525 West Second Street in Spokane.
We also discussed plans for the Blackhawk Golf Tourney and planting flowers at Cheney Care Center.
Saturday, May 23, 2015
April 30, 2015 meeting: There were 23 members at the meeting. Our speaker was Vince Barthels, a biologist with JUB engineers. The company works with smaller municipalities to plan public works projects and clients are located from Eastern Washington to Colorado. He said the current drought situation has helped with equipment and soil movement but causes problems for fish monitoring. He also mentioned the Washington Shoreline master plan which does not allow new railroad lines to be constructed within 200' of the high water mark of waterways.
April 16, 2015 meeting:
The meeting was called to order at 7am and 23 members were present. Rande is our new interclub organizer.
Our speaker was Jay McNall of the Spokane County Sheriff's Dept. The department currently has about 200 commissioned officers. Their training includes 6 months of academy work, 3-4 months of working with a training officer and one year of probation. He is a commander of SWAT teams and the team members have to meet special forces physical qualifications. SWAT teams are only used when there is violent, armed crime in progress or when there is a possible hostage situation. The county is #4 in the nation for stolen cars. Most theft is due to drug addicts; pawn shops have voluntarily agreed to report all items that are pawned (so it is critical to keep a record of serial numbers in case of theft). Meth is still the drug of choice but number of meth labs have dropped off due to harsh sentencing.
Sunday, April 12, 2015
April 9, 2015 meeting notes
The meeting was attended by 22 members and our speaker, Chris Donley from Washington State Fish and Wildlife.
We agreed to do plantings at the Care Center as our Kiwanis One Day activity.
Chris Donley told us about Fish Washington, a program to encourage sport fishing in Washington. The fishwashington website provides information on how to get licenses; fishing regulations and other information to help people learn about fishing in Washington State.
He explained that the Fish and Wildlife budget was cut by $58 million in 2008 when the recession began and their funding has remained low; they are using various marketing ideas to increase revenue from sport fishing licenses.
April 2, 2015 meeting notes
The meeting was attended by 22 members, 1 guest and our speaker, Carol Nettles of the Ladies and Gentlemen (volunteers) of the Washington State Veteran's Cemetery.
Departing member Steve was presented with a plaque.
Our next meeting will be at the Sessions Village Club House (2219 N 6th St.). A full breakfast with juice and/or coffee will be available for $10; coffee or juice for $1 each.
The meeting was attended by 22 members, 1 guest and our speaker, Carol Nettles of the Ladies and Gentlemen (volunteers) of the Washington State Veteran's Cemetery.
Departing member Steve was presented with a plaque.
Our next meeting will be at the Sessions Village Club House (2219 N 6th St.). A full breakfast with juice and/or coffee will be available for $10; coffee or juice for $1 each.
Thursday, April 9, 2015
March 26, 2105 meeting notes
The meeting was attended by 23 members, 1 guest and our speaker. Information about possibly meeting at Sessions Village was presented and discussed; other possible meeting locations were also mentioned.
Our speaker was Cheney Police Chief Hensley. He's been Chief for 3 years and the department was in good shape when he came. When he came, the city was divided into 7 sectors with one officer assigned to each due to limited staffing. This meant that sometimes the assigned officer was not on duty when a citizen reported a problem; also this focused more on officer recognized problems rather than citizen reported problems. Now there are no sectors; when a problem arises it is assigned to an officer and their partner also is aware so either can follow through. There has also been a change in response philosophy: no call is too small and officers are encouraged to slow down and fix the problem the first time. During the Chief's tenure the number of formal complaints per year has dropped from between 5 to 8 down to 1. The department is also the first Eastern Washington department to achieve accreditation, it passed recertification and has had 100% compliance for three consecutive years.
While staffing is still a challenge, it is now policy to have 2 officers on every shift with an increase to 3 officers on shift on Thursday, Friday and Saturday nights when EWU is in session.
He said the most reported problems are: (1) domestic violence - this includes roommate situations, (2) car burglaries and (3) alcohol and drug abuse. He also said that 96% of sexual assaults reported in the last 10 years were linked to alcohol/drug abuse.
The meeting was attended by 23 members, 1 guest and our speaker. Information about possibly meeting at Sessions Village was presented and discussed; other possible meeting locations were also mentioned.
Our speaker was Cheney Police Chief Hensley. He's been Chief for 3 years and the department was in good shape when he came. When he came, the city was divided into 7 sectors with one officer assigned to each due to limited staffing. This meant that sometimes the assigned officer was not on duty when a citizen reported a problem; also this focused more on officer recognized problems rather than citizen reported problems. Now there are no sectors; when a problem arises it is assigned to an officer and their partner also is aware so either can follow through. There has also been a change in response philosophy: no call is too small and officers are encouraged to slow down and fix the problem the first time. During the Chief's tenure the number of formal complaints per year has dropped from between 5 to 8 down to 1. The department is also the first Eastern Washington department to achieve accreditation, it passed recertification and has had 100% compliance for three consecutive years.
While staffing is still a challenge, it is now policy to have 2 officers on every shift with an increase to 3 officers on shift on Thursday, Friday and Saturday nights when EWU is in session.
He said the most reported problems are: (1) domestic violence - this includes roommate situations, (2) car burglaries and (3) alcohol and drug abuse. He also said that 96% of sexual assaults reported in the last 10 years were linked to alcohol/drug abuse.
March 19, 2015 meeting notes
We met again at the Cheney Library and the meeting was attended by 21 members plus our speaker.
Steve won the 50/50 draw. Bob presented his plans for the Kiwanis Egg Hunt on April 4.
Our speaker was Eric Williamson, air traffic controller. He has been a traffic controller since 1984, working for 27 years at Oakland, then at Grant County and coming to Spokane International(SIA) as a supervisor in 2012. The new Spokane tower is 271 feet tall and is the highest traffic control tower in Washington. The SIA runways are 11,001 and 9,000 feet long and the tower height allows them to see the full length of the runways (fog permitting). On a clear day they can see Steptoe Butte. They provide radar control for an area from Ritzville to Deer Park, east of Coeur d'Alene and South to Rosalia and also provide approach control for Missoula. He walked us through the various levels of traffic control, based on altitude and distance from the airport and said a typical commercial flight can involve 15-30 controllers. Controllers receive 5 years of training and must retire at age 56.
March 12, 2015 meeting notes
We met at the Cheney Library and had 22 members present; we welcomed Joyce as a new member.
Our speaker was Chris Youngs from Pure Joy Family farm, which is a marijuana growing business in Cheney Industrial Park. He emphasized that this is a family run business and they want to be a good community partner. The taxes collected on their product are earmarked for health benefits including addiction treatment and are to be returned to the communities that allow growers to operate. They have an agricultural rating; their edibles are produced in an inspected kitchen and they only sell plants on a wholesale basis. The THC content of their products is confirmed by independent lab tests and all plants are registered and tracked and currently they are required to deliver directly to retailers. They have state of the art security and growing systems.
We met at the Cheney Library and had 22 members present; we welcomed Joyce as a new member.
Our speaker was Chris Youngs from Pure Joy Family farm, which is a marijuana growing business in Cheney Industrial Park. He emphasized that this is a family run business and they want to be a good community partner. The taxes collected on their product are earmarked for health benefits including addiction treatment and are to be returned to the communities that allow growers to operate. They have an agricultural rating; their edibles are produced in an inspected kitchen and they only sell plants on a wholesale basis. The THC content of their products is confirmed by independent lab tests and all plants are registered and tracked and currently they are required to deliver directly to retailers. They have state of the art security and growing systems.
Thursday, March 12, 2015
March 5, 2015 meeting notes
We had 19 members plus 2 visitors from the Deer Park club and 2 visitors brought by Benji. Tony won the 50/50 drawing. Bob, from Deer Park, spoke about the Kiwanis International Eliminate project to provide tetanus vaccinations to 3rd world countries.
Our next 2 projects are the Easter Egg hunt which will be on April 4 and preparing a Ronald McDonald House Easter gift basket. Bob is organizing the hunt and displayed a sample of the signs he will have at the park. Margie is organizing the basket and asked members to think about donating money, restaurant gift cards or items when she knows the age of the child will receive the basket.
Our speaker was Steve Allen from Family Promise of Spokane. Family Promise is a nationwide organization of over 180 locations and works to keep families together and to help them become sufficient by providing temporary housing, food, transportation and other assistance. They only serve families with kids and do not accept adults with felony records or recent drug/alcohol abuse. Homeless families are assessed by the Salvation Army and referred to Family Promise which works with 34 area churches to provide the assistance. The program also continues to give guidance to families after they get their own homes. Of the families served in the last 6 years, about 82% are still in homes. Their annual budget is about $195,000 and about 70% of the money goes to programs. They are starting an online art sale program as a fundraiser.
We had 19 members plus 2 visitors from the Deer Park club and 2 visitors brought by Benji. Tony won the 50/50 drawing. Bob, from Deer Park, spoke about the Kiwanis International Eliminate project to provide tetanus vaccinations to 3rd world countries.
Our next 2 projects are the Easter Egg hunt which will be on April 4 and preparing a Ronald McDonald House Easter gift basket. Bob is organizing the hunt and displayed a sample of the signs he will have at the park. Margie is organizing the basket and asked members to think about donating money, restaurant gift cards or items when she knows the age of the child will receive the basket.
Our speaker was Steve Allen from Family Promise of Spokane. Family Promise is a nationwide organization of over 180 locations and works to keep families together and to help them become sufficient by providing temporary housing, food, transportation and other assistance. They only serve families with kids and do not accept adults with felony records or recent drug/alcohol abuse. Homeless families are assessed by the Salvation Army and referred to Family Promise which works with 34 area churches to provide the assistance. The program also continues to give guidance to families after they get their own homes. Of the families served in the last 6 years, about 82% are still in homes. Their annual budget is about $195,000 and about 70% of the money goes to programs. They are starting an online art sale program as a fundraiser.
Monday, March 2, 2015
February 26, 2015 meeting notes
We had 20 members and 5 guests (including our speaker) attending. John T won the 50/50 drawing.
Jeff Roberts, assistant Principal at Cheney High School, presented our students of the month. Caleb participated at several events at state swimming; he is a senior and plans to attend EWU. Michael participated in the state wrestling tournament.
Our speaker was Carol Beason, the director of Cheney Outreach. She explained that Outreach was established 25 years ago to provide emergency assistance to needy people. The people it serves go through a needs assessment and receive assistance with such things as bus passes and energy and rent assistance. Assistance amounts usually range from $75 for an individual up to $150 for a family. It serves part of the Cheney school district and helped 1964 households in 2014, including 2099 kids under 18. Assistance for children includes school supplies and parks and rec fees for sports or pool access.
Outreach has an annual budget of approximately $55,000 and has 1 paid employee and another employee funded by a community grant. It does not hold fundraisers but receives donations from 10 community churches, service clubs and sororities and fraternities.
Additional volunteer help is needed. Volunteers are asked to commit to 3 hours a month; they have a 4 week trial period and receive training for 3-6 months.
We had 20 members and 5 guests (including our speaker) attending. John T won the 50/50 drawing.
Jeff Roberts, assistant Principal at Cheney High School, presented our students of the month. Caleb participated at several events at state swimming; he is a senior and plans to attend EWU. Michael participated in the state wrestling tournament.
Our speaker was Carol Beason, the director of Cheney Outreach. She explained that Outreach was established 25 years ago to provide emergency assistance to needy people. The people it serves go through a needs assessment and receive assistance with such things as bus passes and energy and rent assistance. Assistance amounts usually range from $75 for an individual up to $150 for a family. It serves part of the Cheney school district and helped 1964 households in 2014, including 2099 kids under 18. Assistance for children includes school supplies and parks and rec fees for sports or pool access.
Outreach has an annual budget of approximately $55,000 and has 1 paid employee and another employee funded by a community grant. It does not hold fundraisers but receives donations from 10 community churches, service clubs and sororities and fraternities.
Additional volunteer help is needed. Volunteers are asked to commit to 3 hours a month; they have a 4 week trial period and receive training for 3-6 months.
Tuesday, February 24, 2015
February 19, 2015 meeting
There were 20 members, one guest and one guest speaker at the meeting. Our guest was is the assisted care resident who organizes the plastic egg preparers at the Cheney Care Center. Bob reported that 5 members will visit the Medical Lake club at noon on February 25 at the Pizza Factory.
Our speaker was Chris Cargill from the Washington Policy Center (WPC). The WPC is a non partisan, state wide public policy research group. He gave a legislative update and also spoke about an upcoming vote on increasing sales tax for STA services. He said that the voters have repeatedly approved a required 2/3 vote to implement any tax increases; the legislature is debating a 2/3 vote for 'brand new' taxes only. He reported that the Governor is proposing a gas tax hike of 11.5 cents per gallon (current state tax is 37.5 cents and federal tax is 18.4 cents) and the transportation budget he proposed with this tax would fully fund the North/South freeway in Spokane. The legislature is also debating implementation of a higher minimum wage (either $12 or $15 per hour). The average minimum wage earner's household income is approx. $47,000 due to other family members' earnings.
Regarding the vote on sales tax increase for STA: he said the increase is expected to provide $300 million and about $76 million would be used for an electric trolley line from Brown's Addition to Gonzaga and continuing on to SCC (6 mile distance). The WPC questions whether the trolley would generate significant increased ridership and also questions STA assertions that the trolley would enhance business development. When an electric trolley was implemented in Portland, Oregon economic development only happened in conjunction with government subsidies.
February 12, 2015 meeting
The meeting was attended by 18 members, about 6 visiting Kiwanians and two guest speakers. Jack Russell of the Spokane Valley club won the 50/50 drawing. Steve reported on Cheney High Key Club activities and Keith reported that the assisted living residents at Cheney Care Center are ready to help prepare the plastic eggs for the egg hunt in early April.
Our guest speakers were Dawna Reed and Debra Wheatly from H + R Block. Dawna gave background on the company - it is international; has existed since 1955 and the seasonal Cheney office has been open for 19 years. Debra is an enrolled agent and spoke about personal income tax return changes due to the Affordable Care Act. For 2014 there is a check box to indicate if taxpayers and dependents had insurance coverage in 2014. If someone has insurance through the Washington Health marketplace, they will get a form confirming 2014 coverage. For taxpayers who have other health coverage, they will get a confirming form starting in 2015. She explained that a taxpayer can be subject to penalties if any household member doesn't have coverage for the entire year. This applies to anyone under 21 who resides in your home and is supported by the taxpayer; it also includes anyone the taxpayer can claim as a dependent even if the taxpayer doesn't actually claim that person as a dependent. The penalty increases in 2015 and again in 2016.
February 5, 2015 meeting
There were 16 members plus the guest speaker at the meeting. Margie won the 50/50 drawing and donated her winnings to Feed Cheney. John Taves won the membership drawing.
Our speaker was Derrick Cutlip who works with two organizations to recruit foster parents in Washington. He explained that there is a great unmet need for foster parents. The State of Washington program includes background checks and two training sessions; there is some compensation for the parents and many times the foster parents adopt the children. The other organization is Safe Families for Children -- this is a church based volunteer organization. Foster parents are referred by member churches, go through background checks and self training; they are not compensated and fostering can range from just overnight to one year. Average fostering time is about 40 days.
There were 16 members plus the guest speaker at the meeting. Margie won the 50/50 drawing and donated her winnings to Feed Cheney. John Taves won the membership drawing.
Our speaker was Derrick Cutlip who works with two organizations to recruit foster parents in Washington. He explained that there is a great unmet need for foster parents. The State of Washington program includes background checks and two training sessions; there is some compensation for the parents and many times the foster parents adopt the children. The other organization is Safe Families for Children -- this is a church based volunteer organization. Foster parents are referred by member churches, go through background checks and self training; they are not compensated and fostering can range from just overnight to one year. Average fostering time is about 40 days.
Friday, January 30, 2015
January 29, 2015 meeting notes
The meeting was called to order at 7am by President Tom Whitfield. There were 18 members, 2 guests and 2 speakers present.
Our speakers were Debby Dotson and Chief Holloway from Spokane County Fire District 3. The district covers almost 560 square miles in southwest Spokane county. Within the district are many commercial businesses, farming, several large lakes and portions of Interstate 90 and State Route 195. District resources include about 7 full time staff, 120 volunteers, 10 stations and about 45 vehicles. They respond to over 1,350 calls a year; about 80% are emergency medical calls. To help contain costs, the district buys vehicle chassis and builds their own vehicles; they have also built 9 of their stations (for about the price of 6 commercially built stations). Stations are typically equipped with 1 command vehicle, 1 pumper tender and 1 emergency medical vehicle. Members asked how firefighting is coordinated between county districts and with DNR. Chief Holloway explained that DNR has responsibility for treed land and provides air and heavy equipment for firefighting. Both District 3 and DNR respond when appropriate and set up a unified command. The county fire districts have one dispatch center and one person is placed in charge of all county resources; the districts do not charge each other for their assistance.
The meeting was adjourned at 8 am.
The meeting was called to order at 7am by President Tom Whitfield. There were 18 members, 2 guests and 2 speakers present.
Our speakers were Debby Dotson and Chief Holloway from Spokane County Fire District 3. The district covers almost 560 square miles in southwest Spokane county. Within the district are many commercial businesses, farming, several large lakes and portions of Interstate 90 and State Route 195. District resources include about 7 full time staff, 120 volunteers, 10 stations and about 45 vehicles. They respond to over 1,350 calls a year; about 80% are emergency medical calls. To help contain costs, the district buys vehicle chassis and builds their own vehicles; they have also built 9 of their stations (for about the price of 6 commercially built stations). Stations are typically equipped with 1 command vehicle, 1 pumper tender and 1 emergency medical vehicle. Members asked how firefighting is coordinated between county districts and with DNR. Chief Holloway explained that DNR has responsibility for treed land and provides air and heavy equipment for firefighting. Both District 3 and DNR respond when appropriate and set up a unified command. The county fire districts have one dispatch center and one person is placed in charge of all county resources; the districts do not charge each other for their assistance.
The meeting was adjourned at 8 am.
Tuesday, January 27, 2015
January 22, 2015 meeting notes
The meeting was called to order at 7am by President Tom Whitfield. We had 17 members, three speakers and one guest attending.
Fred won the 50/50 drawing.
Margie reminded us that there is one more week for the membership drive.
Tom announced that there will be a membership campaign to try to get interest in reviving the EWU Circle K Club. The goal is to get the club started in spring quarter.
Our main presentation was by an instructor and a student from Moody Aviation. It has existed since 1946, is the largest training program in the world for missionary pilots and since 2005 about 50% of the pilots are trained in Spokane at Felts Field. They offer a 5 year program with religious study the first year, then 2 years for airframe and power plant maintenance and 2 years of pilot training. Graduates receive a 4 year Bachelor of Science degree, have FAA certifications for airframe and power plant maintenance and have private and commercial pilot's licenses. It is a strenuous program: the student who spoke is in his final term; he began in a class of 40 and only 4 are still in the program. The cost to students is just over $100,000; there is some financial assistance available.
Carol Kreigh from Feed Cheney spoke about their "Souper Bowl of Caring" fundraiser. Feed Cheney needs about $500 a month to operate; they feed an average of 130 people on the last Monday of each month and give out food to about 65 families.
The meeting was adjourned at 8 am.
January 15, 2015
The meeting was called to order at 7am by President Tom Whitfield. We had 19 members plus one guest.
John won the 50/50 and donated it to Feed Cheney.
Three new members were presented to the club and spoke briefly about themselves and their interests.
Margie reported that the membership campaign will continue through January and the prize drawing will be on the 1st Thursday in February. Whenever a member brings a guest, that member gets one entry into the drawing; prize is one-half of one year's dues.
At the January board meeting it was decided that the 1st quarter 2015 'quarter cup' donations will go to Cheney Outreach.
Fred announced that this Wednesday at 5:30 the Cheney HS FBLA will have social media/networking training available to community members.
Our speaker was Rande Lindner, who presented information on Civil Air Patrol. He explained that CAP has 3 primary functions: search and rescue, emergency services and cadet leadership training. It is for high school age students, is an auxillary of the Air Force and owns about 1000 aircraft nationwide. He explained that search and rescue activity is down due to cell phones and emergency beacons. When search and rescue happens, the county sheriff has ground control, the state aeronautics board runs the air search and the local fire districts provide medical care support when a rescue occurs. Emergency services include making sandbags when flooding is expected. He showed slides of some past airplane crash searches he participated in and we could see how hard it is to spot a crash from the air.
The meeting was adjourned at 8am.
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