On Tuesday, December 17, 2024, our lunch speaker will be Anthony Poponi, and he’ll be talking about “Happiness & Resilience in the Workplace”. Anthony moved to Bend from Colorado in 2020. His career has included decades of work in the public and non-profit sectors. His experience specific to youth development includes serving as a school educator and working as staff for the Boys & Girls Clubs of Hawaii. Anthony has also been a foster parent twice and profoundly appreciates those who support youth in any capacity.

Currently, Anthony’s business, Focus on the 40, offers a mix of professional speaking services, workplace training, and workshops focused on the applied research of positive psychology: the study of human happiness.

Location: We’ll be in our usual room at the Riverhouse – Deschutes South.

Signup for lunch here.

This meeting will both in-person and virtual. We will record the presentation for others who aren’t able to attend at noon.

Join the Zoom Meeting here: RCGB Zoom Link

You can also call in to the meeting at (669) 900-9128 and enter meeting ID: 692 491 9146. If you’re asked, the passcode is 5110.

On Tuesday, December 3, 2024, our lunch speakers will be Karen Brockway, Lisa McCoy, and Megan Minkiewicz from Guide Dogs for the Blind. Guide Dogs for the Blind is a nonprofit organization with headquarters in San Rafael, California and a 50-acre campus in Boring, Oregon, which opened in 1995. GDB is the largest guide dog school in North America and has been raising and training guide dogs since 1942. Its mission is to empower lives by creating exceptional partnerships between people, dogs and communities.

Our speakers will be Karen Brockway (co-leader/puppy raiser), Lisa McCoy (co-leader/puppy raiser), and Megan Minkiewicz (puppy raiser). Between Megan, Lisa and Karen they have over 75 years involvement with Guide Dogs for the Blind. Lisa has raised 8 puppies, Megan has raised 19 puppies as an adult, she and her family have raised 43 dogs. Karen is currently raising her 10th pup.

They’ll be talking to us about the history of the organization, where the main campus is, what the puppy raisers do, and opportunities to work with their organization. We’ll also learn about the Bend Puppy Raising Club.

Location: We’ll be in our usual room at the Riverhouse – Deschutes South.

Signup for lunch here.

This meeting will both in-person and virtual. We will record the presentation for others who aren’t able to attend at noon.

Join the Zoom Meeting here: RCGB Zoom Link

You can also call in to the meeting at (669) 900-9128 and enter meeting ID: 692 491 9146. If you’re asked, the passcode is 5110.

On Tuesday, November 19, 2024, our lunch speaker will be Jon Stark, CEO of EDCO. Economic Development for Central Oregon (EDCO) is a non-profit corporation supported by private and public members and stakeholders. Their mission is to create a diversified local economy and a strong base of middle-class jobs in Central Oregon.

Jon is responsible for leading the organization in accomplishing its mission to create a diversified local economy and a strong base of middle-class jobs in Central Oregon.

Prior to taking the role as CEO, Jon was on EDCO’s leadership team as Sr. Director of Redmond Economic Development, Inc. (REDI) where he his role included recruiting, retention, and expansion of traded-sector businesses and assisting them with issues such as business finance, site selection and zoning, facilities development, manufacturing processes, product marketing, workforce training, attracting and retaining a labor force, and incentives for expansion and relocation in the City of Redmond.

Jon is a past President of the Oregon Economic Development Association (OEDA) and was honored with the “Economic Development Leader of the Year” award for Oregon in 2015. He served on the Redmond Chamber Board of Directors for two terms and chaired their Membership Committee in 2002. Additionally, he has played an active roll on the planning committee for Youth CareerConnect, the former Central Oregon Job and Career Expo, and the Bend Chamber Professional Development Council.

Location: We’ll be in our usual room at the Riverhouse – Deschutes South.

Signup for lunch here.

This meeting will both in-person and virtual. We will record the presentation for others who aren’t able to attend at noon.

Join the Zoom Meeting here: RCGB Zoom Link

You can also call in to the meeting at (669) 900-9128 and enter meeting ID: 692 491 9146. If you’re asked, the passcode is 5110.

On Tuesday, November 12 2024, our lunch program will be on our club’s Bill Berg Foundation, presented by Kyle Frick. The Foundation continues to grow and support annual local scholarships, youth programs such as The Gift of Literacy in collaboration with the club, and World Community Service funding.

Kyle will be presenting the financials and sharing how our members can contribute to the club legacy and future funding needs.

Location: We’ll be in our usual room at the Riverhouse – Deschutes South.

Signup for lunch here.

This meeting will both in-person and virtual. We will record the presentation for others who aren’t able to attend at noon.

Join the Zoom Meeting here: RCGB Zoom Link

You can also call in to the meeting at (669) 900-9128 and enter meeting ID: 692 491 9146. If you’re asked, the passcode is 5110.

On Tuesday, November 5, our lunch program will be a presentation from Katy Brooks, CEO, Bend Chamber of Commerce.

Her vision for the chamber is to catalyze an environment where businesses, their employees and the community thrive. The chamber supports a collaborative business environment and leads efforts to resolve on tough issues like the affordable housing and childcare shortage, assisting businesses with resources, and advocating for business at the local and state level.

Katy’s background in economic development, coalition-building and government relations enables her to understand public policies and issues in order to advocate for the businesses of Bend as well as forming partnerships and alliances that support a growing business community.

Her career has included over 20 years working in public affairs and economic development for the ports of Portland, Oregon and Vancouver, Washington. She has been a public affairs and strategic planning consultant for public and private organizations in Oregon, Washington and Alaska, and managed community relations for the Oregon Department of Transportation. Katy is a member of the Oregon State Early Learning Council and has served on numerous regional, state and city boards and committees. Prior to coming to Bend, Katy served on the public affairs committee of the Greater Vancouver Chamber of Commerce, and the board of directors for the Washington State Business Association.

Katy received a BS at Southern Oregon University with graduate studies at Portland State University. She has received extensive training in facilitating public issues and resolving conflict. She and her family reside in Bend.

Location: We’ll be the Riverhouse Convention Center this week.

Signup for lunch here.

This meeting will both in-person and virtual. We will record the presentation for others who aren’t able to attend at noon.

Join the Zoom Meeting here: RCGB Zoom Link

You can also call in to the meeting at (669) 900-9128 and enter meeting ID: 692 491 9146. If you’re asked, the passcode is 5110.

On Tuesday, October 22, our lunch program will be a review of candidates and ballot measures on the upcoming election, led by Neil Bryant.

About Neil Bryant

Neil arrived in Bend in August 1973 as a freshly minted Willamette University Law graduate with his wife, Mary, and a three year old daughter. He joined the firm of Gray, Fancher, Holmes and Hurley which morphed into the firm of Bryant, Lovlien and Jarvis. Neil practiced law for 45 years. The Bryants have two children and six adorable grandchildren.

Neil is a founder and past President of the Greater Bend Rotary, past President of the Bend Chamber, the Deschutes County Children and Families Commission, The Deschutes Children’s Foundation and Bend’s first urban renewal district. He has served on the board of OMSI, The High Desert Museum, the Oregon Progress Board, Partners in Care (hospice), and the Higher Education Coordinating Commission.

Politically, Neil served in the Oregon Senate from 1993 to 2001. He was a moderate Republican and was elected to the board of the National Conference of State Legislators.

Neil chaired numerous local bond campaigns for the school district, the city of Bend and the Bend Parks District. He is an instructor for leadership Bend.

Location: We’ll be in our usual room at the Riverhouse – Deschutes South.

Signup for lunch here.

This meeting will both in-person and virtual. We will record the presentation for others who aren’t able to attend at noon.

Join the Zoom Meeting here: RCGB Zoom Link

You can also call in to the meeting at (669) 900-9128 and enter meeting ID: 692 491 9146. If you’re asked, the passcode is 5110.

On Tuesday, October 15, our lunch program will be a presentation from Jane Falls, District 5110 Polio Plus Chair. Jane will talk about the PolioPlus Society, and will share a brief history, where we are now, Rotary’s critical role, and why we cannot stop until polio is fully eradicated worldwide. For a PolioPlus Society Membership form, click here.

Jane’s older sister contracted polio just before the vaccine was available. Her younger brother came home at birth with casts on each tiny leg and by the age of 3, was diagnosed with cerebral palsy. Her parents and grandparents were educators. Not surprisingly, Jane followed their example of service and giving.

Jane’s career centered on teaching people with disabilities and their families to live, work and play in the community first in Eugene School District, then at UO College of Education. She helped state departments of education implement special education laws throughout the US and Pacific jurisdictions (think Guam, Samoa, the islands of Micronesia). During the last 3 years of her career, she served the Springfield School District as Principal of Gateways High School and also set up a new online program for K-12 students. Jane has trained people with disabilities, families, and educators around the world.

Jane has been a member of Springfield Rotary Club since 2011 and served as the President in 2018-19. She now supports clubs in the district as Assistant Governor and is the District 5110 Polio Plus Chair. Service is her passion.

Jane is married to Alan Kelly who retired from the UO Biology Department and is now a builder. Daughter, Hannah Joy, has a Master’s in Peace and Conflict Resolution. Step-son, Austin is a sound engineer in LA.

Jane loves to hike, backpack, rock climbing, dance and serve her community.

We’ll be in our usual room at the Riverhouse – Deschutes South.

Signup for lunch here.

This meeting will both in-person and virtual. We will record the presentation for others who aren’t able to attend at noon.

Join the Zoom Meeting here: RCGB Zoom Link

You can also call in to the meeting at (669) 900-9128 and enter meeting ID: 692 491 9146. If you’re asked, the passcode is 5110.

On Tuesday, October 8, our lunch program will be an update on the evolution of the Perseverance Awards, which has recently expanded significantly to become the Axel F. Hoch Legacy Scholarships.

In what promises to be one of the year’s most inspiring programs, we want to invite people to come hear about the evolution of the Perseverance Awards, a scholarship designed to provide support for students of the Bend-La Pine School District who have overcome significant hardship and challenges (and a cause that our club has supported for many years).

Thanks to a significant bequest, this program has morphed into the Axel F. Hoch Legacy Scholarships and expanded to where we are now able to send multiple students off to college or trade school to complete their education with zero debt.

Please note: we’ll be over at the Riverhouse Convention Center this week.

Signup for lunch here.

This meeting will both in-person and virtual. We will record the presentation for others who aren’t able to attend at noon.

Join the Zoom Meeting here: RCGB Zoom Link

You can also call in to the meeting at (669) 900-9128 and enter meeting ID: 692 491 9146. If you’re asked, the passcode is 5110.

On Tuesday, October 1, our lunch program will be a debate between the two candidates for Deschutes County Sheriff: Kent Vander Kamp and William Bailey.

IMPORTANT: you MUST sign up (and sign up any guests you are bringing). Attendance will be limited to the first 74 people who sign up (that’s the max room capacity). Signup for lunch here.

Sergeant Kent Vander Kamp started his law enforcement career 20 years ago with the Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office as a volunteer Search and Rescue medic and Reserve Deputy Sheriff. He was hired as a Seasonal Special Services Deputy in 2006 and then as a Patrol Deputy in 2008. He was promoted to Sergeant in 2017. and Detective Sergeant in 2020.

Kent currently leads the Central Oregon Drug Enforcement Team (CODE), a multi-agency and multi-jurisdictional drug enforcement task force, as a Detective Sergeant. In addition to CODE, Kent currently leads the Deschutes County Illicit Marijuana Enforcement Team, the DCSO Drone program, and supervises the DCSO SWAT Team Paramedics.

He has also been recognized as a Cascade Business News “Top 40 under 40” leader, awarded the White House ONDCP 2020 Award for Outstanding Public Health/Public Safety in a Collaborative Effort, The Oregon HIDTA Award for Outstanding Investigation Impact by a CODE Investigation, the HIDTA Award for Outstanding Investigation Impact by a CODE Investigation, recognized by Mothers Against Drunk Driving, and the Deschutes County DUII Investigator of the Year.

William Bailey grew up on the Oregon coast, where worked at his mother’s restaurant as a teen, and on ocean charter boats during the summer. After graduating high school, he served in the US Coast Guard. During his 23+ year career DCSO he has had the honor of holding a number of assignments, giving him a broad range of experience and perspective throughout all three divisions. From Field Training Officer for both Corrections and the Patrol Divisions, training newly hired Deputy Sheriff’s, to Criminal and Street Crimes Detective, Patrol Sergeant, Administrative Sergeant, and Public Information Officer (PIO), Patrol Lieutenant, City of Sisters Station Lieutenant, and Administrative Lieutenant.

William Bailey currently serves as Captain over the Patrol Division, overseeing all patrol operations, three substations, City of Sisters and La Pine contracts, Records Unit, Civil Unit, Honor Guard, and Peer Support. William Bailey earned an Associates of Arts degree in Criminal Justice, and is a graduate of the International Public Safety Leadership and Ethics Institute (IPSLEI), Oregon State Sheriffs’ Association Command College, Oregon State Sheriffs’ Association New Sheriff Institute and the DPSST Detective Academy. He is also trained on Crisis Intervention (CIT).

William and Rachel have been married for 23+ years, raised two great kids, Kaitlyn and Graysen, and have two dogs, Sage and Ember, and a young granddaughter. As a family they enjoy all central Oregon’s outdoors has to offer.

We’ll be in our usual room at the Riverhouse – Deschutes South.

Signup for lunch here.

This meeting will both in-person and virtual. We will record the presentation for others who aren’t able to attend at noon.

Join the Zoom Meeting here: RCGB Zoom Link

You can also call in to the meeting at (669) 900-9128 and enter meeting ID: 692 491 9146. If you’re asked, the passcode is 5110.

On Tuesday, September 17, our lunch program will be a presentation about political polarization entitled “Bridging Divides”, from attorney Bill Howe. Developed for civic-minded and involved organizations and groups, Bridging Divides is a short presentation that first considers the current state of political polarization and how it creates policy gridlock and undermines democratic institutions. It then asks what individuals and organizations can do to work together despite differences so communities can move forward in a productive way and solve problems.

Bill Howe has practiced law for 47 years, which includes over 25 years devoted exclusively to family law with Gevurtz Menashe in Portland, Oregon. Bill has also devoted significant time to family court reform. He has been appointed by two Governors and several Chief Justices thru the years to lead family law and court reform efforts. Bill currently serves on the Board of SAGE (Senior Advocates for Generational Equity) and was instrumental in launching the SAGE Citizen Project.

We’ll be in our usual room at the Riverhouse – Deschutes South.

Signup for lunch here.

This meeting will both in-person and virtual. We will record the presentation for others who aren’t able to attend at noon.

Join the Zoom Meeting here: RCGB Zoom Link

You can also call in to the meeting at (669) 900-9128 and enter meeting ID: 692 491 9146. If you’re asked, the passcode is 5110.