Former District Governor Don Gregory will give us a look at how Rotary Foundation funds are raised and distributed, including insights about how local clubs can participate.

Rainier Valley's Mardi Gras event is scheduled for February 13 at the Quarnstroms' home. But what is it about this 800-year-old festival that makes it so popular? From Venice to Rio, Carnival and Mardi Gras have a strong tradition of masks, costumes, food, music, parades, balls, and commerce. Bring your questions.

This is our second session of food preparation for the Teen Night at Rainier Valley Recreation center. For some kids this meal is the best food they get all week.
When: 6:30 p.m.
Where: Rainier Valley Rec. Center - 4600 38th Ave. South

Come discuss what service and other projects Rainier Valley Rotary is undertaking in 2010. Bring your comments about 2009's projects - what did you love? What didn't work? What would you like to see in the future? How much are you willing to help?

Want to suggest a project? A simple Project Proposal Template can be downloaded and completed. To do so, click this site's "Club Programs" drop down menu (above) and select "Club Proposal - Template."

Amendment Two of the U.S. Constitution: "A well regulated Militia, being necessary to the security of a free State, the right of the people to keep and bear Arms, shall not be infringed." Did the framers of our constitution consider gun violence when they gave us all this right? What's a citizen to do in 2010 Seattle, in order to diminish gun violence in their neighborhood? Come join us to hear Mark Pursley, Gun Violence Prevention Coordinator, City of Seattle. Bring your questions!

Kerry Gutknecht works in Congressperson Jay Inslee's office in Washington, DC. Do you know of anyone who's felt frustrated, trying to influence legislation? Do you know of a teen or college student who's considering a career in government service? Here's an opportunity to bring them, and bring your questions about influencing government, or what it takes to stumble into this line of work.

Howard Cohen is Vocational Service chair for Rotary District 5030 for 2009-10. Many wonder what Vocational Service is, really. How do we perform service to/for our/others vocations? What's this about? Best practices? Spreading word about what a chiropractor or lawyer or schoolteacher really does day-to-day? Come hear Howard's definition and bring questions. Is it OK to network for business leads in Rotary? How do you use Rotary to build your leadership skills? We'll find out on December 15.

Rainier Valley Rotary Meets at Kalliloo
3820 South Ferdinand Street
in Columbia City
Plenty of free parking before our meeting
starts at 7:30 a.m.
We'll have a cup of coffee and a light breakfast for you!
http://rainiervalleyrotary.org/?q=system/files/images/KallilooMap.jpg

On a visit to PageAhead, our support partner for our Fall kids book drive, I was amazed at rows and rows of bookshelves full of books - on their way to being distributed to elementary school kids around the area.

Dr. Montgomery's book, published in 2007, details the link between the preservation of topsoil and sustained economic balance. "NUMEROUS ancient civilisations crashed when their soils turned to dust under sustained cultivation. Not China. The Chinese have been farming their fields intensively for 4000 years. What did they do right?" - New Scientist.
READ THIS REVIEW OF Dr. Montgomery's Book