Emily Bakhitah came to us via Zoom all the way from Kenya. She is the founder of Rise to Shine Education Foundation. The foundation funds education one student at a time to help him or her break out of the poverty cycle therefore having a ripple effect through the community in rural Kenya. It costs $650 per student per year to provide quality high school education and cover all the associated costs. Emily herself is a Rotarian and working collaboratively with other clubs to grow the foundation.
La Conner Rotary Club at the Anacortes Centennial Celebration 

Rotary Club of La Conner again held a successful Farmers and Merchant's night.
Organized by Doug Moore with kick off by club president Adam McGarity.
Organized by Doug Moore with kick off by club president Adam McGarity.

The speakers included:
- La Conner Superintendent of Schools Will Nelson started on math progress and five-year plan.
- Third-generation farmer and founder of Skagitonians to Preserve Farmland Dave Hedlin spoke about the history and future of farming in the Magic Skagit.

- University of Washington climate expert Dr. Guillaume Mauger discussed flooding threats.
- Outgoing four-term La Conner Mayor Ramon Hayes reviewed some of his accomplishments and concluded with 3 future challenges of Water, Sewer, and Flooding infrastructure.

For more details see the La Conner Weekly article:
https://www.laconnerweeklynews.com/story/2023/03/08/community/la-conner-rotary-serves-food-for-thought-at-merchants-and-farmers-dinner/8737.html
Mark Hulst is the Executive Director for the La Conner Chamber of Commerce, a lifelong Sedro Woolley and Mt. Vernon resident and was the owner of Bavarian Auto House for 14 years. He started Skagit Cellars in 2012 where he was chief wine maker and CFO. He also held 3 terms as Mayor of Mt Vernon, was on the Skagit Transit Board. Volunteers of American Board and President of Mt Vernon Chamber in 2010. He is married, has 3 sons and 7 grandchildren. He enjoys boating, fishing and gardening.

Mark shared that the most common question he gets asked is “why sell your business” and take on an Executive position at the Chamber of Commerce. The Chamber position allows him to take his Business and Politic experience and blend them – The Government side and the Business Side.
Mark had two priorities as he came into the Executive position.

Mark shared that the most common question he gets asked is “why sell your business” and take on an Executive position at the Chamber of Commerce. The Chamber position allows him to take his Business and Politic experience and blend them – The Government side and the Business Side.
Mark had two priorities as he came into the Executive position.
Nyamuswa Tanzania Grant Water Project update by Vicki Dilley and Moses Lauwo. They provided a thank you and shared updates to our Club for our Grant dollar donation.

You can see the installation of the very heavy overhead gravity water tanks and it includes the names of the Rotary Clubs who sponsored the project.


(Application Deadline is Feb. 21)

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We are a hands-on service club dedicated to improving lives locally and around the world. We do this by promoting and investing in literacy, public health and community service. We are the club people want to join, because we have fun while making a difference. Our La Conner Rotary Foundation is a 501(c)3 organization. Our tax ID# is 26-2730981. Learn More About Our Club
Please note that we meet most Mondays at The Farmhouse starting at 5:45pm. Please check the speaker list and/or event schedule for changes to the venue for the Monday meeting.
Service Above Self
Mount Vernon, WA 98273
United States of America