The Latest News from the "Make it Happen" Club
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.
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. 
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.
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.
Rotary Club of La Conner will sponsor two young adults (18-30) to attend a 4-day leadership conference May 12-15...the Rotary Youth Leadership Awards. Sponsorship covers the cost of registration, plus food and lodging during the event. Here is the application link to apply for sponsorship, plus more info:
(Application Deadline is Feb. 21) 
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.
 

Club Information
Rotary Club of La Conner

Service Above Self

We meet In Person
Mondays at 5:30 PM
Shawn O'Donnell's Farmhouse Restaurant
11376 LaConner-Whitney Rd
Mount Vernon, WA 98273
United States of America
5:30 - Set-Up, Social, Meal
6:00 - Formal Meeting
Note: 2nd Monday of the month is devoted to club business (Committee Reports & Boards), and may be conducted via Zoom. All members are invited, and welcome to attend.
Contact Us!
Mailing Address
PO Box 2111
La Conner, WA 98257
 
Email Address
click on the link to send us an email
Speakers
Jason Easton, Community Outreach Coordinator
Mar 27, 2023
North Star Whole-of-Government Resources Addressing Behavioral Health & Homelessness
TBD Speaker
Apr 03, 2023
All Member Meeting
Boards and Committee Chairs
Apr 10, 2023
Club Business - Hybrid Meeting
Terry Nelson
Apr 17, 2023
Skagit Valley Clean Energy Co-op - Solarize Skagit
Carol Hendricks
Apr 24, 2023
Days for Girls Snoqualmie
Barb Lupo and Jenn Lockwood
May 01, 2023
Brigid Collins Family Support Center
Boards and Committee Chairs
May 08, 2023
Club Business - Hybrid Meeting
Will Nelson, Superintendent
May 15, 2023
La Conner Public Schools
Audrey, Christi, Connie
May 22, 2023
Auction Preparation
No Meeting
May 29, 2023
Memorial Day
TBD Speaker
Jun 05, 2023
All Member Meeting
Boards and Committee Chairs
Jun 12, 2023
Club Business - Hybrid Meeting
TBD Speaker
Jun 19, 2023
All Member Meeting
TBD Speaker - Installation?
Jun 26, 2023
All Member Meeting
Upcoming Events
Club Executives & Directors
President
President Elect
Membership
Vice President
Past President
Secretary
Club Services
Treasurer
Community Services
International Projects
Vocational Services
Foundation
Foundation Vice President
Executive Secretary / Director