Rotarian and Des Moines City Manager, Tony Piasecki presents scholarship to Natalie Welch

This past week, the Des Moines Dollars for Scholars held their annual reception at the Yacht Club to recognize local students who were awarded scholarship money.  This annual event is the culmination of a process that matches local college-bound students with Des Moines-area organizations that provide scholarships.

The Rotary Club of Des Moines awarded academic scholarships to Natalie Welch of Mt. Rainier High School and Jonathan Mountford of Kennedy High School.

Des Moines Dollars for Scholars is a locally operated and supported, nonprofit, tax-exempt scholarship foundation. Operated by an all-volunteer Board of Directors, the purpose of Dollars for Scholars is to expand access to educational opportunities by involving and assisting our community in the support of students and in the encouragement of educational achievement.

Piasecki presents scholarship to Jonathan Mountford

Dick Lee and David Endicott of Music4Life with Rotary Club of Des Moines President Catherine Carbone-Rogers

On Wednesday, May 1st, the Rotary Club of Des Moines presented a check for $10,400 to David Endicottt and Dick Lee of Highline Music4Life (HM4L).  Proceeds were raised from the Poverty Bay Blues & Brews Fest in August 2012.  Since it’s inception in 2011, HM4L has purchased over 200 new and gently used musical instruments for students in the Highline School District! Thanks to this program, music is alive and well in our schools! David Endicott and Dick LeeHighline Music4Life acquires musical instruments, gets them repaired if needed, and donates them free of charge to Highline Public Schools for use by students of low income families.  The programis sponsored in-part by the Rotary clubs of Des Moines, Burien-White Center and SeaTac and the Highline Public Schools.   “You don’t have to be a Rotarian to support Music4Life,” says Endicott.  “All that’s necessary is that you understand the unique value that instrumental music plays in the total education of a child.”

Currently, 75 percent of all fifth and sixth grade students in Highline Public Schools who participate in instrumental music programs are from families that are income-eligible. The Highline Music4Life™ initiative intends to assist half that number.

Besides the Highline program, Music4Life also operates programs supporting Seattle Public Schools and Shoreline Schools.  The program acquires used instruments from the garages or attics of adults who understand that their highest and best use is to put them back into play.  With adequate resources, Music4Life can also buy new musical instruments for school districts.

Music4Life enjoys the support of notable music advocates and other community leaders.  Gerard Schwarz, world-renowned conductor laureate of the Seattle Symphony Orchestra, endorsed the program, saying, “This wonderful program begins with children in elementary school at a time when, if they’re interested and talented in any way, they have the greatest chance of success. Many people tell me of the impact that direct knowledge of instrumental music has had on their lives. We intend to give this advantage to all our children.”

For more information about the Highline Music4Life and the Rotary Club of Des Moines, please visit  http://www.highlinemusic4life.org/ and www.dmrotary.org.  Photo courtesy of  Lisa Meinecke, Public Image Chair.

On Wednesday, April 30th, Steve Swank, Community Service Chair of the Rotary Club of Des Moines, presented the Phil Swanberg Essay Award to three Pacific Middle School students!  The Phil Swanberg Essay Award Contest was created posthumously in honor of Phil Swanberg, who was a active member of the Rotary Club of Des Moines and instrumental in the development of this essay contest.  This is the fifteenth year the club has given out this illustrious award. Throughout the years, the club has received hundreds of essays from applicants who have written incredible and thoughtful essays which have touched on a number of topics, such as societal issues or personal experiences.  The winners are chosen  based on their ability to express their views in a clear and concise manner through their writing skills.

The success of the Phil Swanberg Essay Contest is also directly related to the continued effort and support which the Des Moines Rotary Club receives from the Eighth Grade Language Arts staff at Pacific Middle School.  For more information on the Rotary Club of Des Moines, please visit www.dmrotary.org.

Photo courtesy of Lisa Meinecke

The Rotary Club of Des Moines announced this week that over $44,000  was raised at the 9th Annual Poverty Bay Wine Festival, which was held at the Landmark Event Center March 1-3. 

Over 1,500 people attended the festival, and proceeds raised will be used to fund local community and international projects during the 2013-14 Rotary calendar year. Past projects funded include the 3rd Grade Dictionary Project, Des Moines Park & Recreation after school programs, Des Moines Food Bank, Highline Community College Scholarships,  and Northwest Harvest.

Thank you again for your support of the Rotary Club of Des Moines and for all that you do to make our community a better place to live and work.  We look forward to seeing you all at the 10th Annual Poverty Bay Wine Festival (February 28-March 2), which will also include the First Annual Poverty Bay Film Festival!

The Rotary Club would also like to extend a HUGE thanks to our Event Sponsors who partnered with us:

• Powell Homes
• Landmark Event Center
• Waterland Blog

Their contribution and support was key to our success!

Photo courtesy of Lisa Meinecke, Public Image Chair.

Leilamarie Martinez

When I was first offered the opportunity to go the 2013 RYLA I was extremely excited, but as the event got nearer I became nervous since no one else from my school would be attending. With my palms sweating, teeth clenched, and holding my breath anxiously, I strolled up to the Pacific Lutheran University Olson Auditorium.  Before I was ready,  my mom pretty much kicked me out of the car along with my luggage and drove off leaving me overwhelmed and alone in front of the large building. Looking at me you wouldn’t be able to see the inner turmoil I was going through since I tried to remain expressionless. Numbly walking towards the door, insecure thoughts were racing through my brain like I’m not going to know anyone there, What if I look stupid, What if do something embarrassing like trip and fall on my face, What if I can’t make friends?! Taking a deep breath I yank the door open and freeze up. Everyone was huddled up in groups talking and my heart sank. I felt like it would be awkward to barge into a group uninvited, but before I had a chance think about it anymore, all the groups turned over to look at me. I wanted to cry. However, it was not because I was sad or scared. I wanted to cry because I was relieved. Every single face in the room had a smile on it. Although some of them looked exhausted, they still put on a very sincere smile. Then all of a sudden, I had groups of different people approaching me and asking me for my name then introducing themselves. They showed me where to check in and get my materials and did their best to make me feel welcomed. That’s when I knew that this weekend would be absolutely unforgettable.  Everyone had such a strong presence and it was easy to see why they were chosen to attend. During the RYLA, we all got very close through games, trust exercises, meals, and chatting. For the first time, I felt like if it was with these people, I could show my true self without any restraint because I knew I would be accepted without prejudice. That’s just how we were. It didn’t matter where you were from, what you believe in, what your goals were, or how talented you were. It didn’t change the fact that we were all there to learn, not just how to lead, but also how to connect with others, starting with each other. I know that during my time there, I have made lifelong friends that I trust completely. Not to mention that most of us live in different areas, some even live in different countries (like the exchange students). So, I feel like no matter where I go I will always have a friend I can rely on.

As for the actual content of the RYLA, there were many motivational speakers that moved our hearts. They taught us no matter what hardships we may face, there will always be a way to overcome them. Which sounds like just another overused motivational saying, but coming from them gave it a whole new meaning. For example, one of the most memorable speakers for me was the Vietnam War Veteran, Jim Martinson. He was drafted and lost both his legs and right index finger in the war. However, that did little to quell his passion for skiing. It had actually just motivated him to create something amazing that had not only changed his life, but many others’, the monoski. It is a ski for disabled people and his company continuously develops to be more effective and comfortable for its users. Mr. Martinson used his design and even won gold in the Paralympics in 2008. The way he followed his dream without giving up, despite the enormous hurdle he faced, was truly awe inspiring. I admire him and all the speakers at the RYLA. Each of them went through such difficult challenges, but came out of it as a better person. I can’t express how grateful I am to them for taking the time to teach us what they have learned. I hope that in the future I will be able to touch people the way they have touched me.

While I loved the speakers, as a teenager I can’t help but appreciate the fun quirks of the RYLA too. We played so many “games”. There were organized activities like the dance, skits, group puzzles, trust exercises (which were scary but fun) and there was recreational time. The very first night there was a speaker that did an interactive magic show, involving a bunny we could pet. Afterwards, a lot of us played in the gym with borrowed equipment, rather than sleeping (I’m a little sorry towards our poor counselors since we never wanted to sleep). The second day during the trust games, I was lifted up horizontally about 6 feet above the ground by six other teens. It was definitely terrifying, but afterwards I felt like I could trust them a bit more since they hadn’t dropped me. They also taught me how to play Ultimate Frisbee (although I think some of the more athletic guys had purposely let me get a couple of free goals) but during the game no one kept score so it was like we had all won. Many adults may think that our generation isn’t very kind or respectful, but if they were present at the RYLA I can guarantee that their views would change. I myself never thought that it would be possible to gather such a large group of kind, caring, respectful, young leaders in one place. The RYLA is truly something special and unique.

There is still so much that happened that I would like to share (I didn’t even get to talk about the food!), but then I may end up writing a novel. So, I kept it short with a few of my favorite memories even though they don’t do the actual RYLA justice, I hope it gives everyone a little insight on how awesome and ENTHUSIASTIC! it was(the word “enthusiastic” is a 2013 RYLA insider and anyone from the RYLA would not be able to read, hear, or say it without smiling).

I would like to sincerely thank the Rotary Club of Des Moines for sending me. How grateful I am cannot be fairly expressed by words. It was a once in a lifetime experience and opportunity. It brings tears to my eyes every time I think about the parting hour. I didn’t want to ever leave and I am not alone in this feeling. Many of us cried and exchanged contact info, even creating our own private page for 2013 RYLA attendees, in hopes of having a reunion in the near future. The RYLA is such a wonderful program, that I hope many more teens will receive the same opportunity I had. Again, thank you so much Des Moines Rotary!

Submitted by:  Leilamarie Martinez, Rotary Club of Des Moines Interact Student

Brooks and Todd Powell

Well, the Powell brothers and their crews have done it again!! Proving that they are truly the premier homebuilder/renovation/remodel contractor in the area, they recently achieved a high honor: They were recognized as one of the nation’s Top 100 remodeling contractors by Professional Remodeler magazine. They were one of only two contractors in Washington State to achieve this distinction. This is a big deal!! Thousands of construction companies exist and many are terrific, but to stand at the front of the pack is pretty amazing. However, not altogether surprising…they have been doing this for years…

For 104 years, Powell Custom Homes and Renovations have served the greater Seattle area and its people. They have built, upgraded, updated and repaired homes for folks with their unique brand of experience and integrity. And they do all of this with a smile and a genuinely fun, can-do attitude. As evidence of this, here’s what some real customers have said about their real experiences working with  Brooks and Todd Powell and their crews:

“Thank you for your responsiveness to our request for repairs. We were definitely impressed with how smoothly you handled this.”

“Powell’s sense of good design transformed a set of blueprints into a sensible and yet great-looking home that fit my tastes. When the house was completed I got a great house and a great value.”

“Thank you for the beautiful house and wonderful service. When the time comes for us to get a new house, we will look you up.”

“It is rare to find a business that stands behind its product as Powell does. We strongly recommend your company to anyone in search of a quality outfit.”

The Powell’s place in business is well-established and well-documented: They are at the top. What is not as widely known is their place in the community. Again, they are at the top.

Once again, they are a key sponsor of this year’s Poverty Bay Wine Festival, which is the Rotary Club of Des Moines’ largest fundraising event. This event supports Rotary projects, local

Sponsors of the Poverty Bay Wine Festival

and international, throughout the year. Without the efforts and commitment of the Powell brothers, this event and virtually every other event in Des Moines would be less. In addition to the Wine Festival, they contribute significantly to: Poverty Bay Blues and Brews, Fireworks Over Des Moines, Des Moines Marina Car and Boat Show, Waterland Parade, Destination Des Moines Sweetheart Ball…and more…

At the cornerstone of their charity is a belief in building good communities and being a “catalyst for contribution to the community.” Leading by example, Brooks Powell said their goal is to “use business as a springboard to give back” and to hopefully inspire others to do the same. Understanding that service comes in many shapes and forms and that needs exist in many places, the Powells hope to demonstrate that service can and should be an important element of any good business. Again, they are leading by example.

Exemplifying their motto of “live life to the fullest”, they work hard and give much and are a fantastic model of how to truly and deliberately create good communities. This is not simply puffy, butt-kissing hyperbole. They DO THIS!! They REALLY DO THIS!! Good people doing good business making a better world. It’s who they are and what they do. As a resident and beneficiary of their efforts, I am grateful.

Sooo, show your support for their efforts by thinking of them should you need help with a project or by buying a ticket to the Poverty Bay Wine Festival or volunteer at a school or donate to the Des Moines Food Bank or “fill in the blank”…infinite ways to give are there. DO SOMETHING. We are better for it and YOU are better for it. Create your own legacy and “live life to the fullest”!!!! It’s what we all should do.

For more information about the Poverty Bay Wine Festival or to purchase tickets, please visit http://dmrotary.org/poverty-bay-wine-festival/

Article submitted by Dave Markwell of the Rotary Club of Des Moines.  See Dave’s weekly column on the Waterland blog!

The Poverty Bay Wine Festival is thrilled to have Seattle based band Mealfrog perform on Saturday, March 2nd at 4:30 pm at the Landmark on the Sound Event Center in Des Moines.  Mealfrog is a six member band formed in 2008  The band explores many genres in their music  from reggae, rock, folk, funk, to acoustic.

During an recent interview in August 2012 with Nicolas Mirabelli, a writer for Chic Galleria, an online Fashion and Lifestyle magazine, the band was asked if the Seattle Music Scene inspired their music.  Band lead, Jason Riemath replied,  “Absolutely, it’s impossible for it not too.  Living here our whole lives, we have been hearing about the grunge scene, Jimmy, the EMP right next to the Space Needle to remind everyone about the music scene that really made Seattle the place for music.  Venues like the Crocodile, Tractor, The Comet, Neumos, The Paramount, Showbox, Danny’s Pup, The Vogue…another list that could go on and on where you could see bands like Pearl Jam, Nirvana, Soundgarden, Mother Love Bone, and Mudhoney”.  Mealfrog is also inspired through a joint love for bands like Bruce Springsteen, Dave Matthews Band, Ben Harper, Pearl Jam, Red Hot Chili Peppers, Soundgarden, The Zac Brown Band and many others. This certainly rings true when you listen to their albums or hear them perform live.

The group’s passion for music is evident.  When asked about their love for music, Riemath stated, “I think we all have always had that inner tractor beam pulling us to music.  I know that’s a typical answer but you just are.  It’s that weird tingly feeling you get in the pit of your stomach, like an athlete gets when they watch an amazing documentary on sports, or how a new doctor gets excited while watching a complicated surgery.  You have that inner feeling that just says, “I have to do this”, “I don’t care what it takes”, and “I will make this happen”.  When you get that feeling, don’t ignore it, embrace it and it will lead you to some amazing discoveries about yourself.”

The band recently released a new music video entitled “Hey Girl” which can be viewed below.

With Mealfrog’s faithful fan-base rapidly expanding and the group’s resume continuing to build, the buzz for this band is tangible in the northwest and primed to grow into something special.  Come see for yourself.

The complete entertainment line up can be found on http://www.dmrotary.org/winefestival.php.

Tickets for the Poverty Bay Wine Festival are on sale now – $25.00 in advance and $30.00 at the door.  Major Sponsors of the event are Powell Homes, Landmark on the Sound Event Center, Waterland Blog, Warm 106.9 and Click 98.9.

To purchase tickets please visit www.dmrotary.org.

By now, you have heard all about the amazing wineries to be featured at the Poverty Bay Wine Festival.  And, yes , it’s true – we have 25 premier Northwest wineries featured this year, such as Five Star Cellars to Coyote Canyon Winery.  But did you know that we also have some incredible eateries at the festival that are sure to make your mouth water?

Back by popular demand, is the Poverty Bay Bistro, which is operated by Rotarian Vince Koester, owner of Koester Landscape Management.  Those who know Vince, know that his true passion is cooking. When asked  why a man who has spent his life in commercial landscaping would want to manage , Vince replied “There is really nothing that pleases me more than making people happy through my cooking”.  Vince can make a mean burger and is always on the lookout for the perfect burger!  Some of the menu choices at the Poverty Bay Bistro will be grilled chicken salad, sauteed garlic prawns, beef stroganoff, a panini sandwiche and (of course!) a mean cheeseburger.  All net proceeds from the restaurant will go to fund the charitable projects of the Rotary Club of Des Moines.

New to the festival this year is Act 3 Catering.  Act 3 Catering has been serving the Greater Seattle and Tacoma area for over 25 years. They are a family owned and operated business welcoming you to share with their  passion for great food at an affordable price.  The company provides highly skilled and innovative chefs and are well known for their catering skills at weddings, special events and corporate parties.  Visit them at the wine festival and check out their incredible soup and sandwich offerings.

Other food merchants available at the wine festival include:

• Scotch & Vine Restaurant and Bar
• Redondo Fred Meyer Deli
• M&T Smoked Products
• Forte Chocolates

So when you come to the 9th Annual Poverty Bay Wine Festival — make sure that you come with an empty stomach!

For more information about the Poverty Bay Wine Festival or to purchase tickets, please visit www.dmrotary.org.

2012 Poverty Bay Wine Festival

A couple of years ago, we ran this article.  With a just few updates, it still rings true!The Top 10 Reasons to attend the 9th Annual Poverty Bay Wine Festival, coming to the Landmark on the Sound Event Center the weekend of March 1-3rd:

(drum roll, please)

10. Tastings from 25 Northwest wineries, each sampling two or three  wines.

9.  Live music! Including The Fabulous Roof Shakers, Carrie Clark, Meal Frog, Chad McCullough Trio, and Pearl Django .

8. If you’ve never been inside Landmark on the Sound Event Center, you owe it to  yourself to see this magnificent architectural treasure.

7. Where else are you going to get wine, food, and live music all  afternoon for $25?  It’s still the best deal in town!

6. Proceeds  support all the projects of the Rotary Club of Des Moines,  including  college scholarships, help for the hungry and homeless, and support for school children.

5.  The Rotary Club of Des Moines also reaches all around the world helping people   in Haiti, the Philippines, Nepal, and many other countries with our  international projects.

4. Did  I mention the food? Fresh bread, cheese, smoked salmon, Scotch & Vine, Forte chocolate, and our very own Poverty Bay Bistro featuring mouthwatering burgers, prawns and pasta.

3. As a bonus, we’ll have three car shows: Triumphs and Corvettes on Saturday  and Mini Coopers on Sunday.

2.  A special announcement on Opening night that you will not want to miss! Shhh…..

And the number one reason not to miss the Poverty Bay Wine  Festival…

1. Not only will you be having a great  time, you’ll be doing something good for our community and our  world!

For more information about the Poverty Bay Wine Festival or to purchase your tickets , please visit http://dmrotary.org/poverty-bay-wine-festival/

Landmark on the Sound Event Center

There are dozens of reasons to come to the 9th Annual Poverty Bay Wine Festival, which runs March 1-3;  from the 25 Northwest premiere wineries, various local cuisines,  live musical entertainment, three car shows,  as well as the fantastic causes this event supports for the community.

Another huge reason to attend this event is that it is being held in the Landmark on The Sound Event Center, a grand, historic building that once served as the Masonic Retirement Center of Washington. Built in 1926, this majestic, six-story, castle-like building is so cool that you can get lost just walking around admiring it.  The Landmark on the Sound Event is the perfect place to host a wine festival, but it is also a magical place to celebrate a wedding, Golden Anniversary, Senior Prom or a company party.  The staff at the Landmark are happy to offer several grand rooms and portions of the grounds of the beautiful campus for special occasion use. The auditorium, commercial kitchen, living room, banquet hall, library, rose garden, front lawn, and picnic grounds are available for daily rentals. Areas can be rented out individually, or can be combined for larger events. They also have meeting room space available for groups as small as 8 in their cozy library to as many as 200 in theater seating in the auditorium.    With its beautiful grounds, stunning views of the Puget Sound and ornate architecture, it truly is the Castle on the Hill.

2012 Poverty Bay Wine Festival

The Rotary Club of Des Moines has held the Poverty Bay Wine Festival in this historic site for the last five years.  For more information on the Poverty Bay Wine Festival or to order tickets, please visit www.dmrotary.org.