The Alaska State Defense Force (ASDF) is a volunteer organization whose primary role is to augment and support the Alaska National Guard. Their soldiers are equipped and trained for various missions including communications, emergency management, medical, logistical support, chaplaincy, and shelter management.
February is Peace & Conflict Prevention/Resolution Month.
Clean water, sanitation, and hygiene education are basic necessities for a healthy environment and a productive life. When people have access to clean water and sanitation, waterborne diseases decrease, children stay healthier and attend school more regularly, and mothers can spend less time carrying water and more time helping their families.
To read more about Rotary's efforts surrounding clean water and sanitation, check out their website.
No More Mat-Su's second annual event, Rock the Resilience, was a great success!
The event focused on the theme "What is Love?" and in that spirit had performances from middle and high school groups throughout the Valley focusing on love and resilience.
Dispersed throughout the performances were love quotes and videos about love. To see the entire collection of "What is Love" videos, photos, and more, find No More Mat-So on Facebook.
Our rose fundraiser is in full swing to support our Rotary Youth Exchange program. We have ordered 500 dozen roses. Please sell at least 10 dozen to ensure our fundraiser is a success!
In case you missed it
Check out the most recent Wasilla Sunrise Club happenings below - or visit the Club Facebook page to see more!
Pres. Janet presented a $5000 Club check to fellow Rotarian Rachel Sayen-Lambert, a board officer with the Williwaw’s Families for the Improvement of Safety& health (FISH). Our WSRC is now at full power working with FISH. Janet has established a working committee to coordinate with Williwaw for the construction of the playground.
In December, our Club and members of our Club donated over $2,000 to support the building of wells and bathrooms in Cambodia through One Degree Forward. Pam and Jerry corresponded with the founder Tim Ellison and wanted to use this as the Club’s international service project for the year. Rotary – People of Action!
No More Mat-Su's Youth-led Board has been nominated for a Spirit of Youth Humanitarian Award to recognize their local work to prevent and reduce domestic violence and sexual assault in the Mat-Su.
Spirit of Youth is dedicated to creating, promoting and recognizing youth involvement in communities across Alaska. Each young person or group who is nominated receives a congratulations packet from Spirit of Youth and a certificate, which is presented at a public gathering. Nominees are then eligible to be selected for the Spirit of Youth Award each year. Eight nominees are chosen by the Spirit of Youth Teen Advisory Council to receive the award. Group recipients receive a grant to support their efforts.
Stay tuned for more information about how this group of young people is being recognized for their hard work and dedication.
President Janet Kennedy recognized Debbie Bushnell as the February Rotarian of the Month for her work with No More Mat-Su and Youth Exchange. Thank you for your service to our community and for putting service above self!
upcoming speakers
03/05/19
Simon Brown
Alaska Defense Force
03/12/19
Reese Clayton & Ixaac Watkins
Wasilla Wonderland Skate Park
03/19/19
Aundra Jackson
Mat-Su MLK, Jr. Foundation
03/26/19
Michelle Overstreet
MY House
Events & Fellowship
03/06/19
Rotary Fireside
Bearpaw Brewery @ 6:30 p.m. Pizza will be provided by the club.
03/07/19 - 03/10/19
RYLA
Juneau, Alaska
RYLA promotes, encourages, and rewards outstanding young people who want to become better leaders. If you know of a youth interested in attending, contact Sherie Viera.
05/02/19 - 05/05/19
District 5010 Conference
Anchorage, AK
This will be a time for networking, reconnecting with friends, and finding inspiration for continuing service and community leaders with reports on the district, including its successes and challenges. There will be local and international speakers giving information on topics relevant to our district members, as well as events for new Rotarians.
Pirate Club word of the week
"Batten down the hatches!" :
A signal to prepare the ship for an upcoming storm.