July 1, 1978 - June 30 1979

President: Ray Shutt
Vice Pres: Richard Harris
Secretary: Gary Mertes
Exec. Secretary: Carol Norton
Apple Seed: Dave Gellatly
District Governor: A. Bert Christianson, Ellensburg, WA

Attendance: 89.12%
New Members: 13
Members Lost: 21
Members end of the year: 167

Incoming President, Ray Shutt, and Rotary Ann, Ruth, as well as R. I. Director Ed Cadman and Mary Jean, attended the Rotary International Convention in Tokyo May 14-18. The convention was attended by 40,155 Rotarians, 30,190 of whom were from Japan. President Clem Renouf announced the theme to be "Reach Out." Following the convention the R. I. Board elected Ed Cadman Vice President of Rotary International, a well deserved honor for Ed and a privilege for Wenatchee Rotary. Also busy with Rotary International duties was Past President and Past District Governor Lev Craven who was Treasurer for the R. I. Institute in San Diego in January.

John Manhart accepted two-year chairmanship of a Rotary 75th Anniversary "Health, Hunger and Humanity" program which resulted in 82 Wenatchee Rotarians contributing over $1,500 to make Wenatchee a "Banner" club.

Four long-time Rotarians passed away during the year: Willard Cedergreen, Hans Sierk, Phil Isaminger and Harry Hunter.

We had many interesting programs through the efforts of Walt Riesen, Chairman and his Program Committee. Some were: Joe Brownlow, Manager of the Apple Commission, spoke on marketing apples in Saudi Arabia; Judge Charles Cone spoke on current criticism of the legal profession; Edward McMillian, Chief Economist, Rainier Bank, spoke on inflation; Fred McGee, Controller for Coca Cola of Wenatchee gave a "short course in embezzlement;" local football coaches, Lee Bofto, Sam Beasley and Sandy Cooprider gave their usual interesting program to kickoff the football season. The Wenatchee High School music department put on an outstanding "Sounds of Christmas" program.

Interesting historical programs included Captain Russ Fritz's presentation "Audio-Visual Tour of the Columbia;" John Brown, Wenatchee Valley College, presented an early history of the Northwest; Bill Steward reviewed our own NCW Museum.

An old-fashioned birthday party commemorated the Club's 58th Anniversary. The menu included hot dogs, baked beans, ice cream and cake. Everyone wore a party hat, and there were many advertising give-aways. Gus Noyd looked into his crystal ball and concluded that 179 Wenatchee Rotary members represent 2,345 years of service. Paul Scea and Don Pybus reviewed the Club's history. Later in the year Paul and Don were cited for their 50 years of service to Rotary.

June 14, Flag Day, was Advertising Day at Rotary. Business cards were used for the door prize drawings, donated products of the members. Gag gifts were given to various Rotarians. Art Ludwick gave his second classification talk, "From the Waist Down."

A member of the Group Study Exchange Team to England last year, Gary Peterson, gave a most enlightening report on his experience. A similar team, from India, visited the Wenatchee Club during their spring trip, and was a "highlight" of the District Conference in Ellensburg. The Conference was attended by President Ray, President-Elect Dick and their Rotary Anns.

Newly retired, Walt Stelter, was kept busy as chairman of the Youth Exchange Committee. Two Wenatchee students were outbound: Greg Schoemaker to Japan and Joni Holland to Argentina. At the same time Andra Bramforth from Australia and Virat Poonotok from Thailand were visitors to Wenatchee.

Fund-raising activities included the annual Suit Sale, bringing in $1,481.43, Apple Blossom button sale and the Pot of Gold. A new fund raiser was introduced by President Ray where Rotarians visiting foreign countries were asked to bring back a gift which was auctioned off to raise money for the club.

The year was ended with a gala party night where incoming President Dick Harris was welcomed and President Ray was given a fitting departure. The event was produced by Past President Bill Walter.