100 volunteers turned out for our Rotary packaging event with Meals of Hope on February 25, 2020. We were able to package 30,000 meals that will stay within Burke County to help local citizens.

In an effort to assist citizens in our community that are in need of transportation in order to secure employment (primarily in a homeless situation or in transitional housing) we are spearheading a project to provide free bicycles. This enables these individuals to be better able to provide for themselves and their families.  We are working directly with David Burleson at Burke Mission Station to identify individuals that would benefit from this program.

In addition to providing a bicycle, each recipient will receive a bike helmet and a lock.  Plans are to provide a brief bike safety/basic maintenance training class as a requirement to receive the bike.

Donations for the following can be used and will be greatly appreciated: 

• New or used 26 – 28 inch adult bicycles
• Adult bike helmets
• Bike chain/lock
• Bicycle tire pump
• Packaged Trail Mix

Please direct inquires or questions to Annette Brinkley cell# 828-612-2781. Donations may be dropped off at Brinkley Insurance Agency and Bingham Storage in Valdese or can be picked up.

The 3rd Annual CART (Coins for Alzheimer’s Research Trust) Dinner will be held on Tuesday evening. Tickets must be purchased in advance for $20 from Bruce B.

At today’s meeting, we awarded a few of our scholarships that we maintain through our endowment at CFBC.

Emily Baker – DHS – forensic science at WCU – $2000 over 4 years
Lindsey Cales – EBHS – nursing at Caldwell CC – $2000 over 4 years
Courtney Hildebran – non-traditional scholarship – LRU – $500

We will also be awarding 4 $500 scholarships to Hallyburton Academy and a $500 to a DHS STRIVE Student.

To help Valdese Celebrate its 125th Anniversary, we will be volunteering at this event. We need 8 people 8:30-12:30 and 8 people 12:00-4:00 on Saturday, June 2.

In order for our members to attend Noon Holy Week Services, we changed our regular Noon meeting to a morning social at a new bakery in town. We had coffee and muffins and enjoyed learning about each other’s lives at the moment. But, then we started talking about fundraising!!

In late January, Rotarians Ted and Vivian attended the Central American Projects Fair in Belize City. This was a continuation of a Rotary Friendship Exchange. Ted and Vivian have visited Belize before, Rotarians from that region have visited Valdese, we support a scholar from that region who attends WCU.

On Saturday, March 17, 6 HMS and 1 Rotarian helped First Baptist Church of Icard with their Community Consignment Sale from Noon – 4pm.

For our March 16, HMS Interact Meeting, President Beth brought in Tim Pons, the Aquatics and Fitness Supervisor at the Valdese Rec. Tim talked about his start at community college, then working, then going back to get his 4 year degree and then working different jobs until he landed his dream job.

Past Valdese Rotarian and Morganton Mayor Ronnie gave us an update on what is happening in Morganton. From the skateboard park, to 2 new hotels to a streetscape project, Morganton has a lot happening.

Summary of Address