Dr. David Chan of Northwest Smile Designs has agreed to host the Rotary Club of Three Creeks at his training center on third Thursdays until such a time that the club grows to need a bigger space.

We're grateful to Dr. Chan, a charter member of our club, who agreed to allow the club to meet there on third Thursdays.

This arrangement will begin with the third Thursday in March 2017 (March 16) after third-Thursday meetings at Washington State University Vancouver in January and February.

Northwest Smile Designs is located at 203 NE 179th Street, Ridgefield, WA 98642.

During Thursday's club meeting, Northwest Personal Training's Jolene Nelson shared some tips and thoughts about healthy eating, and how to not over-do it during the holidays.

Nelson, who was also introduced earlier in the evening as one of two proposed members to the club, also brought some yummy homemade vegan chili to share with everyone.

She shared thoughts about "free foods" and Weight Watchers options, and discussed the idea of taking a break between helpings - especially during Thanksgiving.

Exercise, certainly, also plays into it, even without going to a gym. Walking is an excellent opportunity for exercise without the need to invest in a gym membership, and is easy during the holidays. It's also good for a bit of a "mental health" break to help relieve stress.

Nelson offered the following as further tips:

• Free foods to fill up on before Thanksgiving dinner, or just in general. Click here.
  
• Weight Watchers' list. Click here.
  

She also shared the recipe to the vegan chili she brought to the meeting!

My version of Julie Hasson's Campfire Chili www.juliehasson.com
Serves 8
1 large or 2 small sweet onions
6 cloves of garlic, minced
1 bell pepper of any color (I used green)
4 - 5 cups hot water (out of the tap is fine)
2 (15oz) cans of Kidney beans drained and rinsed
1 (6oz) can tomato paste
3-6 table spoons braggs liquid aminos (you can use soy sauce)
1 tablespoon chili powder
1 tablespoon cocoa powder
2 teaspoons granulated onion
2 teaspoons ground cumin
2 teaspoons oregano
1 teaspoon fine sea salt
1 2/4 cups TVP (textured vegetable protein) found in bulk section of Fred's.

In a large saucepan water saute the garlic and onions until the onions begin to soften. about 5 minutes.  Add bell pepper and cook stirring for another 3 minutes.  Add the tomato paste and stir (there should be enough moisture so that it blends with the other ingredients) once the tomato paste is stirred in, add the hot water, beans, liquid aminos or soy sauce, chili powder, cocoa, granulated onion, cumin, oregano, and salt stirring very well.  Bring the mixture to a simmer.  Add the TVP and reduce heat to low.  Let the chili simmer over low heat partially covered for 15 minutes or until you are ready to eat it!  Adjust seasonings if needed and serve. 

At last night's meeting, President Susanne honored Kristi Straight and Nelson Holmberg with her first two "Rotarian of the Month" awards. Nelson for October 2016, and Kristi for November 2016. Both were recognized for their hard work in getting the club chartered and off the ground.

President Elect Nelson and Rotary Foundation Director Jim Selby presented President Susanne with recognition of her Bequest Society contribution to the Rotary Foundation at tonight's meeting. Thanks President Susanne, for all you do for Rotary, on the club, district and international levels!

This just in: Our program featured guest on Thursday, Nov. 17 will be Jolene Nelson of Northwest Personal Training. She will share a number of tips, and advice, about how to stay healthy and on track with your fitness goals over the holidays, despite the big family meals, and all of the sweets!

We will meet at Northwest Smile Designs (301 NE 179th St, Ridgefield, WA), beginning at 5:30 p.m.

If you're a member, we look forward to seeing you there. If you're not (or if you're a Rotarian from another club, in need of a make up meeting) and would like to pay us a visit, we would love to have you.

Thank you to President Rebecca Blaisdell of the Vancouver Metro Sunset Rotary for attending our meeting tonight to present President Susanne with the Rotary bell they gifted to us. Thank you Rebecca and Metro Sunset!

Additionally, Carol Keljo - president of the Rotary Club of Camas-Washougal, and owner of Security Signs - presented us with a brand new location sign for our meetings.

We very much appreciate both gifts as we get our new club off the ground.

Clark County YWCA's Heather Mason and Wendy Lenz were our special guest presenters at the Thursday, November 3, 2016 meeting of the Rotary Club of Three Creeks.

Lenz and Mason shared with us great information about an important program in our community - the CASA or Court Appointed Special Advocate program.

The Clark County CASA program is based on the belief that every child has a right to a safe, permanent, loving home. In our county, the CASA Program is administered by YWCA Clark County. The CASA volunteer is committed to providing factual information about the situation of children who are involved in the Dependency Court system because they are victims of abuse, neglect, or abandonment. CASA volunteers are appointed by the court to watch over and advocate for abused and neglected children, to make sure they don’t get lost in the overburdened legal and social service system or stay in inappropriate group or foster homes. The information and recommendations the CASA volunteer provide to the court assists the court in making crucial decisions about the child’s future. Volunteers stay with each case until it is closed and the child is placed in a safe, permanent home. For many abused children, their CASA volunteer will be the one constant adult presence in their lives.

As a CASA, you will pursue an independent investigation of the child’s situation, report your findings and recommendations to the court, monitor the progress of the case, encourage positive communication among all involved parties, and advocate for the best interest of the child. You’ll learn how to interview the child, family members, service providers and other professionals to make sure all the facts are uncovered. You’ll learn about courtroom procedures—what the court expects from you, how to clearly and effectively give testimony in court, and how to write reports to the court. [Editor's note: More information about the CASA program can be found by clicking here].

President Susanne presented part one of the history of the Rotary Wheel as her Rotary International Fact (RIF) at the meeting. Steve Pash, chair of the club's Hands On committee presented an update on the Clark County Fire & Rescue smoke detector program, and it looks as though our club will take the lead on this project, so it's time to start making decisions about how you might like to participate. President Susanne also announced that there's potential for another project with Columbia Springs Environmental Education Center, so more information will be forthcoming for that opportunity, as well.

Thank you to the 20 people who attended our club meeting, including guests Mercedes Johnston, Nayla Kassab, Rebecca Blaisdell, Assistant Governor Danette LaChapelle, and Jolene Nelson.