Welcome to the Rotary Club of Bishop. We were founded in 1928 and are the 4th oldest Club in District 5260. Our Club takes Service Above Self seriously. We are located in the beautiful Owens Valley, sitting between the Sierra Nevada and Inyo White mountains. Our club actively supports a variety of community, vocational, youth, international, and club service projects. Each year we are proud to support many needy members of our community, including providing scholarships to graduating seniors, giving Christmas gifts to each foster child from Inyo County, remembering our seniors each Easter with goodie bags and giving back to our schools by providing boxes of school supplies to our local elementary school. We are also proud to support many international projects. Our major Club Service project is the Sierra Safari. For the past 50+ years, our club has invited Rotarians from District 5260 (and elsewhere) to a weekend of Eastern Sierra wonder, including hiking, fishing, home tours, 4-wheel trips, photography tours, pistol shoots, trout breakfasts and a Saturday Night Dinner. Please join us each fall for this wonderful opportunity for Rotary fun and fellowship. Our club meets Tuesdays at noon at Whiskey Creek Restaurant in the center of Bishop. Join us for a meeting, help with a project, support our Foundation! You are always welcome at the Rotary Club of Bishop.

Leo M. Pisculli, M.D. 

President 2011 - 2012 

The Rotary Club of Bishop continues its yearly tradition of giving Easter gifts to local folks.

On March 31^st 22 Rotarians and friends gathered at the home of Terry and Kay O’Brien’s home to assemble 350 Easter gift packages and baskets.  During a three day period, April 2^nd through April 4^th, Rotarians delivered the gift packages and baskets to residents of the Sterling Heights Assisted Living home, the Methodist Church Soup Kitchen, and residents at the Bishop Care Center, those gathered at the Bishop Senior Center in the city park and to IMAH clients.  The smiles and thanks for the Easter Good Wishes bring great joy to all members who contribute their time and money to bring a little happiness to folks who might not receive a personal Easter Greeting.

Three members of the Bishop Union High School Interact Club turned to their sponsor, The Rotary Club of Bishop, to help raise funds for their current San Diego Service Trip handing out care packages to those in need.  Tuesday March 13^th, Ricki Willey, Maddie Pauly and Madi Taylor volunteered 4 hours of their time to work for Rotarians.  $620.00 was raised. 

The Interact Club is a community service club for youth ages 14 – 18.  Clubs benefit from sponsorship by individual Rotary Clubs, which provide support and guidance sponsored by Rotary International. 

Ricki Wiley, President, said completed projects this year have been an item drive, food drive for the Salvation Army, Bell-ringing for the Salvation Army, visited and wrote cards for people at Sterling Heights Assisted Living Center, coat and blanket drive for the Salvation Army, Collected and are still collecting can tabs for the Ronald McDonald House Charities and Children’s Day for the Arts.  Current and future projects are the San Diego Service Trip, handing out care packages in Bishop, Mule Days bleacher sweeps, Mule Days Rotary Snack Shack and Earth Day – Rotary/Interact booth.

Current officers are President, Ricki Wiley, Vice President, Natalie Gonzales, Treasurer, Allison Hooker, Secretaries, Piper Wright and Maddie Pauly, and Sophomore Representative, Melodie Aust.  Ellen Lavery of the Rotary Club of Bishop is their club advisor.

There are 49 members in the club and they meet every other Thursday throughout the school year.

The Rotary Club of Bishop is extremely proud to sponsor these outstanding and enthusiastic students willing to give their time for service to their community and the world.

Patricia Ellis was an Out walker with the 2012 Rotary Rose Parade Float.  She is currently serving as Secretary for The Rotary Club of Bishop.  She was chosen after the club won a fundraiser raffle.  Ellis was involved in several activities leading up to the parade, including having dinner with Rotarian International President Kalyan Banerjee and assisting in the decoration of the float.  Ellis will represent Bishop to the more than 30 million TV viewers worldwide.  Ellis was easy to spot in the parade walking next to Rotary’s float dressed in a yellow jacket which is worn by Rotarians and other volunteers during polio immunization missions.  The 2012 theme for Rotary’s Rose Parade Float is “inching Towards the End of Polio.”

It’s all about GIVING pictures, not taking them!  The Rotary Club of Bishop members Edward and Patricia Nahin heard about Celebrity Photographer Jeremy Cowart starting “Help-Portrait” which is a community of photographers coming together across the world to use their photography skills to give back to their local community.  With the help of Rotarian Kay O’Brien and a $200 donation from the club for frames, the Nahins signed up for this “giving” project and contacted Beth Himelhoch, Director of IMAH and asked her if they could include her clients in the Help-Portrait event.  On Friday, December 9, 2011, pictures were taken of 13 clients and several staff members.

Edward Nahin, an award winning photographer, produced beautiful portraits and storytelling photos.  When the portraits were delivered, there were tears, hugs and happiness beyond words.  The true meaning of giving was a reality.

Inyo-Mono Association for the Handicapped (IMAH) is the only adult day program for adults with developmental disabilities in Inyo and Mono Counties.

Bishop Rotary Clubs join together for the “Bishop Rotary Santa Mile”

The race, using the parade route,  started December 3^rd at 9:30 am, just before the Christmas Parade.  It was the 1^st annual run/walk to benefit Bishop Rotary clubs’ college scholarships, fairgrounds roses, Bishop Arboretum, Bishop Skate Park, Christmas presents for foster kids, Highway 395 flag project, school supplies for Bishop Elementary & Middle Schools, International Disaster relief supplies, School in Chitwan, Nepal and a new roof for Inyo SAR building.  Twenty three people braved the extreme cold and participated in the race.  It was a 1 mile race with prizes for 1^st, 2^nd, 3^rd male and female, fastest costume and kids prizes.  First prize winners for males and females were Dan Yarburough, with a time of 5.25 minutes and   Margo Lella came across the line at 7.17 minutes.  The Rotary Clubs are planning on getting more participants for next year’s Race!

Rotarian Nancy Lowthorp gave out 35 Wish Tree Ornaments to club members to purchase gifts for local youngsters.  Nancy said this is one of her favorite jobs to do for the club as members happily take the ornaments and are excited about getting toys and clothes for children in families facing hardships.  Rotary members Terry and Kay O’Brien and Ed Nahin along with Nancy Lowthorp delivered gifts to IMACA Program Specialist, Jane McDonald. On Monday, December 12^th.   Jane reported that they had again given out over 600 Wish Tree ornaments this year.  It is the mission of Inyo Mono Advocates for Community Action, Inc. to empower low-income people, to advocate for their needs, and to find and maintain a healthy lifestyle by breaking the cycle of poverty.  Donations of holiday food and gifts brings happiness to many families in need.  Rotarians along with many local clubs, organizations, nonprofit groups and Bishop residents have been dedicated to bringing help and joy to impoverished families during the holidays. 

Pictured:   Terry O’Brien, Jane McDonald, Nancy Lowthorp and Kay O’Brien

Rotary District Governor Tom Hardy inducted new member Andria Witmer into the Rotary Club of Bishop on Tuesday, November 1, 2011.  Witmer was sponsored by Dr. Leo Pisculli, President of the Club.

Andria Witmer, a 26 year veteran of the CHP was promoted to Captain and took her position at the Bishop Field Office December, 2010.  As commander, Witmer is responsible for overseeing every aspect of CHP operations, including more than 25 officers, seven dispatchers and four sergeants, writing the budget and keeping fleet vehicles in working order.  Even though Witmer has a time consuming and challenging position she has a goal to become involved in volunteer work and Rotary is one avenue she was looking at for volunteering.  She is ready to jump in and help with some of the existing programs.  She said she would enjoy doing things for the local community, such as removing trash from 395 and assembling care packages for those in need.

Witmer has a BA in Political Science from San Diego State University and a Master of Public Administration from California State University, Northridge.  She is happy to be living in Bishop where she can pursue her hobbies of Gymkhana/riding/training her horses, riding her Harley Davidson with her husband, agility class with her dog, off highway vehicles and gardening.  Her husband, Kenton Buzbee is a civil Engineer and Geotechnical Engineer.

When asked about other interesting things in her life, Witmer said she put herself through college being a Certified Nursing Assistant through ROP in high school during her senior year.  She also put herself through flight school while in high school and became a licensed pilot a few months after turning 17.  She became a certified scuba diver at 18!  She currently is the Treasurer for the Antelope Valley Desert Riders, the oldest non-profit equestrian club in LA County. 

President Leo Pisculli is happy to have Andria join Rotary and is eager to have her join members in the club’s many programs.

The annual Fireside Chat for new members was held at the home of Leo and Delia Pisculli on November 14, 2011.   Attending were Dave and Ellen Laverty Brad Mettam, Ed and Pat Nahin, Kay O'Brien, Nicole Perry-Morley, Leo and Delia Pisculli, Randy Van Tassell, Andria Witmer and District Governor Tom Hardy.

The 2011 Sierra Safari “Into The Wild Blue Yonder” started off with a Friday Evening Governor’s Reception at the Bishop Airport.  The Saturday Excursions included hiking, 4 x 4 excursions, petroglyph tour, trap shoot, visit to Owens Valley Radio Observatory and the popular “Fall Colors Photo Tour.  The Saturday Fellowship Dinner was held at the home of Terry and Kay O’Brien.  Everyone enjoyed the beautiful yard, food, drinks and visiting with visitors and fellow Rotarians.  The Sunday Trout Breakfast was held at the Elk’s Park, renewing friendships and hearing about what’s happening “on the east side.”  Bishop Rotary Club Safari Chairman, Mike Gable, reported that the club netted over $5000.00 for the club’s scholarship fund.  Success of the fund raising was helped by the generous bidding by Pat Brown-Berry.

Past District Governor Lewis McConnell inducted new member Sue Lyndes into the Rotary Club of Bishop on Tuesday, September 20^th.  Sue Lyndes was sponsored by Charlie Waldriff, Branch Manager of Eastern Sierra Community Bank.  Patricia Ellis stood in for Ms Waldriff to give Sue her new member packet and Rotary pin.

Ms. Lyndes owns and operates “Eastern Sierra Crafts” which is a website offering art and craft merchandise made by local artists and crafters.  Ms. Lyndes will donate a percentage of all profits to local nonprofit organizations.  Sue can be reached at “Sue@EasternSierraCrafts.com.

Sue Lyndes was born, raised and educated in England.  She met her husband, Ken Lyndes when he was in the Navy and stationed in England.

They moved to Bishop in 2007.  Ken is a Respiratory Therapist at Northern Inyo Hospital.  They both enjoy the small town atmosphere, beautiful sierra mountain surroundings and the community spirit of the citizens here in Bishop.  Sue is involved in hiking, crafts, and reading and is now ready to contribute her time to community projects.  Sue attended the weekly Rotary Club lunches at Whiskey Creek and quickly discovered the club members just don’t meet for lunch but are very active in all aspects of Rotary which includes international and community service programs, plus have weekly programs with professionals speaking on their current projects.  Sue was impressed with The Rotary 4 way test:  1. is it the Truth? 2.  Is it Fair to all concerned?:  3., Will it build goodwill and better friendships? And, 4.  Will it be beneficial to all concerned? 

When asked what she can bring to Rotary, Sue answered “my enthusiasm for community projects plus my new ideas on fund raising.” 

The Rotary Club of Bishop meets every Tuesday at noon at Whiskey Creek.  Visitors are welcome.  Lunch is $15.00.  For more information about the club, visit our website at www.bishoprotary.org.

The Rotary Club of Bishop Rotarians put in many hours of hard work running the snack shack 4 days during The Tri County Fair held during  the Labor Day holiday.  $1145.00 was netted for the 4 days. $423.00 was netted for one day at Laws on September 10th.  Burt Harsted did a great job managing the snack shack and he thanks all the people who volunteered their time.  Terry O'Brin showed up every day to help set up the snack shack.

Past Rotary District 5260 Governor Bob Tomko inducted Nichole Perry-Morley into The Rotary Club of Bishop on Tuesday, August 16^th.  Nicole was sponsored by LeeAnn Rasmuson who has known Nicole and her family for many years.

Nicole was born in Bishop, attended Bishop Schools, went to the University of San Diego and received her BA in Psychology. After graduation, Nicole’s parents, Dick and Nancy Perry offered Nicole a position at Perry Motors which was an opportunity she couldn’t refuse.  Utilizing her educational background, for the past 5 years Nicole has been successful in promoting sales, plus handles leasing and finance at Perry Motors.

 Moving back to Bishop enables Nicole to enjoy her love of living in the Eastern Sierra mountains where she can participate in water & snow skiing, running and swimming.  Nicole recently was married to Jamie Morley who was also raised in Bishop. 

 When asked what she can bring to The Rotary Club she quickly answered “Enthusiasm, and a younger perspective on the community!”   Fellow Rotarians are eager to have Nicole become active in the many international and community service programs they sponsor.  President Leo Pisculli said Nicole’s feeling of “giving back to the community” personifies the purpose of Rotary – “Service Above Self.”

The Rotary Club of Bishop meets every Tuesday at noon at Whiskey Creek.  Visitors are welcome.  Lunch is $15.00.  For more information about the club, visit our website at:  www.bishoprotary.org.

A stitch in time, it is said, saves nine.  It can also save lives. 

The members of the The Rotarian Fellowship of Quilters and Fiber Artists raised over $8,000 at the recent Rotary International Convention in New Orleans to fight polio.  “It was amazing and gratifying,” said member Rev. Diane Mettam of Bishop, California.  “Last year we raised $3,000.  We were thrilled to more than double our donation to Polio Plus this year.  It’s so amazing that a group scattered around the world can get together and do something we love to eradicate a disease and save lives.”

Members of the Fellowship, which includes quilters, knitters, crocheters, beaders, anyone who “enjoys the use of fabrics as an art form,”  work on items which are brought to the International Rotary Convention each year.  These items are exchanged for donations and the proceeds donated to Polio Plus, Rotary International’s program to eradicate polio from the face of the earth. 

Working in conjunction with the World Health Organization, the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, the Centers for Disease Control, and UNICEF, Rotary has contributed over $700 million, and more than one million Rotary club members have volunteered their time and personal resources to protect more than two billion children in 122 countries from polio.

LeeAnn Rasmuson presented Paul Harris Fellow pins, medallions and certificates at the June 7^th Bishop Rotary meeting to Robert Prendergast, Maggie Kingsbury and Ted Schade for their contributions to the Rotary Foundation.

The Rotary Foundation is one of the largest and most important programs of Rotary.  Without the Foundation Rotary could not continue its many humanitarian programs and its efforts to promote world understanding and peace.   Our Rotary club will also be able to fulfill Rotary programs in our own community.   The fellowship was named after Paul Harris who founded Rotary in 1905. 

Representing The Rotary Club of Bishop, on June 8th Dr. Leo Pisculli presented scholarships from the service organization to graduating seniors as they move forward to their next educational endeavors.

With funds from The Rotary Club of Bishop and the Bishop Rotary Foundation $17,000 was awarded to outstanding students.  Scholarships were presented for the following:

Rotary Academic Scholarships Awards for $1000.00 each went to Laura Stickells, Bradley Hooker, Benjamin Ono, Trevor Taylor, Aaron Daniel Puls, and Shayna Citrenbaum.  $1000.00 for each year of 4 years went to Ariel Willey.  $500.00 was given to Kristen Erica Howell and Jonathan Barbieri.

Vocational Achievement Awards of $1000.00 each went to Carly Huntsinger, Niki Inafuku, Amanda Stryffeler, Melissa Robledo and Daniel Johnson.  $1500.00 was awarded Jesus Beltran-Robledo. 

Scholarships awarded to graduating students from Lone Pine High School were $250.00 each to Nicole R. Tweedy and Kara L. Valdon.   These awards were given out by The Lone Pine High School staff at the Lone Pine High School awards event.

As one of the many programs Rotary provides for community service, raising money for scholarships is an honor for Rotarians and they are proud to be able to help these outstanding students in their quest for furthering their education.

The Rotary Club of Bishop, as part of one of their yearly community services, provided and served desserts May 24^th at the California Scholarship Federation Recognition and Awards Program for Bishop Union High School.

Once a year, the Bishop Union High School Chapter of the California Scholarship Federation recognizes those students who have excelled academically.  This year, Chapter 118 will honor 39 seniors, 22 of whom are Seal Bearers, and will recognize 21 juniors, 21 sophomores and 33 freshmen.CSF President Brad Hooker welcomed everyone attending and introduced speakers and those giving out the awards.  The guest speaker was Bill Egan.  Mr. Egan came to Bishop in 2001 and has been working as a Social Studies, Physical Education teacher and football coach.

Helping were Kellie Hallenbeck, Rotarian Terry O'Brien, LeeAnn Rasmuson, Kay O'Brien and MikeCable.   Photos by Pat Nahin

Local Bishop Rotarians GSE team leaders Jeff Griffith and James Wilson welcomed GSE Team members to The Rotary Club of Bishop noon meeting Tuesday, May 24^th.  The Rotary Foundation’s Group Study Exchange (GSE) program is a unique cultural and vocational exchange opportunity for business people and professionals between the ages of 25 and 40 who are in the early stages of their careers.  The program provides travel grants for teams to exchange visits in paired areas of different countries.  For four to six weeks, team members experience the host country’s culture and institutions, observe how their vocations are practiced abroad, develop personal and professional relationships and exchange ideas.  Heber Ivan Saaverde Espejo was the team leader from Rotary District 4460 in Peru.  His team included Carmen Moreno Pena, attorney, Leonardo Rosas Vallebuona, TV producer, Christian Garcia Merino, Administration Manager and Victor Jara Quiroz, surgeon.  The team members gave a quick presentation of their beautiful country, Peru, and graciously thanked everyone involved in making their stay in Bishop a wonderful opportunity to experience the Eastern Sierra way of life.

The combined Bishop Rotary clubs picked up the GSE team at Coso Junction Saturday, May 21^st, Sunday, the team spent a day with their host families and Monday they were taken on a tour of Bristle Cone Pines followed by a dinner held at the home of Dave and Vivian Patterson.  On Tuesday the team  had their vocational meetings, attended the Bishop Rotary meeting at Whiskey Creek and then were taken to Mammoth Lakes where they would meet their host families.

The Rotary Club of Bishop, noon club, brought their Snack Shack to the Choo Choo Swap meet Saturday May 7^th to not only provide food and drinks for sale for the massive crowd attending the event but to raise money for their yearly school scholarships given out to high school seniors.  Members of the club also set up tables and displayed a variety of items donated by Rotarians.   Bargain hunters, and treasure hunters bought everything from bicycles to jewelry.  Rotarians working said they were very moved by the generosity of people who would add a dollar or two when they heard 100% of all money goes directly to the scholarship fund.  Rotarian Kay O’Brien said she was extremely pleased with how much merchandise was sold and hopes the club can repeat the event next year.   Over $10000.00 was raised during this 5 hour event.

On April 16^th, 18 members and friends of Rotary gathered at the home of Terry and Kay O’Brien’s  home to assemble over 300 Easter gift packages and baskets.  During a three day period, April 18^th to April 21^st, Rotarians delivered the gift packages and baskets to residents of the Sterling Heights Assisted Living home, the Methodist Church Soup Kitchen, residents at the Bishop Care Center and those gathered at the Bishop Senior Center in the city park.  John Camphouse, Administrator at the First United Methodist Church Soup Kitchen, thanked The Rotary Club of Bishop for the Easter gifts and for their help in serving lunch on Wednesday April 20^th.   The smiles and thanks for the Easter Good Wishes bring great joy to all members who contribute their time and money to bring a little happiness to those who might not receive a personal Easter Greeting with a small gift.

Pictured Kay O’Brien, John Camphouse, Patricia Ellis, Ellen Siegal and Jodi Cutler.

There ws an Arboretum Dedication at Bishop Park  Sunday, March 13, 211.  One of the Arboretum Supporters, Bishop Noon Rotary Club brought their snack shack to the Bishop Park and served a free lunch to the happy attendees at the Arboretm Dedication.   Ellen Siegal was in charge of operating the snack shack plus cooked and served the hot dogs and drinks to not only supporters of the Arboretum but to other park visitors.  Bill Carter was kind enough to offer his truck to tow the shack to the park.  Pictured:    Bill Carter, Burt Harsted, Susan Cullen from the Sunrse Rotary Club, Pat Nahin, Kay O'Brien, Ellen Siegal and Leo Pisculli.

Bishop Interact Club Keeps Busy

Dr. Lee Mizrahi, the Bishop Interact Club Advisor makes sure representatives of the Bishop Interact Club come to The Rotary Club of Bishop’s Tuesday noon meetings.  Tuesday February 1st, Interact Club President, Ariel Willey, presented a listing of club activities the club has achieved their school year starting in October.  They wrote, colored and delivered various holiday cards to residents at Sterling Heights, they had a blanket and coat drive for the Salvation Army and IMACA, and the club members collected aluminum can tabs to donate to the Ronald McDonald House Charities.   This March members are going to San Diego to hand out care packages to homeless people which will include homemade food.  The Rotary Club of Bishop sponsors the Bishop Interact Club, a community-based service club that meets at Bishop Union High School.  Interact’s name is a combination of the words “international and action.”  Dr. Mizrahi said he is impressed with the enthusiasm the students have for participating in community service.  Helping other less fortunate is a quality they will carry forward into their adult lives.  Pictured are Allioer, Freshman Rep. and Aril Willey, President

Twelve volunteers from The Rotary Club of Bishop plus friends of the club, gathered at Rotarians Kay and Terry O'Briens' house Sunday October 10th to assemble 50 boxes ecah containing $100.00 worth of school supplies for  the Elm-Pine Street and Round Valley Elementary Schools.

The boxes were delivered to Betsy McDonald, Principal of the Elm-Pine Street Elementary School by Rotarians Kay and Terry O'Brien and Bard Mettam.  Principal McDonald accepted the boxes with much happiness and again expressed her appreciation.  Kay and Terry O'Brien delivered the boxes to the Round Valley Elementary school.  Dan Moore Principal and Superintendent of the Round Valley Joint Elementary School District, Secretary, Kathy Molina and Teacher Breanne Leeson and the children at the school greeted Kay an Terry with cheers of happiness in getting the much needed school supplies.

A new member fireside chat program was held October 14th at the home of Ed and Pat Nahin.  Speakers sharing their expertise and thoughs on being a Rotarian were:  Brian Lamb, Brad Mettam, Ed Nahin, Kay O'Brien, Randy Van Tassell and District 5260 representative, Tom Hardy.  New members who attended were Patricia Ellis, Jack England andCharlie Waldriff.  The club welcomes their enthusiasm and energy for current and future projects.  Rotary Club members attending were Brian Lab, Brad Mettam, Ed and Pat Nahin, Kay O'Brien, Randy VanTassell and Honorary Club Members Bob and Bea Tomko.

President Brad Mettam and his wife, Diane, enjoyed the Sierra Safari events and welcomed all visiting Rotarians and guests at the Saturday night fellowship dinner.  District Governor, Drew Frohlch and his wife, Sondra, enjoyed their stay in Bishop and plan on attending next years Sierra Safari!  Governor Drew asked attending Rotarians to set their goals to bring in new members this year.

Bishop Rotary Club Safari Chair, Bob Prendergast reported reported that all events for the Sierra Safari were enjoyed by everyone attending.  Our club welcomed members from clubs from District 5260 along with clubs from other districts.  Our beautiful Sierra Mountains attract many visitors from many other areas.  Bob thanked all those club members who put in hours of work to make this years safari a success.  He plans on giving the new Safari Chair, Mike Gable, lots of help next year.  They will soon have the dates and are working on the events they will arrange.

The two recent events for the Snack Shack brought in $1,277 with only one bill outstanding.  The shack was at Bishop Park during the Tri County Fair from September 2nd thru September 6th.  The shack was at the Laws Museum grounds for their "Good Old Days" on September 11th.  Many of our Rotarians worked more than one shift.  For the Tri County Fair Days we had 17 people sign up for 29 shifts.  Truly the motto "Service Above Self" applied to our members who put in their hours working in the snack shack.

Scholarships to Bishop Union High School    

Former Superintendent of Bishop Union High School, Maggie Kingsbury, found herself in a new role at Bishop Union High School Wednesday, June 9^th.  She represented The Rotary Club of Bishop and handed out Scholarships for the following:  Rotary Academic Scholarships Awards for $1000.00 each went to Jacob, Doonan, Joy Hecht, Sorrel Nielsen, Angela Tomczik, Luke Patterson and $500.00 each was given to Alice Gillam and Kathryn Hudson.  Vocational Achievement Awards of $1000.00 each went to Brenda Ruiz, Hallie Kinney and Brenda Medina.  The Rotary Club of Bishop is honored and proud to be able to help these outstanding students in their quest for furthering their education.

Awarding Scholarships is one of the many programs Rotary provides for community service.  The Rotary Club of Bishop meets every Tuesday at noon at The Whiskey Creek Restaurant.  Visitors are always welcome.  Lunch is $10.00.  Please call Kay O'Brien, President, for further information, at 760 872 8083.

The Rotary Club of Bishop received Snack Shack help from a Jr. Interact Club student, Ruby Wellen,  all the way from South Pasadena Middle School.

The Rotary Club of Bishop had their Snack Shack at the Bishop Park during Mule Days and it was definitely one of the busiest times they have had in the park.

The Rotary Club of Bishop again provided and served desserts May 19^th at The California Scholarship Federation Recognition and Awards Program for Bishop Union High School.

Once a year, the Bishop Union High School Chapter of the California Scholarship Federation recognizes those students who have excelled academically.  This year, Chapter 118 honored 37 seniors, 19 of whom are Seal Bearers, and recognized 26 juniors, 21 sophomores, and 22 freshmen. 

CSF President Luke Patterson welcomed everyone attending, introduced speakers and people giving out the awards.  The Guest Speaker was The Honorable Dean Stout, a Rotarian, who also helped served the dessert with the Rotary Club. 

The object of Rotary is to encourage and foster the ideal of service as a basis of worthy enterprise.  The Rotary Club of Bishop meets every Tuesday at noon at The Whiskey Creek Restaurant.  Guests are welcome, lunch is $10.00.  For information about the club, contact Kay O'Brien at 760 872 8083. 

At the Rotary Club of Bishop noon meeting Tuesday May 18^th Tom Hallenbeck, the club's representative for the Interact club held a "labor auction" for hours of work volunteered from students from Bishop High School.   Fast talking and ever so smooth, Tom Hallenbeck got members to part with $1090.00.  The students will cover the members' committed hours of work in their snack shack during Mule Days Celebration this year.  The money will go to the Interacts club's many charity projects.  Students volunteering their hours to work are Melissa Hoste, Angela Thomczik, Kelli Rowe, Jasmin Casteneda, Brenda Figueroa and Shelby Dolin.

Members of the Rotary Club of Bishop, the Sunrise Rotary Club and friends of Rotary joined together on Saturday April 10^th with employees of the Bishop Park Department to refurbish and repaint the picnic pavilion at the city park.  The Rotary Club built the structure approximately 20 years ago and dedicated it for the use of the community.  Many birthday parties, family gatherings and picnics in the park pavilion have been enjoyed by hundreds of community members over the years.

  The Bishop Union High School Interact Club has started their service projects for the year.  They are collecting blankets and jackets to bring to the local Salvation Army.  Interact is a service club for youth ages 14 – 18.  Individual Rotary Clubs provide support and guidance.  Interact has a membership of over 250,000 youth in more than 11,000 clubs worldwide.  Interact clubs are self-governing and self-supporting and can be either school or community based.  The Rotary Club of Bishop is the sponsor for The Bishop Union High School Interact Club.  Tom Hallenbeck is the Rotarian adviser.  He acts as a liaison between the Interact Club and The Rotary Club of Bishop.

The Rotary Club of Bishop offered the use of our snack shack for the Paiute Tribe Winter Gathering Saturday, December 12th.  The club was "paid" for their services and the use of the snack shack.  All the food was provided by the Paiute Tribe.  Food, treats, games and activities were free to the local members and families of the Paiute Tribe.  Rotarians who worked in the snack shack were Larry Clark, Burt Harsted, Maggie Kingsbury, Ed and Pat Nahin, Kay and Terry O'Brien, Leo Pisculli nd Ellen Siegal.

Tom Hallenbeck , Director of the Bishop High School Interact Club said the club meetings have started and programs are being planned.  There isn't a final count on membership as yet, however Tom feels there will be at least 40 members this year.  Interact President Melissa Holste and Secretary Sorrel Nielson started their year as Interact Board members by attending a Basic PRLS Seminar for Rotary District 5260 held October 17, 2009.  The Basic PRLS program provided an opportunity for these Interact students to study skills in communications, basic leadership principles, leading a meeting, basic public speaking, and about what Rotary is all about.

Eighteen volunteers from The Rotary Club of Bishop plus friends of the Rotary Club, gathered at Rotarians Kay and Terry O'Briens' house Sunday October 18^th to assemble 50 boxes with each containing $100.00 worth of school supplies for Elm St, Pine St. and Round Valley Elementary schools.

The boxes were delivered to Betsy McDonald, Principal of the Elm-Pine Street Elementary School Monday October 19^th by Rotarians Kay and Terry O'Brien., Larry Clark, Pat Nahin and friend of Rotary, Tina Palmer.  Kay and Terry O'Brien delivered the boxes to the Round Valley Elementary school.  Ms McDonald said that the school supplies are very much needed and appreciated.  Opening the boxes also provides a lot of excitement to the students.  With the current budget problems for the schools, this project is very helpful to the teachers and students. 

On Saturday, October 17^th, three members of The Rotary Club of Bishop attended the first level PRLS meeting held at the Inyo Mono Association for the Handicapped hosted by Beth Himelhoch of the Sunrise Rotary Club.  At the conclusion of the training seminar Brad Mettam, Kay O'Brien and Pat Nahin received graduation pins and are now eligible to attend the Masters PRLS seminars.

The Rotary Club of Bishop held its annual Sierra Safari starting with a cocktail reception Friday evening, Sept. 25^th, all day outings with a fellowship dinner Sat. Sept. 26^th and a trout breakfast held at Elk's park Sunday morning.  Rotarians from many different clubs in District 5260 came to enjoy our grand Sierra Mountain way of life.  Money is raised by selling tickets for gift basket donations from the other clubs in District 5260.  Jay Saltzman, current Governor for District 5260 with his wife ,Ferne, joined in the festivities plus held a Club Leadership Meeting at the Sunday Morning Breakfast.  A highlight of the Saturday evening dinner was Rotarian Tom Hallenbeck's extraordinary auctioneering talent in auctioning the framed original photographic print by Ed Nahin.  The print of the Bodie's old Methodist Church sold for $440.00 which will be used to fund the many Rotary Club of Bishop's charitable programs.

President Kay O'Brien arranged for the Tuesday, August 25^th meeting to be held at Bishop Park.  The Snack Shack was set up there and the Rotary Club of Bishop members participated in a "How to Operate and set up the Snack Shack" program.  Larry Clark taught "Cooking Hot Dogs and Other Foods" and Burt Harsted gave a tour on "equipment operation."  Hot Dogs, chips, drinks, fruit and cookies were served.  A sign-up sheet to work the snack shack for the forthcoming Tri County Fair was passed around.  Wow, members are ready to go to work and raise some money!

The Rotary Club of Bishop is mourning the passing of one of our long-time members.  President Kay O'Brien, announced the sad news at the July 28th noon Tuesday Club meeting that a beloved member, Clark Conder, died July 25, 2009 at his home in Bishop.  Clark was a member of the Rotary Club of Bishop since 1955.  At 96 years old, Clark remained active and attended meetings until just three weeks before his death.

The Annual Meeting of the Bishop Rotary Foundation was held at the Whiskey Creek Restaurant during the noon Rotary meeting on July 14, 2009.     The elections of new board members were:  One year terms:  Kay O'Brien,  President, The Rotary Club of Bishop, Don Matthewson, President, Bishop Sunrise Rotary Club, Phil McDowell, Ed Nahin, and Tom Hallenbeck.  Two year terms:  Randy Van Tassell, John Fulton, and Kathleen Sheehan.  Three year terms:  Ted Schade, M.C. Hubbard, and Ken Deboy. 

On Tuesday June 9^th, recipients of The Rotary Club of Bishop's 2009 Academic Awards Scholarships for Bishop High School attended the weekly luncheon at Whiskey Creek.  It was a pleasure to have had all ten graduates from Bishop High School who received the awards come to thank The Rotary Club for their Academic Scholarships. 

Rotarians and volunteer ran the snack shack at Bishop Park with great skill and success during the Mule Days celebration May 22 - 25, 2009.  Over $2000.00 was earned to add to scholarship money going to High School seniors.  At the May 26th noon meeting, Larry Clark thanked all who worked the snack shack including Burt Harsted, Dave Balcom, Nereida Lopez, Jody Cutler, Thaddeus Taylor, Ed and Pat Nahin, Ted Schade, Brad Mettam, Ellen Segal, Lee Mizrahi, Nancy Lowthorp, Dave Buck and others.

Rotarians At Work Day

The Rotary Club of Bishop

April 25, 2009

Planting Flowers and Maintenance

Talmadge Park and Planters on Main Street

A Wonderful Gathering of Rotarians and Friends

The Rotary Club of Bishop members, Bishop Interact Club members and friends sure didn't mind getting their hands dirty and went to work planting flowers, pulling weeds, cutting branches and digging in the mud at Talmadge Park and along Main Street planters.

The Rotary Club of Bishop - Community Service -Fund Raiser

Earth Day At The Bishop Park, Sunday, April 19, 2009

Edward Nahin, President of The Rotary Club of Bishop, presented Academic Achievement Awards and Vocational Scholarships to 23 Bishop Union High School Seniors at the Senior Awards, Class of 2008, Wednesday, June 4, 2008.

The Rotary Club of Bishop Receives Awards For Outstanding Service to the Bishop Community.

Dana Crom, Attorney at Law, Public Defender and President Elect of The Noon Rotary Club of Bishop has developed "Reaching Out Programs" for Rotarians to assist in the local juvenile justice system.  Arrangements have been made for Rotarians to visit the local juvenile detention facility in Independence where they can share their life experiences and talk about opportunities available for future education and work.