Today we enjoyed listening to classification talks from two new members, Tom Everly and Jim Brink. AUDIO

Tom Everly was introduced by his sponsor Pete Van Well who stated that Tom first found us through our website (Thanks, Frank!). He had recently relocated to Wenatchee and was looking for a service club. He adopted us about six months ago and says that his experience so far has exceeded his expectations. Tom works with Camp Fire (formerly Camp Fire Girls) as Director of Outdoor Education.

Tom was born in Michigan in 1987. He is an only child and his early mentors included his Granddad, Skip, who introduced him to World War II history thru films; his Dad with whom he now has an affection for all things Star Trek;  and his Uncle David with whom he shares a hobby of playing video games. Tom entered college first planning to study engineering then switched his major to English when he discovered he had a knack for writing. He graduated from college in 2009, during the “great recession”. Jobs were scarce, but he found work as a substitute teacher. He describes his training as similar to that of Red Army recruits during WWII. Here’s your rifle, son, there’s the enemy, good luck. He taught for 7 ½ years, earning the admiration of students and faculty. Starting in 2012 he hired on at the summer Camp Zanika near in Leavenworth as a counselor. He returned for several summers and in 2016 was offered the job of Director of Outdoor Education. Tom’s training in youth development and education has been knowledge gained by experience. He is a good listener and lets his students’ interests guide his program development; leading him to develop modules in forestry, wetlands, wildlife, archery, night hikes, boating and forest fires. Tom has developed easy rapport with his students, they seem comfortable enough with him that he is often asked to answer the tough questions from kids, such as “What happens after death?” This past year has been filled with challenges in his new position developing study modules, making grant applications, managing staff and budgets.

We can tell from his presentation that he is devoted to the kids and is approaching his work and life with humor and enthusiasm.

 

Our second presenter was Jim Brink, introduced by Ford Barrett.  View his PowerPoint .
Jim is a retired Petroleum Engineer who continues in a consulting role. Jim is married with 3 children. He graduated from University of Missouri in 1979 and spent 36 years working in the petroleum industry for the Chevron Corporation. During his career as an energy consultant he has performed duties in Production Field Engineering, Information Technology, and Digital Engineering. He was also a Business Unit Advisor – assessing how to get the oil out of the ground most efficiently and effectively.  He worked in 15 oil fields around the world receiving recognition and awards for his work, Jim now does consulting for a variety of types of companies. He assures us oil and gas will be an important source of energy for the foreseeable future.

Jim lists the energy industry’s contributions to improve communities, advance living standards, reduce poverty, and improve health and education. Chevron has invested billions of dollars to these ends over the years.

His personal interests include golfing and wine tasting. He and his wife have a goal to travel to each of the 30 professional baseball stadiums (visited 20+ so far). They also incorporate visits to Civil War historical sites.

Thank you to both our new members. We look forward to getting to know you more.

Respectfully submitted by Dee Curcio, who is now retiring as an Appleseed reporter.