May 7th – South Salem High School Symphony Orchestra
The program this week is one you don’t want to miss! The 80 member South Salem HS Symphony Orchestra, the State Championship Orchestra, will be performing for us. The group is under the direction of Damian Berdakin and JJ Meyer and you won’t believe that these are just High School students when you hear them!
We will be meeting at South Salem High School. The award-winning HS Culinary Club, under the guidance of Laura Hofer, will prepare and serve us a specially prepared hot lunch in the Foyer of the High School Auditorium, followed by the concert in the Auditorium.
The cost of the lunch will be $16.00 per person, and you may bring your significant other and guests. If you missed pre-purchasing lunch tickets last week at the club meeting, lunch may be purchased with either cash, check or card at the door.
There will be Free Parking in the streets near South Salem HS for this event, courtesy of the Salem Police department. Please arrive by 11:30 and enter through the Howard Street side door. We are starting 30 minutes earlier than our regular starting meeting time.
Program Chair – Karl Raschkes
Meeting Location: South Salem High School – 1910 Church St SE
Honoring Excellence in Service
I’m writing this week’s column from the 2025 District Expo in Hillsboro, where I’m filled with pride and gratitude. This morning, during the annual meeting, both Rotarians I nominated for awards were honored—and I couldn’t be more thrilled.
Former District Governor Renee Campbell received a Spirit of Rotary Award, a well-deserved recognition of her unwavering dedication and leadership. Linda Bednarz was presented with the Avenue of Service Award, specifically for her outstanding contributions to youth service.
I deeply admire both Renee and Linda for their tireless efforts and their passion for serving others. They truly embody Rotary’s core values—Service Above Self and unwavering integrity.
Please join me in congratulating them and celebrating the remarkable impact they continue to make in our community and beyond.
Speaking of Service Above Self—special thanks to Barry Nelson for stepping in to lead the May 7 meeting. I’ll be in Southern California supporting my son as he recovers from Achilles tendon surgery. A fun bit of Rotary history: Ryan was the very first baby born into our club back in 1993!
Rotary Club of Salem
2024-2025
