What Matters Warren
Rotary’s Group Study Exchange Team to Tiawan
Rotary District 7570’s Group Study Exchange Team began their adventures in Taiwan this week after a local send-off from area Rotary clubs. Meet the team in this video and read on to learn about the GSE program. To discover more about Virginia’s Rotary District 7570, please visit their website and follow the team’s trip by liking the team’s Facebook group page.
You can also enjoy reports of their experience by following team member Tammy Yang’s vlog.
ABOUT THE TEAM MEMBERS
The Team Leader is Beverly Pitzer of Martinsville Uptown Rotary. Beverly is eager to connect with the GSE team members and help to make this the best learning experience and leadership development experience possible for both the visiting team and for their hosts in Taiwan. She is prepared to generously share of time and knowledge of the Rotary projects in her area that may be of service to their hosts in Taiwan, and she is hoping to learn and bring back ideas and best practices from their hosts’ home projects.
In her role as Community Reinvestment Act (CRA) & Fair Lending Officer at Carter Bank & Trust in Martinsville, Virginia, Beverly focuses her time and energy on understanding the communities’ needs across the bank’s footprint in Virginia and North Carolina. With this understanding, Beverly collaborates with colleagues at the bank on community development projects. These projects include: revitalization and stabilization, economic development, essential services, and affordable housing. This comes in the form of lending, donating, and serving in low and moderate income areas and distressed and under-served areas. In addition to Community Development, Beverly also focuses on Fair Lending, which is driven by the Fair Housing Act and the Equal Credit Opportunity Act. Her work in Fair Lending includes a proactive approach to lending, investing, and serving all communities fairly.
Outside of her service and work in Rotary and Carter Bank & Trust, Beverly is involved in a number of other community organizations. She serves on the Board of Directors of the United Way of Henry County & Martinsville and is involved in the Community Impact Committee and Executive Committee. Beverly is active in the Bridges out of Poverty initiative in Martinsville/ Henry County/ Patrick County and is on the Implementation team for their first set of “Getting Ahead in a Just Getting by World” classes. Additionally, Beverly serves on the E3 Advisory Council, a project of the Department for Aging and Rehabilitative Services (DARS). Beverly is a member of Christ Episcopal Church in Martinsville, Virginia.
Blaine Elliott is a charter member of the Blue Ridge New Generations Rotary Club in Roanoke, Virginia and currently serves on the district conference committee. He is excited to join the GSE team and help make this experience meaningful for both the team and hosts in Taiwan. Blaine is currently owner of CaZiWa LLC, a real estate investment firm. Blaine’s firm is focused on investing in single family homes in the Roanoke Valley and surrounding areas and improving the homes and neighborhoods by providing quality, affordable housing for a growing community of people with the desire to rent rather than own. CaZiWa also provides a platform for investors who wish to enter the real estate investment asset class passively. Outside of his service work with Rotary, Blaine is an active member of his church, First United Methodist Church in Salem, Virginia. He is a member of the Genesis Praise Band on the drums and involved with the youth as an adult leader helping with everything from mission trips to leading the Senior High Sunday School Class.
Wendi Goods Everson serves as Senior Program Officer for Danville Regional Foundation (“DRF”), a private independent foundation whose mission is to revitalize the Dan River Region by making long term investments in economic development, education, health, and community capacity. At DRF, Everson focuses on community development and civic engagement. Everson holds a bachelor′s degree from Temple University, an MBA from Averett University, and a certificate in nonprofit management from Duke University. She is a Southeastern Council on Foundation Hull Fellow and graduate of the Chamber of Commerce Leadership Southside. She serves as a board member of River District Association and CIC Head Start. Everson is the 2014 recipient of the Danville Pittsylvania County Chamber of Commerce Pace Award for Community Service. In her spare time, Wendi enjoys coaching youth basketball. She is the founder of the Virginia Owls youth basketball program where she mentors young athletes aspiring to play sports at the college level. Wendi is married to Jason and they have 3 children: Jada, Jenesis and Wesley.
Asia Malone is a member of the Rotary Club of Bristol Virginia-Tennessee. She serves on the Public Relations Committee and as Co-Chair of the Rotaract Committee. Asia is the Chief of Staff for the Boys & Girls Clubs of the Mountain Empire. She handles the day-to-day management of personnel and insures all staff issues are addressed properly. The Boys & Girls Club is an after-school program that provides life enhancing opportunities for children and teenagers who may not have access to life developing resources. Outside of her service/work in Rotary and The Boys & Girls Club, Asia is involved in several community organizations. She serves on the United Way of Southwest Virginia Early Childhood Success Council, is an active Reading Buddy for the Reading Buddies Bristol Tennessee/Virginia, and serves on the Martin Luther King Jr. Celebration Committee. Asia is a member of New Hope Baptist Church.
Tammy Yang serves as the general manager of Sake House Japanese Restaurant located in Blacksburg, Virginia. Though she has many roles, her main focus is becoming a community icon for their establishment. Yang is currently a member of the South Main Merchants Association in Blacksburg. She also serves in the Blacksburg Junior Women’s Club (BJWC). Yang is sponsored by the Montgomery County Rotary Club. As a Taiwanese American, she is eager to learn more of her family’s origins on the GSE trip to Taiwan. She is also hoping to view how other businesses provide different interactions with their community by building lasting connections and strong networks. By viewing their examples of collaborating with other businesses to help better their community, she can learn about different business models and opportunities that can be implemented in her community.
ABOUT THE GSE PROGRAM
The Group Study Exchange (GSE) program is a unique cultural and vocational exchange opportunity for young business and professional men and women in their initial years of professional life. Rotary districts in different countries are paired to send and receive professional study groups of four to six non-Rotarian team members and one Rotarian team leader to travel for four to six weeks, staying in the homes of Rotarians when possible.
Launched in 1965, this dynamic program has built a successful track record at the personal, community, and international level. With good planning, a goal-driven itinerary, and active participation of dedicated Rotarians, a GSE can be an exceptional educational experience for both the visiting GSE team and local Rotarians.
Goals and Objectives
The GSE program is designed to develop professional and leadership skills among young adults, so that they can address the needs of their communities and an increasingly global workplace. GSE participants follow an extensive and rigorous program of international travel and team activities.
- Vocational visits
- Provide opportunities to observe vocations as practiced in another country
- Impact team members’ long-term careers through exchange of ideas in their respective fields
- Cultural experiences
- Allow participants to study another country and its people, language, and institutions through experiences in an organized and meaningful host program
- Promote an appreciation of cultural diversity worldwide
- Fellowship opportunities
- Encourage team members and hosts to meet, communicate, and live with each other in a spirit of fellowship and goodwill
- Consider each other’s problems, aspirations, and community concerns
- Foster lasting friendships and international understanding
- Rotarian involvement
- Offers Rotarians specific, practical, and meaningful opportunities for international service by providing young, formative professionals a different perspective of their vocation in another country and culture
Learn more about Rotary International at https://www.rotary.org
“Rotary is a global network of 1.2 million neighbors, friends, leaders, and problem-solvers who see a world where people unite and take action to create lasting change – across the globe, in our communities, and in ourselves.”
A WHAT MATTERS INITIATIVE
Are you or your group in need of a free video that could be created to help market your cause or event?
Beth’s WHAT MATTERS Warren/Town Tip videos post on Facebook and YouTube. They are also shared with Royal Examiner online (most are distributed in their daily email blast to thousands of local residents). Sign up for Royal Examiner Email Alerts HERE and check out the “WHAT MATTERS Warren” tab under “Features.”
Visit www.whatmattersw2.com “Community” section to request a TOWN TIP or WHAT MATTERS WARREN BETHvid.
Learn more Beth’s nonprofit, WHAT MATTERS, a 501 (c) (3), at www.whatmattersw2.com out the “Community” section to request a TOWN TIP or WHAT MATTERS WARREN BETHvid or contact her at 540-671-6145 or beth@whatmattersw2.com.
About WHAT MATTERS:
WHAT MATTERS is a 501(c)(3) that she started this year to enable people to have the benefit of a tax deduction for their donations through her fundraising matches.
Here is the Current Match Campaign for the children of Bunyade school project (in Uganda, Africa).
WHAT MATTERS has ZERO overhead as 100% of the expenses are funded by her real estate business (THANK YOU CLIENTS AND SUPPORTERS for making that possible!). Every cent donated goes to the cause. Beth focuses her support on local and global outreach to help spread the word, support and raise funds for causes that matter. If you’d like to get involved, or travel to Uganda with her on a future trip to work with the children of Light up Life Foundations, please visit www.whatmattersw2.com.
What Matters Warren
Positive Vibes from the Valley welcomes Beth Medved Waller
Occupational wellness is an important part of overall health. For some, that means achieving a work-life balance. For others, it means engaging in meaningful work. In this podcast of Positive Vibes from the Valley, host Gabriel of Northwestern Prevention Collaborative sits down with Beth Medved Waller to discuss her journey towards occupational wellness and the lessons she has learned along the way.
Beth is a realtor from Front Royal, Virginia, who has been recognized regionally and nationally with sales awards, ranking as #1 Realtor in Warren County for over a decade. Positive Vibes from the Valley is a podcast focusing on the eight dimensions of wellness, presented by Northwestern Prevention Collaborative. Learn more at https://nwprevention.org.
Community Events
The Rotary Club of the Northern Shenandoah Valley hosting blood drive
All are invited to the Rotary Club of the Shenandoah Valley (The Area ONE|ders) blood drive on Wednesday, August 17th, from 1pm-6:30pm, at the Front Royal United Methodist Church (1 W. Main St. Front Royal), to be a hero and give the GIFT OF LIFE! Go to www.redcrossblood.org for more info–appointments are required.
If you can’t give, please take a moment to invite someone else to donate! Sometimes, all it takes is a heartfelt ASK and a person will become a blood donor for LIFE, and YOU can be a part of saving countless lives by inspiring a new donor!
While not required, you can speed things up by completing your RapidPass®. The process is simple, just 4 steps – and takes about 10 to 15 minutes (must be done on the day of donation). Get started with some initial information, read through the pre-donation materials, answer your health history questions and print, download or email your RapidPass® to yourself, and bring it with you. ONE PINT OF BLOOD CAN SAVE UP TO THREE LIVES! Thanks to all of the loyal regular donors, and welcome to future donors who would like to become regulars on this drive series that runs approximately every 56ish days!
Have you ever considered donating an impactful POWER RED donation (which can be done every 4 months)? There are slots available at all area drives, including this one! Learn more here.
- Approximately 36,000 units of red blood cells are needed every day in the U.S.
- Nearly 7,000 units of platelets and 10,000 units of plasma are needed daily in the U.S.
WHY give blood?
- You don’t need a special reason to give blood. You just need your own reason.
- Some of us give blood because we were asked by a friend.
- Some know that a family member or a friend might need blood some day.
- Some believe it is the right thing to do.
- Some do it for the free cookies and juice, cool sticker and time off from work.
- But EVERYONE enjoys the great feeling of helping save lives!
WHAT are the general Blood Donor Requirements?
- Be in good general health and feeling well.
- Be at least 17 years old in most states (16 years old with parental consent in some states).
- Weigh at least 110 pounds. Additional weight requirements apply for donors 18 years old and younger and all high school donors.
- Have not donated blood in the last 56 days.
- Be in good general health and feeling well.
- Be at least 17 years old in most states (16 years old with parental consent in some states).
- Weigh at least 110 pounds. Additional weight requirements apply for donors 18 years old and younger and all high school donors.
- Have not donated blood in the last 56 days.
Download the BLOOD DONOR APP TO SAVE TIME!
THANKS for joining us in helping to replenish the blood supply by donating! To learn more about service through Rotary, please visit www.rotary.org or email our club directly at theAreaOneders@gmail.com.
Community Events
Help replenish the blood supply after holiday weekend
All are invited to the next Front Royal Community Blood Drive on Wednesday, July 6th, from 8am-1pm, at the Front Royal Fire Hall (221 N. Commerce Ave) to be a hero and give the GIFT OF LIFE! Please visit redcrossblood.org for more info and to register (appointments are required).
While not required, you can speed things up by completing your RapidPass® (if you choose to, please note that it must be completed on the same day as your donation). The process is simple – just 4 steps, and takes about 10 to 15 minutes. Get started with some initial information, read through the pre-donation materials, answer your health history questions, and print, download or email your RapidPass® to yourself, and bring it with you.
- One pint of blood can save up to 3 lives!
- Approximately 36,000 units of red blood cells are needed every day in the U.S.
- Nearly 7,000 units of platelets and 10,000 units of plasma are needed daily in the U.S.
WHY give blood?
- You don’t need a special reason to give blood. You just need your own reason.
- Some of us give blood because we were asked by a friend.
- Some know that a family member or a friend might need blood some day.
- Some believe it is the right thing to do.
- Some do it for the free cookies and juice, cool sticker and time off from work.
- But EVERYONE enjoys the great feeling of helping save lives!
WHAT are the general Blood Donor Requirements?
- Be in good general health and feeling well.
- Be at least 17-years-old in most states (16-years-old with parental consent in some states).
- Weigh at least 110 pounds. Additional weight requirements apply for donors 18 years old and younger and all high school donors.
- Have not donated blood in the last 56 days.
Download the BLOOD DONOR APP to save time!
THANKS for joining us in helping to replenish the blood supply by donating! If you can’t give, please take a moment to invite someone else to donate! Sometimes, all it takes is a heartfelt ASK and a person will become a blood donor for LIFE, and YOU can be a part of saving countless lives by inspiring a new donor!
Community Events
Community Blood Drive to be held this Wednesday, March 3rd
WHAT MATTERS Warren–The Front Royal Police Department is sponsoring a blood drive on Wednesday, and all eligible donors are encouraged to log onto redcrossblood.org to schedule a donation of the GIFT OF LIFE! Jeff Farmer and the American Red Cross staff are grateful for the ongoing support, especially for the amazing sponsors and volunteers who have embraced the Red Cross Blood Service’s mission during the pandemic. He reminds donors that walk-ins are not allowed during the crisis and appointments are required (to help avoid donors having to wait and limit their time in public). Many precautions are being taken by the organization to protect the safety of donors as they protect the lives of those in need by choosing to donate during the quarantine.
- Front Royal Fire and Rescue Department (221 N Commerce Ave. Front Royal, VA 22630)
- Wednesday, 3/3/2021, from 9:00 AM – 2:00 PM
- Complimentary Screening for COVID Antibodies for all Blood Donors
RED CROSS PROTECTIVE MEASURES
All American Red Cross Staff before reporting to work are required to take their temperature. If they have a temperature of 99.5 degrees Fahrenheit they are required to not come to work.
At check-in, anyone entering the donation site such as donors and/or volunteers will have their temperatures taken. If at 99.5 degrees Fahrenheit or above they will be asked to leave.
All equipment from computers to tablets to donation beds will be wiped down after every user with sanitation wipes and everyone will be required to use hand sanitizer through every process of the donation stations. American Red Cross Staff are required to change gloves after every blood donor as well as usual.
Anyone nervous about donating during the pandemic is encouraged to log online to view the full protective measures being taken by the American Red Cross. redcrossblood.org/donate-blood.
FROM THE RED CROSS:
We’re also committed to helping others in meaningful ways during this pandemic. For a limited time, the American Red Cross will test all blood, platelet and plasma donations for COVID-19 antibodies as an additional health service to our donors. If you’re eligible and feeling well, we recommend scheduling an appointment now.
For detailed donor eligibility questions, please have your donors call 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767) or visit RedCrossBlood.org. Donors can save up to 15 minutes by using RapidPass to complete the pre-donation reading and health history questionnaire online. For more information, visit RedCrossBlood.org/RapidPass.
If you’d like to learn more about scheduling a blood drive at your business or organization, please contact:
Jeffrey Farmer
DRD Representative
American Red Cross
Cell – (540) 333-3788
“You can still go out and give blood. We’re worried about potential blood shortages in the future. Social distancing does not have to mean social disengagement.”
— US Surgeon General, Jerome Adams
About WHAT MATTERS:
WHAT MATTERS is a 501(c)(3) that focuses on local and global outreach to help spread the word, support and raise funds for causes (and people) that matter. WHAT MATTERS has ZERO overhead as 100% of the expenses are funded by Beth’s real estate business thanks to her clients and supporters. Every cent raised goes to the cause she’s promoting and many are matched by Beth. If you’d like to get involved with her many local or international projects, please visit www.whatmattersw2.com.
Community Events
Santa Claus is coming to Town, Warren County!
Warren County Parks and Recreation is going above and beyond to bring Christmas joy to local families. Festivities are plentiful and underway now—watch this video to learn more and spread holiday cheer by spreading the word about the fun (and safe) activities (at home, virtual and in-person) happening this month courtesy of Warren Co. Parks and Recreation!
Here are some more Winter-Holiday programs from Parks & Recs:
Merry & Bright Holiday Themed Activity Box
Warren County Parks and Recreation and the Warren County 4-H have created the “Merry & Bright” holiday-themed activity box! Each box will include supplies, ingredients, and instructions for several holiday-themed, activities, crafts, and some sweet treats.
The box is free and limited to the first 50 registrants. Limit one (1) per household and registrant must be under the age of 13 years old. For more information, contact the Warren County Community Center by phone at (540) 635-1021 or via email at wcccinfo@warrencountyva.net. Registrations will be accepted from December 14, 2020, through December 16, 2020, by visiting parksandrecreation.warrencountyva.net
Pick up information will be available after registration has ended. Contactless curbside pickup will be available.
Pictures with Santa
Come join the staff of Warren County Parks and Recreation and get your picture taken with the North Pole’s jolliest elf, Santa! We have put together a brunch box for you to enjoy. The box contains seasonal crafts and delicious treats. Photos with Santa will be taken and printed on-site.
Pictures with Santa are for children under 10 years old and must be accompanied by an adult. The cost for the pictures with Santa event is $10.00 per person. The event is limited to 50 participants; pre-registration is recommended. Only 25 people will be allowed in the building at a time.
Pictures with Santa will be on held Sunday, December 13, 2020, from 2:00 pm – 4:00 pm at the Warren County Community Center, located at 538 Villa Avenue, Front Royal, Virginia 22630.
Letters to Santa
Did you know that Warren County Parks and Recreation has a great relationship with Santa Claus? He will be stopping by the Warren County Community Center on December 13, 2020, from 2:00 pm – 4:00 pm to take pictures with you. This year Santa asked if we could help get letters from kids to him, so he could respond back to them before Christmas. Of course, we said that we are happy to help!
Visit our website for information on how to properly send your letter to Santa: parksandrecreation.warrencountyva.net
Letters to Santa will be accepted from December 7, 2020, through December 16, 2020, and letters are for children 10 years of age and younger. Letters must be submitted no later than 5:00 p.m. on Wednesday, December 16, 2020.
Gingerbread House Contest
Join Warren County Parks and Recreation for a Gingerbread House Building Contest! Show off your gingerbread house construction skills & artistry. The winner will receive a $25.00 gift card to Walmart.
The contest will run December 14, 2020 – December 23, 2020, and the winner will be announced on the Parks and Recreation Facebook page on December 28, 2020. Registration opens December 7, 2020. The first 25 to register for the contest will receive a free gingerbread house kit. Kits will be available for pickup on December 11, 2020.
Please post photos of your gingerbread house on our Facebook page at Warren County Parks and Recreation.
Christmas Scavenger Hunt
Santa needs your help! His elves went to play in the park and have lost their way back to Santa’s Workshop. The elves are lost somewhere in Gertrude Miller and Lions Park; we have a map that may help you locate them. Each elf represents a letter, and once you find all the elves, you can help us unscramble our Christmas message.
Once you have the message, please submit to twalker@warrencountyva.net. If you submit the correct phrase, you will be entered into our Christmas Scavenger Hunt drawing for several prizes.
The scavenger hunt will be open from December 7, 2020, through December 18, 2020, and this activity is for children 13 years of age and younger. Messages must be submitted no later than 5:00 pm on Friday, December 18, 2020. Winners will be announced live via Facebook on Monday, December 21, 2020.
These programs are eligible for online registration, visit us on the web at parksandrecreation.warrencountyva.net
Additional registration information can be obtained by contacting the Warren County Community Center, Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m., evening and weekend hours may vary, at (540) 635-1021 or via email at wcccinfo@warrencountyva.net.
What Matters Warren
A “COVID Christmas” message from Santa
WHAT MATTERS Warren–The holiday season has officially arrived and this Christmas, young and old alike will be wishing for a COVID-Free 2021! Share this video with your young friends to reassure them that, though life is not as jolly as we’d like it to be, Christmas is NOT cancelled! Watch as Santa explains the importance of staying safe and being kind. To learn more about Santa Gary (along with Mrs. Claus), visit Facebook.com/northpolegary or email sanra@northpolegary.com. The Sleigh phone is rung at 703.304.2769.
Here’s an important message directly from Santa:
“Hi boys and girls, I believe some of you are worried that I might not make it to your homes this Christmas Eve due to the COVID virus. Please don’t worry. I have clearance from every country and myself and all my Reindeer are all fit and well.
Due to all the restrictions in the workplace, some of my elves have not been able to help in my workshop, also we cannot get all of the materials to produce all of the toys you have asked for. We are working as hard as we can, but some toys will not be ready.
If you do not get everything you asked for it is not because you have not been very good, in fact, you have all behaved so well during these tough times. It is because unfortunately, I can not have them by Christmas, some of you may get what you asked for, but if your sister, brother, or friend does not please be kind to them as I know they will be disappointed.
Everyone will get presents and if it’s not exactly what you asked for, I hope you understand.
So stay safe, keep up the good work and I will see you all on Christmas Eve (but you will be asleep so you won’t see me!) Tell your grown-ups to share with their friends so everyone knows I will be at their home for Christmas.”
Love and best wishes,
Checked Twice
Santa Gary
Northpole
WHAT MATTERS:
Are you or your group in need of a free video or article that could be created to help market your cause or event? Or do you have an interesting story to share? Beth’s WHAT MATTERS Warren videos post on Facebook and Youtube. They are also shared with the Royal Examiner online (most are distributed in their daily email blast to thousands of local residents). Sign up for the Royal Examiner at www.royalexaminer.com and check out the “WHAT MATTERS Warren” tab under “Features.”
Learn more about Beth’s nonprofit, WHAT MATTERS, a 501 (c) (3), at www.whatmattersw2.com–check out the “Community” section to request a TOWN TIP or WHAT MATTERS WARREN BETHvid or contact her at 540-671-6145 or beth@whatmattersw2.com.
About WHAT MATTERS:
WHAT MATTERS is a 501(c)(3) that focuses on local and global outreach to help spread the word, support and raise funds for causes that matter (primarily through Facebook). WHAT MATTERS has ZERO overhead as 100% of the expenses are funded by Beth’s real estate business thanks to her clients and supporters. Every cent donated goes to the cause. If you’d like to get involved with her local or international nonprofit work, or travel to Africa with her on a future trip to work with the children of Light up Life Foundations, please visit www.whatmattersw2.com. Be sure to check out the “projects” tab for her current WHAT MATTERS Initiatives.