Speaker

Oliver Svadlenka, a Wilsonville High School student, will share highlights from his 2024–25 Rotary Youth Exchange in India. He spent the school year living abroad, attending classes, and immersing himself in Indian culture. His story reflects the life-changing opportunities Rotary Youth Exchange offers, connecting local students with study-abroad experiences and bringing international students to Wilsonville through strong community support.

Shasta Sasser, Library Director at Wilsonville Public Library, will share how today’s libraries are vibrant community hubs that offer far more than just books. Learn about the many programs, resources, and services available to all ages and how the library continues to adapt to meet the needs of our growing community.

Adrienne Scritsmier, Chair of the Wilsonville Kitakata Sister City Advisory Board, will present on Wilsonville’s nearly 37-year connection with Kitakata, Japan. This Sister City relationship has built bridges of friendship and cultural understanding since 1988. Adrienne will share insights into Kitakata’s geography, rich traditions, historic storehouses, and world-famous ramen, along with stories of how the partnership continues to foster exchange between our two communities.

Sarah Grabner, Crime Victim Assistance Supervisor with the Clackamas County District Attorney’s Office, will share how the Victim Assistance Program helps diminish the impact of crime through advocacy, crisis intervention, and support for victims. She will also introduce the Courthouse Facility Dog Program, where Nacho IV, a professionally trained dog, provides comfort and emotional support to vulnerable victims and witnesses during legal proceedings.

There will be no Rotary meeting as we take time to gather, reflect, and give thanks.

Sole Sisters began in Wilsonville 18 years ago and has since grown into a community with 15 locations, empowering women of all ages and abilities through fitness and friendship. Presenters Jessy Lee and Jenelle Reid will share how the group continues to inspire connection, confidence, and community, and how its annual race brings people from across the region to Wilsonville.

Zoe Mombert, Assistant to the City Manager for the City of Wilsonville and fellow Rotarian, will share how the Tourism Promotion Committee is working to showcase the community through the Explore Wilsonville program, partnerships, and local initiatives that highlight Wilsonville’s unique assets for visitors and residents alike.

Autumn Hartje shares her experience with Semester at Sea, a study abroad program where students travel the world by ship while completing college coursework. She’ll highlight how the program fostered academic growth, cultural connection, and personal discovery through global immersion.

There will be no Rotary meeting as we take time to reflect, recharge, and celebrate the start of a new year.

Jackie Haddon and Beth Kellan, co-founders of LiveAble Homes, will share a practical look at accessible and universal design, key aging demographics, and the reality of today’s accessible housing inventory. They’ll highlight solutions for integrating universal design standards, how to position yourself as an accessibility expert, and provide an overview of the LiveAble Homes Program, including certifying and marketing accessible listings.