Springfield Rotary Club 364

05/26/2026

Presenter: Benjamin Wilkinson, Executive Director, Community Activation Network

Topic: How to Build a Better Block Party! (and Community)

Presentation:

In four short years, Springfield's "The Block Party" has grown from a big picnic to Lane County's largest free festival, hosting up to 15,000 neighbors on one magical night in our Historic Downtown. Continuing Springfield's rich history of gatherings, Community Activation Network produces this annual Community Revitalization Celebration. The Block Party is a regional, powerhouse event for the next generation, featuring music, food, social service outreach, civic engagement and festivities that embody the Springfield spirit. All entirely, for free.

That's just the beginning, and we need your help. Shopper's Paradise, Filbert Festival and the Eugene Celebration weren't built overnight. We've identified economic, cultural and place-making opportunities that will build a year-round calendar of free, public-space activations for large-scale neighbor-to-neighbor connection. As a small, public charity, we can work in ways that are difficult for our local government partners, and, outside the charter of economic development or networking agencies.

Brief Bio:
Benjamin Wilkinson first ran for public office (school) at age 12. He raised his hand to get things done. Now he is the Executive Director of Community Activation Network and the organizer behind Springfield's "The Block Party," Lane County's largest free community party. His background is in small business management, specialty coffee, and mindfulness-based fitness — not event production — which is maybe why, when he raised his hand to take over a scrappy little party in 2022, he saw not what it was but what it could be. Five years later, Springfield seems to agree.

Weekly Program ZOOM 2023-2024
President Robert Schutte is inviting you to a scheduled Zoom meeting if you are unable to attend in person.

Join Zoom Meeting

Meeting ID: 865 8699 6997
Passcode: 737231

05/21/2026

Congratulations to this year's Springfield Rotary scholarship recipients!

We are proud to celebrate these outstanding high school students as they take their next big steps toward higher education. Their hard work, dedication, and character are a true reflection of the bright future ahead.

A heartfelt thank you to the families who have encouraged and supported these students every step of the way — your love and sacrifice make all the difference. We also want to recognize the school counselors who go above and beyond to guide, advocate for, and champion our young people. You are making a lasting impact.

Investing in our students is investing in our community. The Springfield Rotary is honored to be part of their journey.

05/19/2026

Our presenter for this weeks meeting will be John Thomas
Presentation: A brief history of the Rotary Foundation

A bit about the Presenter: John chairs the Springfield Rotary Foundation and has served on the interview committee with fellow Rotarians going back to 1985. He will share a brief history of the foundation and how funds are managed and used for our high school - university candidates and, recently, students in apprentice programs. He will introduce this year’s recipients.

John is also a Springfield Rotary past president, and was brought into Springfield Rotary in early 1973 by his father who also served the club as a future club president.

We will also be meeting the winners of our annual scholarships and their counselors. Please plan on attending the Wednesday at noon at the Springfield Elks Lodge for this energetic meeting and congratulating the students!

Weekly Program ZOOM 2023-2024
President Robert Schutte is inviting you to a scheduled Zoom meeting if you are unable to attend in person.

Join Zoom Meeting

Meeting ID: 865 8699 6997
Passcode: 737231

05/11/2026

Our amazing friend and fellow Rotarian, Ken Brown, Executive Director at The Hope Project, will be our speaker this week. We look forward to having you join us!

Ken was born in Weitchpec, California, and grew up in Elmira, Oregon, where his parents served as missionaries on the Hoopa Indian Reservation. He attended Elmira High School, Eugene Bible College, the University of Oregon, and Fuller Seminary. For 33 years, he has served as Community Engagement Officer at Rexius. He founded and leads The Hope Project, supporting vulnerable children and families in Lane County. Ken has spent decades as a chaplain with the Eugene Emeralds, UO Athletics, and NASCAR. He serves on numerous local boards. Ken and his wife Pam have two children and enjoy spending time outdoors, photography, and the Oregon Coast.

Weekly Program ZOOM 2023-2024
President Robert Schutte is inviting you to a scheduled Zoom meeting if you are unable to attend in person.

Join Zoom Meeting

Meeting ID: 865 8699 6997
Passcode: 737231

05/04/2026

We will be hearing an update on a Global Grant Project!
Presenters are Nicolas Bermudes, Luis Abarca, Jose Meza, César Flores, Anthony Bosch, Edilfonso Cace, members of the Rotary Club of San Isidro Este, Lima Peru. César is the current club President.

Presentation:Mechanical Ventilation Project at the Instituto Nacional de Salud de Niños

Brief Description of Presentation:
Springfield Rotary and the Rotary Club of San Isidro Este joined to develop a global grant to support hospitalized children with chronic breathing disorders. This program will update our club on the status of that grant and the difficulties that arose.

Weekly Program ZOOM 2023-2024
President Robert Schutte is inviting you to a scheduled Zoom meeting if you are unable to attend in person.

Join Zoom Meeting

Meeting ID: 865 8699 6997
Passcode: 737231

04/28/2026

We are HANDS ON at this weeks meeting!

We are once again proud to highlight The Hope Project—a Lane County nonprofit dedicated to stepping in quickly when traditional systems fall short.

Founded and led by Ken Brown, The Hope Project is driven by action and compassion. With a background as a pastor, father, husband, community activist, and lifelong Oregonian, Ken leads both a formal leadership team and a hands-on network of people committed to getting help where it’s needed—fast.

Springfield Rotary has had the privilege of partnering with The Hope Project on several work parties, including wrapping gifts at Christmas, stuffing back packs for school children, and we’re excited to keep that momentum going.

All materials will be provided—just show up ready to help. Family and friends are welcome, and this is a wonderful opportunity to introduce potential new members to Springfield Rotary.

Please note: There will be no Zoom meeting this week.

Service above self—together, we’re making a difference.

04/24/2026

Thank you to Pacific ClearVision, Springfield Utility Board, Richardson Sports, and The Hult Center for supporting the District Conference. Rotary could not "Do Good in the World" without you.

04/24/2026

Thank you to The UPS Store, Eugene Airport, Aims Mobile Nursing, McKenzie Willamette Medical Center and the Turell Group for supporting the District Conference. Rotary could not "Do Good in the World" without you.

04/22/2026

Our Rotary District Conference would not be possible without our community partners. Please let them know how much you appreciate them

Thank you to Pacific ClearVision, Springfield Utility Board, Richardson Sports, and The Hult Center for supporting the District Conference. Rotary could not "Do Good in the World" without you.

04/21/2026

Let's talk WATER!

This weeks meeting will feature Paige Walters, Senior Director Advocacy and Economic Development, Springfield Area Chamber of Commerce

Presentation: Understanding Ballot Measure 20-373: Implications for Business, Infrastructure, and Growth

Lane County Ballot Measure 20-373, also known as the Watershed Bill of Rights, would establish new legal rights for local watersheds and create a private right of action allowing individuals to file lawsuits over alleged violations of those rights. While the measure is rooted in the goal of protecting natural resources, its language introduces a new and broadly defined legal framework that raises important questions about how it would be interpreted, enforced, and applied alongside existing laws.

This presentation will provide an overview of the measure and outline the Springfield Area Chamber of Commerce’s opposition, with a focus on the potential implications for businesses, public agencies, utilities, and community institutions. Key considerations include legal uncertainty, exposure to litigation for otherwise lawful activities, and the potential impact on infrastructure, housing, and economic development. The goal is to help attendees better understand what the measure proposes and the practical considerations voters may want to weigh as the May election approaches.

Bio:
Paige Walters serves as the Senior Director of Advocacy and Economic Development for the Springfield Area Chamber of Commerce, where she leads the Chamber’s strategic work in public policy, economic development, and workforce initiatives. In this role, she oversees advocacy efforts, key business and leadership programs, and partnerships with government and regional stakeholders, helping shape initiatives that support a strong and resilient local economy.

Originally from the Pacific Northwest, Paige’s love for travel led her to spend three years overseas, including two years as a community economic development volunteer with the Peace Corps in Namibia. That experience continues to shape her commitment to building strong, connected communities. She currently serves as the Past President for the Springfield City Club Board of Directors.

Outside of work, Paige enjoys spending time with her husband Alex and 2.5-year-old son Theo, puttering around their 10-acre aspiring hobby farm.

Weekly Program ZOOM 2023-2024
President Robert Schutte is inviting you to a scheduled Zoom meeting if you are unable to attend in person.

Join Zoom Meeting

Meeting ID: 865 8699 6997
Passcode: 737231