This week’s Rotary story is about a Rotarian who has been married to his wonderful wife Julie, for 40 years. They have two grown children, Ben and Sam, and a brand-new grandson, Nels Griffin Walen Read born on February 11th!
He is the publisher for the Journal of Business in Spokane and group publisher of the Tri-Cities area Journal of Business and Senior Times in the Tri-Cities. He has been with the Spokane Journal for 37 years.
When asked how he likes to spend his time, he said, woodworking is his Zen time. He enjoys making small furniture and other projects, but he also likes to hike, golf, and go wine tasting!
His current favorite author is Malcolm Gladwell, especially his books, “Outliers” and “Talking to Strangers”. He says he is a classic rock junkie and the movie that still makes him cry is “Rudy”.
When asked about his most worthwhile investment, he said the simple answer is family. The more complex answer is relationships. He believes whoever dies with the most friends, wins.
He has served and, in most cases, led many civic and nonprofit boards and enjoys giving back.
Among them are Greater Spokane Incorporated, United Way of Spokane County, Boy Scouts of America’s Inland Northwest Council, the National Alliance of Area Business Publishers, AWB, Visit Spokane, and others.
He says he joined Rotary Club 21 for two reasons. We help the community he loves and the relationships you gain in Rotary are authentic.