Rotary Voices Podcast: "The Downtown Ducks with Rick Repp"

Release Date: January 21, 2025
Host: Rotary Magazine

Introduction

In the January 21, 2025 episode of the Rotary Voices podcast titled "The Downtown Ducks with Rick Repp," host Jeff Johnson engages in an inspiring conversation with Rick Repp, a lawyer and member of the Rotary Club of Spokane. The episode delves into Rick's heartfelt journey of preserving a beloved local story through his newly published children's book, The Downtown Ducks. This summary captures the essence of their discussion, highlighting key points, insightful reflections, and the impactful conclusions drawn by Rick.

The Viral Story of Joel and the Ducks

The episode opens with Andy Choi recounting the charming story that captivated Spokane and garnered international attention. In the spring of 2008, a duck named Mama Duck nested outside a bank in downtown Spokane, leading to the hatching of ten ducklings. Joel Armstrong, a loan officer, and his colleagues took exceptional care of the vulnerable ducklings as they made their way to the Spokane River, ensuring their safety despite the challenges posed by their inability to fly. This remarkable act of kindness was featured prominently in England's Daily Mail and appeared twice on Good Morning America and World News.

Rick Repp's Inspiration and Motivation

Rick Repp reflects on the enduring impact of Joel’s actions and the unforgettable story of the Downtown Ducks. Motivated by his mother's influence and his passion for literacy, Rick sought to immortalize the story in a children's book. At [03:00], Rick shares:

"I set out to preserve the story. This is the first time that I've ever put together a book like this. I did it as a birthday present for my mother and also to preserve the story for my children and for my nephews and my niece."

Initially a private project, The Downtown Ducks began as a heartfelt gift to his family. However, as Rick shared the book on social media, the positive response encouraged him to explore publishing options, leading to its official release in 2023 through Sunshine Idaho Publishing.

Collaboration and Creation Process

Rick emphasizes the collaborative nature of the book's creation, highlighting the contributions of his mother and daughter. At [06:02], he explains:

"I did the pen and ink drawings and then she and my daughter helped color them because my mother had gotten into the trend of using colored pencils for coloring books."

This joint effort not only resulted in a beautifully illustrated book but also served as a meaningful activity that bridged generations despite his mother's health challenges following a stroke in 2018.

Impact on Family and Community

Presenting the finished book to his mother was a poignant moment for Rick. At [07:06], he recounts her emotional reaction:

"She was super pleased... Smile and laughter and tears all mixed together. She said, you know, it was one of the best birthday presents ever received."

Beyond personal fulfillment, Rick’s book resonated with a broader audience. Initially shared among family, the demand grew organically, leading to international sales, including a copy sold in Germany.

Fostering a Love for Reading

A central theme of the conversation revolves around childhood literacy and the importance of fostering a lifelong love for reading. Rick shares his own experiences, attributing his passion for reading to his parents' encouragement. At [08:41], he reflects:

"Reading was a window to the world. I became a voracious reader and really enjoyed basically anything I can get my hands on."

With The Downtown Ducks, Rick aspires to inspire the next generation, especially in an era dominated by digital entertainment. He articulates his mission at [12:17]:

"I'm hoping that this is one more tool that teachers and parents can use to inspire a love of reading and help kids embrace books."

Alignment with Rotary's Literacy Initiatives

Rick’s efforts align seamlessly with Rotary International's commitment to promoting literacy. He highlights the Rotary Club of Spokane's initiatives, such as funding a local bookmobile, at [15:08]:

"One of the projects that the Spokane Rotary Club is proud of is we provided the funding for a local bookmobile that takes books around to children so they can check them out."

This partnership underscores the collaborative spirit of Rotary members in enhancing community literacy and providing accessible resources for children.

Public Engagement and Reception

Rick recounts his serendipitous opportunity to present his book to the Rotary Club, which became one of the club's top-scoring programs. The presence of Joel Armstrong during the Q&A session added an authentic and heartfelt dimension to the presentation. At [16:29], Rick shares:

"He’s been one of my biggest fans as far as the book goes... It makes a good birthday present. It makes a good baby shower present."

The positive reception from both the Rotary members and the broader community underscores the universal appeal and emotional resonance of the Downtown Ducks story.

Future Endeavors and Continuing the Legacy

When asked about potential future projects, Rick expresses a desire to continue sharing true stories of animal rescues that inspire and engage children. At [17:34], he states:

"I am keeping my eyes open for other true stories involving animal rescues... I don’t see myself transitioning careers to a children's book author per se, but I do think that I'm toying with an idea or two."

This openness to future projects emphasizes Rick's commitment to leveraging storytelling as a means to educate and inspire young readers.

Conclusion

The episode concludes with Jeff Johnson praising Rick’s accomplishments and his dedication to both his family and the community. Rick expresses gratitude for the platform to share his story and the impact it has had on others. The conversation highlights the power of storytelling in fostering literacy, the importance of community support, and the enduring legacy of acts of kindness like those of Joel Armstrong and his ducklings.

For more inspiring stories and to participate in Rotary initiatives, visit Rotary International.

Notable Quotes:

• Rick Repp at [03:00]: "I set out to preserve the story... as a birthday present for my mother and also to preserve the story for my children and for my nephews and my niece."

• Rick Repp at [06:02]: "I did the pen and ink drawings and then she and my daughter helped color them because my mother had gotten into the trend of using colored pencils for coloring books."

• Rick Repp at [07:09]: "She was super pleased... one of the best birthday presents ever received."

• Rick Repp at [12:17]: "I'm hoping that this is one more tool that teachers and parents can use to inspire a love of reading and help kids embrace books."

• Rick Repp at [15:08]: "We provided the funding for a local bookmobile that takes books around to children so they can check them out."

This summary encapsulates the heartfelt narrative and community impact discussed in the Rotary Voices podcast episode, offering insights into Rick Repp's journey of preserving a local legend and promoting literacy among children.