December 6, 2022

 

A video of Joni Mitchell singing Both Sides Now was played on the video screen before Vice President Michael Kvistad rang the bell at 12:02pm, calling to order meeting #5475 of the Rotary Club of Everett, and meeting #23 of President Tammy Dunn’s year.  Michael then brought us the Thought of the Day with thoughts about change from President John F Kennedy.

 

There were no visiting Rotarians today.

Cat Wilson introduced her guest, Ashley Bolden.

 

VP Michael announced that next week’s meeting will have a catered lunch with musical entertainment from Walt Greenwood, Mark Valentine & Erik Samuelson. The meeting will also include Student of the Month presentations.

 

PP John Olson took to the podium to present some of the early history of the club. He also handed out copies of Larry O’Donnell’s  A History of the Rotary Club of Everett, Washington.

 

Brian Hollingshead announced that the next Rotary Happy Hour will be this Thursday, 5-6pm at the Courtyard by Marriott Everett.

 

VP Michael announced that December 20^th will be a catered, in person only meeting with The Everett High School Choir singing for us.

 

Brian Hollingshead had $100 birthday bucks.

 

Rich Toyer was back from Mazatlán, Mexico after six weeks, $100.

 

Heather Barnhart was happy that the blood drive was booked full.

 

Larry O’Donnell talked about a lot on Rucker Avenue and a missed investment opportunity.

 

Neil Angst ran today’s raffle. He started out by talking about an interview that he did with The Everett Herald about health insurance, which he was $100 happy for.

 

Raffle winners were:

Kelli Thode – Red Wine & a Box of Whoppers

 

Anna Marie Laurence – Free Lunch

 

Rose Goulet – White Wine & a Box of Whoppers

 

Kari Petrasek introduced today’s speaker, Tracy Rubstello from Bridge Receiving Center.

Tracy described how the current foster care system operates.  The state will pick up a child in need of foster care and attempt to place them in a foster home. However, the current system adds additional trauma to the child, with feelings of guilt, and separation from family & siblings. Currently there are not enough placement options for the child, resulting in spending nights in a motel room, or being bounced from home to home.

Bridge Receiving Center accepts children from 3 – 17 years old who are coming into the foster care system for the first time. Bridge has a camp-like atmosphere and can care for six children at a time. Bridge provides around the clock services and is a safe place for children for 30-60 days or longer.

 

 70% of the children received by Bridge are part of a sibling set. 60% are boys. The average stay is 21 nights. When children leave Bridge, they have less trauma and stress. The future for Bridge will include a teens only program.

 

Bridge is currently having a holiday gift card program, providing children with a $200 gift card for toys and clothes. You can find out more information at www.BridgeReceivingCenter.org. Tracy then entertained questions from club members.

 

VP Michael thanked our speaker, guests and bell ringers.

Meeting adjourned.

 

Respectfully submitted by

 

Photography submitted by