The Rotary Club of Everett
July 28, 2015 meeting
Tim Coulter and Bob Dobler were at the door to greet Rotarians with a smile and handshake.
President Deborah Wright began the meeting with a rap of the gavel and the Pledge of Allegiance.
Clayton Browse drew and read the Thought of the Day. Today’s thought reminded us that we need to continue learning and challenging our minds. If we don’t, we grow old - fast!
Greg Tisdel welcomed visiting Rotarians Harv Jubie and Larry Jubie, of the Marysville Club, both Past District Governors. We did not have guests today’s meeting. President Deb led us with the “Together” song.
Jessie O’Brien gave his classification talk. Jessie is a financial planner with Edward Jones. Originally from Boise, Idaho, he moved to the Pacific Northwest 3 years ago. Jessie and his wife have been married for 3 years and do not have children. They both work a lot! He does enjoy camping, hunting and fishing. His goal is to know everyone, not just meet everyone. It’s a great goal for all of us!
President Deb’s Special Recognition:
- Ron Jacobs was thanked for providing the Podium’s customized Rotary sign each year.
- Denney Austin was thanked for providing a meeting place at Bethany, with coffee, for our monthly Board meeting.
- Shane Kraemer was recognized for bringing a new member to our Club.
Happy Dollars / Birthday Bucks
- Steve Ellis: Lost 7 lbs in one week with Dale Newman’s Protein Program Contest
- Tom Rainville: $100 to acknowledge house guests and Davis’ birthday
- Bob Beil: visited their favorite boating destinations, without a boat
- Jesse O’Brien: $100 for his 3rd wedding anniversary, which is today
- Marc Baker: Placed 4th in the Lake Stevens Duck Dash
- Scott Forslund: Happy for improved health of Snohomish County
- Judi Edwards: Was the Grand Prize Winner of the Duck Dash!!!
- Eileen Simmons: Recommends we read “Being Mortal”
- Mary Toews: $100 to thank all for Mari’s Place award and being recognized in the Herald
- Shane Kraemer: is hosting a member appreciation event and will be having ankle surgery
- Tammy Dunn: $100 for Sno. Co Sports commission, birthday bucks, rotary membership
- Bob Dobler: $100 for birthday bucks and a 28th wedding anniversary
Raffle: Prizes of wine, candy, cupcakes and / or cheese were won by Dennis Smith, Greg Thode, and Scott Forslund.
Glen Bachman introduced Kathy Rice, who presented today’s program ”Dispute Resolution Center”.
Kathy is the Dispute Resolution Center’s (DRC) Director of Operations for Volunteers of America.
The center is 1 of 20, and the oldest center, in WA State. The Center opened, under Federal mandate, in the early 80’s. Referrals come from the Court System (typically parenting plans), Small Claims Court, Fire and Police Departments. They have 22 employees. In addition to Federal funding, they receive funds from the county, grants, foundations, fees for services and training.
Programs include:
- Mediation of foreclosures with lenders and borrowers
- Working with elders
- Restorative justice for youth committing crimes
- Schools & families, as ordered by the Court system
- Helping to create peace both at home & abroad (currently in Pakistan with online classes)
- Mediation for businesses & employees
- Conflict coaching
Their newest project is a 10-year plan for ending homelessness. They help mediate landlord / tenant eviction, which helps lessens possibility of homelessness.
Mediators complete 1 ½ years of training. Currently, they have 160 mediators in Snohomish, Island and Skagit Counties. They teach classes at Everett Community College and Skagit Community College, certified by Western WA University.
Simply said: If there is a need in the community, they will help.
After Club announcements, President Deb concluded by thanking Kathy for her presentation and extending thanks to all contributors and our visiting Rotarians.
This reporter realizes she is a member of a very smart group!!! What’s an Aphorism? I ask.
I learn from the online dictionary:
An aphorism is a brief sentence or phrase that expresses an opinion or makes a statement of wisdom. Spoken or written, aphorism literally means “definition”.
Deb’s weekly Aphorism:
“Always read stuff that will make you look good if you die in the middle of it”.
Kaye Phinney Reporting
