Rotarians were warmly greeted by Bob Bavasi and Andy Hall.
President Amy Norman opened the 23rd meeting of her term with the Pledge of Allegiance and all remained standing for Will McMahan’s Thought of the Day prayer.
Andy Hall opened the introduction of vising Rotarians and guests:
Melissa Tejada Vasquez, Olivia Hollingshead (Brian’s daughter), Kelli Thode (former Club member) and
Morgan Crosby (Rotaract of Snohomish County President and today’s guest speaker).
Announcements:
- Classification talk: Kevin Nichols thanked his sponsor, Will McMahan. He is employed by the Scouts, Youth Services for Boy Scouts of America. He talked about his experience and service with this great organization and is happy to be settled in Everett.
- Foundation Month: Mark Valentine gave an update; our November activities were successful.
- Nomination Committee: Steve Miller reported that Jessica Mitchell has accepted the President nominee, replacing Todd Morrow’s vacancy.
- Gospel Mission Volunteering: Judi reported our Club will serve meals again at the Gospel Mission. Currently, 3 people are signed up and 5 spots are remaining.
- Food Bank Volunteering: Nick Hansen said a varied date was requested at the Volunteers of America. Our next volunteer day is Friday, December 21 from 11:00-1:00.
- Cards for fellow Rotarians
Bruce Timm - hernia & cataract surgeries
Mike Holcomb – back surgery
Rich Toyer – mother passed away
- President Amy reported that while we’ve increased membership, we’ve also had 4 Rotarians leave. Overall, we are down 1. Will McMahan talked about the importance of a strong membership, reminding us to invite someone to a Rotary meeting and lunch.
Happy Dollars & Birthday bucks:
- Amy Norman: her son joined a touch football team; she’s counting on no injuries!
- Walt Greenwood: cited that medical advances are putting companies out of business!
- Sean George: is honored to be on the Rotary Board and getting his Paul Harris award!
- Janice Ellis: thanked Greg Tisdel for transporting exchange students to Chilliwack BC. She told us Greg never says “no”.
- Tom Koenig: told Amy that he was knocked out twice playing basketball & touch football – yipes!
- Jessica Mitchell: is excited and touched by being asked to be Club President!
- Betsy Baker Bold: offered birthday dollars. She’s thankful for life & family.
- Sean Kelly: reported Providence’s Festival of Trees raised $1,271,000 for pediatrics!
- Judi Edwards: had $26 anniversary bucks – congratulations!
- Rod Moody: purchased a table saw and tested its safety feature on his finger. He’s happy to report the safety feature worked!
- Brian Hollingshead: is happy his daughter Olivia is joining us today for lunch!
- Ralph Quass: marked the 3rd year since his stroke. He’s happy with his recovery, and we are too!
- Katrina Koontz: is excited to have more hockey in the Pacific Northwest!
- Sonya Kraski: will host a Fireside in her Arlington home on December 18th. There’s still room to sign up.
Auction and Raffle:
- A determined Dale Packard was the auction winner to get Don Senter’s annual fruitcake!
- Lucky raffle winners were Suzanne Britsch, Dave Schlosser and Zebb Cobbs. Prizes included candy, wine, a free lunch, Rotary cap and Rotary tee shirt.
Our program was “Rotaract en la Casa”. Erik Samuelson introduced our guest speaker Morgan Crosby, Rotaract of Snohomish County President. Rotaract brings together adults ages 18-30 years old to exchange ideas with community leaders, develop leadership and professional skills and have fun. Rotary clubs sponsor them but Rotaract members manage and fund their clubs independently. Our Club sponsor’s Morgan’s Club.
Morgan cited the saying “Reap What You Sew”. Their Club operates with this thought in mind. They have made chemo-care kits with caring blankets, distributed books to promote literacy, and are planning to bring The Aller Stove to Guatemala next summer. The stoves burn less wood, have outside venting and are economical. They plan to install 75-100 stoves.
President Amy concluded with a quote from Rotary International President Barry Rassin regarding Rotaract: “You are the future. You will continue this on. Think of them as young Rotarians”.
President Amy gave Janice Ellis special recognition as the weekly inspiration. Janice’s dedication to Youth Exchange has been impactful to both our Club and the entire program. Rotary recognized her with the 2017-2018 Presidential Citation Award. Well earned & well deserved. Congratulations, Janice!
President Amy adjourned the meeting with thanks to contributors, visitors and guests.
This weeks crew:
Reporter: Kaye Phinney
Photographer: Walt Greenwood
