ROTARY CLUB OF EVERETT
PRE-MEETING/MEETING TIDBITS:
Today is the birthday of the U.S. Coast Guard which was established in 1790. In its 236 years of existence, I served in 6 of those years through 6 months of active duty and 5.5 years in the reserves. In that time, I was on Coast Guard boats at the Seafair Hydroplane races, patrolled Puget Sound to board boats and do safety inspections, and for many weekends, while in college, I was stationed at the Mukilteo lighthouse. My Commanding Officer was Past President Ed Rubatino. I didn’t re-meet P.P. ED until I joined our club 8 years later.
MEETING:
President Kari Petrasek led us in the Pledge of Allegiance and into our 5th meeting of the year and our 5,656th meeting of the Rotary Club of Everett. There were 26+/- Rotarians, guests, and 2 ZOOMERS in attendance.
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HISTORICAL THOUGHT OF THE DAY:
As mentioned in the July 7th LOG Past President John Olson and Past President\Larry O’Donnell would like your input to help them look up answers to historical data about our club that interests you the most. P.P. John passed out a clipboard so that each of us had a chance to write down what we would like to hear.
INTRODUCION OF VISITING ROTARIANS AND GUESTS:
Kari Quaas introduced her father-in-law Tom Ross who is from North River, WA, which is south of Montesano and northeast of Raymond in southwest Washington.
Jennifer Hem introduced Rich Good, a retired Boy Scout leader and past member of a handful of Rotary clubs scattered around the country. He attended Cascade High School and settled back in our community.
ANNOUCEMENTS:
Ashley Bolden announced that there will be a Community Coffee hour on Wednesday, August 12th at the Choux Choux Bakery starting at 8:00 am. It is located at 2900 Grand Avenue.
President Kari reminded us of the Rotary Hands Across the Border 2026 event taking place on Saturday August 8th from noon to 3:00 pm at Peace Arch Park (at the border crossing). This annual District 5050 gathering is a tradition for Rotarians in the Peace Arch region, symbolizing unity, peace, and friendship across the US-Canada border.
President Kari mentioned our next blood drive will be on August 28th.
Prizes are needed for the weekly raffle.
HAPPY DOLLARS AND BIRTHDAY BUCKS:
Before we talk about Past President Steve Miller’s latest water-skiing adventure, I want to post what was written in the LOG on June 23rd.
“Past President Steve Miller, after a hiatus from competitive water skiing the last few years (to recover from his latest skiing injuries) took to the water last Friday at a competition and qualified for nationals. On Saturday he crashed during a jump and had to take a boat ride back to shore. His family would like him to “retire” and after having over 25 surgeries pursuing his passion, we understand why. For those who don’t know Steve is in the Snohomish County Hall of Fame for his water-skiing Prowess.”
P.P. Steve took to the water again last weekend and once again “did the splits” as his ski hit the water after a long jump, the pain was unbearable but earlier in the day Steve conquered the trick ski and slalom competition and came out with top honors as the champion in his age bracket. He may have to re-visit his orthopedic friends as the cause of the “splits” seems to be a wayward knee.
Glen Bachman gave a $100.00 bell ringer for the great care he received at Providence Regional Medical Center in Everett as he had his hip recently replaced.
Janice Ellis was happy (she always looks happy) but I wasn’t happy to have missed what she was happy about.
Heather Barnhart happiness also fell on my deaf ears.
Past President Michael Kvistad was another happy Rotarian who I didn’t write down what his happy dollars were for. The distraction that caused my lapse during Janice’s, Heather’s and P.P. Michael’s comments disappeared and I was back on track.
Past President Bob Bavasi gave $20.00 for the apparent recovery P.P. Steve Miller must have had not to be sporting any ortho. appliances after his latest water-skiing accident.
Rich Good was happy to say that P.P. Steve Miller was his senior Scout leader when he was young Scout.
President Kari was happy for her business trip to Chicago but wasn’t so happy about a delayed flight that got her back home on Monday night at 3:00 am.
RAFFLE:
Ashley called out the following winning tickets.
Winner number 1 - Heather Barnhart, wine
Winner number 2 - President Elect Anna Marie Laurence, Beer
Winner number 3 - Past President Henry Newton, Maple Syrup
PROGRAM:
President Kari introduced Jeremy Gregersen, Executive Director of Camp Fire Snohomish County who presented the following:
More than 8 minutes:
- American kids spend less than 8 minutes a day “connecting” with the outdoors, engaging in unstructured play, etc.
- 5 million kids experience depression.
- 57% of 8th graders are on social media more than once an hour.
- 73% of 6th graders get less than an hour of physical activity per day.
Camp Fire does:
- Time outdoors.
- Build confidence.
- Creates belonging.
- Practice leadership.
- Develops independence and resilience.
Camp Killoqua:
- Established in 1941, 85th summer.
- 180 acres of land of which 100 acres remain forested and building-free.
- ACA accredited.
- Programs throughout the year
- Summer camp
- Day camp is available for kids of kindergarten age through 8th graders
- Overnight camp is available for kids in grades 1-12
- Retreat rentals
- Family overnights
- Community events
- The state has stopped funding the expenses to send kids to camp as many of us experienced as 5th graders. Luckily local school districts have funded campers who do get to experience what Camp Killoqua and its staff have to offer.
Try something hard:
- Make new friends.
- Learn to get along with others.
- Solve problems.
- Live in a community.
- Build independence.
Hands on Environmental Education:
- Forest, wetland, wildlife, and soil ecology.
- Outdoor living skills.
- Team building and leadership.
- Outdoor recreation.
- Day trips and overnight campouts.
Volunteers are always needed for events throughout the year.
President Kari thanked Jeremy for his presentation and presented him with a token of our appreciation.
NEXT PROGRAM:
Brandon Schmitt and Brian Johnston Behind the Badge Foundation
MEETING ADJOURNED:
President Kari adjourned the meeting at 12:46 PM
Respectfully Submitted,
Past President Andy Hall
Photography Submitted,
Walt Greenwood
