Vice President Kari Petrasek rang the bell at 12:01pm, calling to order meeting #5587 of the Rotary Club of Everett, and meeting #37 of President Michael Kvistad’s year.

 

Kari Quaas presented the thought of the day, quoting Sir Thomas Moore: “The many great gardens of the world, of literature and poetry, of painting and music, of religion and architecture, all make the point as clear as possible; the soul cannot thrive in the absence of a garden.”

 

Heather Barnhart introduced her guests from the YMCA, Kyla McNulty, Whitney Butterfield, and Megan Franklin.

 

Kelli Thode introduced Aileen Ford, director at Archbishop Murphy High School.

 

PP Larry O’Donnell gave the club an update on Henry Newton. Henry has been out of the hospital for 2 weeks and is doing well.

 

Kari Petrasek reminded the club of the district assembly on April 5^th in Surrey, BC.

 

President Michael Kvistad arrived and took over the podium. He announced that dues are due.

 

Brian Hollingshead announced the happy hour on Thursday, March 27^th, 5-6:30 at the Marriott Hotel.

 

Kelli Thode announced the coffee hour Wednesday, April 9^th, 8-9am at The Muse.

 

President Michael then announced that Anna Marie Laurence has been nominated as President Elect Designee. New board members nominated were Ashley Bolden, Janice Ellis, Krissy Davis, and Greg Tisdel.

 

PP Will McMahon moved to approve the new slate of board members. Clay Browse seconded the motion. The motion passed.

 

PP Larry O’Donnell moved to approve Anna Marie Laurence as President Elect Designee. Kari Quaas seconded the motion. The motion passed.

 

The club then sang “Happy Birthday” to Ralph Quaas who turned 91. Kari Quaas presented Ralph with Funko Pop of Ralph and Kay.

 

Marybeth Dingledy thanked Ralph for being on the scholarship team.

 

Janice Ellis suggested that Ralph do a shot for every year he’s been alive!

 

Paul Stoot thanked Ralph for his involvement in the community.

 

PP Larry O’Donnell told Ralph that he made him and Henry Newton feel young!

 

Bruce Timm mentioned that the Funko Pop box stated “For ages 3 and up”.

 

PP Steve Miller was happy that his wife had a film showing at the Everett Film Festival on April 6^th.

 

Anna Marie Laurence had $100 to thank the club for selecting her as President Elect Designee, and for Ralph’s birthday.

Paul Stoot was sad that a friend of his passed away.

 

Kelli Thode was happy meeting fellow Rotarians outside of the meetings.

 

PP Will McMahon was happy to celebrate the YMCA and Ralph’s birthday.

 

Ralph Quaas had $100 birthday bucks. He said 100 is only 9 years away!

 

Barbara George mentioned the article in Rotary magazine about wasting food.

 

RAFFLE

PP Neil Angst ran today’s raffle. Winners were:

Kelli Thode discussed the fund raiser. So far, we are at 25% participation. Kelli has pledge forms. She invited Janice Ellis to discuss the youth exchange program. Janice is very involved in the youth exchange program at the club and district level. Exchange students make great future Rotarians. The district has many exchange students all over the world.

 

Heather Barnhart introduced today’s speaker, Kyla McNulty of the YMCA of Snohomish County. Kyla introduced her guests, Whitney Butterfield and Megan Franklin.

 

The Everett YMCA has been in the community for many years. They aspire to nurture youth development and social responsibility. The YMCA was founded in 1901 and is a volunteer led nonprofit organization. 6 full facility branches serve the county. They recently purchased a camp in Island County that serves all ages. The Colby Avenue YMCA opened December 1, 2019, replacing the old downtown location. The new location supports swimming lessons, youth sports, seniors and preschoolers.

 

Megan Franklin discussed some of the people that YMCA serves. On average, the Everett YMCA serves 1800 people daily. The YMCA of Snohomish County serves 150 youth attending school, 500 campers, and 2084 seniors annually. 105 seniors take swimming lessons at the YMCA. 24% of the members receive financial assistance.

 

Kyla returned to discuss community partnerships. YMCA Snohomish County has developed partnerships with Providence Medical Centers, Naval Station Everett, Everett Public Schools, Lake Stevens School District, Community Transit, and the Red Cross.

 

Whitney Butterfield discussed Camp Casey. The camp was purchased by the YMCA and started operating on January 1, 2025. The camp includes a conference and retreat center, outdoor education, and an overnight camp. 28% of the campers receive financial assistance.

 

Kyla, Megan and Whitney then entertained questions from the club members.

 

President Michael thanked our speakers and presented a donation on their behalf to Millennial Ministries. He also mentioned the board meeting on Friday.

 

Meeting adjourned.

 

Respectfully Submitted,

 

Photography Submitted by.