ROTARY CLUB OF EVERETT
Rotary LOG - Tuesday, July 11, 2023 (Free Slurpee Day at 7-11, if you can find one)
PRE- MEETING:
Jim Staniford not only was the official greeter when one walked through the door today but he was also the official raffle ticket seller. It appeared this job combination was good for sales. President Neil Angst provided a free lunch to all, so I did my best to show my appreciation by indulging in that opportunity. With my lunch in hand, I sequestered myself in a front corner table so I could hear and observe what was going on throughout the room. I sensed something with the ZOOM connection needed to get resolved (computer codes, frozen video feeds, etc.). After several minutes if not ten, Past President Greg Lineberry, calmly rectified the issue (prior to the start of the meeting) and unbeknownst to the other Rotarians. Per my count we had 46 people in attendance with 28 being in-person and 18 who were on ZOOM.
MEETING:
President Neil led us in the Pledge of Allegiance and Past President Greg followed with showing the emblem of the Presidential Seal on the ZOOM screen and playing a rendition of “Hail to the Chief” over the speaker system. What a way to start President Neil’s and the Rotary Club of Everett’s 1st meeting of the year and our 5,503rd meeting since our inception.
THOUGHT OF THE DAY:
President Neil’s Thought of The Day message was related to Independence Day and how those in the past and present have defended our rights to speak and think freely. Here are three quotes that President Neil shared with us.
- Mark Twain – “It is by the goodness of God in our country we have three unspeakably precious things: freedom of speech, freedom of conscience, and the prudence never to practice either of them.”
- Voltaire – “I disapprove of what you say, but I will defend to the death your right to say it.”
- Ben Franklin – “Those who would give up essential liberty, to purchase a little temporary safety, deserve neither liberty or safety.”
VISTING ROTARIANS AND GUESTS:
There were no visiting Rotarians or guests of Rotarians at today’s meeting.
ANNOUNCEMENTS:
Anna Marie Laurence asked us to Save the Date of October 5th between 5:00 and 7:30 pm when she will be hosting a party at her home to raise money for Rotary’s Helen Jackson endowment scholarship.
Fellowship host Brian Hollingshead mentioned that the next get together will be on July 27th at the Marriot on Colby. It begins at 5:00 pm.
Ralph Quaas mentioned that he had spoken to the First Baptist Church in Everett about the possibility renting a meeting place within their building. They said they do have a room they are willing to rent for $100.00 per meeting and that the room can hold up to 200 people.
President Neil talked about bylaw changes that the Board and Youth Foundation Board both approved and that the changes will come before the club to vote on in the near future. The proposed changes are as follows:
Currently the Local Impact Committee can provide support to applicants that reside within the City limits of Everett. The proposed change is to allow the support of applicants that reside within Snohomish County.
Currently members of the Local Impact Committee can submit and vote for an application that directly benefits their cause. The proposed change is to not allow a sitting member of the committee to submit or vote for an application that directly benefits their cause.
President Neil will provide the exact wording for these changes in an email to all Rotarians so that we are prepared to vote on these changes in the coming weeks.
HAPPY DOLLARS AND BIRTHDAY BUCKS:
President Elect Michael Kvistad, per a Tom T. Hall song, “loves winners when they cry, losers when they try …”. The winner in this case was Allisen Corpuz at the Women’s US Open Golf Tournament
and the loser can’t be mentioned as Past President Amy Norman covered her ears as she didn’t yet want to know the outcome of the event Michael mentioned.
Zak Parpia was happy (he always looks happy) to not only be attending the meeting in person today but for his 46th wedding anniversary. I don’t know if I heard this correctly, but this reporter is crediting ZAK
with a donation of $1,210.00.
Jim Staniford was $100.00 happy that he has his cast off of his wrist and will be starting physical therapy soon.
President Neil was $100.00 happy for the start of his presidency and he opportunity to serve our club.
RAFFLE:
Past President Greg Tisdale won a bell that had a note on it that read, “Ring if the president says something silly.”
Ser Jay De Los Angeles won a bottle of red wine and some treats.
Zak Parpia won a free lunch and some candy.
PROGRAM:
President Neil discussed what he will be focusing on as we move into our new Rotary year.
Committee’s
- An email will be sent out asking that all Rotarians sign up for at least one committee and to be active on that committee.
- All that aren’t yet on a committee may expect a phone call.
- There are some committees that really need folks.
- Membership.
- The LOG (reporters for each meeting)
- Sergeant of Arms.
Notes from the Club Assembly of items we want to have implemented/re-implemented.
- Guests to be greeted as they come into the meeting.
- Provide a signup sheet for visiting Rotarians and provide make ups for those that request one.
- A Rotarian (for a donation of $100.00) can speak for 3 minutes about their business.
- A Mission Moment, once a month, by a Rotarian who would speak about their “Rotary Moment”.
- Provide a handout (in Club Runner) explaining each committee and who is on each committee.
- Contemplate sitting with other people at the meetings so that we all get to know each other better.
- The updated member list is on Club Runner.
Meeting location
- A committee is actively looking for a more permanent meeting space.
- Criteria that have been discussed for a new space.
- The Room is to have space that would accommodate our whole membership.
- Ample parking.
- Easy to set up and take down.
- Food
- Access to an area for caterers.
- See Ralph’s message under ANNOUCEMENTS above.
- When we have the students of the month, we plan to meet at Legion Golf Course so that our guests and Rotarians can enjoy a hot lunch.
- A survey will be sent out exploring if the cost of a $20.00 lunch at Legion will be supported by our members.
- The thought of purchasing a building for use by ourselves and possibly others was discussed.
- This topic generated a lot of ideas and comments that will be explored.
- Perhaps a small committee (or the Strategic Planning Committee can look into this possibility.
During President Neils presidential message Jim Staniford’s cell phone rang, and he was immediately fined $5.00. Jim blamed Past President Amy for his phone being on. He realized that blaming Amy wasn’t a good Rotarian thing to do so he fined himself another $15.00. Several minutes later Jim Hoover’s cell phone rang, and he produced a $5.00 bill to cover his fine.
NEXT PROGRAM:
Believing in Abilities (Sherwood Community Services), presented by IIene Levering.
Rotary International Foundation visit by Carolyn Ferguson.
MEETING ADJOURNED:
President Neil adjourned the meeting at 12:58 pm.
Respectfully Submitted,
Past President Andy Hall
Photography Submitted by.
Walt Greenwood
