Meeting of February 14, 2017 #32 (5190) We were greeted at the door by Michael Kvistad and Danny Tetzlaff. President Ed Petersen called the meeting to order and led us in the Pledge of Allegiance. PP Mark Valentine introduced visiting Rotarians from Lake Stevens: Scott Smith, Sam Low, Bill Demeroutis and Jim Hagen.

PP Mark Valentine gave us some highlights of his term as President during 2014-2015. He thanked many people for their help, reminded us that it was the year we were surprised with the announcement that we would have to move from the Everett Golf and Country Club, came to the Legion where we are now at home. He mentioned many programs, reaching the $1 million dollar mark and then finished with some Valentine’s Day jokes.

 

 

Jeff Mitchell began his Club Meeting Sponsor’s minutes by telling us that his daughter was waiting to deliver his grandchild tonight and then told us about Banner Bank. He finished by telling us that Banner had ranked 29th in the nation this year by Forbes.

 

Announcements: *Lake Stevens Rotary Club president Sam Low presented the Everett Club with a check for $5,000 for the Dominican project.

 

 

*Lyle Ryan told us that all members were members of the Membership Committee and asked us to bring the membership up to 150. So far we have added 10 members this year but have lost 12! A new plan allows the 4th Tuesday of each month to be free lunch day for guests who are brought to the meeting as member candidates.

 

*Ski Fellowship is this Friday! Sign in quick says Joe Gaffney.

*Amy Norman gave an update of the fundraiser and drew a name from one of the boxes which was the 4 day trip and went to Jeff Mitchell.

*President Ed asked us to sign cards for Bill Tilley (Cancer treatment) and Ed Rubatino (Knee replacement).

 

Happy Bucks/Birthday Bucks Raffle: Lance Bella was honored for writing the best high school textbook of the year; Walt Greenwood donated $119 for a birthday and anniversary; Pastor Paul Stoot handed out long stemmed roses to all the ladies in the audience for Valentine’s Day; Steve McGraw told us about the new partnership with the Herald and Senior Focus; Tammy suggested we all come out for the curling events at the arena; Michael Hawks was happy but I missed what it was about; Mark Nesse was happy with Andy Hall who gave up his slot to talk about his presidency so Dr. Valentine could do his on “Valentine’s” Day.

 

The Raffle included wine, candy and more candy and at least one prize was won by Amy Norman—again!

 

 

John Olson introduced Bill Reed to talk about the “Youth Development Program” and how Everett Community College brings students of color to a conference where young people learn about leadership and are inspired to attend college. He thanked Charlie Earl, Ray Stephanson and Bob Drewel who helped get this project off the ground and who helped sponsor a partnership with David Beyer, Gary Cohn and John Olson to put it into practice. He said we still need more work to help mentor these kids to get through the process and graduate fully prepared. The Youth Development program targets middle school kids with an internship program to train, screen and coach them through the program. A new guarantee from Everett CC is for kids who take on the responsibility can finish with an AA degree/certificate free of debt. President Ed thanked the guests, acknowledged contributions and sent us forth to serve humanity.