President Kelli Thode started the 6^th meeting of the year 2025-2026 and the 5,606^th meeting of the Rotary Club of Everett with the Pledge of Allegiance.

 

President Kelli gave the Thought of the Day. “In this time of constant change and constant noise, each of us has an opportunity for introspection, an awakening, and a more fulfilling life. All of the old rules are gone, which means it’s a good time for each and every one of us to dig deep and ask ourselves why am I here, what is my purpose, who do I want to become, how do I want to leave a mark on this world, and do I have the courage to examine and possibly alter old beliefs that may be keeping me stuck in a life I’m not meant to be in?”

 

She asked the questions – Why is our club here? What is its purpose? What do we want to become? How do we want to leave our mark? Do we have the courage to examine & possibly alter old beliefs/traditions that may be keeping us stuck.

 

Mark Valentine introduced Brent, a local contractor, as he was visiting the club. Henry Janicki was in attendance. Emily Hoke visited us again.

 

Walt Greenwood announced that we can order Rotary shirts to wear within the community. The shirts will be men and women sizes and either white or royal blue.

 

American Red Cross Blood Drive at the Everett Elks is August 29^th, 10 am – 3 pm.

 

Strategic Planning Workshop will be held in early September. We are looking for 25 members to participate in the 4-hour workshop. Contact Greg Tisdel with any questions or interested in participating.

 

Rotary Friendship Exchange, September 20-24. Janice Ellis is looking for host families.

 

November Service Project on Veteran’s Day will be at the Carl Gipson Senior Center. We will be serving lunch from 11:30 am – 1:30 pm on November 11^th. The service project is in place of our Tuesday meeting.

 

Rotary Happy Hour is August 28^th at the APEX with a tour starting at 4 pm and social at 5 pm.

 

Rotary Coffee Hour is August 13^th at Narrative Coffee at 9 am.

 

Kari Quaas was happy about Street Tunes which are pianos around town on the streets. The pianos will be around town for four weeks.

 

Krissy Davis had complimentary tickets to an auction and gave a campaign update.

 

Jerry Tucker was happy for his grandson graduating college, granddaughter going to college, his son being a Rotary Club President, and helping Russ Kimball sell his building.

 

Janice Ellis was happy that it was voting day. Happy she gets to vote and a right to vote.

 

Henry Janicki had raffle tickets for sale to support his friend’s family.

 

Betsy Baker-Bold gave an update on her dad, Marc Baker. He is still in the hospital.

 

Tammy Dunn handed out a special treat promoting the Snohomish County Sports Hall of Fame 2025 Induction Banquet. Roy Firestone will be the guest speaker. Former Everett Mayor Ed Hansen is being inducted this year.

 

Rich Toyer is the trustee of Bob Beil’s estate. He will donate $1,000 on Bob’s behalf and Rich had a birthday.

 

Ryan Willis introduced Scott Oki. Scott has a passion for serving others. He will discuss State Education, education at the district level and then about the Seattle Public Schools.

 

Scott founded The Oki Foundation in 1987. He is a former Microsoft employee and wrote a book on Strategy.  He is working on a Catalyze Reform for K though 12 by 2027.

 

Scott talked about the Washington State Finance. Educational spending is up 110% from 2013 to 2024. Spending has gone up and reading and math learning has decreased.

 

There are 14 schools on the list of Financial Warning, 7 schools on the list of Binding Conditions and one school on the Financial Insolvency list. He discussed the OSPI oversight.

 

Seattle Public Schools have borrowed money with a one-time loan. The expenditures are more than the revenues. The enrollment forecast shows a decline through 2034.

 

President Kelli thanked the bell ringers, guests and presenters.

 

NEXT PROGRAM: Schack Art Center; Raedle Alburn

 

Respectfully Submitted,

 

Photographs Submitted,