With 22 Rotarians online and several in person at Hensen Hall, President Greg Lineberry started the Club’s #5448 meeting, #47 of the Rotary Year, at 12:03 pm. President Greg led the members in the Pledge of Allegiance.

 

The “Thought of the Day” was provided by Rotarian Barb George.  After listening to comments on the radio during the Memorial Day weekend on what the holiday meant to them, Barb wanted to share a history lesson on the true meaning of the holiday.   A young woman, Margaret Billings, who graduated in 1928, has trained as a nurse and eventually was assigned to the USS Comfort.  In 1945, while serving on the hospital ship near Okinawa, the ship was hit by a kamikaze plane.  She was the only known women from Snohomish County to be killed in action and is buried in the Evergreen Cemetery. Barb led the group in a prayer to end the violence. 

 

Kari Petrasek introduced the District Governor Elect Nominee of Rotary District 5050 and Larry Jubie, Marysville Rotary Club. Rich Toyer introduced his wife, Karen Shearer.  

 

The Rotary District 5050 is holding the Golfun event on August 26^th. Please consider registering for the golf tournament and being a sponsor.

 

Cathyrn Cole promoted the club’s t-shirts and water bottles ($20 each) that support the Literacy Project. 

 

Kelli Thode reminded the club of the June 22^nd blood drive opportunity (go online to register with code Everett Rotary). 

 

President Greg reminded of the lunch orders for next week’s meeting. 

 

Anna Marie Laurence is looking for more volunteers for the Student Shopping Spree.  

 

Kari Petrasek announced the June 9^th Happy Hour at the Vintage Café.  It counts as a make-up.  

 

Tammy Dunn presented the nomination slate for the 2022-2023.  An email will be sent this weekend   The club is still seeking a Secretary and Sargent-at-Arms. 

 

Tammy Dunn was $200 happy to spend several days with her parents working on many projects and enjoying the recent Past President’s Dinner. 

 

Rich Toyer had $500 in Happy Bucks as he was grateful to all the veterans.  

 

Mark Baker is $15 happy as he enjoys his travels.  

 

Mark Valentine was happy for his recent trip to Germany. 

 

Neil Angst conducted the weekly raffle.   Congratulations to our winners this week.   Some great bottles of wines were the prizes. 

 

 

Kari Petrasek introduced our program presenter, Dr. Steve Corsi with the Volunteers of America of Western Washington.  Dr. Corsi has been the Volunteers of America President/CEO since 2019.  The Volunteers of America (VOA) has 8 services area, 500 plus employees and 247 active volunteers.  Their mission: “Go wherever we are needed and do whatever comes to hand.”  Services include Hunger Prevention, Behavioral Health, Disability Services, Dispute Resolutions and many more. 

 

Over 1 million Washington residents have visited a food bank in the past year.  The VOA has rose to meet that challenge.  It takes community support to feed our neighbors.  The VOA has opened a 60,000-sf food distribution center in Arlington recently. 

 

VOA’s Behavioral Services is launching a 988 Hub, a one-stop suicide prevention hotline in July.   They also use a dedicated chat line at imhurting.org as well as the call center.  The VOA is also the largest non-school system provider of preschools in Snohomish County.  They provide high-quality preschool to children in low-income families.

 

VOA’s Housing Services have expanded their services ten-fold, connecting residents to a $100M Rental Assistance program.  Over 14,000 households have received assistance to help maintain stable housing during the pandemic.  Through its Community Resource Centers, they have become a one-stop hub for people in need. This includes direct assistance in aid subsidies. 

 

The organization supports those with disabilities with housing assistance and skills support.  Their trained set of mentors work to resolve eviction resolutions by facilitating tenant and landlord agreements.  The VOA also recently took over the Carl Gipson Center.   One of its services at the center is focused on the Afghan Refugees. 

 

The VOA has also established partnerships with many neighborhood centers including faith-based organizations and other non-profits.   They receive funding from many avenues including Federal, State and County. 

 

President Greg thanked Dr. Corsi and explained in lieu of a speaker gift the club will recognize them with a donation to Domestic Violence Services, our chosen charity for the 2021-2022 Rotary year.  President Greg thanked our bellringers and reminded all to support the upcoming shopping spree. 

 

 

Submitted Respectfully,