President Kelli Thode rang the bell at 12:01pm, calling to order meeting #5624 of the Rotary Club Everett and meeting #24 of her presidency.

 

Kelly Shepherd delivered the Thought of the Day, quoting Buddha and sharing a message of gratitude. Walt Greenwood then sang “Turning of the Year”

 

PP Michael Kvistad introduced President Kelli’s husband, Greg Thode. Janice Ellis introduced Mika Power. Megan Dunn introduced Will Johnson with Snohomish County. President Kelli introduced soon to be member Marci Volmer with the Boys and Girls Club.

 

President Kelli stated the memorial for PP Roy Yates will be held on Sunday, December 21^st at the Presbyterian Church. She also mentioned the next Rotary Coffee Hour will be at Kel’s Cafe on Wednesday, December 10^th, 9-10am. Also, the Rotary After Hours will be at the Waterfront Plaza on Wednesday, December 17^th. There will be a family friendly gathering outside from 4-5pm, then an adults only happy hour at the Jetty Bar and Grill from 5-6:30pm.

 

Heather Barnhart announced the blood drive on December 22^nd at 10 am. There are still many openings available.

 

Ryan Willis discussed the Rotary District 5050 conference at Harrison Hot Springs, BC, May 1-3, 2026.

 

Janice Ellis introduced our exchange student, Hakumi.

 

President Kelli also mentioned the Foundation Month Deck of a Deal drawing will be at our first meeting in January. She also stated that next week’s meeting will be held at the Carl Gibson Center and will include a performance by the Everett High School Choir.

 

PP Niel Angst asked the club members to bring cash or a check to next week’s meeting.

 

Linsey Gagnon had $100 birthday bucks.

 

Megan Dunn had $1 for the open house at the river trail on Lowell River Road.

 

Brian Hollingshead had $71 birthday bucks.

 

PP Steve Miller had $20 for his surgery update.

 

Kelly Shepherd was happy for the Everett High School food drive, and for their band students.

 

Our exchange student, Hakumi, was happy about a trip to Canada in November.

 

PP Michael Kvistad was happy about successful shoulder surgery and seeing the show Elf with his father.

 

Ashley Bolden ran today’s raffle. Winners were:

Cassidy Spencer introduced today’s Student of the Month program.

 

Jen Selders introduced Everett High School Student of the Month, Sam Russell. Sam has a 3.9 GPA and takes many AP classes. He is the ASB president and recently performed in the school production of Newsies. He is involved in tennis and soccer. He is an exceptional student, thoughtful, motivated and selfless. Sam thanked the club for the honor. He plans to pursue studies in english and journalism. He also congratulated the other students.

 

Tricia Shultz introduced Sequoia High School Student of the Month, Vanessa Pivaral Covarrubias. Vanessa is determined, hardworking and focused. She pushes to rise above expectations and strives for perfection. She is a strong team player and is always helping other students. She plans on attending Everett Community College to study science. Vanessa thanked the club for the honor. She also thanked her mother and father.

 

Cindy Kuntz introduced Cascade High School Student of the Month, Nathan Kim. Nathan has a 4.0 GPA and takes 12 AP classes. He is driven, amiable and cheerful. He is a leader, obtaining the rank of Eagle Scout. He is the captain of the varsity tennis team. Nathan thanked the club for the opportunity and stated that his Eagle Scout project taught him empathy, giving, compassion and awareness.

 

Cassidy Spencer thanked and congratulated the students.

 

President Kelli reminded the club that next week’s meeting will be held at the Carl Gibson Center.

 

Janice Ellis announced a service project in Guatemala, inserting stoves in homes. Hakumi will be going. There will be a fundraiser on March 7, 2026, 7- 9:30pm in Silvana.

 

President Kelli congratulated the Students of the Month and their counselors. She thanked our guests.

 

Meeting adjourned.

 

Respectfully Submitted,

 

Photography Submitted by.