I knew it was going to be a beautiful day from the time that I woke up, because I was going to Rotary. It was a little overcast, however, the room was a glow with Rotary love. President Carol promptly rang the bell to start the meeting.
Pat Steel provided a lovely invocation before he challenged everyone to quietly reflect on their lives and think about one thing that they would change in the world if they could change one thing. Pat then led the room in a booming rendition of the National Anthem and the 4 Way Test while being accompanied by Libby Catalinich on the piano. President Carol invited all visitors and visiting Rotarians to please stand while Robin Echtle, Tacoma Lutheran Retirement Community and Bryan Flint, Sound Outreach brought around the mics so that they could be introduced. There were quite a few guests and visiting Rotarians that were in attendance this week. I knew that it was going to be a good day for Rotary.
President Carol then invited Noah Baskett, Tacoma Rescue Mission, forward to say a few words as he was today's meeting sponsor. He informed everyone that they were building a new woman's shelter at their downtown campus and they have already raised 60% of their campaign. President Carol then congratulated Mike Shields and Maria Harlow on their service to Rotary and their anniversaries of eight years and eleven years, respectively.
President Carol then invited Carol Webster to the podium to introduce today's meeting speakers. Once I heard who the meeting speakers were today I instantly knew why there were so many guests and visiting Rotarians. The main program consisted of the two present Rotary Youth Exchange Students, Gabriel Bringman and Nicolas Galy and Rizley Cox who was last year's Rotary 8 outgoing youth exchange student.
All three students gave wonderful presentations on their families, favorite food, various countries traditions, governments, and favorite activities. I knew that this was going to be a great day for Rotary. After the program Carol Webster, our new Youth Exchange Officer, talked how important it is for everyone to pitch in and do their part by joining the RYE Committee or supporting their work in so many ways. Participation is imperative if we are going to continue this program and positively impact future students' lives.
President Carol then called Gil Quante to the podium to make an announcement for an upcoming service project on Saturday, October 19th, at St. Vinnies. Please contact Gil or the office if you're interested in attending. She then invited Sherri Stanton to the podium who reminded everyone of the Book Drive that we are currently running. We need 600 books for the literacy project. Make sure you bring in your slightly used or new books to the meetings or the Rotary office to make a donation.
There was still time during the meeting for true confessions which was delightful, because there were a lot of them. Hunter George mentioned that Tacoma had been named for their best parks in the country; Jack Warnick had just spent three weeks on vacation; Cynthia Darland had just returned from two weeks of vacation floating down the Mississippi River; Berry Benson met his sister, Janet, for the very first time; Mark Anderson has been singing every day and had just recorded two CD's; Cindi Niemi gave a shout out to Alecia Cunningham and the amazing job she has been doing for the Girl Scouts, and Carlyn Roy's son just got a job as the Assistant Athletic Director at Bowling Green. My table mate, Larry Treleven, informed me that Bowling Green was next to the Corvette factory where he has been numerous times and apparently his wife nicknamed their corvette the "Tupperware Car" because of all of the plastic that's in it.
President Carol thanked Pat for doing double duty of the reflection and singing and to Libby for playing the piano with Pat. She then thanked Noah for being our meeting sponsor.
Next week will be a great day for Rotary as we as the program is with the four candidates running for Port Commission. Remember if you have some questions you would like us to pose to them please send them to Debbie Regala.
The meeting concluded with President Carol inviting everyone to go out and be People of Action!
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