12:11 our incredible zoom meeting “producer”, Chris Serface, explained the procedures for participating in a zoom meeting—muting, unmuting etc.
A few seconds later, President Carol Duris rang in the meeting with the Scarlett bicycle bell and thanked members for joining today.
Robert Modarelli, Bellarmine Prep provided the invocation, reminding us that love and service should be part of our response for our blessings.
Jennifer Weddermann, Weddermann Architecture, and her musically talented children, Lily and Bobby, performing on the violin and cello, provided a beautiful rendition of the National Anthem. Then Jennifer led us with the 4 Way Test.
President Carol Duris introduced Betty Capestany, Pierce County Economic Development, as today’s the meeting sponsor. Betty shared some of the many ways Pierce County is helping businesses to deal with COVID 19. For example, over 5200 businesses received PPE items. Pierce County also offered a Business recovery loan program even before the Cares program. In addition, there is the Adaptation Grant Program, which is a reimbursement program that will match 50% up to $8,000 for expenses incurred to meet COVID. protection steps.
President Carol invited everyone to check out the following club anniversaries; Phil Carter-1 year, Molly Peterson-1 year, Angela Connelly-2 years, Jack Connelly-2 years, DeAnne Hamilton-2 years, Linda Kaye Briggs-21 years, and Cap Pearson-24 years
Past President Becky Fontaine then introduced our newest Member, Dan Wirth. Becky met him when he applied for the Executive Director Position for our local South Puget Sound Red Cross as she showed him around Tacoma. Dan is the latest to the long list of distinguished past Red Cross ED’s, including the late Dick Zamjahn, Carter Taylor and Tracy Peacock.
Dan moved here in January with his wife and two kids, a 5 and 3 year old. (And another is on the way!) Dan has been with the Red Cross for 6 years in disaster services. He is attracted to Rotary’s mission of service, both local and international. His wife’s family are Rotarians, and his brother in Law was an exchange student in Chili and Argentina.
As a fitting kick off for announcing our scholarship recipients, Tacoma School Superintendent, Carla Santorno, offered an inspiring video to these new high school graduates.
President Carol then introduced Alex Trettin and Bob Fredrickson, co chairs of our dedicated Scholarship Committee, to introduce our Scholarship recipients. They described the functions of scholarship committee and the process. The 25 scholarship committee members interviewed over 30 kids in teams of 3 (via zoom!) in the worthy effort to distribute $52,000.
Then each student told the club a little bit about themselves, and why they appreciate the award, the school they will attend in the fall, what they will be studying, what job or career might they pursue in the future. Every one of them commented on how important and meaningful the scholarship is in helping them achieve their educational goals
Here they are!
ANNETTE RAY, Bellarmine. This scholarship goes beyond monetary value. Encouraged her to pursue higher education. She is inspired by what Rotary does, advocating values similar to hers. She plans to study Psychology at U W and then go into clinical psychology.
LORAINE IGNAO, Bellarmine. Her parents are Immigrants from the Philippines. Hopes to pursue elementary education at Chapman University and then “pass forward” opportunities like those that her parents have given her.
JASON PATTERSON, IDEA, Will attend Renton Technical for culinary training. He would like to go into the restaurant business, hopefully as an owner.
ELYSSE LOYOLA, Life Christian. Will attend U W with a major in biology with plans to become a radiologist.
ANNA GERALD, SAMI, Her dad just passed away, so the financial help is especially meaningful to her. She will attend WSU in Pre-veterinary medicine with hopes to specialize in radiology or cardiology.
IAN FREDRICKSON, SOTA, will attend UC Berkley, if covid issues do not prevent it. He will study pre-law with an emphasis on business administration.
CARTER ROJECKI, Stadium, feels that this scholarship reinforces students’ hard work and dedication. Will study at the University of Utah in Salt Lake City after which he hopes to enter law school.
RACHEL TAO, Stadium, will attend UW Seattle. She is a first generation American, planning to study business. This award inspires her to give back to others.
KYONGRYOON SO, Tacoma Baptist, is headed to Seattle University to study Business Analytics and Marketing. He hopes to be a Business Analyst for a company in Seattle or be on the marketing team for Disney.
JEREMIAH LYNN, Tacoma Baptist, will be attending WSU where he will be studying to become a computer scientist.
SAVANAH OLSON, Wilson, will attend Montana State to study land rehabilitation. Wants to work for the City of Tacoma in resource management
KATIE BECKNER, Wilson, plans to attend WSU in animal science (pre-vet program) and eventually move into large animal work
MARISOL RIVERA, Lincoln, will attend Northern Arizona U, studying psychology. Prior to this award, she wasn’t sure she would be able go on with her education, but now will attend college debt free!
CASSIE REDDING, Foss, will attend UC Berkley, studying pre-law. Wants to be a legal advocate.
Alex and Bob then wrapped up with comments about how inspirational the students are and that we are grateful to them for being our future leaders. They also wanted to acknowledge their counselors who are with us today, as well as their families, parents, grandparents and siblings.
President Carol called on Seth Kaplowitz for a request from the Tacoma Rescue Mission. The pandemic has severely curtailed their mission. Can any of us provide sandwiches? They are serving in excess of 300 meals each day and cannot keep up with demand. If you can you put together, say, 8 bags with a sandwich, fruit and drink, that would be most welcome and needed. You may contact Seth directly on his cell 858-345-7323, or email seth.tacoma8@gmail.com. Seth will put together a list of the items to put into the packages.
Past President Jim Whitacre made an announcement for St, Vincent dePaul. They will be sorting goods on June 27th. St Vincent’s has almost nothing left on the shelves. On Saturday, June 27, 10 to 1, they will do a sort in the warehouse with all workers spatially separated. St. Vinnies will provide PPE. If you want to do this, meet at 56th and Tyler at 9:45 AM on the 27th. There is a contact phone number in the Gearshift. They currently have 4 people and need 10 or 12 more.
President Carol mentioned that many members may have received a note from RI to remind us that we have until the June 30 to make a donation to the Polio Campaign that will be matched 2 to 1 by the Gates Foundation. Our Club has already raised $12,500 this year to date for Polio. President Carol is so grateful for your generous hearts!
Another little reminder-- some of you recently received an email from President-elect Kathryn reminding you about dues payments. We received feedback that many members didn’t recall receiving an invoice so if you need the office to send an invoice please let us know.
True Confessions …Becky Fontaine reported former Exchange student Abegale McDermott is back in Tacoma. Her Mary Bridge internship cancelled because of the pandemic, so she will do an internship at Red Cross. Greg Rolsma announced a new granddaughter. President Carol told us that new baby, Harper, is 6 month old. Jim Whitacre received a call from. Julia Fitzner, who was an exchange student 33 years ago. She now works for the World Health Organization. She volunteered to create a video to tell how the Rotary’s exchange program benefited her and changed her life. Jim also confessed to 50 years of marriage.
President Carol closed by saying It’s hard to believe that next week will be her last meeting as club President. For her It’s been a year of surprises, and she is so grateful to have had this time to work with each and every one of us. She knows that our talented members have been working on a fun turnover meeting and hopes you will join her next week. (She is a little nervous!)
She finally reminded us one last time to be People of Action.