President Carol opened the meeting at 12:06. Rick Oldenburg shared a lively invocation focused on lessons learned while on his European vacation. Pat Steel lead us in the National Anthem and 4 way test accompanied by Libby Catalinich on the piano. Alecia Cunningham and Molly Peterson carried the mics for introductions of visiting Rotarians and guests, including our new exchange student, Gabriel Bringman, from Sweden. President Carol made a plug at the mic to bring guests to our club to introduce them to Rotary, especially next week when we pack the backpacks.
Pat Steel sponsored the meeting and gave his time to the YWCA, Miriam Barnett, who spoke about the new YWCA housing building that is to break ground soon. It’s a dream come true – final phase to build beautiful space for domestic violence victims, many of whom are homeless.
Stacey Ogle, made a paid announcement that she captaining a team for Over the Edge, a Habitat fundraiser involving a rappel down the side of the Hotel Murano on Sept.27. Minimum $1,000 to participate. She asked for all for those interested to stand and about half a dozen stood. Club Anniversaries were recognized from 1 year to 40 years with highlights being Jim Henderson at 35 years and Larry Treleven at 40 years also in attendance were Mike Bitterling and Barbara Mead, both with 24 years!
Miriam Barnett introduced our speaker, George Bridges, President of Evergreen State College (Evergreen). Miriam is a graduate of Evergreen and met her husband there. George was a president at Whitman College for 10 years before coming to Evergreen. George started off by stating Rick Oldenburg is a graduate of Evergreen and was on their foundation board for 11 years – 11 years of bad jokes. George shared he was going to give an overview of Evergreen, how it is changing, and where they are headed. Governor Dan Evans was the architect of the school. He had the vision, “ . . . . life is complicated, messy, and unpredictable. At Evergreen, we prepare students for life ahead.” Evergreen focuses on issues in depth both inside and outside the classroom. George mentioned he is a Husky and taught at the University of Washington (UW) for 10 years. Evergreen has 3,000 students, 10th size of UW. Evergreen is a public institution known for innovation. There are two campuses: Olympia and Tacoma (Hilltop – 20 years). Evergreen has the highest concentration of veterans who come from all over the country. For every state $1 spent, leveraged to $4.68, which translates to $201m/year and $109m in spending. Famous graduates: builder of the New World Trade Center in New York City, creator of The Simpsons, Olympia coffee, Three Magnets restaurant, and much more. In 2017 there were protests and news coverage. This made them think about who they are serving and how they can serve responsibly. They took a look at their issues and concerns and tweaked the Evergreen model. Now there’s major dollar commitment to Evergreen from the legislature. Making a promise to offer an exciting place to learn, hands on experience, sense of belonging, and inspiration to continue. Teachers provide feedback to each student on what they learned, how and where they envision it will go. They offer distinct paths of study towards a degree. Students can see the curriculum 5 years ahead so they know what to expect. They all get to speak (must speak) and graduates are articulate speakers. Diversity, equity and inclusion is valued and everyone has a voice. They take risks on students who may not have done well in high school. Ages range from 19 to 65 - everyone is welcome. President Carol announced we are giving a gift to the Tacoma Rotary Foundation in George’s honor. Last year through grants funded by the Foundation we supported a mentorship program that supports students in their path towards higher education.
John Douville, shared details on the upcoming club backpack project. Volunteers are needed tomorrow, 8/16, 4:30 pm to prepare bins of supplies at the Rotary office. Next week, 8/22, club members will pack 400 backpacks after the general meeting along with the District Governor. On 9/4, 8:00 a.m. volunteers are needed to pass out the backpacks to students at Arlington elementary school.
Gil Quante promoted Saturdays at St. Vinnies, which involves sorting items for the clients. Afterwards, there will be a gathering at Moctezuma's restaurant. Gil announced the Courage beer garden where Rotary 8 volunteers are needed. Carol Weyrick said there is still room for volunteers.
Cindy Niemi announced the celebration of the dedication of the Mary Bridge Safe and Sound Building to Rotary Clubs in Pierce County for their 28 years of supporting the Courage Classic bike ride and children of abuse. All Rotarians and their guests are invited, 8/21, 5:00 to 7:00, Jackson Hall on MLK Jr. Way. Networking/food/drink 5:00 to 6:00, formal program starts at 6:00 p.m. All members should have received an email invitation from Assistant District Governor Jennifer Durham with the details. If you have questions, contact Cindy Niemi or Christina Turner.
President Carol announced she is creating an Ad Hoc committee to analyze and suggest upgrades to the office technology. Volunteers are requested and the following spoke up: Chris Serface, Maria Harlow, Di Trenh, Mark Anderson and Gil Quante.
President Carol announced that letters just went out to members encouraging participation in Project Greater Good, led by Rusty Hersey and Kirsten Willis. We have had 133 members participate annually on average and we would like to see this increase. This is our chance to make our annual gift and direct our support to the Rotary International Foundation, Tacoma Rotary Foundation, Polio Plus program and Projects and Programs. President Carol made a big plea to consider joining her in signing up. Over $65,000 was raised last year and we hope to have 100% participation this year.
President Carol called for True Confessions – Missy Zenczak announced she got engaged this past weekend. She credited Andrew Imholt for reuniting them and he will officiate the wedding. Brien Elvins missed last week due to playing golf with future daughter’s in-laws. Carol Webster’s first exchange student and 9 members of their family flew in from Japan to see them along with people from four different countries – all for her and Chris’ 50th anniversary. Cynthia Darland paid a fine for misreading Phil Curiale’s business name, Anderson Hostnik PLLC. Linn Larson hasn’t been at Rotary since March due to travels. Jack Warnick was just in Eugene, Oregon at the SHED institute (Jazz). Hunter George, Mayor of Fircrest which is known for speed limits, announced a milestone for Fircrest: they are closing the 58 year old community pool for good and new pool construction is starting on Monday. Credits went to Past President Linda Kaye Briggs who served as their fundraising consultant and Andrew Imholt who door knocked to help win the park bond. Hunter is proud of this start of a new era for Fircrest.
President Carol reminded us to celebrate our personal, professional and Rotary wins today. She thanked all the helpers and welcomed Gabriel, exchange student from Sweden. The Rotary social tonight is at the Rainiers game for Rotary Night. Please come next week for District Governor Maureen (Mo) Fritz-Roberts and the backpack pack. Carol asked us to go out and be People of Action.
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