Past President Ray rang the bell and so began the January 24th, 2020. Carol Webster provided the invocation, followed by Jan Brazzell who lead us in the National Anthem and the 4 way test accompanied by Libby Catalinich on Piano. Pat Steel generously sponsored the day’s meeting and gave the time to Miriam Barnett of the YWCA. The YWCA transforms the lives of domestic violence survivors through safety, healing, and empowerment. While the meeting picked-up speed, Rotary 8 members signed a card that was being circulated for Gordon Pickering who was recently hospitalized and now recovering at home. We had a fair number of guests in attendance who were introduced by members who were given microphones by Linda Kaye Briggs and Christina Turner. We hope to see more and more guests at each and every meeting!
Past President Ray acknowledged the following anniversaries for the prior and current week: Kierra Phifer-1 Year, Libby Catalinich-5 years, Amanda Weidman- 5 Years Cumulative, Shanna LaMar- 6 Years, Brian Haynes - 15 Years, Brett Thomas -15 years, Jeff Albers-21 Years, Stacey Ogle-30 Years, George Howe -34 Years Dona Ponepinto was called up next by Past President Ray and introduced new member Emily Mendez-Bryant. Emily is the new Development Director for the United Way of Pierce County. Emily greeted our club with a warm “aloha” and is excited about this new chapter of her life in Tacoma. Emily served as past president of the Rotary Club of Kona Mauka in 2007. Pretty cool! Rusty Hersey and Kirsten Willis were up next to present 13 Paul Harris awards! Rusty was excited to announce that The Project Greater Good Committee has exceeded their goal of raising $75,000 and are now at $87,500 with 60% club participation! Jacki Farrar came to the podium to announce an exciting “Love your Rotary” Challenge presented by the engagement committee. Starting in February, there will be a points/reward system for attendance, bringing guests, attending Firesides and many other ways to stay engaged with our club. More information on the details to follow soon! Maria Harlow followed with an update and reminder for the upcoming Winter Firesides on 2/11/20. Past President Ray called upon Gil Quante to introduce our speaker, Aaron Shmookler from The Yes Works. The Yes Works teach the tools and techniques of Adeptabilty to support workplace transformation to make work a place of inspiration, collaboration, innovation and fulfillment for everyone. Aaron’s presentation focused on the idea of the “Princess and the Pea Principle”. Essentially, Aaron suggested that we cultivate sensitivity in our daily lives to either irritants or unmet needs and gave us techniques to address each. Aaron gave the group some time to discuss our day up until our meeting, and we helped identify if we had any “irritants” or “unmet needs” since the day had begun. It was a lively and informative discussion! Learn more about The Yes Works at www.theyesworks.com Past President Ray thanked Aaron for his time and presentation and made a donation in his name to the Rotary International Foundation. There were some very exciting, encouraging and humorous True Confessions before Past President Ray reminded members that there were sign-up forms for the Tacoma Rescue Mission Breakfast service on 2/22/20 from 6am-9am. Past President Ray thanked Carol for offering the reflection, Pat for being our meeting sponsor and final thanks to Jan and Libby for the wonderful Music. We learned that next meeting we would be hearing from Lorraine Ralston who will give a presentation about Census 2020 and all club members were encouraged to attend the 110th Anniversary at the Hotel Murano-Bicentennial Pavilion on 1/29/20 where we will honor Jim Harris and celebrate all that this club has accomplished over 110 years. The meeting was adjourned promptly at 1:00pm and we left to go out and be People of Action! | 
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