We were up in the Landmark’s Rooftop Garden Room again on a beautiful May 10, 2018, to honor Ann Voves as Rotarian of the Year.
Jim Whitacre shared that our Projects Committee started a peanut butter drive and went from thinking about price per case to price per pallet. In the end, the club collected nearly 6,000 jars. Don Sheppard talked about the many ways The Salvation Army mobilizes support for our community. He revealed that thanks to some serious relationship-building during a recent bell-ringing campaign, the Salvation Army received a donation of $20,000 from an individual. Becky Felak talked about the good work of Camp Goodtimes, which gives memorable experiences to young people affected by pediatric cancer. Carolyn Weyrick told us how Lindquist Dental Clinic for Children gives dental care to Puget Sound children in need.
It’s no mistake if you think you haven’t read much about Ann yet. And yet you have. All of these are good causes she supports; Carolyn said that’s where our newest ROY wanted the day’s focus to be. That said, the speakers couldn’t help themselves. Ann was the one who challenged us to think in terms of pallets, not cases. She traveled to India to support PolioPlus. She organized a build day for Habitat for Humanity. She is a past chair of the Auction Committee and has frequently donated many items. She has been deeply involved in bell-ringing and other Salvation Army benefits. Jim offered a quote familiar to many Rotarians: “It’s amazing how much you can achieve when nobody cares who gets the credit.”
Ann recalled the inspiration she has found in Rotary #8 during her 19 years as a member. “I am truly blessed to have had so many mentors in my life,” she said. Ann urged members of Rotary #8 to ask themselves why they are members of this club, and she pledged to continue her involvement in the community. When President Mark Anderson presented Ann with a Paul Harris fellowship, she instead chose to present it to Jon Gamble for the support he provides to her.
Other highlights from the meeting:
President Mark Anderson rang the bell, and Pat Steel reminded Rotary #8 of the rule in effect whenever he is at the lectern: Only ONE person speaks. Pat gave an invocation and led us in the national anthem and the Four-Way Test. A card went around for the family of Nancy Davis, who recently passed away.
With the help of Harrison Laird and Sharon Jaffee, we welcomed visiting Rotarians and guests.
Before Gil Quante began the birthday celebration, he referenced Mark’s comments that ROYs are selected by past presidents of the club. “I’ve hassled 18 years of presidents,” he said. “I don’t think I’m going to make that Rotarian of the Year award, because they vote on it.” Gil asked the birthday people what cartoon characters they related to, and why. See if you can match the Rotarian to the character:
Rotarians: Joan Engle, Jeremy Fogelquist, John McMasters, John Bailey, Charley Rance, Dick Moe, Kathryn Nelson, Kathi Willis
Characters: a. Homer Simpson, b. Elmer Fudd, c. “Wolfie” from 1943’s “Red Hot Riding Hood,” d. Kanga, the “overdoting” mother from “Winnie the Pooh,” e. Dagwood (“Whenever I read him, it made me feel even more capable.”), f. Tweety (“small but mighty”), g. Eric Cartman from “South Park,” h. Cathy
The answer key is at the bottom of this section.
Carol Duris gave some preliminary numbers about this year’s auction. At more than $250,000 raised for the event and about $140,000 net for the club, it appears to have been the most successful auction yet. Rotarians have two more opportunities to contribute: Fill out a pledge form for Raise the Paddle to benefit Habitat for Humanity – or fill out a yellow fine form if you couldn’t attend this year.
Kirsten Willis presented Paul Harris Awards. Honorees were Tim Daly, Kirk Hull, Rob Novasky, Debbie Regala, Mark Starnes, Scott Sutherland and Brett Thomas. Kirsten talked about the billions of dollars invested in life-changing projects by Rotary International. “They are literally saving lives,” she said as she gestured to Mark and Brett, the two Rotarians present to receive their awards.
President Mark shared that the club has won recognition for its literacy efforts, including the 2017-2018 Governors Literacy Award for donating 13,624 books to local reading programs.
A paid announcement about a 15-hour bird-a-thon fundraiser for Tahoma Audubon Society featured a slide of one of our exchange students, Mikulas Rimanek from Czech Republic, with the words “Support Your Local Birder. How many species of birds will Mikulas see?” “15 hours! ... Is that time scheduled out for you, or are you just going to wing it?” Mark asked, to a rousing chorus of groans.
Adding to the humor was the $2 fine for those who did not attend the district conference last week.
Elliot Stockstad offered a big thank-you to the club for supporting Habitat for Humanity with this year’s Raise the Paddle. Ann, who had missed the auction(!) and understood Raise the Paddle fell a bit short, announced that she and Jon were giving an additional $10,000 to support the Raise the Paddle.
And that is how our Rotarian of the Year meeting day concluded.
Answers: Joan: d; Jeremy: c; John McM: b; John B: g; Charley: a; Dick: e; Kathryn: h; Kathi: f
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