Join us this week to honor our Rotarian of the Year Stacey Ogle. Stacey is a 30 year member of our club and continues the Rotary tradition started by her father Lloyd Silver who joined the club in 1960. You will learn about her years of service; chairing committee's, serving on the board and being an active committee member to this day. Stacey truly lives the Rotary Motto of Service Above Self with her dedication of time and financial resources. Her support of Rotary is not bound by geography as she has volunteered for hundreds of local projects and has traveled to foreign countries in service to Rotary.
After our March 5 meeting you will have the opportunity to support our Military members – Active, Reserve and Veterans – as we plan to build 1,000 comfort kits that are filled with toiletries. These kits will be distributed by the American Red Cross Services to Armed Forces programs. We need a few designated members to help with quality control as we package the kits, please text Becky Fontaine at 253-314-6971 if you are willing to help with that job. Both the Military Affairs and Projects committees look forward to seeing you there!
Looking for something to do this week to support the auction? Sharon Benson has called an auction meeting on Wednesday February 26 from 4-5 at the Rotary Office, 1001 S. Yakima. There is a place for everyone to plug in to make this our most successful auction ever. Please join us to find a spot where your talents can be used! Thanks so much to our sponsors; Financial Insights, Timberland Bank, Titus Will, Johnson Stone Pagano, Kathryn Nelson, Banner Bank, Carol Webster, Cap Pearson, Advancement Consulting, Wilson Albers, Superior Linen, Jan & Skip Anderson, Marsha Burns, Multicare, Jim & Enid Harris and Peter Darling.
FEATURED AUCTION ITEM
Sailgating to a Husky Game
Our great Finance Committee is putting together another exciting Auction Basket featuring Tyee Club tickets to the UW-Oregon State game on October 20, Husky paraphernalia and $200 in Ivars gift cards that can be used for brunch or dinner and travel to the game on the water. Go in style
Tacoma Rescue Mission Volunteers
Thanks so much to our amazing volunteers who were up early on Saturday to volunteer at the Tacoma Rescue Mission by prepping and serving breakfast. Seth Kaplowitz organized our volunteers; Phil Carter, Elaine Chan, Clarence Henderson, Diane Kelleher, Lisa Mansfield, Kathleen Sande and Jennifer Wedderman, they were also joined by family members of Rotarians!
Membership Proposal
Unless written objections are submitted to the Board within 10 days of this posting, the following individual will be invited to membership:
Keith Lemmon, MD
PHYSICIAN - Aviation
Owner - Northwest Aviation Medicine
Sponsor: Ann Voves
Justine Kunz
Christophe Chabaud
Corporate Members
Silver Cloud - Point Ruston
Sponsor: Gil Quante
Pam Duncan
ASSNS: SOC SVS - Human Services
Executive Director - MDC
Sponsor: Jan Brazzell
COMMUNITY SERVICE AWARD NOMINATIONS!
Each year, our club recognizes a non-Rotarian who is providing exemplary service in the community. This person will be honored at our meeting on Thursday, March 26, and receive a contribution from our club to his or her favorite charitable organization. Nominations are due to the Rotary office by Thursday,February 27. If you would like to nominate an individual for this Community Service Award, complete a nomination form using this link. Email your nomination to the Rotary office at clubadmin@rotary8.org. Forms will also be available at our weekly meetings. Don't delay!
Save the Date: Saturday, March 14! Are you tired of exercising only in the gym and not being outdoors lately? How about getting a total body workout in the fresh mountain air with your fellow Tacoma #8 Rotarians? The Fellowship and Relationship Building Committee is organizing a Ski, Snowboard, Snowshoe, and/or Tubing Day at Snoqualmie Summit. Bring your family, young and old, there is something for everyone to do. We will start with a quick breakfast early on March 14th in Tacoma area. After a morning fun, we will gather up at a cabin within walking distance from the lifts or shuttle bus for lunch before heading back out for more snow fun. For the die-hard plankers, an overnight trip may be possible depending on the number of cabins that we may be able to find. If you have any questions, please contact Elaine Chan at elaine@elainechancfp.com.
Science Olympiad
Your next opportunity to volunteer will be at the regional competition to be held on March 7 at Curtis Junior High School. They have a variety of positions that need to be filled and service begins at 7:45. There will be sign up sheets at the meetings or contact Jim Whitacre to sign up whit@wamail.net
Your next opportunity for an EFN Break Bag Pack is coming on March 21 from 12-2. Sign up sheets will be on the tables at upcoming meetings or you can email Gil Quante at gil.quante@n2pub.com if you are available to help!
MEETING VOLUNTEERS
Reflection-Kirsten Willis
Greeter/Roving Mic-Emily Mendez-Bryant
Greeter/Roving Mic-Kathleen Sande
Board Greeter- Robin Echtle
Board Greeter-Gil Quante
National Anthem & 4 Way Test-Monique Valenzuela
Piano-
Fine Counter-Cynthia Darland
Storywriter-Debbie Regala
Meeting Sponsor-Jacki Farrar
AV Assistant-Jeff Rounce
WANT TO HELP AT A MEETING?
Please contact Kathi to volunteer
--Leading the National Anthem & Four Way Test --Giving the Moment of Reflection --Assisting with Audio/Visual --Greeter and Roving Mic --Sponsoring a meeting
--Check in Assistant
Birthdays This Week
Cap Pearson - Feb 25
Andy Laycock -Feb 27
Anniversaries to Celebrate
Jackie Lindstrom - 5 years - Feb 26 2015
Carroll Dickson - 32 years - Feb 25 1988
Jack Warnick - 40 years - Feb 28 1980
Social at Coles 2-20
Upcoming Socials
The Fellowship/Relationship Building Committee invites all members of Tacoma #8 to join them on Thursdays at 5 pm. These socials are a great way to meet some new Rotarians or catch up with old friends. Pandakas, these meetings will fulfill your "social" requirement prior to graduation and, for all members, it’s fun.
February 27th
Wooden City
714 Pacific Avenue
Tacoma
March 5th
McMenamin’s
565 Broadway Avenue
Tacoma
Meet 4th Floor at the Pub
March 12
Thursdays at 5
Bates/KBTC
2320 S. 19th
Tacoma
March 19
Foleys on the Green
7108 Lakewood Drive West
Lakewood
March Madness Begins!
March 26
The Beach Tavern
8612 6th Avenue
Tacoma
Reflections from February 20 by Cindy Niemi
President Carol Duris rang the bell at 12:07 pm for the weekly meeting of the Rotary Club of Tacoma #8 at the Tacoma Yacht Club. Cynthia Darland gave an inspiring reflection on intentions. Elliot Stockstad, accompanied by Barbara Mead, led us in the national Anthem and the 4-way test. Visiting Rotarians and guests were introduced with Emily Mendez-Bryant and Gil Quante handling the mics. Gil intermittently announced the need for volunteers at the Break Bag program on 3/21 and the Science Olympiad event on March 7th. Exchange students, Gabe and Nico, announced they went to Canada (Comox) and had a great time skiing with fellow youth exchange students.
President Carol introduced meeting sponsor Alecia Cunningham from Girl Scouts of Western Washington. Alecia provided highlights on Pierce County programs like STEM and Girl Scouts Beyond Bars, shared that cookie sales start in March and the Women of Distinction luncheon is March 18th. She honored the Rotary 8 Women of Distinction: Becky Fontaine, Carolyn Weyrick, Gretchen Adams, Carla Santorno, Pamela Transue, Jan Brazzell, Kit Evans, Kathy Martin, Linda Kaye Briggs, Maria Harlow and Cindy Niemi.
President Carol introduced Bryan Flint who introduced new member Zach Entwistle. Zach shared he is a realtor, Airforce Captain, involved in his church, and an active Dad of two boys. He equates Rotary to church with no religion and he’s looking forward to getting as involved as he can. He has already participated in the Rotary St. Vincent DePaul project with his boys. He currently is not serving on a committee (hint). President Carol acknowledged Rotary service anniversaries for last week and this week.
President Carol introduced Carrie Holden, CEO of the Boys and Girls Clubs of the Puget Sound, to share a special grant they received from our club. It was $25K for their LIFT program and the funding was matched by the Woodworth Family Foundation. This grant will allow them to reach children in the South Tacoma and East Tacoma areas who need resources to keep them stable in their unstable family environment. They will be connected to physical and mental health services to ensure they have the chance to thrive and grow through their situation. The funding came from the auction and only one organization received this size of grant from our club this year. Special thanks to the grants committee for making this happen and for all who attended the auction last year and spent money.
Becky Fontaine announced our meeting project for March 5 which is to stuff Comfort Bags for military service people. Elaine Chan announced a Rotary Fellowship snow trip for Marcy 14th - details forthcoming. George Pilant reinforced the Love Your Rotary Challenge for February where points are given for each Rotarian’s participation in a list of activities that will help to engage members. Rotarians are encouraged to use the check list found on the tables to keep tabs of their progress and turn in for some cool prizes. President Carol made a final call for the Community Service Award nominations which are due by February 27. And she shared that there are People of Action tee shirts available for $15 as well as Rotary 110th Anniversary glasses available for $5 each.
President Carol called on Hunter George to introduce the panel of speakers: Pamela Duncan, CEO Metropolitan Development Council (MDC), James Pogue, Director of Homeless Services at Comprehensive Life Resources, Gerrit Nyland, Director of Client Information Systems SW at Catholic Community Services, Duke Paulson, Executive Director of the Tacoma Rescue Mission. Pamela began by encouraging us to listen to a podcast called The Outsiders produced by KNKX radio and the Seattle Times addressing homelessness. She shared that MDC started in 1964 as a community action agency for anti-poverty, serving the homeless and the hardest to serve. They address housing, health, employment and education. She shared that MDC has held 6 community conversations on temporary shelters for the homeless and have helped the city to understand how much money is needed to fund temporary shelter. Since November the city of Tacoma has installed 35 individual tiny houses and they are working with churches to expand shelter capacity. There are still many more people out in these freezing temperatures. On March 12th the Community Vitality and Safety Committee is holding a meeting to address the situation. Also, in the Senate there are several bills that have recently passed or are before the senate to increase funding for shelters and improve legislation for rental properties and renters. James shared there’s lots of misinformation out there on homelessness. There are many young adults – ages 18-20, who are homeless, in large part due to the failed systems that started long ago. 70% of homeless youth come from foster care. Gerrit shared that it’s hard to grasp the sheer numbers of homelessness. There are 6,000 homeless at any given time in Pierce County. Last week 230 people entered homelessness. We continue to have way more people with homeless needs than we do resources to help them once they are no longer homeless or in shelter. Duke shared that the reason people are homeless is because they lost their housing due to failures in other systems for these individuals. Tacoma Rescue Mission (TRM) is about providing the next step. This past year, 540 people moved out of shelter and into housing and 495 were entered employment. The goal for this year is to have 2 people a day move out of homelessness and into housing and jobs. There’s hope. There’s real engagement on what is going on to help people. TRM has partnered with the city of Tacoma to double the number of shelters for single women. The new shelter at TRM for single women will open in May. Q&A occurred and the meeting ran over a little as a result.
No time for True Confessions. President Carol thanked Cynthia for offering the reflection, Alecia for sponsoring the meeting, Elliot and Barbara for the music. She congratulated the Boys and Girls club for their grant award and welcomed Zach, thanking him for bringing his boys to the volunteer project earlier in the month. The social is at Coles Bar and Grill. A reminder to come next week to honor our Rotarian of the Year. We were encouraged to go out and be People of Action. Meeting adjourned at 1:05
The Gearshift is a weekly publication to inform you about current happenings in the Rotary Club of Tacoma #8. We meet on Thursday at the Yacht Club, 5401 Yacht Club Road, Tacoma, WA.
Noon - 1:00 pm Except on the 2nd Thursdays when we meet in the evening at a member's business.
The Rotary Office is located at:
1001 Yakima Ave, Suite 9A
Tacoma, Washington 98405
MAILING ADDRESS:
PO Box 1777
Tacoma, Washington 98401-1777
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