President Linda Kaye rang the opening bell for the May 23rd meeting at 12:03. Kim Bedier delivered the Invocation, reminding us of the Rotary Motto “Service Above Self” and that “one profits most who serves best” – to that end, today’s Committee Fair provided the opportunity to consider where you as a member can best serve Rotary 8 and our community locally, regionally and globally. If you were unable to attend, you can still sign up for the committee of your choice. Past President Pat Steel led the National Anthem accompanied by Barbara Mead on the piano. PP Pat noted that Carlyn Roy had returned after an extended absence – welcome back! Introductions of Visiting Rotarians included Past President Kathleen Olson, now with the Marysville Rotary Club. Jacki Farrar and Jeremy Simler handled the mics for Guest introductions. Maria Harlow announced details for the upcoming turnover and Galleyside June 27th and encouraged Rotarians to sign up to attend. Condolences to Eric Lind, Jan Brazzell and Jim Henderson. Our hearts are with you and your families. Anniversaries: Jan Schwenger, 23 years; Mike Dunbar, 27 years; Jeff Lyon, 36 years – thank you for your Rotary service! To kick off the Committee Fair portion of the meeting, Kirsten Willis and Rusty Hersey presented the Art Wickens Awards, which are given to those who contribute $1000+ to the Rotary Foundation. This year’s awardees: Carlyn Roy, Charlie Rance, Rob Novasky(2), Marsha Burns (2), Harry Pritchard (3), Cap Pearson (8), Cynthia Darland(10), Kathi Willis (10). They also acknowledged the largest donors to the Foundation, who were both in attendance, Buck Thompson (27) and Mike Dunbar (30). Thanks all for your generosity. The Tacoma Rotary Foundation currently has $1.6 M in trust as of April 30. These funds support the Grants Committee; $85,000 in grants were made this year to 18 non-profit organizations such as Tacoma Community House, YWCA, Big Brothers/Sisters and many others. Project Greater Good saw 132 members donating $65,000 in pledges. The Foundation has a goal of 100% member participation; currently we are at 47%. Donations of any level are welcome. Incoming President Carol Duris spoke about the Auction Committee. Sharon Benson is the 2020 Auction Chair. Sign up if you are interested in procurement, sponsorships or any other task related to a successful auction as this is our biggest fundraiser of the year. Carol also spoke on the Communications Committee, which currently needs a chair - if you are interested in getting the Rotary brand out to the community, engaging on social media and ensuring the website is up to date, please sign up for this committee. Mark Anderson, Julie Foley and Jonathan Murray highlighted the Military Affairs Committee. 10% of our members are veterans and this committee is looking for members to assist with care packages and recognition activities. Andrew Imholt is Co-Chair of the Vocational Services Committee with Missy Zenczak. Vocational Services helps Rotarians connect on a business level, signs up meeting sponsors to highlight their business at weekly meetings, schedules Thursdays at 5 meetings, and facilitates the annual Business Expo. Jace Dwinnell encouraged anyone interested in supporting the Interact Club which is based out of Life Christian Academy to sign up for the Interact Committee. Bob Fredricksen told us about the Scholarship Committee which needs 25 members. This committee accepts applications for scholarships, interviews students and determines awardees. Next week, $26,500 will be awarded to extremely deserving young people. Next year the budget will be increased by $25,000 due the successful Raise the Paddle at the 2019 Rotary Auction. The Finance Committee is chaired by Barbara Mead and supported by Treasurer Robyn Echtle. They have quarterly meetings, collect and count meeting fines and review financial statements. The Program Committee is co-chaired by Hunter George and Kim Bedier. Their goal is to move you, inspire you and educate you each week. The Committee maintains a list of speakers and are always looking for your suggestions to ensure variety, learning, and inspiration and connection with the annual Rotary Calendar (ie May is Youth Service Month so next week you will hear from our wonderful exchange students).The Membership Committee led by Jennifer Weddermann has one goal: recruit more members. They are currently recruiting up to 10 members for the committee and are not averse to bribing with chocolate. Jeff Albers described the Classification Committee (co-chaired by Scott Sutherland) which takes over once the Membership Committee gets new members in the pipeline, by vetting references and classification designations. This efficient group has reduced the time it takes for membership from 3 months to 2 weeks. Maria Harlow introduced the Information and Orientation Committee, Engagement Committee, Pandaka Committee their goals are to assure that new members learn about the club, become active and engaged and are supported by active members who can serve as mentors. World Community Service is chaired by Kathryn Nelson taking over next year are Barry Benson and Fred Matthaei. Stacey Ogle presented that this committee funds international projects such as toilets and wash stations in Zimbabwe and literally changes lives and saves lives around the world. We partner with other Rotary Clubs and can take advantage of global matching grants. Rotary Youth Exchange as relayed by Bill Duppenthaler will be hosting students from France and Sweden this coming year. Andrea Keikkala will be helping with our inbound students and Marsha Burns is still recruiting and screening outbound students. Committee members support and interact with the exchange students and we do need more host families and members who can help us promote this amazing opportunity. Carol Webster described the Grants Committee as “service above self” on a local level, where we learn about the needs of our community and distribute over $100,000 to sustained solutions and programs that really make a difference. You will want to join this Committee for their annual Whine and Wine Wrap Up meeting. Jim Whitacre pitched for the Fellowship Committee and chair Michelle Roberts who plan the weekly fellowship socials. Gil Quante and Diane Kelleher declared their Projects Committee “the most fun” with the opportunity to be hands on through projects like the Habitat for Humanity house project, Emergency Food Network, Stuff the Bus etc. The award-winning Literacy Committee is co-chaired by Sherry Stanton and Dean Carrell. They spearhead literary efforts to support District goals and engage with the community through Book Drives and reading opportunities. Rotarians there is no excuse, one of these committees is the right vehicle for your personal passion for service – sign up today! Winners of the drawing for those who signed up for a committee on site: Jack Warnick, Cindy Niemi, James Harper, Seth Kaplowitz. Before we wrapped up President Linda Kaye was honored to introduce a Visiting Rotarian all the way from Nairobi, Kenya, Eric Opot who presented a banner from his club. President Linda Kaye is now off to Ignite Rotary in Hamburg Germany but reminded the rest of us to come and celebrate our Exchange Students Renata and Jacob and Scholarships to Seniors at next week’s meeting. The closing bell for this information packed but timely meeting was rung at exactly 1:03.
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