What an experience I had representing our club at the Large Club Conference in Little Rock from January 14 through the 17^th.  About 60 of the 75 large clubs sent representatives and I was anxious to learn of our similarities and differences.

The opening session of the conference was at the Clinton Presidential Library where we heard from Congressman J. French Hill of Little Rock Rotary Club #99. His message was right to the point as he recognized the incredible impact Rotarians have around the world in our service to others and celebrating that we will be the catalyst leading the effort to eradicate polio from the world.

On the first day of the conference, Martin Luther King Day, Kathi and I had the awesome experience of walking the path of the Little Rock Nine as they began their quest to desegregate Little Rock Central High School.  It was an impactful experience, especially when I had the opportunity to meet Elizabeth Eckford the first student to reach the high school on September 4, 1957. A current student at Little Rock Central High has decided to build a replica of the bench at the bus stop where Elizabeth found herself after not getting into school. The visiting Rotarians quickly pledged $15,000 from the clubs throughout the United States to assist her in her efforts.

The conference also saw us spending a significate amount of time identifying and learning about our own personality types to educate us on how to work best with each and every person we interact with, and the communications skills that will serve us well.

Another exciting development is a “People in Action” Rotary International marketing program that will help to brand Rotary.  Research showed that 75% of folks have heard about Rotary, however 60% are unaware of any local Rotary in their community.  A great tool has been developed for us to use. You will see a sample ad in the slide show at our meeting!

 Kathi and I decided to ask everyone we met the same questions in anticipation that we would benefit from lessons learned.  Here is what we asked.

I just want to say thanks for the opportunity to learn, network and share with my peers the great things about the Rotary Club of Tacoma #8! I am looking forward to serving you and ask that you contact me if you have any questions, concerns or thoughts about how we can bring our club to new heights. 

We had a wonderful turn out last Thursday and we are hearing many positive comments about the meeting at the Yacht Club. We are surveying all members who attended to get their feedback.  The next venue we are visiting will be the Salvation Army at 1110 South Puget Sound Avenue.  That meeting will be on February 22 and we will begin collecting reservations this week. 

 

Invocation - Carol Webster

National Anthem and 4 Way Test - Chris Serface

Piano - In the Ballroom

--Leading the National Anthem & Four Way Test
--Giving the Moment of Reflection
--Playing piano
--Assisting with Audio/Visual
--Greeter and Roving Mic
--Sponsoring a meeting

 

2-1-18
Primo Grill
2701 6th Avenue
Tacoma, WA
 
2-8-18
Indochine
1924 Pacific Avenue
Tacoma, WA
 
2-15-18
The Tides Tavern
2925 Harborview Drive
Gig Harbor, WA
 
2-22-18
The Loose Wheel
6108 6th Avenue
Tacoma, WA 

Call to order by President Mark. Rick Olson gave the invocation. Elliot Stockstad sang the anthem minus a piano and minus a flag! This was followed by introductions of guests. Even though we were offsite we were pleased to welcome several guests. 
Carla Santorno was our speaker. Carla is a member of our club and the Superintendent of Tacoma Schools.  She started by explaining the reason she was limping is because she took an Intro to Yoga class last night and it involved more than sitting on a mat and learning the history of yoga!
Update on Tacoma Public Schools: 
Carla was asked to speak in San Diego because of our reputation for how we partner towards a common goal. Tacoma Schools are getting recognized nationwide. There was a recent article in the WA Post about the whole child Initiative in Tacoma.  The Wallace Foundation contacted 148 Schools districts to do a letter of inquiry for funding. From this pool, 48 were asked to apply. It was reduced to 28 applications that went forward.  8 were flown to NY.  6 were awarded and Tacoma is one. This equates to millions of dollars over 6 years. Tacoma schools are rocking it under Carla’s leadership. They are still working to make sure we reduce discipline disparity. Restorative justice is the focus. She then shared about the renewal of two school levies. We have to run a levy every four years. Preschools are not funded by the state. There is a state mandated goal of reducing class size to a 17/1 ration in k-3rd grade. Can’t do it. Not enough teachers. Not enough money. Not enough classrooms. So cannot use $9 million from state. The state allocates money that is not green and can't be used. Tacoma has increased graduation rates from 55% to 86%.  Levy Prop One was $70 million, now $38 million. If the legislature passes a new law it could get to $70 million. Prop Two is about technology which is rapidly changing. 47% of kindergartners will need to be prepared for jobs that don’t exist yet. If both pass Tacoma tax payments would decrease over the next four years. We currently pay $4.59 per $1,000 of accessed property value. This would decrease to $3.52. Carla shared a flyer explaining the levies. One side was in English and the reverse side was in Spanish. Let’s support every Tacoma student!
Questions: Any push back? Not really. Is SAMI entry merit based or lottery? Lottery so it is equitable for all schools. 
Meeting sponsor Michael Thompson from Metro Parks, shared several slides about the development in the area. There will be an open house to learn about future plans at Pt Defiance. 
A card was circulated for past member Chris Lee who is experiencing serious health issues. 
Anniversaries were announced as listed in the Gearshift.  Birthdays with Jim Whitacre. The three present were: Rusty George, Ross Hjelseth, and  Christa Brothers
Maria Harlow announced this is the last meeting to sign up to attend a Fireside. Tuesday we will have members gathering at homes around the area.
Chris Serface and Elliot Stockstad sang a song to inspire folks about the auction. Outstanding!
Raise the paddle goes to build a house in partnership with Habitat. It costs $75,000 to build one house. The house will benefit a family of a service member. We will also be swinging hammers and providing sweat equity. 
It was Rick and Kathleen Olson's  last meeting. They are moving to Arlington. Kathleen has over 23 years in the club. She has a new job with Purrfect Pals, a cat sanctuary.  Standing ovation!
True confessions:  Mary Lynn Pannen received an award for leadership excellence in Washington.  Fred Matthaei helped Mik create a state of Washington bird list to bring back to Czech Republic. He identified 21 new birds during their visit to Okanogan County and so far has 120 species logged. Jim and Claudia Merritt  recently celebrated their 45th wedding anniversary.  John West 52 years in club. Talked about his sponsor Floyd Jones who did very well with investments. Arvind is working on solving problems of the ocean. Article about him and his accomplishments.  Jeff Lovely was on King 5 news talking about erosion issues at his Packwood cabin. He is retiring after 46 years at the end of February. Brien Elvins mentioned his dad worked with Floyd Jones.  Mark gave thanks to all of our meeting presenters.
Next meeting will be Dorothy Echodu speaking about Malaria in Uganda.   Social at El Borracho on 6th Ave. 
The meeting was adjourned.