President Mark Anderson called the meeting of the Rotary Club of Tacoma #8 to order, in the Plaza Grand Ballroom, by ringing the bell at 12:10 pm and welcoming all. Kirsten Willis provided a meaningful and concise reflection. Linn Larsen, Larsen Commercial Industrial Realtors, came forward to lead us in the National Anthem, and also lead us in the Four Way Test. President Mark asked members with guests to stand and there were a number of them this week, including our two Exchange Students, and two guests with Stephen Deal from United Way, who is this week’s meeting sponsor.
Debbie Regala then came forward to introduce this week’s meeting speakers – Les Eldridge and John Hough. John is a Rotarian and also a fourth generation Puget Sounder, and Les Eldridge has taught maritime history at the college level. They focused their remarks on the fascinating history of trade and travel in the waters of the Puget Sound. John traced the development of the explorers to the Puget Sound, beginning with the indigenous people, early explorers and the mosquito fleet days.
The indigenous people would use large trees to make their canoes and in the summer would fish and then head to their summer camps. Among the early explorers were Capt. George Vancouver and Capt. Puget, and then also the Hudson’s Bay Company, and the Wilkes expedition. All brought scientists with them which at that time were called naturalists. In 1792 Capt. Vancouver was trying to settle where the entrance was for the Northwest Passage. Part of his expedition was to do charting of the waters from where he was moored.
The next explorers were all associated with the Hudson’s Bay Company, and there were trusted by the Native Americans. The third expedition was from a Capt. Wilkes who was on an around the world expedition. He also put 261 American names on points in Puget Sound. His charts were very good and he had brought nine scientists with him. Another interesting period of time was the Mosquito fleets on Puget Sound as it was the best way to move goods and passengers.
There were not many regulations in those days and the boats had too many passengers and boat captain would vie to beat other boats to port and get as many passengers in their boats as they could which by today’s standards, would be unsafe. John Hough then showed a series of pictures of the Tacoma waterfront and famous ships along with scores of lumber mills. It was a fascinating look at the Maritime history of the Puget Sound.
Meeting Sponsor Stephen Deal, from United Way then came forward to share some information on the work of United Way of Pierce County in the community, which has been around for 97 years. He said 12% of Pierce County residents are below the poverty level and another 24% are just above the poverty line. They are attempting to break the cycle of poverty and work for strong families. He reminded everyone of their Celebrate Community event coming up on Tuesday, April 17.
There were a number of Anniversaries celebrated this week: Joyce Glavish – 1 year; Carla Santorno – 5 years; John Bailey – 6 years; Barbara James – 6 years cumulative; Chung Lee – 11 years; Ann Voves – 19 years; Pamela Transue – 28 years; and Past President Fred Moisio – 39 years.
Past President Don Doman came forward to help celebrate birthdays. The only celebrant in attendance was Terry Arca whose birthday was March 6. Terry answered three questions and Don had gift bags for him to take. Also celebrating birthdays this week but not present were Dan Bogart, Jan Schwenger, Roger Lee, Mark Lindquist and Tracy Peacock.
President Mark then called forward Kirsten Willis to present some Paul Harris Fellow awards. Earning Paul Harris Fellowships were John Bailey with his first; Cindy Grady with her first; President Mark Anderson with his fourth; Greg Rolsma with his fifth, and Kathi Willis with her 8th. Kirsten reminded all of us that the donations to the RI Foundation support the work of the foundation which in the past 100 years has spent $3 billion dollars on life-changing projects like promoting peace, providing clean water, saving mothers and children and supporting education and growing local economies. More than 90% of donations go directly to supporting service projects around the world,
There were three announcements made by members. Club Treasurer, Jeremy Fogelquist told everyone he had just signed up for the upcoming May 4-5 District Training and Conference at the Hotel Murano and asked all of those members who had also signed up to stand and be recognized. Kirsten Willis reminded all of us of the upcoming April 28 Auction and asked for members to sign up to be volunteers that day and evening and urged members to continue to look for items for the auction. Donna Haynes urged members to sign up for the March 24th EFN Break Bag Pack
There was time for a few True Confessions. Jack Warnick talked about spending a week in Arizona and following his grandson who coached the Northwest School in the Boys Class A State Basketball tournament last week. Peter Darling is celebrating his 50th Wedding anniversary. Elliot Stockstad thanked everyone who attended the recent Habitat for Humanity luncheon, and Bryan Flint thanked members for supporting the recent ‘Because Parks Matter’ lunch.
President Mark thanked our speakers Les and John for the informative program. He thanked Stephen Deal for being the meeting sponsor, thanked Kirsten for her reflection and Linn for leading us in the national anthem and offered congratulations to all of our Paul Harris Fellows. Tonight’s social will be at the West End Tavern, 3840 6th Avenue. Our speaker next week will be Troy Christensen from the Korean Women’s Association talking about affordable housing for our aging citizens.
As he adjourned the meeting at 1:12pm, President Mark said to now go out and Live Rotary!
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