Events

Meeting by Zoom

 Shontieka (Tieka) Adeogun is the Emergency Manager for the City of Tacoma within the Tacoma Fire Department. She is a graduate of the Homeland Security Emergency Management Bachelors of Applied Science program at Pierce College. Before working for the City of Tacoma, Tieka was the Emergency Response Plans Coordinator at the Washington State Department of Health. During her time at the Department of Health she was heavily involved in the COVID-19 response where she worked as the Emergency Support Function 8 (public health, medical, mortuary and veterinary services) at the state emergency operations center at Camp Murray, and then was the states site lead at the mass vaccination location in Chelan/Douglas county where they vaccinated over 60,000 people. In 2016, Tieka participated in the 2016 Cascadia Rising exercise. Participating in Cascadia Rising sparked an interest in the roles of planning, training and exercise. She developed her first response plan by supporting Pacific County Emergency Management in drafting their hazardous materials plan. It was after that experience Tieka knew she’d found her place in emergency management. Public outreach and preparedness are close to her heart. Tieka has given countless hours to promoting personal and community preparedness encouraging people to be ready to respond and to take care of themselves whenever the need may arise. Tieka’s quote as an emergency manager is “We have to do what we can to help wherever and whenever it is possible for us to help.” -- Jackie Chan Tieka believes is the essence of emergency management and that helping others should always be the driving force.

In her presentation she will talk about personal preparedness, why it is important, how to prepare.  She will share how community groups like Rotary 8 can play a role in community resilience and support response efforts.

EFN Repack emergency request: 

Emergency Food Network

3318 92nd St S, Lakewood, WA 98499

Office: 253.584.1040

EFN Repack to fill in for volunteers that could not make it. 

Emergency Food Network

3318 92nd St S, Lakewood, WA 98499

Office: 253.584.1040

Please sign up to sponsor a meeting.  In comments please include the meeting that you are interested in sponsoring and Kathryn Nelson will get back to you to confirm that date is still available.  She will also includ more information about the sponsorship benefits and timing. 

One of the biggest threats to orcas and Puget Sound is polluted stormwater runoff, but fortunately, there are ways that everyone living in western Washington can take action and keep this pollution out of the Sound and away from endangered orcas.

 Robb Krehbiel is the Green Stormwater Program Manager for the Pierce Conservation District where he helps homeowners, community groups, and businesses in Pierce County build pollinator and rain gardens, remove lawns and concrete, and harvest rain water. These projects not only help beautify neighborhoods; they also reduce polluted stormwater runoff from reaching Puget Sound. Robb lives in Tacoma’s South End (Blueberry Park Neighborhood).

Repack is always a great time!

Virtual Thursday at 5 at the Tacoma Urban League 

Take a virtual tour of the Tacoma Urban League at the next Thursday at 5 meeting hosted by member T'wina Nobles. The mission of the Urban League is to assist African Americans and other underserved urban residents in the achievement of social equality and economic independence. We'll meet some of their organization's leaders in this virtual setting. 

https://us02web.zoom.us/j/82555733370

Join the team for a fun afternoon of construction with the Little Free Library BUILD.

John is a recently retired dentist, who served the Tacoma Pierce County Community for many years. In 2008 Dr. Winskill was the recipient of the Washington Dental Association Citizen of the Year.   Pacific Luthernan University also recognized him as an outstanding alum.  Married to his wife Jan for 45 yeares they raised two sons, Christopher and Matthew.

John  will share the story of the history and growth of a non profit he started named Toys for Kids.  Over the years they have served  hundreds of families who live with medically fragile children and their siblings. Through their partnership with Mary Bridge they make the holidays brighter for these children.  

This week's meeting will honor our Rotarian of the Year.

St. Vincent dePaul welcomes help from Rotary #8 at its next sorting event. Be engaged with your fellow Rotarians while serving your community.

Phil Carter will highlight experiences that demonstrate how the youth and community are impacted by sports programs. 

We will meet Lutheran Community Services NW in a virtual setting. 

Registration is not required. 

Click here to join the meeting.

Register and pay for all Rotary 8 lunch meetings April 7 - June 30, 2022. 

When you buy the prepaid meal plan, you are preregistered to attend every lunch meeting and that helps us make accurate reservations with the hotel.

Your reward?  You receive the equivalent of one free meal for your participation. 

Marissa Lewis with EFN will be with Tacoma Rotary 8 to discuss the EFN Home Grocery Delivery Program. 

Merrissa Lewis is the coordinator of the home food delivery program at the Emergency Food Network. She will tell us about EFN and the porgram she manages.

University of Puget Sound President Isaiah Crawford, Ph.D., will be the guest speaker.

Dr. Isaiah Crawford will be with Tacoma Rotary 8 to discuss the University of Puget Sound.

We're assembling Break Bags for students on the lunch program in Pierce County to have over Spring Break. Join us in fellowship and service. Rotarians and guests are welcome.

Join the Literacy Committee for the next Little Free Library Build.

A member of the local community will be recognized for their outstanding dedication and service to others.

Spend a few hours with friends and make a difference sorting items that have been donated at St. Vincent de Paul.

Julie Anderson has served as Pierce County Auditor since 2009.

The Auditor's Office is responsible for elections, licensing and public document recording.

Pierce County Auditor Julie Anderson will be the guest speaker on April 7, 2022. 

The annual fundraising auction for the Rotary Club of Tacoma will take place this year online. 

Through the virtual setting, you'll be able to view and purchase "buy now" items, make bids, and help us fund the needs of the Tacoma Community through Raise the Paddle. 

Host a viewing party at your home and join us online!

Click here to go the Maxgiving website and register today. 

Click here to watch the presentation on April 9, 2022 at 6:00 p.m.

For more than 30 years, UW Tacoma has helped the South Sound thrive, giving over 28,000 people the chance to fulfill their educational dreams and helping revitalize downtown Tacoma. Come hear about how they partner with the community to make it happen and why the future is even more exciting.

Help us and our EFN Friends at Repack. See you there.

Title: Communities for a Healthy Bay and Rotary #8 help protect Storm Drains

Date: Friday, April 22, 2022

Time: 1:00-5:00pm

Looking for 15-40 volunteers.  Can be in teams.

Storm drain misuse is one of the leading causes of pollution in the Puget Sound.  Help travel through different neighborhoods of Tacoma to affix placards to drains in the area letting people know not to dump anything in the storm drains.  

If volunteering you will start at the Communities for a Healthy Bay office, 535 Dock Street, Tacoma, to pick up supplies and get instructions on how to use an app on your phone to locate the drains you need affix a placard to.  Help for an hour, or go out for the full time period.  Then you'll just need to return your supplies to the office at the end of your time.  

Join us in cleaning up Wainwright School's rain gardens!  

Give back to your local school by helping us improve these three rain gardens by pulling weeds and laying down wood chips.  We will provide tools, you just need to bring gloves and your own snacks.  

Volunteers are needed to spruce up local parks by trimming limbs, grooming grounds, combing beaches, and maintaining restoration areas.  Each person counts! Come together to lend a hand to keep parks beautiful, our community strong and connected, and being a good steward of the earth.

We invite Rotary 8 to join us at Titlow Park, (8425 6th Avenue Tacoma, WA 98465) from 9-12pm on April 23^rd. We ask that volunteers bring their own gloves and dress for the weather. Tools will be provided, but volunteers are welcome to bring a rake, shovel, or hand pruners to assist in the work.

We will meet in the big parking lot next to the playground and spray park.

Dona Ponepinto, United Way of Pierce County, President & CEO

Dona is currently the President and CEO for United Way of Pierce County. Dona joined UWPC in January of 2014 and brings over 30 years of experience within the United Way network. She is active in both the state and national levels, where she has served as the chair for the United Ways of the Pacific Northwest, and is a past co-chair of the Black Professionals Leadership Alliance, comprised of other United Way CEOs.

She also has worked at three other United Ways including United Way for Southeast Michigan (UWSEM) in Detroit, Michigan as a VP, Orange County’s United Way and the United Way of Greater Los Angeles.

She has been slated as President-Elect of the Association of Junior Leagues International, serves on the board of Pierce County Aids Foundation (PCAF), Tacoma Art Museum, Wellfound Behavioral Health Hospital, South Sound Together, Workforce Development Council, and Tacoma Community College. She is also a proud member of Rotary Tacoma 8.

Dona holds a BA in Psychology and a MS Degree in Counseling from Creighton University. 

Jim Walton, United Way of Pierce County, Board Member and Centennial Campaign Tri-Chair

Jim has a long history with United Way of Pierce County, starting in 1971. He became Board Chair in 1981 and Workplace Campaign Chair in 2005. As a board member, he serves on the Executive and Governance committees, and is currently a Centennial Campaign Tri-Chair.

Originally from Texas and proud of it. He was City Manager for Tacoma and served in leadership roles for 32 years. He is also an original member of the Black Collective and founding director of Commencement Bank.

Jim received The Humanitarian Award in 2018 from Community Health Care and is one of Community Health Care’s six founders. His award celebration drew in over 400 people to celebrate him and his long history leading community change in the City of Tacoma and in Pierce County.

He is a previous board member of Goodwill. He also served as Past President of Tacoma Sunrise Club and has been a Rotarian for 30+ years. His accomplishments and accolades are endless.

Emily Mendez-Bryant, United Way of Pierce County, Chief Development Officer

Emily is currently the Chief Development Officer for United Way of Pierce County. She was born and raised in Seattle and lived in Hawaii from 2005-2019. She relocated to Tacoma to continue the meaningful work of United Way.

Previously, she was the VP of Fundraising and Major Gifts at Aloha United Way in Honolulu. She also worked in leadership positions at Hawaii Pacific Health Foundations, Hawaii Health Systems Corporation, and Moss Adams.

She is a Rotary Tacoma 8 board member, and serves on committees: Welcome (co-chair), DEAI, Finance, Major Projects and Nominating. In Hawaii, she was the President of the Rotary Club of Kona Mauka in 2007. She also serves on the board of Association of Fundraising Professionals-South Sound, and is an IDEA committee member and BIPOC Affinity Group co-lead.

She has a MBA from University of Massachusetts-Amherst, a BA in Psychology from University of Washington, and recently the Chartered Advisor in Philanthropy designation from the American College of Financial Services.

Since 1921, the United Way of Pierce County has worked to break the cycle of poverty in Pierce County.

Dona Ponepinto, President and CEO, Emily Mendez-Bryant, Chief Development Officer, and Jim Walton, Board Member and Community Leader, will discuss the programs, reach, and impact of the United Way over its 100 years of service.

Enjoy classic rock & roll and dance the night away with Darryl & the Diptones and your Rotary #8 friends and guests. 

Admission includes two drink tickets and snacks. 

Hurry! Not many tickets remain for this private event.

Presenters: 

MiYoung Margolis, Founder, Artistic Director & Choreographer, Principal Dancer

Jeffrey Margolis, Executive Director

Tatiana Linardopoulou, Director of Development, Principal Dancer

Company Bio: The MiYoung Margolis Dance Collective is a performing arts dance company based in Seattle, WA.We are a diverse cast of talented dancers who present original Contemporary Fusion pieces inspired by Korean Folklore and Modern Korean Stories, with a focus on blending dance styles and cultures. MMDC Dance Company envisions a time when the universal expression of dance will ignite a movement across social and cultural boundaries to improve people’s quality of life.

The MiYoung Margolis Dance Collective is a performing arts dance company based in Seattle, WA.We are a diverse cast of talented dancers who present original Contemporary Fusion pieces inspired by Korean Folklore and Modern Korean Stories, with a focus on blending dance styles and cultures. MMDC Dance Company envisions a time when the universal expression of dance will ignite a movement across social and cultural boundaries to improve people’s quality of life.

Join the gang for the monthly sort at St. Vincent de Paul. 

This will be an ongoing event on the first Saturday of every month.

Make connections and learn more about where your fellow Rotarians work. 

This registration is for lunch only. Please use the Business Registration to secure an exhibit table. 

Host a table and tell us all about your business, an upcoming special, or simply make connections with your fellow Rotarians. This opportunity comes around only once-per-year! 

The exhibition table is $150 plus $25 per lunch. Please register for lunches on the separate lunch registration link.

Erin Guinup is the founding Executive and Artistic Director of the Tacoma Refugee Choir.

She is a passionate advocate of community singing and the power of music to heal and unite communities. She has led community singing events and spoken at national conferences for Chorus America, National Association of Teachers of Singing, American Choral Director’s Association, and the International Congress of Voice Teachers in Stockholm, Sweden, and TEDxSeattle; and the world premiere of Orson Scott Card and Mark Mitchell’s He is There; singing with Israeli-Palestinian choir Common Ground Voices in Jerusalem and Europe; and vocal workshops with Fortune 100 companies including Amazon.

She is a composer and author, contributing to the books So You Want to Sing Music by Women and My Body Was Left on the Street: Music Education and Displacement. Most recently, Erin was named one of five Women to Watch by South Sound Magazine.

The Tacoma Refugee Choir is a non-auditioned choir of refugees, immigrants, and friends who seek belonging and are committed to creating a more equitable and welcoming community. In its first five years, the Tacoma Refugee Choir led by Erin Guinup has welcomed over 700 members from over 50 countries and performed for over 25,000 people at community, educational and government events, including WE Day, the National Race & Pedagogy Conference, and U.S. Citizenship ceremonies.  The choir received standing ovations at TEDxSeattle and has been featured on PBS and network television with stories and music videos of original songs created with members.  Additional programs include social-justice-oriented Teen Sings, a refugee-centered podcast, community singing events, and group music therapy classes. We may not change conditions for the 80+ million people displaced by wars, famine, and natural disasters, but we can welcome and love those who find themselves in our community. 

Adults only. $125 each.

Come for dinner, stay for the spectacular view of Tacoma's waterfront with great company! Enjoy a progressive dinner starting with appetizers, moving onto the main course, and dessert. Hosted by Elaine Chan, Carolyn Weyrick and Julie Carpenter.

Eight guests - only two remain available. Please call the office at 253.473.7723 to complete your purchase.

Executive Director Tracy Peacock will share programs and stories from the work accomplished at St. Vincent de Paul. It's more than a thrift shop! Come and learn and stay after for an in-meeting service project to assist the unhoused in coordination with St. Vincent de Paul

Come and hear from Rotarian Tracy Peacock about the programs offered at St. Vincent de Paul. We know all about St. Vinnie's Thrift Shop but do you know what else they do? 

We'll also have an in-meeting service project today to support the unhoused in conjunction with St. Vinnie's. 

Today is a double feature. We'll hear from Jumping Joey Waters and meet the recipients of the Phase 2 Tacoma Rotary #8 Community Service Grants.

Joseph Waters is an Irish former professional footballer who played in England and the United States. He lives in the United States where he coaches Tacoma Stars of PASL and youth soccer teams. He retired from Bellarmine Preparatory where he served as the soccer coach for 29 years. 

Fourteen nonprofit organizations will receive grants.

Start June off with service! Join the team at St. Vincent de Paul for the monthly sort.

10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.

$100/each

Celebrate five of the most popular Chinese Festivals with food and beverages with your hostess Elaine Chan.

Let's visit the Tacoma Little Theatre for a Rotary social and networking opportunity.  

Our host for the evening is Chris Serface, Managing and Artistic Director.

There will be food and drink and for those who wish to stay after the Rotary program, there will be a live reading. 

Please help our host plan by registering early. Thank you.

STEP - Support the Enlisted Program (STEP) builds financial self-sufficiency among junior active duty enlisted service members and recently discharged enlisted Veterans and their families in Southern California facing financial crisis through counseling, education and grants. 

Today's meeting is at the Pacific Harbors Council of the BSA where we will perform an in-meeting service project with the Red Cross following our program. 

Tacoma Youth Symphony Executive Director and Conductor Dr. Anna Jensen will share its work and we'll hear from some of its young musicians. 

We'll also take a little to to celebrate graduating seniors from local high schools as the Scholarship Committee makes its awards for 2022.

Today we honor those who have served our club through the year and recognize those moving forward in leadership roles in the new administrative year. 

Dale Roberts is the Governor 2022-2023 for Rotary District 5020. He and President Maria will launch a new year of engagement and service.