Sponsor: Kathryn Nelson

 

Board Greeter- Roving Mic - Jace Dwinell

Greeter - Roving Mic -   
Fine Counter - Cynthia Darland
Meeting Reporter for Gearshift - Debbie Regala

Meeting Sponsor -  Business Expo 

AV Assistance -  Jeff Rounce 

 

 

 

 

 

President Mark Anderson called the April 5 meeting of the Rotary Club of Tacoma #8 to order, in the Grand Ballroom at the Landmark Convention Center, by ringing the bell at 12:05 pm and welcoming all. As President Mark said, it’s a good day to be at Rotary. The invocation was given by Gordon Neu, Neu Construction, and Libby Catalinich, Pierce County led us in the national anthem and the Four Way test. Mark asked everyone to sign a card for our member Nancy Davis who is receiving Hospice Care.

Melissa Malott, Citizens for a Healthy Bay and Veronica Rollins, Girl Scouts, took the mics around to visiting Rotarians and those with guests. There were a large number of guests, including the Queen and Court  from the Daffodil Festival who would be introduced later. Among the visiting Rotarians were Past President Kathleen Olson and Rick Olson, now members of the Marysville Rotary Club.

President Mark then called Greg Rolsma forward to celebrate birthdays. As Greg came forward Anniversaries were celebrated: Rob Novasky - 6 years, Bill Pickles - 9 years; Larry Hosley – 30 years; Dick Heaton II – 39 years; Jim Merritt – 41 years and Glenn Everitt – 43 years. Present to celebrate their birthdays were Barry Benson – April 1; Pamela Transue – April 5; Chris Hays – April 10 and Peter Norman – April 12. They were asked what high school they went to and who had the most influence on them in high school. Also celebrating birthdays this week but not present were Dean Curry, Paul Gingrich Jr., and John Spencer.

President Mark then called forward Daffodil Festival Queen Allie from Lincoln High School and the other 22 Princesses from Pierce County area high schools, who introduced themselves, which high school they were from and shared some of their college plans.  This is always one of my favorite programs each year as members hosted the various Princesses and chaperones for lunch.

President Mark then called forward President Elect Linda Kaye Briggs, to begin the Community Service Award program. This award was established in 1972 in recognition of long time, 50 year Club Secretary Arthur H. Wickens. The award has been presented every year since 1974. The purpose of the award is to recognize a non-Rotarian resident of Pierce County who has served his/her community in a manner that exemplifies the Rotary ideal of ‘Service above Self’. This year’s recipient is Korbett Mosely.  He has spent more than a decade working on equity and inclusion in the for-profit, non-profit, and government sectors, on issues such as education, health, workforce and housing. He just completed a three year term on the City of Tacoma’s Human Services Commission and now serves on the Board of the Puyallup Watershed Initiative, and recently helped to create Tacoma Roots, a community group that works on the intersection of environmental issues, race and poverty. Our member Dona Ponepinto, from United Way, came forward to talk briefly about Corey. His connections and love for community shows in everything. He is very persistent and believes things are possible. He has infectious energy on tough issues, and is passionate and has a generous and kind spirit Dona said. The next speaker was Andrea Cobb, Corey’s wife and President of the Tacoma School Board. She has known him for six years and said he has raised awareness of issue and strives to make the community a better place to live with a blend of ideas and actions. Coming to the podium, Corey was given a standing ovation and complimented the assembled Rotarians for their good works in the community. He said while this is great place to live, there still are things to be done in the community. One in three Pierce County households cannot afford the basics and that there are 102,000 households in Pierce County who cannot make ends meet each month. He told all of us  "It’s possible" Linda Kaye came forward to congratulate Corey and present him with a check for the non-profit organization he selected, the Hilltop Action Coalition.

There were two paid announcements – first by Melissa Malott and then by Past President Becky Fontaine.  There was some time for True Confessions.  Coming forward were Monique Nadeau who congratulated Corey for his recognition as she proudly announced he was her nephew; Brien Elvins who missed his service anniversary celebrating 21 years in Rotary; Harrison Laird missed his birthday; Gordon Neu related his medical emergency from October when he flat lined and was brought back to life by CPR; Ray Schuler who paid money celebrating the Rotary Service of both Larry Hosley and Jim Merritt who began their Rotary service at Fife and Geoff Oakley who urged us to help people we see, as he gave someone a coat he encountered on the street.

President Mark thanked the Daffodil Festival Princesses for joining us today. They will assist us also at our April 28 Auction – make your reservations now. He congratulated Korbett on his recognition as our community Service Award winner. Tonight’s social will be at the home of Carlyn Roy. We were asked to bring a bottle of wine for the auction. Next week’s meeting will be the annual Business Expo. It is our chance to learn more about our fellow Rotarians.  The meeting was adjourned at 12:55pm.  Now go out and Live Rotary!