Past President Becky Fontaine called the meeting to order at 12:13pm for the Rotary Club of Tacoma #8, via the Zoom application. First the Meeting Moderator, Chris Serface, Tacoma Little Theatre went over some meeting protocols so everyone with us today knew how the various tools on Zoom work. President Becky welcomed everyone and commented about the very unique situation we find ourselves in with the COVID 19 virus. 

Today’s reflection was given by Christina Turner, Tacoma Public Utilities, from a poem provided by Missy Zencczak Candler, United Way of Pierce County. The poem, entitled ‘And the people stayed home’ was very appropriate for our times today.  Chris Serface led everyone in the national anthem and the Four Way Test.    Today’s meeting is being sponsored by the College Success Foundation, and Shanna LaMar.  Club Anniversaries were then celebrated for Jonathan Murray – 5 years, and Rusty George – 18 years.  Shanna told us that the Foundation has been operating in Tacoma for 20 years and is supporting 2,100 students with direct service, many being low income and first generation attending college.

We were also celebrating birthdays for the month of May and the question for the celebrants to answer was their favorite spring flower.  Monique Valenzuela - rose; Chris Serface -marigold; Becky Fontaine and John Bailey - tulips; Kathryn Nelson - rhododenron; Kathi Willis - daphne shrub; Andrew Imholt – any flower his daughter likes as they take their walks; Alex Trettin – azaleas.  Becky then told everyone about the Committee Fair.  She said that our committees are the lifeblood and backbone of the club, and the work they do makes us the vibrant club we are. Some meet monthly and some meet only as needed.

Communications-Chris Serface.  This Committee takes care of our Facebook Page, Photos, Zoom of meetings, and You Tube of the meetings.  Vocational Services-Andrew Imholt and Miss Zenczak Candler.  Meeting sponsors, Business Expo, Thursdays at 5.   Membership-Jennifer Weddermann – recruiting new members and we all were reminded that membership recruitment is up to everyone to help with.  Orientation-Past President Brien Elvins.  There are two orientation meetings where new members learn about the club, the committees, Officers and Board and the two Foundations.  Pandaka-Cindy Niemi reported on behalf of Amanda Weidman and Carolyn Weyrick - helps members become engaged in the club and Rotary.  Move from red badges to blue badges and the mentor program.  Engagement-Jacki Farrar and Maria Harlow.  Keep members connected to the work of the club.  It meets before the regular Rotary meetings.  Program Committee-Hunter George and Kim Bedier.  They receive lots of ideas for speakers and subjects for the programs. They usually work several months out and meet as needed.  Project Greater Good-PGG/Foundations.  Kirsten Willis and Rusty Hersey. This Rotary year was a banner year with 61% of the membership donating and raising $88,595.  Monies donated support the RI Foundation, Tacoma Rotary Foundation, Polio Plus, Programs and Projects. Rotary Youth Exchange-RYE-Carol Webster.  Inbound and Outbound Exchange Students, finding host families, and engaging with the students during the year.  Scholarships-Alex Trettin.  Interviews great students in Tacoma.  Awarded $52,000 in scholarships to 28 students from 13 Tacoma area high schools.  Literacy-Sherri Stanton and Dean Carrell.  Children’s books, and little free libraries and partnering with other area clubs. Projects Committee – Diane Kelleher and Gil Quante.    Projects like EFN, Camp Goodtimes, Habitat House.  Meets the first Friday of the month.  Grants Committee-Clay Zang and DeAnne Hamilton.  Awarded $111,000.  They reviewed  38 applications, are very task oriented, and make site visits, and work in teams of two. International Services Committee-Barry Benson and Fred Matthaei, and presented by Stacey Ogle. They invest in Global Rotary projects and work with other area clubs and clubs in the world. Invested $48,000 this year.  Auction-Sharon Benson. Biggest party every year and raises the most money all of the money we need to support the work of the committees.  We will not do an in-person auction this year because of the COVID 19 virus and are currently developing the plans needed to raise the money needed for committee support.

We were reminded that Dues Statements will soon be mailed out along with committee sign-up sheets. We were shown a short video produced by Rotary members and United Way staff; Dona Ponepinto, Emily Mendez-Bryant and Missy Zenczak Calder related to the fundraising effort of the club to raise $110,000 to support the efforts of Pierce County Connected led by United Way Pierce County and the Greater Tacoma Community Foundation.  We have achieved our goal which is wonderful, but there is still time to donate and give.  Becky said hello to President Carol who showed her new daughter, Harper, and thanked all the meeting volunteers and told us that next week’s program will be on the Port of Tacoma with Executive Director Eric Johnson and were encouraged to be People of Action. The meeting was adjourned at 1:10pm