Jaime Prothro has worked in public libraries for 25 years, beginning at the Emporia, KS public library where she grew up using the library.  She has been a branch manager in a diverse community in Wichita, KS, and has held multiple administrative roles that helps shape policies, services, and the impact public libraries can have on individual community members.  She is currently the Customer Experience Director at PCLS where she helps oversee public services across 20 library locations.  Her work is centered around her creative commitment towards improving library experiences for residents, helping spark success for individuals through programming and services,  and helping staff build outstanding relationships with their community.  She fundamentally believes that strong libraries contribute to strong communities.

At the meeting on September 5 the Officer Nominating Committee presented to the club our newest officer, Vice President Kim Bedier.  In 2017, through our by-laws changes, the club voted to have consensus candidates for our officers and so our last 2 slates have followed that new process.  In our recently changed by-laws we approved the new role of Vice President who is in line to become the President in 2021-22.  Kim is a long time Rotarian having served previously in the Grande Prairie, Alberta, Canada and  Everett clubs.  She has been an active member of our club serving as Co-Chair of the Vocational Services Committee and is currently the Co-Chair of the Programs Committee. Kim has been an important part of our Auction Committee the last few years as well.  Please thank Kim for her willingness to serve the club in this important role.  Club Service is an important part of being in the club and we will be nominating members at the end of the month to serve on the Officer Nominating Committee (chaired by Carol Duris)  and the Board Nominating Committee (chaired by Kathryn Nelson) Please let one of them know if you are interested in serving on a nominating committee or if you would like to be considered for an Officer or Board Position. 

September is Literacy and Basic Education Month and we want to start it with an opportunity for you to make a difference in the life of a child. Our Award Winning Literacy Committee is striving, once again, to receive the District Literacy award and one component that is measured is having every member of the club contribute 2 books. So we’ve stuffed those backpacks with school supplies and now let’s get some books for those backpacks! Please start bringing your donated books (new or almost new, gently used) to any meeting in September (final deadline is September 26) or drop them off at the Rotary Office. Our goal is to collect 600 books, so thanks in advance for your help!

Talk about People of Action!  It started with a plan to help students in need and a great partnership with Communities in Schools, followed by thousands of supplies and 400 backpacks and the organizational skills of John Douville.  We then engaged almost 80 dedicated members, friends and the District Governor, who stuffed those 400 backpacks on August 22. Our final step was putting those backpacks in the hands of the students.  Thanks to the members who showed up at the school on Friday September 6 to hand out the backpacks; Barry Benson, Carol Duris, Becky Fontaine, Whitney Grisaffi, Diane Kelleher, George Pilant and our leader John Douville.  The fabulous Projects Committee is working on our next "in meeting" project.  Stayed tuned for your next opportunity to be People of Action!!

 

The Fellowship/Relationship Building Committee invites all members of Tacoma #8 to join them on Thursdays at 5 pm. These socials are a great way to meet some new Rotarians or catch up with old friends. Pandakas, these meetings will fulfill your "social" requirement prior to graduation and, for all members, it’s fun.