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Miriam Barnett opened the meeting with a thoughtful reflection, followed by an instrumental version of the National Anthem and Chris Serface leading us in the 4-Way Test. We welcomed Howard Svigals from Gig Harbor Club. Carol Kowalski was a visiting member from Port Orchard and two prospective members tuned in - Carrie Holden and Barbara Wyatt We had all double digit anniversaries this week! Impressive, from 13-29 years. Greer Todhunter introduced newest member Major Randy Kinnamon of the Salvation Army. He moved to Tacoma a month ago. He is a transferring Rotarian. Born in Anchorage Alaska. Also lived in Florida, Oregon, New York. Dad died when he was 11 when the family moved to Fresno CA. Met his wife in Salvation Army Core. Worked the last 3.5 years in Las Vegas and was a Rotarian there. He is a ventriloquist and plays piano! Brett Thomas presented annual report for Rotary 8 Foundation. Called meeting to order to elect board of directors. This is his last action as board member after 10 years. He moved that the club elect the following board members. Kathryn Nelson, Kim Bedier and Kirsten Willis are directors by virtue of their club office and the slate of other directors includes; Jeff Albers, Mark Anderson, Cynthia Darland, Kathy Martin, Rick Oldenburg and Rick Triggs. The motion received a second from President Kathryn and using Zoom polling the motion was passed by a majority of members present. He reported that in 2019-20 we had $35,600 in donations to the trust fund and $211,000 in annual fundraising and invested $270,000 towards Works of Service. Use this link to review the Annual report. You can also contact the office and it will be emailed to you Kim Bedier introduced our speaker: Bill Johnson from Johnson Candy Company. The program format was an interview with Kim asking questions. Your store is a family owned tradition, tell us how it started? Great grandfather, who immigrated from Sweden. Started by selling buttermilk, then hot lunches. Noticed people liked to buy chocolate so decided to focus on it. Ron Johnson is Bill’s dad. Russ was his grandfather. Building built in late 40’s. 924 MLK Way. Sign was re-done 1.5 years ago. How have you seen the Hilltop change? Was Greek and Italian neighborhood that changed in the 60’s to African America. Now has it challenges with gentrification and displacement of people can’t afford to live there. Unfortunately the street fair could not happen this year. Does your dad come in every day? He did until COVID then I made him stay home. He still helps make candy. Grandfather came in until his ‘90’s. What was your first job at the store? Mopped floors at 13 years old. Will your kids carry it on? Oldest one is almost 9. Hopefully they will want to be involved. Are the recipes as old as the store? Bought recipes from before the business. They still hand dip a lot of chocolates. Is everything made on site? Still using same tables and equipment. They still make all chocolate on site. Use a 10 year old caramel mixer. Your candy has received accolades. What are your most popular? Sea salt caramel. Before that it was the turtles. Bill likes the dark chocolate milk truffles and toffee. Received recognition as one of the 10 best chocolates in WA State, and one of best old-school candy shops. What is sea foam? Old fashioned candy that is mostly sugar and very light. Honey flavored and made with molasses. Baking soda makes it rise up. Ice cream bars were mentioned. Tell us about it? Dairy in Eugene makes the ice cream bar and they dip them and roll them in fresh roasted nuts. How can we find your candy? FB and Instagram and have walk up window and ship. You can call order via phone 253-272-8504, then pick up. How can we help you during these challenging times? It’s been very slow. Hoping to get website up and that link construction ends soon. Can park behind store or on street. Buy chocolate! Construction goes on until 2022. Kim: Thanked Bill and said "You have given so much happiness through your candy store." Opened up for questions; I have seen your candy at Stadium Thriftway. Are there other stores that carry it? A store in Black Diamond and Purdy are the only others. Stadium Thriftway has not ordered since COVID. What is your production volume? Recipes are all different. Takes an hour to cook the caramel. Depends on the season. Most 50 or 60 pounds. Most are very small batches. Have you faced any shortages? Sugar free chocolate has been hard to get. So far no other trouble. Christina Turner thanked Bill for being so supportive of Multicare and other community orgs. How many people do you employ? Has it decreased? Bill and 4 employees work there. One is a cancer survivor and another has not felt safe coming in. Most are part time. Running on small staff. It’s a risk in a small shop. Do you still get in trouble with your dad? Dad wants to get away from me at lunch. I still get in trouble. Do you ever make a production mistake and if so what do you do with them? Doesn’t happen too often. If they do, they go in the garbage. Bill will repost candy menu on social media and there is also a menu at the walk up window. David Flentge thanked Bill for making the best candy in the world and making his wife happy! President Nelson thanked all that signed up to help Paint Tacoma Beautiful on Saturday and Sunday and also those who are making sandwiches for 7-28. We can always use more sandwiches and we will be doing this every other week. True confessions If you get an email from President Kathryn Nelson from this email address; executive committe884@gmail.com please block it. She has been hacked. It will ask you to buy gift cards. |
