President Kelli Thode started the 35^th meeting of the year and the 5,635^th meeting of the Rotary Club of Everett with the Pledge of Allegiance.

 

Mark Valentine, PP, told a story about him winning a music contest. He performed “Greenback Dollar” from the Kingston Trio. Awesome song and great job, Mark!

 

Kari Quaas provided the Thought of the Day. “Overwhelm and prioritize. Take a breath. Enjoy where you are. Arts saves lives. What brings joy in your world?”

 

Janice Ellis introduced her friend, Linda Krese, and Hakumi, our exchange student. Ashley Bolden introduced Dorain Broadus, a financial planner.

 

President Kelly inducted Marci Volmer, Snohomish County Boys & Girls Club of Snohomish County. Ashley Bolden and Megan Dunn are her sponsors. Welcome Marci!

 

Janice Ellis stated Steve Miller, Sandy Oettel and Jim Schrader won prizes from the YES Event – Luck O’Irish on Saturday, March 7^th. Hakumi sold all his tickets and is closing in on his volunteer hours of 80 total. Janie read a thank you letter from Sam Russell who went to the YAIL event with Hakumi.

 

Rotary Club of Everett Birthday Celebration is April 2^nd at the Imagine Children’s Museum. This is the club’s fundraiser finale. Please register to attend. Invite family and friends as this event is open to the community.

 

Mark Valentine, PP, talked about the Annual Fundraiser which is happening this month. The ask has been $350 per Rotarian. We encourage Rotarians to give more than $350. The fundraiser dollars support the local impact committee, world community service, AVID scholarships and administrative costs.

 

Janice Ellis brought a scarf and shawl from Thailand. She auctioned them off. Paul Stoot was our auctioneer. Anna Marie Laurence was the highest bidder for the scarf. Jennifer Hem was the highest bidder for the shawl. The funds raised went to the Annual Fundraiser.

 

Paul Stoot attended Reverend Jesse Jackson’s funeral. He felt honored to be attending the funeral. Jesse Jackson quote “I am Somebody”.

 

Mark Valentine watched the West Virginia women basketball team win the Big 12 Championships and was happy that they won the championships.

 

Jennfier Hem celebrated a birthday and came home to flowers and a cake on her door steop.

 

Janice Ellis gave a bellringer for the remembrance of Tom Rainville.

 

Mark Johnson gave in remembrance of Tom Rainville.

 

Larry O’Donnell gave a bellringer for the remembrance of Tom Rainville.

 

Ashley Bolden held the raffle.

 

Winner Number 1 – Mark Johnson selected the wine and cookies

 

Winner Number 2 – Mark Valentine selected the coffee and koozi

 

Winner Number 3 – Henry Newton won the third prize. Did not know what he won.

 

Jennifer Hem introduced Will Johnson from Snohomish County Office of Social Justice. Will’s colleague Courtney attended the meeting with him. Will is from Atlanta, joined the Army and was an Army Medic for 7 years. He became an educator and works on strategies to help people. He worked for the Diversity, Equity and Inclusion department at the Snohomish School District.

 

He focused on trainings – how to show up, why show up, engagement and partnerships. He talked about Leading for Equity. Three strategies that he works on are community impact – partnerships, community outreach – access/communication, and strategic focus – training for employees, enhance communication channels, and youth engagement.

 

Will has a podcast. Will answered several questions.

 

President Kelli thanked our guests, speaker, and bellringers.

 

 

Respectfully Submitted,

 

Photography Submitted,