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ROTARY CLUB OF EVERETT PRE- MEETING: For years Susie Black has been a fixture at our club, just prior to Valentine’s Day, conveniently helping us select treats for our families and office staff and at the same time helping support Providence Regional Medical Center’s children’s services. It was great seeing Susie here again today. I got to the meeting a little late, so I did not have a chance to grab a cookie or a coke, but I do appreciate the effort to have that option afforded to us (thanks). MEETING: President Neil led us in the Pledge of Allegiance, and into our 28th meeting of the year and the 5,530th meeting of the Rotary Club of Everett. At the opening bell there were 21Rotarians and guests in attendance and 11 ZOOMERS. THOUGHT OF THE DAY: I am sure President Neil had a thought or some thought’s for his Thought Of The Day message but I think he was distracted not having a “right hand person” helping coordinate the audio and visual from the laptop so that we could see and hear the ZOOMERS and the upcoming program. Sensing the help needed Kari Petrasek stepped in, The Thought Of The Day was left for another day and the meeting moved on seamlessly. VISTING ROTARIANS AND GUESTS: There were no visitors today, but it was nice to see Betsy Baker-Bold, Scott Casselman, and Krissy Davis in attendance. Brian Hollingshead reminded us that on the 3rd Thursday of each month the Rotary get together at the Courtyard by Marriott on Colby between 5:00 pm and 6:30 pm. That should work out to be February 15th. Ryan Willis would like 5 more people to join him at his table for the annual Domestic Violence Services Chocolate& Wine Lovers’ Gala Auction which will be held at the Tulalip Resort Casino on Friday, March 8th. Please contact Ryan for more information. Susie Black, representing Guild 8 who supports children’s needs at Providence Regional Medical Center, is selling valentine treats. Please fill out an order slip today and at next week’s meeting Susie will distribute the candy in plenty of time before Valentine’s Day. President Neil is looking for volunteers to help sort food at the VOA Food Bank on Thursday February 15th between 2:00 and 4:00 pm. Past President Steve Miller will be holding an Everett Rotary Youth Foundation Board Meeting, via ZOOM, on Friday February 2nd at 8:30 am. Sean George will soon be providing the ZOOM link. An email was sent out this morning from President Elect Michael Kvistad and Past President John Olson outlining this year’s annual Fundraiser expectations and the fun we’ll have getting to our goal. HAPPY DOLLARS AND BIRTHDAY BUCKS: Past President Will McMahon was very happy to give a $100.00 bell ringer for his recent marriage. Scott Casselman was very happy to be at Rotary. Past President Mark Valentine, having been out of town, was happy that his neighbor noticed water coming from under his garage door during the last cold snap. His son went over and was able to get the water shut off to that broken pipe. But unbeknownst to his son another pipe had broken in the attic and cascaded water into Mark’s study/workshop and when he and Michelle returned home 12 days later they discovered a wet mildewed mess. Mark had $10.00 left over that he donated to the cause. RAFFLE: Winner number 1 - Past President Steve Juntwait - Four Silvertips hockey tickets that are good for any home game up through March 24th. Winner number 2 - Brian Hollingshead - Rosy/Red wine, good anytime. Winner number 3 - Past President John Olson - White wine, good anytime. Winner number 4 - Kari Petrasek - Lunch and a bag of caramel popcorn, good as it gets. PROGRAM: Kari Petrasek introduced Genevieve Hewitt and Maya Azimioara from Habitat for Humanity who talked to us about what Habitat does (it brings people together to build homes, communities, and hope) but also about “affordable” housing in Snohomish County. Affordable housing no longer exists. - Home values in our county average $745,00.00.
- Inflation and interest rates have pushed affordable mortgages further out of reach.
- Increasing complexity in zoning, land use, and building codes make smaller, affordable homes almost impossible.
Habitat for Humanity’s approach. - Increase opportunities for home ownership.
- Repair and preserve affordable homes.
- Educate and empower homeowners.
- Advocate for increased funding & access to affordable & Equitable housing.
Home repair. - Helps low-income homeowners remain safely in their decent, affordable homes.
- Preserves affordable homes in our neighborhoods.
- Home repairs and weatherization help improve energy efficiency and reduce utility costs.
Bayside home rehabilitation. (1901 Rockefeller) - Rehabilitation and addition to an existing home in the Bayside neighborhood. To be completed in the spring of 2024.
- The house was purchased by Habitat for Humanity for a price of $360,000.00 and is being rebuilt with donated material and volunteer labor.
- There is a partner family who is putting in sweat equity and will be qualified to purchase the house when completed.
How can you help? - Volunteer - Home construction & repair, Habitat stores, Committees and administration, Fundraising, and events,
- Give – Financial contributions, Construction materials and labor, Land and Property, Vehicles (cars for the homes), Donate and shop at the Habitat stores – Everett and Lynnwood are the nearest.
NEXT PROGRAM: Kathryn Smith Derksen –-Path from Poverty. MEETING ADJOURNED: President Neil adjourned the meeting at 12.56 pm. Respectfully Submitted, Past President Andy Hall Photography Submitted by. Walt Greenwood |
