Baby it’s cold outside, but warmhearted Rotarians gathered to hear about support for students who need it most.
Meeting Notes recorded by Sydna Koontz
edited by Tom McClellan
President Bryan Christensen called the meeting to order at precisely at 12:30pm. Jeannie Hill gave the invocation. Fred Willis led the club in the flag salute. Everyone joined in reciting the Rotary Four-Way Test.
David Cotant introduced visiting Rotarian, Craig Gilles, incoming District Governor for District 5020 from Campbell River, BC. Visiting guests included Rich Christiansen (Pres. Bryan’s father), Riley Wyatt (soon to be the newest CP Rotarian), Ingrid Willis (the better half of Fred), Amy Schriber of St. Clair Hospital, Aaron Weeks (Jenny’s son) and Dave O’Keeffe (today’s guest speaker from Communities In Schools).
SUNSHINE REPORT
No baby Carr yet. Prayers for Bryan’s father who will be having open heart surgery on October 13. Also Bryan has an infection in his shin (is that considered a pain in the leg?).
FUTURE PROGRAMS
Oct. 18 - Sue Dreier - CEO Pierce Transit (not to be confused with Sound Transit and the increased car tabs).
Oct. 25 - Col. Gregor Leist - Commander of the Western Air Defense Sector
Nov. 1 - Kevin Bates - Helping Hands House
ANNOUNCEMENTS
Bryan reminded everyone of the Progressive Dinner this Friday (Friday the 13th). Fun starts at 6pm at Sydna and Corky’s home (3722 68th Ave. Ct. W. in University Place). BYOB. The food will be provided. Hosts include Georgene Mellom (appetizers, but will be at Sydna’s) and desserts at General Bill Harrison’s and Karen. RSVP to Sydna.
Heidi Wachter reported on the Theater benefit—HUGE SUCCESS! No official report until next meeting, but roughly $13,000 was cleared. There were so many that helped make this happen — Judy Maier who during the summer sat down and laid it all out to Heidi, Teresa Nye for always being there as co-chair, Dave Cotant and his crew who created a new, usable area for future gatherings for the Playhouse, Carr’s for an delicious array of Octoberfest food, Joyce Oubre for desserts, Bryan Christensen for getting the donation of a Hop Jack keg, the Playhouse for an outstanding performance. There were also some potential new Rotarians in the audience. And finally, no one knew that John Munn could be such a great bad guy. John gratefully said that by 4:45pm last Sunday, Harry Roat (aka John Munn) was no more. . .
Bryan read a letter from EFN thanking Clover Park Rotary for the donation made in the memory of Anne Winters’ and Karen Fengler Nichols’ late mother.
Governor elect Craig inducted Riley Wyatt into the Clover Park Rotary Club. Bryan, as his sponsor, attached his pin and Riley spoke briefly. He grew up in Utah, moved to Washington, met his wife. They are expecting their first child in February. He is with the Pacific Harbors Council of the Boy Scouts of America in Tacoma.
Governor elect Craig spoke to the membership regarding his upcoming year. We are the largest populated district in most of Rotary with over 4,600 members, except for ones in Taiwan, Korea and India. It is an honor to serve you and look forward to seeing you everyone in Tacoma next year for the district conference and training. It will be the first week in May — training will be on Friday with the conference on Saturday.
FUN AND FINES
General Ed Trobaugh, with the assistance of Riley Wyatt collecting the money, first tagged Bryan for going over his allotted time — $2. Riley was directed to Anne Winters who gladly exchanged her Wachter for $26 owed.
Gen. Ed explained to those new today that a Wachter was named after our president-elect Heidi Wachter who upon joining Rotary never had any money — her husband never gave her the checkbook — so she always paid by an IOU, which became known as a Wachter.
Anne was also tagged for another $5 for being an early leaver. District Governor-elect Craig Gilles’ exuberance about being here was noted with a $2 fine (U.S. money, please), but he offered up $5 instead, and in U.S. currency, not Loonies.
General Ed had great concern over a concealed weapon (folding knife) that he found and a raffle ensued. After much activity, David Cotant paid $20 for its return.
No birthdays or anniversaries, hence no singing. Also with a new Rotarian we no longer will be graced with Dave Hall’s rendition. Riley, tune up those vocal cords!
Tom McClellan watched his daughter run in the Chicago Marathon with over 40,000 runners (Bob Lawrence cautioned Tom about using numbers). He was there for 3 nights X $5 = $20.
Jim Hairston forgot to sign in — $2. Jim's plea about pretty obviously being present fell on unsympathetic ears.
Karl Roth indicated that Steph, his wife, got a new house. The question was asked, just Steph? The answer: Isn’t it cheaper if she got it? Question #2: Did Marie Barth help? Answer: No. Question #3: Did Teresa Nye help? Answer: No! Karl forked over $100, Marie reluctantly paid $2 for not helping and Teresa, who was absent, will be fined be fined week.
SPEAKER
Tom McClellan introduced Dave O’Keeffe from Communities In Schools. Dave thanked Clover Park Rotarians for all they do for the community for education, arts, hunger. He then asked the members what kinds of things do they see CIS doing? Answers ranged from support in after school programs, mentoring, additional support for kids that the schools can’t provide, tutoring. CIS has done all of the above, but there has been a shift to school day work — extra support during school. CIS case managers do an intake interview with children identified by the school that may need additional support. Case managers are in four schools: Four Heroes, Tillicum, Lochburn and Clover Park High School. If funding allowed, Tyee Park would be a fifth.
Once the interview is completed to see what is needed, the case managers work to help that student. Needs often include weekend food (on any given Friday up to 150 students are given food for the weekend, because their families cannot provide enough). When risk factor are resolved, then students is able to succeed. CIS harnesses community resources for children in need which leads to higher achievement and graduation rates improve. Years ago, graduation rate in Clover Park School District was 60%. For 2016, it was 88% with expectations for it to be higher this year. See http://www.cloverpark.k12.wa.us/Dept/CommunityRelations/NewsandPubsFiles/2016-2017/Board_Review_Aug_2016.pdf. Last year 243 students were case managed. $11.80 return on investment for every dollar that CIS receives.
Summer school was cut drastically last year (6 out of 22 sites). CIS supported Tillicum with a four week camp which included reading, fitness, and gardening. 40 students participated. Springbrook was another site where other providers assisted (Boys and Girls Club, Pierce County Library). 54 students participated. CP Rotary dollars supported this camp.
Juniors at Clover Park High School took a bus tour of colleges (Gonzaga, Eastern and Central). Dave played a YouTube video of students who participated. Four case managers at CPHS helped with providing support.
RAFFLE
With just two tickets left and one an Ace, Pam (server at Carr’s) had the winning number. She drew. . . the Ace! $258 was the pot! Next week, a new pot and a new deck.
