EVERETT ROTARY LOG
LEADING OFF:
President Greg Lineberry rang the bell at 12:02 pm, calling to order meeting #5412 of the Rotary Club of Everett and 9th of his Rotary year. He then led the club in the Pledge of Allegiance.
THOUGHT OF THE DAY:
Tammy Dunn brought us the Thought of the Day, with some thoughts about life and focusing on simple blessings.
RESOLUTION:
PP Bob Bavasi read a resolution for departed past member Ron Jacobson. The club then observed a moment of silence in remembrance.
VISTING ROTARIANS AND GUESTS:
President Greg introduced Sandy Oettel, the club’s new administrative assistant. Our former exchange student, Daniel Nielsen was visiting.
ANNOUNCEMENTS:
President Greg announced that it was decided at the recent board meeting that the club will continue with virtual meetings through September.
HAPPY DOLLARS:
PP Steve Miller had $65 birthday bucks.
Sonya Kraski had $50 to celebrate Daniel Nielsen being at the meeting. She also was happy that her 93 year old father was doing well.
President Greg announced that former club member, Tony Orso, gave a $500 donation to the club!
PROGRAM: Everett Community College in Covid World
PP John Olson introduced today’s speaker, Dr Daria Willis, President of Everett Community College. Dr Willis is starting her third year at Everett Community College. She began with a shout out to Zeb and Betty Cobbs for their awesome hospitality and many contributions to education.
Dr Willis stated that Everett Community College is working toward a phased in reopening and return to campus in compliance with state and federal guidance. The campus has been utilized as a vaccination site and has a strong partnership with the Snohomish Health District.
Everett Community College has had a good year with over $1 million in tuition. New buildings are being built, and they have introduced a cosmetology program. They have also secured funds for free student housing.
Challenges and opportunities include:
- COVID
- Equity & Inclusion
- Budgets – Money is always an issue. ECC has done an excellent job of managing state resources.
- The new Cascade Learning Resource Center will open on September 16th, providing a children’s study area and student/parent study spaces.
The college is working on a new strategic plan that will include:
- Education in a post COVID world
- Flexible schedules and work from home
- More online degrees
- Weekend classes
ECC has received a grant from the Washington Department of Labor for childcare support. They are working with the YMCA of Snohomish County.
ECC is also looking to enhance workforce training for the aviation industry.
Fall classes begin September 26th.
Dr Willis thanked the club for the many scholarships awarded to area students. She then entertained questions from the members.
CLOSING:
President Greg thanked Dr Willis for her presentation. He thanked Steve Miller, Sonya Kraski and Tony Orso for their happy bucks.
Next Week’s program will be Convergence at Everett Station, presented by Ed Petersen.
Meeting adjourned.
Respectfully submitted,
Clayton Browse
Photos submitted,
Tammy Dunn