Meeting Date/Location: February 1, 2016 at China City
President’s Comments
Did you know…February is the month when Rotary focuses on Peace and Conflict Prevention and Resolution? Sixty million people are displaced by armed conflict or persecution, and 90 percent of armed-conflict casualties are civilians, half of them children. Through service projects, fellowships, and other Rotary-sponsored campaigns, members train adults and young leaders to prevent and mediate conflict, and aid refugees who have fled dangerous areas. Members also pursue projects to address the underlying structural causes of conflict, including poverty, inequality, ethnic tension, lack of access to education, and unequal distribution of resources.
One of the ways that Rotary addresses these issues is through Peace Fellowships. Each year, Rotary funds some of the world's most dedicated and brightest professionals to study at Rotary Peace Centers. Through training, study, and practice, Rotary Peace Fellows become leaders and catalysts for peace and conflict resolution; many go on to careers in national governments, NGOs, the military, law enforcement, and international organizations like the United Nations and World Bank.
Happy thoughts
Our happy thoughts included a sister’s birthday celebration, an anticipated vacation in the Virgin Islands, a 27-mile long bike ride, and a daughter’s acceptance into college.
Guests:
We were happy to welcome incipient members Jim Rogers and Gwen Jones as guests.
Topics:
Melissa and Kathy shared the benefits of attending the Rotary Leadership Institute conference, including being inspired by great speakers, learning more about Rotary Foundation, discovering your animal personality type, and affirming the importance of membership.
Drawing on her experience with Edward Jones, Melissa Cates provided an engaging and informative program about preparing fiscal strategies for retirement. We learned more about creating personalized plans for spending, saving, and investing to ensure adequate income for meeting retirement goals.
Next Week
Note that there will be no meeting Monday in lieu of Vocational after-hours with Jane Helten at Freeland Carpet One.
Upcoming Events
February 6: District Grants Seminar
February 8: No regular meeting (moved to Vocational after-hours)
February 11: Vocational after-hours at Freeland Carpet One
February 13: Area L Membership Seminar, Everett
Director reports:
Jerry discussed Valentine’s Day flower deliveries; Ashley is requesting Service-Above-Self nominees and ideas for hands-on-projects. Hank needs a nominee for RYLA, and pointed out that last year there were only five U.S. participants in contrast to Canada’s 50 participants. So if anyone knows of a good candidate, please let Hank know (candidate’s age must be between 18 and 30 years).
February 15 Meeting duties
Scribe: Alicia
Photographer: Hank
Greeter: Kathy
Setup/Takedown: Hank and Gabrielle