Events

The United Negro College Fund (UNCF) is looking for volunteers to assist high school juniors and seniors on portfolio development to aid in college and career readineess. For more information or to sign up to get involved, please call Linda Thompson-Black at 206-851-8178.

Economic Forecast

In his presentation, Mr. Gardner will present his 2023 national and regional economic forecasts.  As Chief Economist at Windermere, he will provide additional insider insight into the local housing market and why we are will not see a repeat of the 2008 market crash. Gardner has over 28 years of professional experience and sits on several real estate and economic boards including the Washington State Governors Council of Economic Advisors. 

The Seattle Rotary 4 Art Committee invites you to attend the 1^st Thursday Art Walk on November 3^rd.  Meet in the Seattle Art Museum (SAM) lobby at 1300 1^st Avenue at 5:00pm.  We will tour the collections in informal groups and then “walk” across the street for libations at the Goldfinch Tavern, 99 Union St.

Free First Thursday tickets will give you the run of the permanent collection and special exhibitions.  Please RSVP to Jeff Parker at jeff.parker@bristleconeadvisors.com.

Join the Rotary Action Group for Refugees, Forced Displacement and Migration and the Rotary Fellowship for Global Development for an engaging webinar focusing on Rotarians’ response to the humanitarian crisis in Ukraine, featuring Rotarians and nonprofit partners.

To register for this online program, please click HERE.

To access the event:

Zoom: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/9027676862?pwd=bEQ2eXVEWXJlUjJWVnVJdzFBZHV1dz09

Meeting ID: 902 767 6862
Passcode: 1234

On behalf of Seattle Rotary #4’s Environmental Sustainability Committee and NatureBridge, I’d like to invite you to the Rotary Elwha Exploration Day on November 6, 2022. Since removal of two major dams the Elwha was completed in 2014, the Elwha ecosystem has undergone radical changes and made huge strides toward restoring the Elwha’s legendary salmon runs and many other ecological functions. During Elwha Exploration Day, you’ll be led by NatureBridge’s environmental educators to explore in detail the changes that have occurred in the River since the dams came down. The day will begin with registration, coffee, banana bread, and a classroom session at the NatureBridge campus on Lake Crescent in the Olympic National Park, then continue with exploration of the Elwha River itself.

The event is free but registration is required and donations to NatureBridge are strongly encouraged. Sign-up and additional information on the Elwha Exploration Day is available here. NatureBridge is holding registrations open for Rotary only for the next week, then will open to the general public.

More information about NatureBridge and its mission of science-based environmental education in the nation’s National Parks is available here.

The National Park Service’s page on the history of the Elwha and ecological restoration is available here.

Space is limited so please do not delay in signing up. We hope to see you there.

For 25 years, Bob Donegan has helped manage the historic Ivar’s seafood emporium from its offices on Seattle’s waterfront.  Donegan will bring this insider knowledge to his presentation, outlining the state of the waterfront today and exciting developments on the horizon. 

Donegan volunteers with the Waterfront Association, the new Park Oversight committee, the Seattle Aquarium, Chamber of Commerce, Sports Commission, UW Foster School, Chief Seattle Council of the Boy Scouts, the Washington Hospitality Association, and the Seattle branch of the San Francisco Federal Reserve Bank.  He and his wife live in Richmond Beach. 

The Arts committee will be holding their meeting in-person at the Rainier Club before the 11/16 Rotary meeting. More information forthcoming. Please direct questions to Jennifer Hohnstein. 

The Economic and Social Impact of the Arts and the State of the Sector

Michael Greer, President and CEO at ArtsFund, will discuss the state of the creative sector today and discuss how we can secure the benefits of arts and culture for the future.

With degrees in economics, education, and business, Michael brings a diverse skill set to the role and a unique perspective on the challenges and opportunities of the sector. Greer is a dedicated community partner and serves on several boards including the Downtown Seattle Association, Inspire WA, Puget Sound Regional Council's Economic Development District, Seattle Regional Chamber of Commerce, and United Way of King County. Greer is also a dedicated husband and father and enjoys calling the Pacific Northwest his home.

Join Rotary teams from around District 5030 for this event in support of Harvest Against Hunger. It's not too late to find a team to join; you can also donate to support a team or bowler of your choice! 

To sign up or donate in support of a bowler or team of your choosing, please click HERE.

Cassie Sauer is President and Chief Executive Officer of the Washington State Hospital Association (WSHA). WSHA represents all the hospitals in Washington State, and works to improve the delivery, quality, accessibility, and affordability of health care.

Cassie will discuss current challenges facing hospitals. Hospitals are experiencing a capacity crunch related to delayed care, an intense respiratory season, and difficulty finding places for patients leaving the hospital to go. Hospitals are also struggling financially. Cassie also will share solutions to these challenges, largely centered on the 2023 state legislative session. Hospitals would greatly appreciate the support of Rotary members for these solutions.

Rotarian and Japanese General Consul Hisao Inagaki would like to invite all Rotarians to this disaster preparedness seminar. 

The threat of destructive earthquakes and tsunamis that have historically hit the Washington coastline are a major concern. While the risk of land liquefaction and damage to critical infrastructure such as power lines and underground utilities during an earthquake in the Seattle area is known, recent studies suggests that the Seattle Fault can also generate a tsunami with the same level of destruction as could be experienced on the coast. This seminar will introduce technology from Japan’s experience preparing for and recovering from destructive earthquakes and tsunamis that could occur in Washington State and share recent research into disaster preparedness.

Building Pathways to Inclusion

McPage & Powell Full Band is doing a show at North City Bistro and invite you to help pack the house with Rotarians! Tickets are $15 and can be purchased HERE.

Join your fellow Rotarians and the general public for this free, fun night of holiday songs sung by a choir, drinks, and outdoor fireside merriment! Since this is an outdoor event, please dress warmly!

The Seattle Mariners would like to invite you to their holiday party! This party is a BYOB, potluck affair with the main course and non-alcoholic drinks provided. If you would like to attend, please RSVP to Stephen Morse.

Join us for a night of food, drink, and merriment as we celebrate the holidays! Significant others or family members are welcome with ticket purchase. The evening will feature entertainment from The Rogues, Jet City Improv, and Sue Nixon & Company plus excellent food from Willie and drinks by some of your favorite Rotarians! To register to attend, please click HERE.

The Puget Sound Passport Rotary Club invites area Rotarians to their upcoming online program featuring long-time KOMO and KIRO sports analyst Bill Swartz. To access the meeting, please join Zoom HERE.

Pivot to Win:  Transition Better When Change Happens

Planned or unplanned, we each experience change consistently. Change is inevitable and can be disruptive, even if we prepare for it.

How can we better plan for change and deploy an action plan to overcome the hurdles we face when life and business shift?

As a professional athlete for nearly a decade, I faced the challenge all athletes face when retiring from sports, a career, and identity change.

Five Reasons Why Women Are Great Leaders

When women become leaders, they provide a different set of skills and imaginative perspectives. More importantly, female leaders bring structural and cultural differences to the table, which drive effective solutions. This creative standpoint and unique sense of awareness will also allow them to study and uncover the finer details that may go unmissed by others. Studies have shown that companies with higher gender diversity in leadership roles boast a higher EBITDA by over 3.5% as well as superior stock performance. Join us to hear more with Andrea Heuston’s presentation, 5 Reasons Why Women Make Outstanding Leaders.

If you are a committee chair and/or part of the Membership Engagement committee, please make a plan to attend this virtual meeting. The agenda will cover a review and update of the events calendar and brainstorming new engagement ideas.

This presentation will be a moderator/panel format highlighting the work of the club's Business Mentors committee.

The Art Committee is pleased to be able to offer limited discounted tickets to three showings of A Woman of No Importance at Taproot Theatre on Friday, Feb 3 at 8pm; Friday, Feb 10 at 8pm; and Saturday, Feb 18 at 2pm.  This comedic classic from Oscar Wilde features glittering banter, charm and wit within the beloved Taproot Theater.  We only have six seats reserved per performance, so it is first come, first served.  To reserve a spot, contact Janice Winemiller HERE. 

Finding Our Y:  Community Caring for Community

The YMCA of Greater Seattle has been serving community and keeping its promise to be there no matter what since 1876. Join us for a conversion with Loria Yeadon, President & CEO of YMCA of Greater Seattle, to learn more about Vision 2025, the Y’s bold plan for strengthening community and advancing equity and justice for all through whole person health. With over 35,000 member families, the Y is a welcoming place of belonging where youth and families can develop and thrive through programs like health and wellness classes, early education, childcare, swim lessons, meal programs, outdoor leadership and camp, sports, mental health counseling, transitional housing, crisis response resources, foster care, volunteerism, and so much more. Join us!

Join your fellow Rotarians for a night of basketball action! We are also planning some behind-the-scenes goodies for members that attend so keep an eye on this space for other activities that might take place on the night! For discounted tickets in our Rotary group section, please click HERE.

This tour is actually two separate tours which can be purchased as one, or you can purchase a part which works for you. The tours include all hotel accommodation, meals, beverages (including beer and boxed wine), gratuities, airport/hotel transfers, ground transportation, two in-country flights and the Zambia/Tanzania flight described herein. Please see below for additional trip details including a tentative itinerary and costs for each trip leg.

ZAMBIA TOUR:

Thursday, Feb 9      Official arrival in Lusaka, Zambia, with check-in at the Protea Tower Hotel (a Marriott property). Dinner in hotel. Our hotel is located next to the large Arcades Shopping Center which will provide currency exchange, shopping opportunities and a casino.

Friday, Feb 10         After a buffet breakfast, meet with the National Malaria Elimination Committee to inform members on malaria program progress in Zambia and the importance of Rotary engagement. Make-up meeting with a local Rotary club. Overnight at the Protea Tower.

Saturday, Feb 11    Day trip to Chaminuka Lodge and Game Reserve; includes lunch, a cheese tasting and game drive. Bring your bathing suit for the pool! Observe 18 different species of antelope and other game animals. Late afternoon return to the Protea and dinner with local Rotary leadership.

Sunday, Feb 12       Morning flight to Ndola; followed by lunch, then check-in at the Ndola Protea Hotel. Afternoon discussion on reducing the malaria burden in the Copperbelt with Community Health Workers (CHWs) led by the project manager. Dinner with Copperbelt Rotarian leadership.

Monday, Feb 13     Visit to a community health center in the Luanshya Area to learn results of the malaria project and speak with CHWs serving the local population.

Tuesday, Feb 14     After breakfast, charter bus transfer to Kabwe and check-in at the Urban Bliss Hotel. Afternoon discussion on a Rotary Project of Scale (with the project manager), which received a total of $6 million to scale the Zambia malaria program and is now one of the largest Rotary International funded projects. Dinner in our hotel.

Wed, Feb 15            Visit a community health center to meet with professional staff and locally trained CHWs.

Thursday, Feb 16    Morning charter bus back to Lusaka where tour ends after lunch. Embark for home or rest at hotel.

Tentative Price for the Zambia Tour (February 9-16) is only $1700 including 7 nights hotel, all meals incl tips, beer and boxed wine as desired, chartered flight within Zambia, motorcoach and transfers. Hotel based on double occupancy. For single occupancy, add $ 423.

TANZANIA TOUR:

Thursday, Feb 16    Tanzania tour begins with a night flight to Arusha, Tanzania.

Friday, Feb 17         Morning arrival in Arusha; drop luggage at Sheraton Hotel and enjoy a short sightseeing tour of the area. After lunch we meet the director of a Rotary-sponsored medical camp where members of the local community receive free medical care. Free care only happens once or twice a year; generally with funding and support from US Rotary sources (the tour fee will include a donation to this effort). Our group will be given assignments for the next day. Evening visit with a local Rotary Club.

Saturday, Feb 18    Drive to and participate in the medical camp with the option to assist with medical care and receive a thank you for our donation. Dinner and night at the Sheraton Hotel.

Sunday, Feb 19       Morning flight to Seronera for a game drive in the central Serengeti. Box lunches will be provided upon arrival. Check-in and dinner at Kati Kati Tented Camp.

Monday, Feb 20     Very early breakfast, followed by game drive with box lunches. Mid- to late-afternoon check-in at Kubukubu Tented Camp for free time or a swim before sundowner and dinner.

Tuesday, Feb 21     Depart after breakfast for the Ngorongoro Crater where we descend into the crater. Observe the “big five” game animals living in the world’s largest caldera of 102 sq. miles, declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1979. After lunch and return transfer to Arusha, check-in at hotel for self-guided stay or transfer to the airport for your homebound trip. The tour ends.

 Tentative Price for the Tanzania Tour (February 16 – 21) is $2925. Including 3 nights hotel, 2 nights safari camp, all meals incl tips, beer and boxed wine as desired at our hotels and camps, flight from Zambia to Tanzania, flight to Serengeti, all transfers and a donation to the medical camp. Hotel based on double occupancy.

The Hospitality Business is a Community Treasure and Team Sport

As CEO of Columbia Hospitality, John Oppenheimer is a true travel and tourism visionary and entrepreneur with a passion for the hospitality industry.

In addition to launching Columbia Hospitality in 1995 (to manage Bell Harbor International Conference Center for the Port of Seattle), John has also founded five successful, private hospitality-related businesses.

John is a University of Puget Sound graduate where he earned his Bachelor's degrees in Urban Affairs and Political Science. He and Deanna were honored for their continued service and philanthropy with the dedication of Oppenheimer Hall at their alma mater.

He is a husband and proud father of two adult children, and his passions include spending time with family and friends. An interesting fact is that John first learned about great customer service as a young sky-cap at the Boise, Idaho airport, carrying luggage. The word that best describes John is: grateful.

The Arts Committee would like to invite all Rotarians, especially Diplomacy and International Service Committee members, to the Seattle Opera world premiere of A Thousand Splendid Suns. If you are interested in joining the group, please email Robyn Grad HERE.

Volunteer Requirements: All volunteers must complete a volunteer application and RSVP to fgreen@wellspringfs.org at least one week in advance of the event date . Masks are required onsite for all volunteer activities. Please let us know if there are young children or people with mobility restrictions in your group so we can plan a volunteer activity for everyone to enjoy.

For more information and additional opportunities, reach out to Faye at fgreen@wellspringfs.org.

The Wellspring Family Store provides free essentials like diapers, formula, clothing, books, toys, and school supplies to children in families experiencing, or at risk of experiencing, homelessness. This critical effort relies on volunteers to help sort clothing, manage inventory, and pack orders going to families.