Events

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.

The Hospitality Business is a Community Treasure and Team Sport

Throughout his career John Oppenheimer, CEO of Seattle based Columbia Hospitality, and founder of five hospitality related companies has made it his mission to put others first. John values the fact that great hospitality is a team sport, a proactive interplay between great people dedicated to creating exceptional experiences. When these things come together, it can showcase a community at its very best.

Please join Mark Wright for this in-depth conversation with, John Oppenheimer, an inspirational leader in the local and national hospitality industry.

If you are 35 and under or just young at heart, join the Young Rotary Leaders (YRLs) at this month's happy hour! For more information, please contact Tabitha Cluas.

In Conversation with Mark Wright

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.

Will downtown Seattle come back?  Is physical retail dead?  Does anyone want a mechanical watch when they can have an iWatch?  With questions and headwinds like these, it could be daunting to be a jeweler in Seattle, but Ben Bridge has gained some perspective over five generations and 111 years and they can continue to remain bullish on each.  Hear from President and CEO Lisa Bridge on what the future holds for Ben Bridge and the jewelry and watch industry. 

The Future of the Corporate Board and the Role Women Will Play in Shaping It

Norway, France, and Spain each have 40% quotas for women on boards. The United States by contrast has only 24.2% of board seats in the S&P 500 that are held by women. Business is more complex than ever and changing at lightning speed. The SEC adds new regulations each month. Hear former Fisher Communications (KOMO NEWS) CEO Colleen Brown explain what to expect in the future and how women can lead the way.

Colleen Brown is an experienced CEO, media executive, and board member. Ms. Brown was honored as Director of the Year in 2017 by the Pacific Northwest National Association of Corporate Directors (NACD). In addition, she was recognized in New York City as a Top 100 Director by the NACD. Ms. Brown is also a Henry Crown Fellow and member of the Aspen Leadership Institute. She is a NACD Leadership Fellow and holds a Cyber Certificate from Carnegie Mellon/NACD. Ms. Brown has served as a director of Big 5 Sporting Goods Corporation (Nasdaq:BGFV) since August 2019 where she is a member of the Audit Committee and Governance and Nominating Committee. She is a former President of various companies at Gannett Company Inc., a Fortune 500 Company. Ms. Brown holds a B.S. from the University of Dubuque and M.B.A. from the University of Colorado.

A History of Women in Leadership: Through the Prism of One Seattle Family

How have women leaders changed over the past century? What characteristics have endured? I will explore those questions by offering a snapshot of four generations of Seattle women, each called to leadership within a different social context, each – by coincidence – my kin. For example: My great grandmother helped found the Seattle Symphony and Children’s Hospital; my grandmother founded KING Broadcasting Company and served as the UW’s first female Regent; three members of my mother’s generation were significant leaders well into old age; and my experience as a leader has been informed by their example as well as a very different social context.

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.

The UNCF “A Mind Is…”® Gala is one of UNCF’s signature fundraising galas and premier social events of the year. Supported by a diverse group of corporate sponsors and individuals, it involves celebrities, dignitaries, civic leaders, volunteers, public officials, alumni and others who support UNCF’s mission of investing in America’s future by getting students to and through college.

The event is black tie and cocktail attire.

Member Sten Crissey is organizing special Seattle 4 tables for this event. When registering, please list Sten Crissey as your table captain to be seated with the rest of the club.

Rotary Club of Seattle has been a long-term partner with UNCF so if you are interested in attending, click to register HERE.

Heather Snavely is President & CEO of AAA Washington. An imaginative leader drawn to brands fueled by passion and a clear mission, Snavely is the first woman to lead AAA Washington, which serves 1.2 million members across Washington and Northern Idaho.

Throughout her nearly 30-year career, Snavely has worked across multiple industries including retail, toys and games, gaming and entertainment, consumer technology and sporting goods. She most recently held the VP Marketing role at PCC Community Markets, the nation’s largest community-owned grocer. Prior to PCC, she led global marketing at Brooks Running Company, global consumer communications for Xbox, and was Head of the Hive (or global brand communications) at Cranium.

“Northeast Asia and The U.S. Today”

Panel Presentation featuring Mr. Hisao Inagaki, Consul General of Japan in Seattle, Ms. Eunji Seo, Consul General of South Korea in Seattle, and Mr. Daniel Chen, Director General of Taipei Economic & Cultural Office in Seattle. Dignitaries in attendance will include consular representatives based in the Greater Seattle region. Learn more about how the world today looks from a truly global perspective.

A Collaboration of the Consular Association of Washington, the Seattle Rotary Diplomacy Roundtable, Bellevue Rotary Diplomacy Committee, and the Seattle International Affairs Advisory Board.

If you will be attending as a visitor or guest, please email your full name to carma@seattlerotary.org and please pre-pay for lunch using this link (make sure to note that the lunch you are buying is for the April 12 meeting).

Join Seattle 4 Rotary members, family, and friends to spruce up the club by cleaning inside and out.

Bring your favorite tools and spend three hours of fun and service at your Rotary Boys and Girls Club.

This event is held with the RBGC Advisory Board and is a great opportunity the Rotarians and board members to get to know each other.

Patrick will also be making her famous strawberry shortcake – you do not want to miss it!

Please join NatureBridge staff at our beautiful Olympic National Park campus for our April work day! This is a once-a-year chance to help us take care of our historical campus while connecting with NatureBridge staff and board and celebrating the great work of NatureBridge. Rotary Club of Seattle supports NatureBridge through our Seattle Rotary Service Foundation (SRSF).

To register, click HERE.

This family-friendly event, which starts at our campus in Olympic National Park and ends at the Elwha River, gives our closest friends and supporters the opportunity to walk in the footsteps of NatureBridge students as you explore the Elwha River restoration and its history with NatureBridge. We’ll utilize hands-on field science practices to help you understand biodiversity and ecological health and how the ecosystem is changing post-dam removal. The Rotary Club of Seattle proudly supports NatureBridge through our charitable arm, the Seattle Rotary Service Foundation.

There is a small $10.00 fee to help us cover costs.

To RSVP, click HERE.

April brings the return of our networking events with Nicole Klein! Please join us for a casual evening of getting to know our fellow Rotarians better with this networking event focusing on networking tips and tricks. Bring your name badge, your business cards, and willingness to make some new connections! For more information or to RSVP, please email Nicole Klein.

Use this link to book your tickets:

www.5thavenue.org/rotary

New club Rotarian Jim Barnhart would like to invite Seattle 4 members to attend an open house at Oxbow Farm & Conservation Center April 22. This will be an opportunity for members to hear about work going on at Oxbow, tour the facilities, and even catch some live music! For more information or to register to attend, please click HERE.

Please see additional event details in your newsletter. 

Have you ever been asked to serve on a not-for-profit board of directors and suddenly realized that one of your key roles is to help raise money to support the mission of the organization?  The task of raising money begins with understanding who is giving it away and to whom are they giving it.  Our program on April 26^th will provide that information.

During this hour-long interactive experience, you’ll discover the origins of cacao, see how we craft our chocolate from scratch in Seattle, and learn about the close partnerships we’ve cultivated with the farmers we source from. Plus, you’ll get an inside view of our factory to see where the magic happens. And what chocolate experience would be complete without tasting? During your visit, you’ll indulge in a wide range of treats, from our nationwide bestsellers to hand-crafted confections.

Note that tickets are first come, first serve and capped at 21; each member may bring no more than two additional guests. Cost for each attendee is $15, with part of ticket costs being subsidized by the club. 

To register to attend, please RSVP to Jan Levy. You will then receive an invoice from Freshbooks to pay for your ticket.

How do the arts move you?  How has it added to the quality of your life?  Arts is a critical part of bringing vitality, good health and cultural well-being to Downtown Seattle and throughout the city!  The arts have the magic of bringing people from all walks of life together with a common interest, drives economic growth and social change.  Hear how Bernie Griffin over the last 21 years leading The 5th Avenue Theatre created memories for millions of patrons and her passion for education has inspired young people to enjoy the arts and helped develop the next generation of arts patrons and professionals.

The Seattle Fifth Avenue Theatre

Sweeney Todd

Wednesday, May 3, 2023 – 7:30pm – Dinner at 5:30pm at the Washington Athletic Club

* Let Doug Seto know when you make your reservations. 

We will be having dinner together at the Washington Athletic Club prior to the musical.  Please contact Doug Seto dougseto@comcast.net to make a reservation for dinner at the Washington Athletic Club and if you have any questions. Join fellow Rotarians at Sweeney Todd, a deliciously thrilling story of revenge and retribution, which continues The Seattle Fifth Avenue Theatre’s celebration of the titan of musical theatre:  Stephen Sondheim.  After 15 years in exile, Sweeney Todd arrives in a dark ad gritty London, hungry for vengeance against the judge who destroyed his life.  Todd joins forces with Mrs. Lovett, the unhinged proprietress of a failing pie shop, and together they develop a spinetingling plot to extract revenge.

Purchase your tickets at  www.5thavenue.org/RCSNIGHT. This will give you a special discount.

This event is now SOLD OUT! If you have signed up to attend, please see additional event details below!

Tour Highlights:

• The tour will begin at Coast Guard Sector Puget Sound, the operational command serving the greater Seattle area.  It will include a tour of the Joint Harbor Operations Center (Command Center) and the Vessel Traffic Center.  Both of these centers are the operational command and control nerve center for all operations occurring within the area.  Cellular devices, smart watches, Bluetooth devices, etc. are not permitted in this area; lock boxes will be provided.
• After touring Sector, we will do a quick walking tour of Base Seattle, ending with Station Seattle.
• Upon arrival at Station Seattle, we will meet with the boat crews and will commence boarding a Response Boat Medium (RB-M).  This segment of the tour will include a boat ride around Elliott Bay and will showcase the capabilities of our crews and assets.  Guests will have an up-close view of our Polar Icebreakers as well as a waterfront view of our facility and the city of Seattle.
• The tour is limited to 20 people.
• The boat ride is optional and can accommodate up to 10 guests on board.
• Email John Steckler to sign up. johnsteckler@comcast.net

Arrival Instructions:

• You will be met at the front gate by CMC Carroll, CMC Mullins and CMC Duff.  The adddress is: 1519 Alaskan Way S, Seattle, WA 98134
• Please ensure each person attending has their information captured on the attached Visitor Form.  This form needs to be provided back to CMC Mullins by May 5^th, 2023.

The Rise of the Asian American Voice

Featuring panliests Steve Hobbs (Secretary of State), Leesa Manion (King County Prosecutor), David Della (former Seattle City Council member), and Katherine Cheng (Seattle Mariners VP of People & Culture).

Have you ever wondered how 32^nd NHL team ended up with the Kraken name? Or how the Kraken were able to turn things around in just their second season?

Join Todd Humphrey, senior vice president of digital innovation & fan experience at the Kraken, on an interactive deep-sea journey through the history of the Kraken from conception to the first puck drop, how they're building a winning team on and off the ice, the magic that makes Climate Pledge Arena one of the best arenas in the world, the secrets behind their remarkable success in just two seasons, and more. As Kraken employee #5 and a former professional hockey player, Todd’s knowledge of the organization and game will provide unique, insightful stories into what’s happening behind the scenes at the Kraken. Don't miss your chance to plunge into the depths of the Kraken!

The Sea4s and Young Rotary Leaders groups are teaming up to host a Happy Hour on Thursday, May 25th starting at 5pm at Frolik Kitchen and Cocktails. This event will bring together new members of Seattle 4 and our Young Rotary Leaders group. There will appetizers provided by the club.

Five more spots available. If already registered to attend, please see event details below.

We have an exclusive opportunity to go on a guided tour of the Seattle Convention Center’s new Summit Building as they are not offering public tours.  Come see firsthand the innovative design that connects the communities surrounding the Seattle Convention Center together.

Show Me Seattle invites you to join us on an intimate, guided food tour of the world-famous Pike Place Market as we explore the back alleys, narrow corridors, and tiny storefronts in search of our favorite places. Taste the best the market has to offer while a friendly local guide shares entertaining stories of the market’s checkered history, its legendary characters, and one-of-a-kind small businesses with you. This tour is limited to 16 guests so make sure to RSVP FAST! Note: This is a walking tour therefore no transportation will be provided. Rain or shine, the tour will go on. Dress accordingly!

RSVP: Tiffany@CookiesWithTiffany.com

RSVP By: May 22^nd

Location: Pike Place Market. 

Join the Boys & Girls Club to celebrate Ms. Patrick Carter!

For more than 35 years, Boys & Girls Club kids, teens and staff turned to Miss Patrick Carter for love and support. Generations of youth grew up with her in their corner. Maybe you or someone you know is one of those lucky people who could always count on Patrick. Patrick leads with unmatched energy and passion for her kids and Club community.

Join us in celebrating and thanking Ms. Patrick for all she has done for youth, families, our community, and her staff. We are so thankful for her energy and passion that have so deeply impacted the Rotary and Rainier Vista communities. Let’s come together to thank and celebrate Ms. Patrick as she moves on to her next adventure.  

Please share this event with others who would want to celebrate Ms. Patrick! Refreshments and appetizers will be served. RSVPs are requested ASAP..

When: Monday, June 5, 6:00-8:00pm

Where: Rotary Boys & Girls Clubs

Please RSVP to attend this event honoring Patrick

Our long program will be focused on Alzheimer's and will feature author Rosalys Peel. Rosalys is the author of The Mike & Me Book: New Hope for Alzheimer's Couples.

Tour the newly redesigned waterfront with Ivar's President & CEO Bob Donegan! 

We’ll walk the waterfront from Waterfront Park south of Colman Dock, the Washington Street boat landing, under the new Marion Street pedestrian bridge, along the central waterfront, look at the new Union Street steps and art, walk by the aquarium’s new Ocean Pavilion, and conclude at new Pier 62.

Your tour guide will be the only one of the original 24 stakeholders on the Alaskan Way Viaduct and Seawall Replacement Committee who still walks the project every day.

 Let’s meet at the Washington Street Landing (photo attached to this event listing) to save time.

Jerilyn Brusseau: My Life in Baking: From Cinnabon to Cairnspring Mill

We have something different cooked up for our quarterly networking event this spring! We invite you to join us at the WAC for an evening of business and pleasure as we get to try out the club's golf simulator and hear a presentation from John Steckler on making a growth plan for your business. Should be a good one! 

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.

Family Resource Fair events provide a place for families to receive mulitple services at one time. These events have a tremendous impact in the community and rely on volunteers to direct traffic, pass out supplies and resources, serve food, and more. 

Our last Rotary meeting of the Rotary year will feature Rotary District 5030 Governor Kae Peterson with our annual District 5030 update.

Join the Seattle Mariners, Seattle Metro Chamber, and Together Washington for a pre-All Star Week clean-up! Meet at T-Mobile Park at 9 AM! 

March with the Rotary Club of Seattle as it participates for the first time in the Seattle Pride Parade! To RSVP or if you have questions about parade attire, please email Mary Goldie.

Note: All members walking in the parade will have to arrive between 1:30 PM - 2:00 PM for staging. Our group will be staging on Fourth Avenue between the Yesler Overpass and S Washington.

Join us for a night of music, fellowship, and fun as we honor Beth Knox's year as Club President! The evening will feature plenty of entertainment from Sue Nixon & Band and our very own Rotary Rogues, with special surprises throughout the night! This event is one you will not want to miss!

Note that the last club board meeting of the year will take place in-person right before the event, also at the Queen City Yacht Club. 

To register to attend, please click HERE.

You're invited to celebrate the 4th of July at the home of Laurel James.  Her address is 17851 Ballenger Way NE, Lake Forest Park.  Call for time 206-829-0364. 

Bring a dish to share. 

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.

Welcome our Early Learning Center students back from summer break with a clean and fresh playground. Be ready to scrub down toys, power-wash slides, and have fun!