By Pete DeLaunay

President Jimmy called the meeting to order promptly at 12:30 p.m. at the Westin and online via Zoom.  Linda Rough accompanied by Jevon Powell led the day’s song, “What a Wonderful World’ followed by Tom Mesaros with the day’s Star Wars themed inspiration, “May the 4th Be With You”.  Much like the hero Hans Solo’s leadership, he said Star Wars was filled with leadership from, “Can people count on you?” to “Be on the winning side of truth”.  

President Jimmy encouraged Rotarians to support the Down Seattle Association’s citywide promotion of service on May 21 – a blood draw at Bloodworks, helping out at Wellspring Family Services. Members can visit www.dayofservice@seattle.gov for more information. 

Ken Grant introduced new member Harisa Paco, followed by the day’s member spotlight shined on Seattle #4 Rotarian Jon Zetlmaier.  John Steckler described Jon as a marathon runner, skier and long board skateboarder.  As a UW economics graduate, John now has his own firm and is a certified financial planner, financial adviser, and wealth manager.  Jon also chairs the Rotary Boys & Girls Club Committee and serves on the Board of Governors at the Washington Athletic Club.  

Past Seattle #4 president and District Governor, Cathy Gibson, introduced Seattle #4 Education Co-Chairs Lori Walker and Linda Thompson Black as leaders that have transformed – retooling the Winners for Life program as the Education Committee become a ‘can-do’ group for aspiring students of color and as one-on-one mentors.  The committee offers portfolio support in three main areas: Scholarships, mentorship and college preparation.  

“We bridge the equity and opportunity gap by providing 12 student scholarships for a total of $30K,” Linda Thompson Black said. “We want to support students where college is out of reach and we hope to help break the cycle of poverty.”  

“We are partnering with the Seattle School District, United Negro College Fund and others to help students reach their college aspirations,” said co-chair Lori Walker.  Linda led a panel discussion with three Rotary scholarship recipients.  The students valued the portfolio project/approach for the mentorship: helping them with college essays, public speaking skills, value of networking – ‘Your network is your net worth’ -- and how to professionally organize for an interview.  

Rotarian Nicole Klein announced plans for the UW shell house for Opening Day of boating season events at the shell house ‘hanger’ – 5/7, 12:00 PM –7:00 PM; and 5/6, 8:00 AM – 4:00 PM.  Program Chair, David Fain, said Seattle City Attorney, Ann Davison, will be our featured program on Zoom next week.    

President Jimmy concluded the meeting by acknowledging the work of Seattle #4 committee chairs who shoulder much of the work of the club. “Seattle #4 has 30 committees,” he said, “so ask a committee chair how you can support their efforts.”