Our thoughts of gratitude and reflection were shared by Sakura Takano, who is happy for the exchange students who just received their honorary diplomas. She reflected more on all the TCAPS board members who attended graduation ceremonies to support the many students who will shine a light on the future with vibrant optimism. She also reminded everyone to attend the ribbon-cutting ceremony for Rotary Square on June 9th. 

David Ford introduced our guests, and Miriam brought her general hooligan father, mother, and fiance.

Carla Weaver happily lead the Happy Bucks around the room, Art was thankful for the fantastic view of the bay, Paul LaPorte is looking healthy, Chris Sack at Applied Innovation will have a ribbon cutting at their new building on the 14th,  Al Bonney was happy to have the exchange students singing with the Kingsley Trio all year, Dale is a proud dad for his graduate, Dianna is happy to be home and Marsha has a new granddaughter. 

Our incoming president John Hall recapped on his Australia trip for the international convention where he absorbed the significant cultural collaboration, heard a speech from Jennifer Jones, and even met the incoming International President Gordon McInally at the wine social dinners. A very cool part was the flag ceremony which represented the 200-plus countries with established clubs that map out a worldwide global network of Rotarians.

John Hall also inquired about volunteers to help man the Beer Tent at the Cherry Festival on July 5th. More details are below. Please email John with your desired shift and t-shirt size. 

Matt McDonough clarified details for the Discover Fishing event at the Pier on June 10th to learn about inland seas and practical fishing knowledge. The pier's fishing area is finally complete in the transformation project. They could still use some day-of volunteers if you're interested in helping out. Let Stephanie Rustem know. 

George Powell invited members out to a social event at Left Foot Charley next week, on the second Tuesday. Come enjoy the good weather and get to know more about your fellow Rotarians. 

Al Zelinski marched up to ask for more marchers in the drill team for the Cherry Fest parade. The practices start this Monday at 5:30 pm at Bodamer Brother's Flooring.

Paul LaPorte was graced with presenting Miriam Owsley with the highest honor a club can bestow on a fellow Rotarian for her crucial role in planning the Gala for the past two years.  As a 4th generation Rotarian and first woman Rotarian, she jumped into many committees when she joined after Allison Beers convinced her. To Miriam, rotary service is a way of life and she was greatly humbled and deeply grateful for being recognized. Even if she doesn't remember saying yes to the Gala, her commitment was unwavering while 37 weeks pregnant executing the wonderful event. With all the work that Miriam did to make Max Anderson look good, Paul didn't miss the opportunity to award him Smart Pills for neglecting to thank Miriam when he thanked everyone else. Max was a good sport during this and he won't forget moving forward since everyone chimed in with the classic line, "WHAT WERE YOU THINKING?"

Carla Weaver is a second-generation Rotarian but has at least birthed a few exchange students. She was excited to share just how exciting Youth Exchange is with all the relationships that are built and maintained across the globe. We were thrilled to restart the program and get out first class post covid. In youth exchange, it's a perfect exchange of students, we host 2 and send 2. Their expenses/travel is covered by the student and the clubs arrange for a counselor for each student and 3 host families. Because of such high expectations, the application process is extensive and requires a year of prep before leaving. While a student is preparing for exchange, they are an Outbound. While on change, they are an Inbound and when they return, they are a Rebound. Every stage of the exchange has different experiences, many of which are shared from student to student. All traveling students wear a blazer with pins on it so they are recognizable, if you see one, offer some help. They may just need a little helpful nudge and a sandwich. Youth exchange works to build bridges across the continents by establishing lifelong connections and promoting world peace one student at a time.

The winner of 50/50 was Dianna Milock who took home $70.