April 12, 2010 Spokesman

Announcements:

·         Rick Ostrander announced the special performance at Benaroya Hall called "Ten Grands".  It will take place on May 21^st and those wishing to attend should contact Rick for tickets.

·         Bob Webb announced that our "Rotary at Work" day will take place on Saturday, April 24^th from 9:00 am to noon.  We will be helping with Earth Corps Day at the park at Juanita Beach.  Those interested should sign up through Mary-Alyce Burleigh.

·         Patti Smith announced that we will have a special speaker (not that all of our speakers aren't special) next Monday, April 19^th.  It will be the President of Regence Blue Shield who will be addressing recent changes to healthcare.

·         Jim Feek announced the fundraising breakfast at Cascadia Community College on April 21^st.  It begins at 7:30 am.  Check with Rachel Knight if you wish to attend.

·         G.G. Getz reported on the health and well-being of 3 of our Rotarians: Dick Westin, Jerry Marsh, and John Overleese.  Cards were passed around for everyone to sign.

·         Dan Bartel made an announcement about our incoming exchange student who will go by the name of Jason Wang while he is here.  Jason is 16 and enjoys chemistry and lots of new adventures.  He will be attending LWHS while here.  We still need host families for Jason.  Please ask among your friends and neighbors.

·         Rachel Knight promoted the Kirkland Rotary Foundation Auction, which will be held on Saturday, April 24^th at the Kirkland Women's Club.  The club voted for 2 recipients of the auction funds:  Baby Corner at Rotary First Harvest, and the Domestic Violence Unit of the Kirkland Police Department.  (Sorry, Eric, no funds for your college-bound triplets!) We are still in need of auction items - please contact Rachel if you can assist.

Guests:

·         Nick Nickolaychuk was introduced by Terry Cole.  Nick is a member of the Redmond Rousers club and is considering transferring to our club.

·         Jameson (last name not captured.sorry) - visiting as a result of having seen our Duck Dash ad in the Kirkland Reporter.

·         Anna Aubry - Dave's wife

·         Selis - our exchange student gave us an update on her activities.  Loved the red high heels!

·         Karen Blakeley, Rotarian from the Bellevue Noon club, is with Waddell& Reed

International Short Program:

Rachel Knight told the club about the project we have helped to fund in Kenshasa, Congo.  The project is called "Hand Up Congo" and has been created to empower the village of Kenshasa to become economically self-sustaining.  The Sydney, Australia club purchased 2 sewing machines and the village has purchased an additional 4 with profits made by making uniforms.  The San Francisco/Fisherman's Wharf club donated a pink dugout canoe to allow the doctor to visit once every 2 weeks instead of just once a month.  Our club has purchased desks and books for the school (the pictures of the flimsy boards being used prior to our donation were heartwrenching).  Thanks to the International Committee for making this donation possible.

Jim Feek made an announcement about the District Conference in Portland in mid-May and is still encouraging folks to sign up.

Chuck Brockway made an announcement about Miracle League which will begin soon.  Opening Day will be at Perigo Park in Redmond.

Chuck then introduced 3 of our current Club members who gave "Getting to Know You" talks.  Each of these club members are Past Presidents.

First up was Dan Bartel, who works as a Mortgage Lender with Absolute Mortgage in Kirkland.  Dan  talked about his childhood as the son of a father who was career Navy.  He attended 3 highschools, never having the opportunity to develop close peer friendships.  Dan attended San Diego State, served in the Army in Vietnam and then spent 1 year at the Pentagon.  He and his wife of 38 years, Wilma, have a son and daughter.  Harry Cummings was Dan's sponsor into Rotary and he has enjoyed being part of the community and making long term friendships.  Gary Schuster got Dan involved in the Youth Exchange program and he and Wilma have hosted 5 exchange students over the years.  He enjoys fly fishing, photography, cooking and single malt scotch.

Next up was Tom Sturgell, who made a confession about why most Rotarians who joined the club in the mid 80's all have start dates of July 1^st. (see Tom for details) Tom was contacted while on the golf course and asked to speak tonight.  He has only made one change to his life in the last 10 years and that has been his retirement.  Tom left his dental practice of 35 years, and  describes retirement as a calling, one that requires travel.  He is very good at it!  Tom was sponsored into the club by Dick Westin, another dentist.  Tom and his wife Sue have a daughter and son, and 2 grandkids and have lived in Bellevue for many years.  In describing how soundly he sleeps, he shared the story of being awakened by Sue in the middle of the night.   A large redwood tree had come crashing through their home, literally cutting it in half, during a big windstorm and Tom never even heard it!

Last up, Bill Taylor, who shared pictures of a work project of which he is quite proud.  Bill has worked in metal fabrication.  After graduating from Seattle U with a degree in mechanical engineering, he lasted 2 weeks at Boeing before taking a position with the company he now owns.  Bill was born in Portland, OR, lived briefly in Bremerton, moved to Bellevue in 1951, and has lived in Kirkland since 1966.  Bill's grandparents homesteaded in Kirkland in 1902.  Bill said he has had the same job, same wife (Sandy), and same kids.  He has known Sandy since she was in 6^th grade and he in the 8^th.  He told the story of sneaking out of the house and riding his bicycle to see the "new" girl.  He approaches his work in the same way he approaches Rotary, with a "win/win", fun attitude.  His uncle had tried to get him to join Rotary for 20 years, but when he was invited by another Rotarian, he finally decided to join.  He believes that Rotary is making a difference in lives in our community and around the world.  He said that 90% of his charitable gifts go to Rotary.  I am absolutely NOT going to tell the underwear story.  Ask Bill!

Jim Hart and G.G. Getz will be featured in future "Getting to Know You" segments.

The Honey Pot number was held by Bob Norman, but after Pres. Jim created an impossible guessing situation, the pot continues to grow.

Pres. Jim reminded everyone that there is a Board meeting on Wednesday at 4:00 at his office., and ended with yet another "Sven" joke!

Submitted:  Pat Dye