April 17, 2006 Spokesman

Guests:  Rick Ostrander introduced Tod Pearson. Scott Becker introduced Michael Marquss from the Kingsgate Casino.  Gary Redfern introduced out Student of the Month, Ronak Gjala.  Ronak has been accepted to USC and is one of four children.  His family is looking forward to his Grandma and his Dad's Sister joining their family soon.  Ronak is a member of the honor society.

Announcements:  President Joanne announced the City of Kirkland will be honoring Rotary Club of Kirkland for building the Gazebo.  This will occur on April 27th from 5-7pm at the Peter Kirk Center.  On May 20th the Boys & Girls Club will honor Rotary Club of Kirkland for the many services and contributions to the Boys & Girls Club of Kirkland.

Steve Shinstrom is coordinating the 4th of July Parade and Rotary Club of Kirkland's position in the parade.  He is submitting the application.

John Overleese reported on "Duck Dash" and presented some sales tips which were also available in written form for all to review.  Patti Sims suggests we talk about Rotary and what we do in the community.  George has more tickets and announced Sterling Bank is a new sponsor and has presented Rotary Club of Kirkland with a $2,500 check.

Pat Swenson announced she has sent out an email regarding our potential sponsorship of Kirkland Performance Center's  auction on Sept. 24th.  This will require $10,000 to be raised.  The benefit will be advertisement of Rotary Club of Kirkland in all invitations and other publicities.

Alice Volpe announced Duck Dash Tickets would be selling at QFC Parkplace Saturday April 22 and Rosehill Safeway Sunday April 23. 

Guests:  Felicity Burdick introduced Kim Jenkins who is representing Eastside Baby Center (EBC).  $780 was presented to Kim for the purchase of Youth Beds which are about $75 each.  EBC is located in Sammamish and takes in donations of many baby items.  EBC was started in 1990 by Karen Gridlin.  EBC sorts and distributes the donated items and works to ensure there is no shortage of formula or diapers for infants.  EBC has need of volunteers to help sort all donations and prepare them for distribution.  President Joanne related the $780 donation is our "Duck Dash Dollars" at work.

Program:  Pat Swenson presented our "Getting to Know You" program.

Rachel Knight was originally from Montana.  She holds a Bachelor Degree and has achieved her Masters.  She loves Business Management and traveled to work in Asia Pacific.  She worked for Sheraton Hotels where 4 years later she met her soon to be husband Jonathan Love, who was also associated with Sheraton.  Both of her children, Alexandra 13, and Nicola 11 were born in Asia.  Rachel now is in Financial Planning along with investing and savings plans. Rachel expressed her amazement of all the choices we have in our country and is honored to be a part of Rotary Club of Kirkland and a part of the bigger global picture with Rotary International.

Gary Schuster in 1968 was in Pre-Med at the UW.  He worked running a printing press during his college days and came to realize this was an attractive enterprise.  His first company was Bayview Copy Center, where he met and married his wife Zonda.  Over the years he acquired or started multiple printing companies in the greater Seattle area.  He also experienced and survived economic downturns which greatly affected his companies.  Two definite experiences changed his ability to do business due to financing issues.  Gary is a Past President of Rotary Club of Kirkland and recently retired.

Dwight Olsen was born in Bremerton.  At the young age of 5 he was involved in a serious sledding accident which put him in the hospital for a month.  He attended the UW and in 1971 was married.  His passions are travel, symphonies, ballet, Kirkland Performance Center (he is on the Board) and he is currently taking classes at Seattle Univ.  His current company, Olsen Investment Advisors, assists clients planning on retiring or those already retired and their specific needs.

Ernie Norehad was born on Halloween during the depression in Chicago.  Ernie is of Armeanian Heritage.  Ernie majored in Chemical Engineering at Kenyon College in Ohio.  While in Pre-Med he received a Fullbright Scholarship to Germany.  He interned at New York Hospital and served the rich and famous and also very poor.  He did his residency in Chicago and finished his Urology in Portland.  Ernie worked at Group Health but eventually moved his practice to Kirkland.  

Speaker:  Patti Smith introduced our speaker Randi Freidig.  Randi presented her "Manners that Mean Business" presentation.  Randi has worked with multiple large corporations to include International Boeing and Avis Rent A Car.  Randi presented that in business there is nothing as important in a relationship as a common courtesy.  Serious business discussions are in jeapordy based upon manners and recognition of good deeds.  In the 1970's women went to work

and this changed all business dynamics. 

 *Behaviors and social skills are learned behavior and need to be practiced. 

*It is important to learn to respect and use people's names correctly.

*In business situations treat any visitor or customer as a guest.

*While dining avoid foods or situations that could put you in an embarassing situation.

*Always remember place setting rules, Liquids on the Right, Solids on the Left.

*Your good eating habits are your gift to those dining at your table.

*Always give the seat of honor at the table to the most important and respected guest.

In business we employ Networking Skills.  In social situtations we are often asked "What do you do?".  Think of your response and give more information to allow the other person the ability to engage in more conversation.  Relationships run our business and enhance our careers! 

GG Getz, sponsor and Patti Smith, Mentor presented Dianne Santeford with her Blue Membership badge. 

The winning ticket was Harry Cummings and the meeting was adjourned by President Joanne at

7:55pm.                  Respectfully, Dianne Santeford