April 19, 2010 Spokesman
April 19, 2010 Spokesman
by Rachel Knight
President Jim Feek called the meeting to order at 6:32 p.m and shared an Inspirational Moment.
Visiting Rotarians and Visitors:
Thanks for introducing: Bob Webb, Terry Cole, Pat Dye, and Patti Smith.
ANNOUNCEMENTS:
Jim Feek asked that we keep these Rotarians in our hearts and prayers: John Overleese and family; Ingrid and Gary Bruner and family; and Jerry Marsh and family.
Scott Rethke indicated that Duck Dash tickets would be available for sale and member pick-up by next meeting. Good job on securing twelve coupons and $15k in sponsorship. Make sure May 3rd, Duck Dash kickoff, is on your calendar, at the Wilde Rover Restaurant.
Chuck Brockway announced that Miracle League ready to start on the Saturday May 8th - look for sign-up forms soon as 25 volunteers will be needed
Pat Dye announced that Club dues bill will be arriving shortly and please complete the survey that will also be enclosed - this will help Pat and next year's board make better decisions with member's input. Oh, and Please also pay your bill promptly..:-)
Brandon Honcoop announced that Scholarship Night is next Monday - he looks forward to a good turnout and thanked everyone for their hard work with interviews etc.
Pat Swenson announced that the LW School Dist will hold their fundraising luncheon on April 28th.
Don Dicks announced that Community Service committee has organized a Rotary at Work day on Saturday the 24th to clean up our parks. 9am - 12noon. Bob Webb added that 28 of 55 Clubs in our district will be conducting Rotary at Work days.
John Woodbery announced that the Kirkland Foundation auction will be held this Saturday the 24th at 5:30 at the Women's Club. Thanks to everyone for donations and sign up to come.
Dan Bartel announced that John and Dee Woodbery will be hosting the Salmon Bake at their Garden Villa - thank you!
Jim Feek asked the Club to vote on a change in next year's officers, to exchange Patti Smith, Pres-Elect to VP and Brandon Honcoop, VP to Pres-Elect due to personal family reasons. The Club vote was unanimous.
PROGRAM: John Hensley, President, Regence Blue Shield
John spoke about The Patient Protection and Affordable Health Care Act (aka the new health care reform law). Included in the points made is that the act is 200 pages long which over the next decade will generate thousands of pages of implementation processes, regulations, and amendments.
John talked about how the healthcare reform for private insurers will change, which is delineated by year. Although change will not start until 2011 for Medicare and Medicaid, changes in 2010 will be that parents can keep their children on their health insurance until age 26; insurers no longer can place lifetime payment limits on policies, nor cancel insurance retroactively; and that there is a special program for early retirees to help companies maintain health coverage between the ages of 55 and 64 - this will expire in 2014.
John passed out handouts highlighting the changes that the Act will implement. Their were numerous questions.
President Jim thanked John for his presentation and reminded the members of important upcoming events. The lucky ticket was drawn and no money disbursed.
The meeting was adjourned at 7:45 p.m.
Respectfully submitted with an apology for tardiness by tonight's Scribe:
Rachel Knight