April 2, 2007 Spokesman

Visiting Rotarians and Guests:   Most guests were associated with the Miracle League festivities.  Lindsey Hunt is a Miracle League player and she brought her mother Lonnie.  Doug Wozniak, executive director of Kirkland Boys & Girls Club came, as did Peggy & Bob Beers who provide uniforms for the players from a wonderful nonprofit group that provides uniforms for sports teams in need.

Miriam Gilbert from the Duvall Club was the only Rotarian Guest that I recorded.  Sorry if there were more. 

David Truont is our student of the month.  He is from Lake WashingtonHigh School and goes next week to a national DECA competition on the east coast.

Announcements : 

• Steve wished Ev Cox a very happy 87^th birthday.
• He also reminded us  NEXT WEEK'S MEETING IS AT EVERGREEN HOSPITAL in the education wing.  We start in room TAN 100.  The meal will be cash or check (no credit cards)  A tour of the beautiful new addition is the agenda.
• The Annual Rotary Club of Kirkland Auction occurs on Saturday, April 14 at 6 PM at the Kirkland Women's Club building.  Please sign up and provide items to auction.  The point persons for the Auction David Aubrey and John Woodbery.
• Bob Webb announced that preparations for our 10^th Duck Race are going well.  Sponsor and Prize solicitations are almost complete.  The ticket will go to press early next week.  There will be a KICKOFF EVENT STARTING TICKET SALES ON MAY 1.  Mark on your calendars 5PM to 7 PM hosted by the Wilde Rover Irish Pub at   Central Avenue

Classification Talk:   Jack Bloodworth told us about himself.  He was born in Fayetteville, Arkansas, and moved to Southern California at the age of 3.  Not being entirely sure what he wanted to do with his life after high school, he joined the military like many of his friends.  He was stationed at Wheelus Air Force Base, Libia till Omar Kadafi overthrew the government and booted the US Forces out.  Jack went back to CastleAFB, in California, then left the service, went to college and hung out at the beach with Cheryl (Question-Was he or was he not a life guard?  The sun glasses and straw hat looked authentic, and Cheryl certainly sounded truthful in her talk.  Well, later.)  Most of Jack's professional activity has been in real estate development and sales usually for big companies.  He worked for Photomat, Carl's Jr. Restaurants, Mariott Courtyard Hotels, and Toyota in the US for 15 years before retirement.  Toyota brought him to Kirkland and he and Cheryl decided to stay.  He has been interested in community service for years and plans to continue that involvement in Rotary.

Program :  This evening's program was devoted to Miracle League Baseball chaired by our own Katherine Kerhli, Community Service Director.  Katherine announced the first game is Saturday May 5 and introduced the "players" in the program. 

Jack Danforth started by creating a visual picture of the enthusiasm, spirit, enjoyment and unique service aspects of this 6 game baseball league for challenged children.  We then saw a very well done slide show created by Lonnie Hart. 

Doug Wozniak thanked Kirkland Rotary for their support of Boys and Girls Club activities in general and for spearheading the Kirkland Miracle League team.  He reported 2600 kids are supported by the KBGC activities, which are only possible by supporting people and organizations like ours. 

Lindsay Hart gave a moving thank you for being able to participate for four years now in Miracle League, and her mom, Lonnie, gave moving perspective from a parent's point of view.  I was impressed that this activity is very satisfying for parents always looking for opportunities for their special kids.  She also pointed out that if there are enough volunteers, the parents get to sit back and ENJOY!  This doesn't happen very often.

Julien Hoisington then gave the details of support needed this year.  There are six games located at the KBGC and PerrigoPark in Redmond.  We particularly need as many participants as possible for three games: Opening day May 5 in Kirkland, May 19 in Redmond, and June 16 (last game and party) in Kirkland.  Signup sheets were on the table and further signups should go to Katherine or Julien.  There was a drawing for people signing on to help all three games.  Jeanne MacRea & Jack Danforth won pairs of tickets to a Seattle Mariner's Game. (Jack passed his tickets to Lindsay Hart)

The entire presentation was very well received and much applause erupted at the end.

Honey Pot :  The evening ended with David Truont our student of the month, having the lucky ticket and then winning $45 when he pulled the blue marble

The meeting was adjourned at 7:35 PM. 

Bob Webb, Scribe

Additional Note:  Driving Directions to Evergreen: Come up Totem Lake Blvd through the TotemLakeShopping Center, up the hill through the light at the top of the hill then RIGHT at the next light, NE 130^th Lane.  Follow signs to the Blue Entrance and parking lot.  The meeting Room is Tan 100-101 in the Evergreen Surgery & Physicians Center on the RIGHT as you walk toward the hospital from the parking lot.

            Again, NEXT WEEK'S MEETING IS AT EVERGREENHOSPITAL!!!   Same time; Different Place