April 21, 2008 Spokesman

Visiting Rotarians and Guests:  Jeff Hoerth, a former Charles O. Morgan Award recipient, and Conrad Wouters, well known for his involvement in Concours d'Elegance.  Vicki Brockway from the Redmond Rotary Club and Barbara Hagstrom, Secretary of the Duvall Rotary Club (who also presented our club with a banner from Duvall Rotary). Lindsey and Lonnie Hunt and Doug Wozeniak (Executive Director of Kirkland Boys and Girls Club) representing Miracle League.

Students:  Pascal Weber, our exchange student from Switzerland, and Ashley Russell, our student of the month from Lake Washington High (who had been an exchange student to Switzerland two years ago).  Ashley gave a short talk - Rotary Student of the Month encourages a leadership role and is a role model for other students.

Announcements:  Barbara Hagstrom from Duvall reminded us that on April 27^th, her club will be putting on "A Taste for Good Will: Duvall Rotary Style" at The Wine Shoppe on Redmond Ridge.  We were all encouraged to attend.   Bob Webb reminded us of the Rotary Regional Conference in the Tri-Cities May 16 - 18^th.  We were given a heads-up that "Cell Phones for Soldiers" would be collecting surplus cell phones, pagers, and PCDs in June.  These would be reprogrammed and given to military personnel for their use in calling home.  Bob Webb provided a two page survey (which will also be sent to everyone by e-mail) to be completed and returned to him next meeting (Club Assembly).  Steve Brown reminded us that Leadership Eastside is taking applicants for the next class.  G.G. Getz sent around a sign-up sheet for pledges to donate to Bill Petter's "Walk for the March of Dimes".  John Woodbury announced that the Kirkland Rotary Foundation Auction raised $11,471 - monies go to financing some of our various projects throughout the year.

Paul Harris Fellow:  Jim Feek introduced Katherine Kehrli as our latest Paul Harris Fellow.  Congratulations Katherine.

Program:  Katherine Kehrli launched the next Miracle League season by asking each Rotarian to commit to participating in at least four games this year.  The Kirkland Breakfast Club and the Redmond Rousers will be participating with us.  The Miracle League began in 1997 with the objective of giving an opportunity to kids who would not otherwise have this same experience as other kids.  A video of some of the highlights from the 2007 season was shown.  Lindsey Hunt and her mom, Lonnie shared some of their experiences with us.  Lonnie said it is such a treat to be there and watch these kids grow - it's a great program and it encourages us to volunteer.  Lindsey participated as player/coach and said it was so much fun to be able to "let loose".  She hopes we can all come out and join in.  Doug Wozeniak, Executive Director of the Kirkland Boys and Girls Club, read us a heart-warming, tear-jerking story of Shay, a handicapped boy who was given the opportunity to be the star player during a baseball game.  Doug strongly recommends participation in Miracle League as an opportunity to experience how these kids can perform.

Chancellor Chuck collected Happy $$$ for Miracle League.

President Rachel ended the meeting with two drawings.  The weekly drawing was won by Alice Volpe who gave Lindsey the chance to pick the correct numbered duckie - which she did after her third try.  Jim Feek donated Mariner's Tickets - the winning ticket was held by David Hunnicutt.

The meeting was adjourned by President Rachel at 7:40 pm.

Respectfully submitted,

Don Dicks, Scribe