April 27, 2009 Spokesman
The Kirkland Rotary Club meeting of April 6, 2009 began at 6:35 P.M. and was led by President Bob Webb. The flag salute was led by Sara Brooks. Greeter was Dave Tucker. Brandon Honcoop delivered the inspirational moment with thoughts on defining success.
Guests included visiting Rotarian Bud Saxburg (University Club) and Kelly Kyle from the Redmond Rousers made a brief visit with GSE France team members Antoine David and Sabine. Everyone was invited to a reception on Tuesday, April 25 at the Watercress Asian Bistro in Redmond.
Other guests included Gail Auslander, Student of the Month Sam Woo, and Pascal Kunz, our exchange student from Switzerland, gave us a rundown on his week's activities.
Prospective members Deb Gregorek, Wilson Anhar and Troy Mcvicker, were also present.
Announcements:
President Bob announced there is a District Conference project to purchase books for First Nations in Canada. Redmond Rousers Rotary is having a GSE team from France come and speak 4/28. There also will be wine tasting. It will be at Watercress Asian Bistro, cost is $20 in Redmond at 5:45.
Rachel Knight presented the results for the Kirkland Rotary Foundation Auction held on Saturday, April 25th. $7,400 was raised. Thank you to Gary and Ingrid Bruner for the terrific spaghetti dinner, and Rachel Knight, John Woodbery and Barb Seaton for organizing. Special thanks to Karen Styner and Vicki Nolette for spontaneous entertainment and contributions.
Miracle League begins this Saturday, 9:30 am at the Kirkland Boys and Girls club. Please sign up to assist.
Don Dicks told the club about the Kirkland Artist Studio Tour on Mother's Day weekend. For more info go to kirklandstudiotour.com
New Member Induction:
Sarah Brooks, Territory Manager for Electronic Business Machines, received her Red Badge. Her sponsor is Pat Dye and her Mentor is Elizabeth Rusnak.
Welcome to the club Sarah!!!!!
Program:
Jan Dickerman, Executive Director of KITH (Kirkland Interfaith Transitions in Housing) was introduced by Patti Smith. Jan has been with KITH for one year and comes with an extensive background in establishing transitional housing for the homeless, including new units in Bellevue, Duvall and Redmond. Jan has spent 30 years helping the homeless, starting in 1980 when there were no services and no awareness. KITH helps hardworking people pay rent and still afford to buy groceries. They provide temporary and longer-term housing for individuals and families threatened by homelessness in the greater Kirkland region. Presently, KITH manages a twelve-unit apartment complex and owns two four-plexes. KITH provides case-management for its client residents and an assortment of related charitable functions serving the local community. Jan explained that we cannot build our way out of homelessness, so partnerships are critical. KITH subsidizes rent for existing units and partners with a wide range of community programs and agencies to provide participants with every resource possible. At the heart of their services is case management. Case Managers work with participants to establish and work toward achieving goals. This helps eliminate homelessness by returning individuals and families to self-determination and self-sufficiency. Jan gave us to examples of success stories. We can support KITH by participating in the 7 Hills of Kirkland bicycle ride on Memorial Weekend. More info at www.7hillskirkland.org.
Sam Woo, Student of the Month, won the drawing for the evening.
Scribe: Barb Seaton