February 13, 2006 Spokesman

Guests: In addition to all the beautiful ladies and handsome men accompanying our fellow Rotarians tonight for Sweethearts Night, of special note were the following:

Maximillian Kyllonen, Button Box musician brought to us by Deedee Rusnak.

Alisha Ells and Ashley Johnson of Best High School were introduced as our Students of the Month by Linda Julian and Rich Bergdahl

Jim Feek introduced his guests, Dr. Tom Gant, retired surgeon, and his fiancée Lynne Archer.

John Overleese introduced his guests, Charlie and Linda Holman.

Scott Becker introduced his guest Michael Marquest of the new Caribbean Casino in the Kingsgate area .

Announcements.

-         Scholarship Chair, Mike Hunter let us know that all the student interviews are complete, and thanked those who made it all possible.  Our special recognition dinner will be held this year on March 6^th.

-         Jeanne McRae, 4^th of July Picnic Chair, informed us that there will be a meeting of this committee on Tuesday, February 14^th at City Hall.

-         Joanne Primavera reminded everyone of our annual Foundation Auction / Bruner Spaghetti feed scheduled for April 2^nd, and asked that we all get our donation items identified shortly.

-         The Rotary District Conference is scheduled for April 21 to 23 in Whistler, B.C. If we want to protect the great hotel rate of $189 Cdn. per night, we must call and book by not later than March 1^st! 

-         President Joanne announced, with regret, that our International Student, Vlad Koposov, had to be sent home last Friday due to breaches in his code of conduct.

-         Gary Bruner, Club and District Secretary, thanked the club for sponsoring him in having his name stand for District Governor for the 2008-2009 term.   Jesse Tam was elected.  Gary advised that he does hope to call on the club for support in applying again in the future, as it is often a 3 to 4 application process.  Good luck, Gary.

-         Bob and Gail Auslander (along with Pat Swenson) once again invited everyone to attend their Bosanova night at their home on March 18!  They have a 5 piece band on the ticket, and Joanne P. has arranged for dance instruction!  Dancing is NOT mandatory, but should be a lot of fun.  The night is to be in a "St. Patrick's theme", so wear some green!  Pat did encourage us to bring a bottle of wine along for our great hosts.

-         Craig Neal, Club Service Director, asked that we pencil in and sign up for the following fun nights;

      a)  Friday, Feb. 24 - Ski Night to Stevens Pass.  The bus is booked again, and 

                 will be leaving from the Houghton Park and Ride at 3 p.m.! Skiing is optional, 

                  so if you just want to hang out and have some fun, you are certainly welcome.

b)      Saturday, Feb. 25 - Hockey Night at the Everett Events Center against Portland.  Brett Johnson is making his Company Suite available again this year, so sign up early and enjoy this fun night.

-         Chuck Brockway showed us why he is our Auctioneer once again this year by taking us through a fun night of  spirited giving with $435.00 being raised in his assigned Chancellor role, but failed to hit President Joanne's  reserve bid this time round on the custom built driver that she won at last years golf tournament and  is offering to the club. It is probably still available to anyone who offers $250.00 or more, so check it out!

Program.

Dennis Newell helped to organize a great Valentine's spousal night  with all this wonderful talent right in our own club.  Dennis, Jim Feek, Patty Sims, and Don Dycks had a blast, as did we all.  Unfortunately Chuck Morgan and Steve Brown were not able to join in the fun, but we were not shortchanged. Pat Swenson is always such a great sport.