February 25, 2008 Spokesman

Posted by Pat Dye 
 

President Rachel called the February 25, 2008 Kirkland Rotary meeting to order at 6:30 pm.  She thanked Al Hoviland for serving as greeter and asked Sharon Cavell to lead in the Pledge of Allegiance.  New member, Eric Olsen, shared an inspirational moment with an explanation about the significance of the "Challenge Coin" and the 5 keys to leadership.  He then presented President Rachel with the Challenge Coin.

Visiting Rotarians:

Lia Gaidos, Redmond Rousers

Assistant Dist. Gov., Cothron McMillion, Ballard Club

Scott Becker, Rifle Club, Rifle, CO

 

Other Guests:

Josie Engreitz  from Kamiakin Jr. High, and her mother, Rita Reitz

Megan Langberg from Kamiakin Jr. High, and her mother, Laurie Langberg

Karen Todd, Teacher at Kamiakin Jr. High and Capstone Project Director

 

Announcements:

  • Pres. Rachel reminded everyone to report their Rotary makeups, and announced that a makeup box will be on the registration table beginning with our next meeting.
  • John Woodbery reminded everyone about making their donations to the Rotary Foundation
  • Reminder! - everyone interested in the Dance Club, please respond to Jim Feek's email regarding dates, times, etc.
  • Bob Webb - announced the Dist. Conference in the Tri Cities, May 16 - 18; and the International Conference in Los Angeles, June 13 - 18.  Also, if you are interested in the Investment Club that Bob belongs to, please contact him for brochures.
  • Assistant Gov. Cothron McMillion encouraged everyone to register for the conference in the Tri-Cities, and said that hotels will be on contract soon for discounts to attendees.
  • Pat Swenson - reminded everyone that the next Reading Buddies program at John Muir Elementary will begin March 17, ending by May 1.  Contact Pat Swenson if you are interested.
  • Alice Volpe announced that the Kirkland Foundation Auction will be on April 12.  She is looking for people to help with item procurement.
  • Steve Brown - the Past President Lunch will be Saturday from 11:30 to 1:30 at the Seahawks Training facility.  Please contact Steve with RSVP.
  • Dan Bartel announced that a Rotary First Harvest Work party will be held on April 12th.
  • Scholarship Interviews will take place on Feb. 26 through the 29th.  Contact Brandon Honcoop for more information.

 

Bill Taylor and Dan Bartel and co-chairs for the Fourth of July Picnic and Duck Dash.  Bill and Bob Webb did a presentation about the Duck Dash, giving us a run down on where we stand currently and asking that everyone volunteer for a committee.  The Branding Party will be June 30th. Projected income:  $95,000.  Projected expenses: $43,000.  Potential net profit: $52,000.

 

Patty Smith introduced the 2 students from Kamiakin Jr. High, Josie and Megan, who explained about their Capstone project.  Our club will participate in "Service Above Self" day, March 29th, when we will partner with the students from KJH to fill kits with medical supplies that will then be delivered by World Vision to caregivers in Africa.  Sign ups for this project were on the tables.

 

Program:  Our speakers were Bob Bowen and Jenny Anderson from World Vision.  They talked about the partnership between Rotary and World Vision, explaining that McKesson Pharmaceuticals has donated items for the caregiver kits that will be distributed to caregivers in Africa who work with HIV/Aids victims.  He showed us what is in the kits and explained how important the notes of encouragement that are placed in the kits are to those who receive them.  He told us stories of the used cottonballs drying on the roof so that they could be re-used, and about the children who walked for 2 days to find foot cream for their mother, only to find upon their return that she had already died.  More than 5,000 children a day are orphaned by HIV/Aids.

 

Jenny Anderson shared this information:

            $2.2 Billion are spent by World Vision battling root causes of poverty

            WV has a 50 year history of stewardship

            There is a staff of 24,000 serving 95 million people in 100 countries

            U.S. Headquarters of World Vision is located in Federal Way, WA

There are common missions and common goals between World Vision and Rotary. Those common goals include: poverty, clean water, healthcare, literacy, and micro-finance.  Jenny also shared stories about Denny Wilford, a 3 week Rotarian, who traveled to Ethiopia and was moved by his experience there.  She also shared stories of the orphans in A Hope Orphanage, and the difference that was being made in their lives through access to proper medications to treat their HIV/Aids.  The theme for the partnership with World Vision is "Building a Better World".

 

President Rachel announced that the honeypot drawing would take place next week as it is missing in action, along with her gavel, bell, and other items. (Due to last minute move to the MarinaRoom, no doubt.)

 

Submitted:  Pat Dye