January 29, 2007 Spokesman

Introduction of Guests :  Gayle Auslander, wife of Bob Auslander and Kathy Feek, wife of Jim Feek were introduced by their spouses.  Sharon Chambers also introduced, for the third time visiting us, Jean Hondrasis (?) from CascadiaCommunity College.

Student of the Month Ayden McGrath from BESTHigh School and Lisa Decors from JuanitaHigh School were introduced by Michele Hnatowich.  Lisa also gave her "talk", sharing her life altering experience when she visited the Dominican Republic last year.  She loved working with the kids from the community during the rebuilding of their school.  She was surprised by the cultural differences between the young people of that country and America.  This experience has driven her to see more of the world and to study different cultures when she goes on to college.

ANNOUNCEMENTS:

Mike Hunter mentioned the change in the deadline for acceptance of applications for Scholarships.  Due to the bad weather in December and early January, the high schools requested an extension, the Committee decided to exceed the deadline to February 16^th.

Mike felt this was still enough time for the selection process and the student dinner in March.

Steve Shinstrom (our fabulous Editor, hotel facility arranger, Sergeant-at-Arms) has requested sign-ups for Scribe and Greeters.  Be sure to let Steve know if you are available to help out by signing up or calling him if you missed the meeting.

Up Coming Events Reminders-----Save the Date:

February 12^th (Monday):  Talent Show and Sweethearts Night.  There will be something for everyone.  Come and see the hidden (and not so hidden) talents of your fellow Rotarians.  See Dennis Newell if you wish to share a talent with the Club; there is still room in the program.  Groups have been practicing for weeks, so this should be an event to remember.  Vernell Sutherland is heading the decorating committee and needs a few more people to help set-up the night of the event.  If you can assist, please let her know and plan to be at the Woodmark by 5:15 p.m. that evening.  Dennis will be sending an evite out shortly---we will need a head count by Feb. 5 to let the Woodmark have appropriate room set-up and food.

March 10^th (Saturday):  Port Tasting, led by John Overleese and Dan Bartel.  A special guest speaker has been arranged by John for that evening.  This event will be held at Evan's the Kirkland Lodge.  Dan will be sending out an evite shortly for a head count.  The cost per person is $15 and each person will also be asked to bring a dish to share with the members attending.

March 17^th (Saturday):  The wearing of the green party, St. Patrick's Day at the Auslanders.   All members and their guests are welcome.  We will be sharing food and drink (plan to bring a dish and a beverage to share).  A planning committee is forming with Karin Quick, Sharon Cavell and Alice Volpe developing the "theme" for entertainment and decorations.  If you would like to participate with the planning, please see one of these ladies.  They will be sharing details at the next meetings. 

April 14^th (Saturday):  Foundation Auction party at the Kirkland Women's Center.  JohnWoodbery is Chairing this Event.  He has enlisted Dave Aubry to head the collection of donated items.  A suggestion list was distributed which included:  Gourmet meal, resort condo, classes, a day on the water, objects d'art, gift baskets, yummy baked goods, tickets to sporting events, tickets for KPC events, handcrafted items, gift certificates, etc.  If you have an item to donate, please contact Dave Aubry:  daaubry@hotmail.com or phone (425) 827-3811.  If you can help with this event, please let John or Dave know.

Jim Feek, representing the International Rotary Foundation, reminded the Club that we can now make donations with a credit card.  There are forms available to do this, see Jim for the form.  Jim also recognized two more outstanding individuals that have become Paul Harris fellows:  Steve Shinstrom is now a PH+l (Paul Harris plus 1).  This means he has contributed a $1,000 plus another $1,000.  (Way to go Steve!)  Also, Kathy Feek has now become a Paul Harris fellow.

Happy Dollars were collected by our Chancellor, Chuck Brockway --- most Rotarians adding to the Club's treasure chest.

New Member Classification Talk:  Wendy Allen

Wendy was born in Seattle, the youngest of seven children.  She grew up in a house with one bathroom ("her father quickly learned to use the Chevron station on the corner").  They were a very close family.  Wendy began buying homes at age 21 and re-doing them.  She has purchased and refurbished 26 houses.  Wendy has three children (ages 14, 18 and 21) and one grandchild  (9 months old).  She works for Washington Mutual and manages three of their branches on the Eastside.  Wendy enjoys working with families, especially first time home buyers.  She joined Rotary to be part of a community and to give back to the people of that community.

Dr. Ken Hollingsworth , a long time Rotarian.  Ken was born in Seattle and grew up in the Northwest.  Graduated from the U of W medical school and went to Rochester, New York for his internship.  Came back to the Northwest to practice as a Radiologist.  He joined the staff at EvergreenHospital and then became Chief of Staff.  He met and married Phyllis (was set up by fellow staff members).  He retired from medicine in 1995.

Ken joined Rotary to give him a "life" outside of medicine and to get to know the people of the community where he practiced.  He is a very firm believer in Rotary Foundation because of the charitable work they do.

Jim Feek (our own Ole), born and raised in Bremerton, Washington, Norwegian by birth.  He lived the early years within 20 miles of home, finding Bremerton to have a "village like" feel.  Enjoying the closeness of family and friends.  After high school graduation, Jim attended PLU in Tacoma, receiving his undergraduate degree in theology.  He entered graduate school, but was then drafted into the military.  He decided to join the army, since he was surrounded by the Navy when he grew up in Bremerton.  He was on the East Coast for training when he met and married, Kathy.  He and Kathy have three grown sons.  Jim's youngest son, age 25, just recently was accepted into HarvardBusinessSchool.  Jim entered the financial services business 38 years ago, right out of the military.   He originally joined Rotary in Seattle  (part of the Seattle 4 Club).  He re-located to Kirkland when Kathy found the house of their dreams in Kirkland and he began doing his make-ups at our Club.  Jim loves boating and fly fishing.

Joanne adjourned the meeting at 7:30 p.m. 

Your Scribe for the Night:  Pat Swenson