June 4, 2007 Spokesman

Posted by Mike Hunter 
 

President Steve Brown called us to order at 6:28 PM.  John Overleese led us in the Pledge.  Miriam Gilbert gave an Inspirational Moment from the book "Power, Freedom and Grace" by Deepak Chopra.

 

Steve thanked Sarah LaLande for greeting and Mike Hunter for scribing. 

 

Guests and Visiting Rotarians:  

Sam Peterson, Laura Avery (Student of the Month from Lake Washington High School), Gayle Auslander, Don Dutton (from the Kirkland Morning Club), Roy Kauer III, Jeannie Brooks, Herb Van Der Veer (husband of our Educator Award recipient) and Sarah Langton (visiting Rotarian from the Tuesday Bellevue Club).

Outstanding Educator Award:  

Dan Bartel introduced Brad Malloy, the new principal of Lake WashingtonHigh School, who in turn introduced Karen Van Der Veer, our outstanding educator.  This program was started in 1989 and 31 educators have now received this high honor.  Thank you, Karen, for being a special educator to our children.

 

*** Special thanks to Don MacIntosh from Mac Awards for making the plaque!

 

June Birthdays:

Elizabeth Kemmish, David Hunnicut and Evan Perrollaz are the lucky birthdays this month.  The Club sang "Happy Birthday" to them.

 

Announcements : 

  1. A new provisional Lake Union Club is having its Charter Night on June 6.  Our Club will give a gift to this newest club in our District.
  2. The new Board under incoming President Rachel Knight will meet June 13 at EvergreenHospital at 5 PM.  All are welcome to attend, just give Steve or Rachel a call to let them know you are coming.
  3. The new weekly Kirkland Courier has an article about our Duck Dash in this week's issue.  Thanks to Bob Webb for helping spread the word. 
  4. Bill Woods told a couple of stories about selling Duck Adoptions, one about a large $500 check he received for Rotary's good work, and the other about a girl in a bikini who paid $5 but received 5 Duck Adoptions!  Bill knows he has to make up the difference; members were curious where the girl kept the $5 she paid Bill with.  Ernie Norehad received a "Duck" tie from Bob Webb for selling the most adoptions so far, and Bill Woods an award for turning in the most money tonight from Duck sales this past weekend.
  5. Don Dutton announced a party being given by his Morning Club on June 30 in the evening.  We should all receive an Evite.  There will be a band, goodies to eat, wine, and lots of fun people to meet.
  6. Diane Santeford brought everyone up to date on the July 4 picnic.  She still needs lots of volunteers for the big day, and especially a parking chairperson to make sure that part runs smoothly.  Sign up sheets were available on the tables, and you also can contact Diane to sign up.
  7. Al Hoviland has all the foursomes set for golf next Monday, June 11, up at Mt. Si Golf Course.  Don't show up at the Woodmark for a regular meeting that evening!  Tee times start at 10:30 AM but come a little early for the putting and pitching contest.  Those arriving just for dinner should show up about 4:30 PM.  Al also talked about having a 10 foot long 'string' with you to help with putting.  We'll want to know more about this string after the tournament!
  8. Jim Feek and Rich Bergdahl brought several members to the front of the room to move yellow Smiley faces up above the line, thanks to their donations to the Rotary Foundation.  We've raised $18,250 already, which is 136% of the financial goal for this year.
  9. Katherine Kehrli announced the last two Miracle League games:  This Saturday, June 9, in Monroe (check Club Runner for directions, etc.) and the final game of the season on June 16 at the Kirkland Boys & Girls Club.  There will be cake, pizza, trophies, the Mariner Moose (wow!) and other goodies at this final game.  Many volunteers are needed for this final game, so come out and enjoy the fun of this wonderful event.

Program on ESGR :  

Dennis Newell and John Overleese introduced us to the Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve (ESGR) program.  The ESGR is a Department of Defense agency established to gain and maintain active support from all public and private employers.

 

The ESGR was established in 1972 and now has 4,200 volunteers, including Dennis and John.  These volunteers represent returning service people with their work and job related issues.  About 550,000 Guard and Reserve personnel have been mobilized since September 11, 2001, and currently (as of April 2007) there are 80,373 of these personnel on active duty.

 

Returning service people have the right to return to their previous place of employment.  Many employers aren't aware of this and ESGR upholds this right and educates employers.  Puget Sound Energy and Starbucks are two employers who've been recognized for outstanding support of their employees serving in the armed forces.  Locally, the City of Kirkland, EvergreenHospital, Costco and Dr. James Mock are supporters of their employees in the service of their country, and big supporters of the ESGR program.

 

One of the fun things volunteers and employers might do is take a "Boss Lift" on one of the military's large planes.  Dennis and John described trips they've taken, around the Northwest, and even a four day trip to Florida. 

 

If you're interested in volunteering for ESGR, contact Dennis and John.  It's a fulfilling volunteer effort and both of them obviously enjoy their association with this organization.   Thanks Dennis and John for a great program.

Honey Pot and Thoughts for the Week :  Joanne Primavera won the drawing but was unable to pick the right colored marble.

 

President Steve left us with these thoughts for the week:  How can you be 'totally partial?' And better yet, what happens if you're 'scared half to death' - twice?

 

Meeting adjourned at 7:42 P.M.         Respectfully submitted, Michael Hunter