March 8, 2010 Spokesman
The meeting March 8, 2010 Kirkland Rotary Meeting was called to order by President Jim Feek at 6:30 p.m. The flag salute was lead by D.V. Hurst.
Introduction of Guests and Visiting Rotarians . Mike Witten visiting for the first time who works for T.E. Kay Services. Carl Beh is a visiting Rotarian from Seattle Four. Dave DeBois introduced our Student of the Month from Lake Washington High School: Ierashiam Khelifeh. Patty Sims introduced our Exchange Student, Selis Atakoy from Turkey. Selis has a very busy quarter. She is on the J.V. tennis team for Lake Washington High School and has practice every day for two hours, which she likes very much. Selis's mother will be visiting here for two weeks, arriving on the 12th and staying until 26th. This would be a good time to show Seattle to Selis and her familyInspirational Moment: Rachel Knight had a brief quote to share from Eleanor Roosevelt: "When you cease to make a contribution, you begin to die."
Announcements:
Food Donations will be collected tonight by Rachel for Hope Link. Reminder: we are donating non-perishable food items the second Monday of each month.
Dan Bartel reminded everyone of the Northwest Harvest work day this Saturday, March 13th, starting at 8:00 a.m. Contact Dan for further details and where to meet to car pool.
John Overleese announced again the Bowling Party at Tech City Bowl on March 19th. Sign up sheets are on the table and you can also contact John to sign up. Cost is $25.00.
Brandon Honcoop thanked everyone who participated in the judging for State DECA contest on March 5th. The judges all had a great time and met some wonderful young adults. Winners from the State will go on to the nationals in St. Louis.
Shirley Metcalf provided sign-up sheets for the upcoming Scholarship interviews. If you are interested in participating, please contact Shirley. Interviews begin next week at each of the high schools.
Patty Sims requested Host Families for the next year's exchange student. The student arrives in August and will be hosted by at least 3 families. If you, or someone you know, are interested in hosting, please contact Patty.
Bill Taylor was asked to announce the Disaster Relief Rotarian Action Group program for Haiti. Gently used, water proof tents are needed. Dr. Leigh A. Readdy is coordinating the effort. For details please contact him: readdyla@comcast.net The tents will be gathered and shipped together to our Rotarian contacts in Haiti.
Pat Dye attended the PET (Presidents Elect Training) conference over the weekend. She found the meetings very informative. Pat reminded all members that they are invited to the District Conference in May in Portland, Oregon. Registration is $250 and the Hilton in Portland has discounted room rates. The dates are May 14,15 and 16.
President Jim reminded all members that the Board meeting would be on Wednesday, March 10th at 4:00 p.m. at Conover Insurance building in Kirkland.
Program:
Chief Eric Olsen introduced two members of his police force; Detective Janelle McMillian and Christelle Lentz who head up the City of Kirkland's Domestic Violence (Family Violence Unit) division. These individuals are the "unsung heroes" of his department. These individuals handle both felonies and misdemeanors. They work closely with Child Protective Services (CPS) and Volunteer Advocacy groups. Their work is not only with husband/wife issues but other relations (i.e. brother/sister, mother/father/child issues, etc.) Elder Abuse and missing juveniles also come under their division. A major portion of their duties are to coordinate resources for the victims with outside sources and providing education to the victims of their rights under the law. On average, the Kirkland division takes between 800 and 900 domestic violence calls a year. In 2009, they took 890 calls. Volunteers to assist this division are always needed and if you have an interest, please contact Chief Eric Olsen for details.
President Jim reminded the members of the important upcoming dates, then had the "lucky number" drawing. The lucky ticket was held by Selis and she selected the lucky number between one and two (1.5) and won the pot of money. Meeting was adjourned at 7:45 p.m.