May 7, 2007 Spokesman
The meeting began at 6:35pm, with Gary Redfern leading the Pledge. President Steve then thanked Greeter Pat Swenson. Guests for the evening were Greg Roy, GG's daughter Devonee, Jason Brooks, Kathy Feek and Lynn Seibert.
Gary Schuester introduced Samantha Jones, the July 2007 outbound student to Argentina. Samantha is a Jr. At Lake WA High School. Her goal is to study medicine. Samantha first attended a meeting regarding the Exchange Program and then turned in her application. She was interviewed along with her parents, Richard and Susan. She scored a 120 out of 120. Next was the District interviews and a Day Long Orientation. Gary presented Samantha our Rotary Club Banner for her to exchange with the club in Argentina.
Announcements:
1. Bill Woods led us in a Happy Birthday song in honor of our May birthday members, Brian Tucker, Alice Volpe and Felicity Burdick..
2. Greg Toy, of Seattle IV, extended and invitation to attend the District Wide Rotary Family Day, June 27th at Noon at Seattle Center, Memorial Stadium.
3. Jim Feek and Rich Bergdahl of the Rotary Foundation updated the 2006-2007 contributions. 51 members have contributed and we have exceeded our goal. It is still desired for 100% participation. Visit Club Runner and check to make sure you are listed. A Paul Harris $10,000 contribution pin was presented to Ken Hollingsworth.
4. President Steve announced there will be a Board Meeting this Wednesday, May 10th at 5:00PM at Evergreen Hospital. There will also be a District Assembly May 19th, 8:30AM at Sammamish High School. This is the launching pad for incoming officers, training, international projects and community service.
5. Gary Bruner asked us to check out the new shirts and vests on display in the hallway.
6. Rachel reminded that next week's meeting is "Bring a Friend" night. Our special speaker will be Felicity's sister from South Africa. There will also be a new member breakfast this Thursday morning May 10th at the Woodmark Hotel, Mercer Room.
7. Katherine Kerhli gave a very inspirational recap of the first Miracle League Game. This was very well attended by Rotarians. Next officially scheduled game for our club is May 19th. See Clubrunner for details.
8. Elizabeth Rusnak announced our inbound student Pascal, from Switzerland will be arriving this summer. Katherine Kerhli's family will be the first host family. Many more families are needed to host Pascal.
9. Allan Hoviland announced the Golf Tournament will be held June 11th at 10:00A at Mt. Si Gold Course. Even if you aren't golfing you can attend the award dinner that evening.
10. GG Getz gave us an update on Chuck Morgan. He's still at Cascade Vista for several weeks and is doing much better. He will be transferred to Kirkland Lodge soon.
11. Bob Webb presented the Point of Purchase Shelf Talkers for Duck Dash. Rotarians are encouraged to sign up to display this excellent selling tool at their business or offices. The first weekend of ticket sales was successful. Carl Boruck has tickets for those who haven't received theirs yet, and Joanne Primivera is eager to accept your ticket sale proceeds.
Patti Smith introduced our speaker, Dwayne Clark of Aegis Living, Redmond. Aegis is creating exceptional cultures in business. Points to note from Dwayne:
1. Crisis in this country - we can't find enough employees.
2. Business has trouble relating to common worker.
3. Employees have trouble in relating to their CEO's.
4. Companies need to be an advocate for the employee.
5. Aegis is interest in their staff - Improving the lives of their staff.
6. Everyone's goal is overcoming extreme adversity.
The point is, employees want to be part of something bigger than the company's capitalistic goals. Aegis offers soft benefits relating to real money. Aegis is involved in many community projects.
Drawings, 2nd chance club, yours truly won a Rotary Blue Fleece Sweater.
Official Drawing was "fixed", as winner Bob Auslander repeatedly drew for the blue marble until it was found and Bob generously presented the $60.00 prize to Samantha our outbound exchange student.
President Steve's thought for the night. How did we measure the size of hail before golf balls were invented? Adjourned 8:12pm.
Respectfully submitted; Diane Santeford, Scribe for an evening.