November 2, 2009 Spokesman

President Jim requested a few words from several of our members concerning the recent death of our long time member, Chuck Morgan (Mr. Kirkland).  John Woodbery read a poem by Linda Ellis called The Dash.  (The symbol between the birth date and the death date of a person on a tombstone is the dash.)  Basically, the beginning and the end are not the whole story, it's what happens in the middle that matters.  Bill Woods told the story of meeting Chuck when Bill opened his business in Kirkland.  Bill mentioned how influential Chuck's editorials were on the Kirkland community.  G.G. Getz talked about her relationship with Chuck and how his sons regard G.G. as their sister.

President Jim then requested any ideas to honor Chuck be directed to his attention.  He will be working with the City of Kirkland to see if there is a joint project that would be appropriate.

Visiting Rotarians and Visitors were introduced.  D.V. Hurst, a returning Kirkland Rotarian, Alan Barer back from his travels, Cellis our foreign exchange student, America Comblink the Student of the Month from Juanita High School, Stan Dickinson and his wife our District Foundation coordinator, Juan Bistic, and Anne McClara from England.

ANNOUNCEMENTS (Important Dates to Remember):

November 4^th and 6^th:  Reading Buddies program begins at John Muir Elementary.

November 9^th, next Monday, Food Donations will be taken at the front desk.  Give to Rachel Knight.

November 14^th, Saturday, Northwest Harvest day.  Meet at the Houghton Park&Ride at 8:00a.m.  Call or email Gary Bruner for details. 

November 23^rd, Monday, Prepare for the Apple Cup.  Wear Husky or Cougar colors (or whatever)  Dick Weston has special guest arriving that day-referee from the Pack 10.

November 27^th, 28^th, 29^th:  Salvation Army bell ringing begins.  See Dick Weston for sign ups.

December 6^th:  Sunday night, Christmas Party starts at 6:00 p.m at Lucia restaurant in Kirkland.  See John Overleese for sign-ups.  Cost is $50 per person.  Includes music, food, wines.

RED TO BLUE:  Wilson Anhar

Wilson has successful completed his steps from Red badge to Blue badge.  Wilson first thanked Steve Brown for introducing him to Kirkland Rotary and being his sponsor as well as thanking John Overleese as his Mentor.  Wilson's life story reads like a good James Bond thriller.  His early life in Iran began by serving in the Special Forces for 21 months, studying aviation, being accused of being a spy and captured, escaping to Greece then Turkey, going to university, arriving in the United States in New York City with his wife and  $200 cash and a $300 check (that he didn't know how to cash).  Landing his first job as a dishwasher making $200 per week, take home pay of $167.  Asking why his check was not $200 and learning about our tax system. Learning English and attending university and obtaining his degree in Business Administration.  Became a US citizen in 1997.  Started first US business in 1998 and lost it all a few years later.  He is currently the Executive Director of Aegis Living, married with 2 grown daughters and 3 at-home children.  Please welcome Wilson as our newest Blue badge member.

FOUNDATION NIGHT:   lead by Rich Bergdahl:

Rich's mission is Every Rotarian Every Year for foundation contribution.  His goal is to put a face to the Foundation, which was founded in 1917.   Even during the tough times Rotary needs everyone to reach out to others.  This happens through the Rotary Foundation.  Rich illustrated his yellow smiley face poster, hoping all members will move from the Red patch to the Blue patch.  Even $1 can make a difference.  His goal and that of the Rotary Foundation is 100% participation.  Rich also distributed brochures that outlined the gift giving process.  Please see Rich for further details.

Stan Dickinson was introduced and discussed what the Foundation does with the money that is collected.  One of the important uses of the money is for Peace Scholarships.  One of the five peace fellows, Veronia Goossman was introduced.  She talked about her studies and receiving her Masters in Public Policy.  She shared her experiences as an intern in northern Uganda, working in a rural school.  80% of the citizens of Uganda have been displaced by the on-going war.  She felt her experiences have changed her life forever and one of the ways she planned to give back for the scholarship she received is to develop libraries in South America.  Books are scare and costly.  Her project is to develop libraries where students will go for the pleasure of reading. 

President Jim thanked all the speakers for their presentations and reminded the members of the important November dates.  The lucky ticket was drawn by Alice Volpe and she generously donated the ticket to Veronica for books for her libraries. 

The meeting was adjourned at 7:45 p.m.

Respectfully submitted by tonight's Scribe:

Pat Swenson